UB, County of Chautauqua IDA and SUNY Fredonia Technology Incubator to Host Business Support Program

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The University at Buffalo Office of Economic Engagement, the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency and the SUNY Fredonia Technology Incubator will hold an event to highlight the business and scientific expertise available to businesses in Chautauqua County.

The program will be held Friday, March 11, from 9-11:30 a.m. in the Robert H. Jackson Center, 305 East Fourth St., in Jamestown, and repeated from 2-4:30 p.m. in the SUNY Fredonia Technology Incubator, 214 Central Ave., in Dunkirk.

The event will introduce businesspeople to the resources and services available at UB and SUNY Fredonia for businesses seeking to grow and recruit interns and employees, particularly employees with business management or engineering experience.

CCIDA Administrative Director/CEO Bill Daly had attended similar events hosted on UB's campus and wanted to sponsor one for the companies in his region.

"Our companies currently benefit from the graduates and student interns that come through colleges in Jamestown and Fredonia," he said, "however many are less familiar with the resources of UB -- a large research university -- and the support offered through the Fredonia Technology Incubator."

He added: "We saw this as another way to help these businesses grow, which in turn means more employment opportunities for the residents of Chautauqua County."

"The university is glad to be part of Bill Daly's vision for improving the innovation economy of New York State and we are appreciative that he asked us to help," said Marsha S. Henderson, vice president of external affairs at UB. "Events like these are one way the OEE showcases the university's resources. The outreach fits well with UB's mission, and it aligns with SUNY's strategic goals for economic development and outreach."

The other partner in planning the sessions was Robert Fritzinger, director of the SUNY Fredonia Technology Incubator, who felt that holding one of the sessions at the incubator and providing a tour would allow businesses to become more familiar with the incubator space. He also recognizes the need to develop a more entrepreneurial culture in Western New York.

"Too many technology entrepreneurs suffer from lack of support. While our incubator offers space and services, the need goes beyond these walls to building a culture that values innovative thinking, whether found in a start-up situation or in the new products and services divisions of our existing industries."

SUNY Fredonia's incubator has enjoyed much early success, having attracted 11 tenant companies within its first full year of operation and produced two graduates. Currently, more than 40 student interns representing a variety of academic disciplines are supporting these companies and/or the facility itself.

Program participants will include the New York State Center for Engineering Design and Industrial Innovation (NYSCEDII); The Center for Industrial Effectiveness (TCIE), Strategic Partnership for Industrial Resurgence (SPIR); Science, Technology Transfer and Economic Outreach (STOR); UB Career Services; and the SUNY Fredonia Technology Incubator.

Presentations to be held are:

-- "Decisioneering the Future of Product Design," Kenneth English, deputy director, NYSCEDII.

-- "Your Bridge to Excellence," Gary Simon, director of business development, TCIE.

-- "New Technology as a Driver for Growth," Jeffrey Dunbar, director, STOR.

-- "SUNY Fredonia Incubator Status," Robert Fritzinger, executive director, SUNY Fredonia Technology Incubator.

-- "Using UB as a Resource in Your Talent Acquisition and Development Strategy," Arlene Kaukus, director, UB Career Services.

UB's Office of Economic Engagement provides resources and expertise to assist local governments, as well as businesses. For more information on the Office of Economic Engagement and how to access the resources of UB, go to http://www.buffalo.edu/BusinessEngagement/. The office is located in UB's Downtown Gateway (the former M. Wile building) at 77 Goodell St. in downtown Buffalo.

To learn more about the SUNY Fredonia Technology Incubator, visit http://www.fredonia.edu/incubator or call 716-680-6009.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB's more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.