NEWS

ComLinks Hires New Economic Development Director

ComLinks Community Action Agency has hired Nicholas A. Curtis as Director of Economic Development. As part of his position Curtis will oversee the Womenнs Entrepreneurial Business Center and the Franklin County micro-loan program. The Entrepreneurial Business Centerнs services include business-related technical assistance, training courses, one-on-one counseling and a fully equipped client resource training lab. The Center serves both men and women entrepreneurs in Clinton, Essex, Franklin and St. Lawrence Counties, as well as Akwesasne.

Since 2000, ComLinks has provided entrepreneurship training, individualized technical assistance and seed capital to both new and existing businesses. The Microenterprise Loan Fund complements training and business development components by providing financing for appropriate business ventures. Low-interest loans of up to $25,000 are available.

Curtis previously served as Director of the Cattaraugus Empire Zone Corporation, where he expanded the Zone Boundaries county wide, bringing increased employment and new business investment. In addition to attracting new businesses, assisting new start-ups and assisting in expansion of current businesses located within the Zone Boundaries, he also managed two incubator facilities: the University Commerce Centre, a 21,000sq.ft. facility dedicated to the hi-tech ceramic industry and research fields, and the James W. Fitzpatrick Economic Development Center a multi-tenant, mixed usage 20,000 sq. ft. facility.

Comlinks Executive Director Nancy Reich says that Curtis brings unmatched economic development experience to his job. "Nick Curtis has a proven track record in helping business owners prosper and grow. His expertise will allow Comlinks to expand the range of the business development services within our four county service area."

Curtis has owned his own consulting company which assisted both established and new businesses in securing state, federal, regional, and IDA funding. His company provided services that helped business develop and improve their human resources, financial management, budgeting, marketing, sales and leadership development.

As Executive Director of the Economic Developments Projects Office for the Town of Niagara Curtis reactivated the Town of Niagaraнs IDA; established the Town of Niagara Business Development Corporation; and administered the Town's revolving loan fund. He successfully united businesses to form the Town of Niagara Business and Professional Association. Curtis secured low cost jet carrier service for the Niagara Falls International Airport.

Curtis has worked with the New York Business Development Corporation in funding and administering low interest loans in conjunction with bank and SBA. He also secured grant funds for local and county governments.

Curtis, who holds a bachelor's degree from Arkansas State University, served in the US Marine Corps and is active in a number of veteranнs organizations.

For forty years ComLinks Community Action Agency has met the needs of people in local communities, to give them a decent, affordable place to live, to put food on their tables, and to give them the confidence to know that tomorrow will, indeed, be a better day. The expanded Department of Economic Development provides local businesses with the support and assistance they need to make their businesses and their lives a success.

NEWS - Release Date: 3/21/07

Nancy Reich, ComLinks CEO with Jim Marion, NYS Dept. of Corrections at a recognition luncheon.

ComLinks Gleaning Program bids farewell and best wishes to a longtime friend, advocate, and partner in our efforts to curb hunger and improve nutrition for our neighboring families in need. James Marion, Resource Management Director with the NYS Department of Corrections has announced his retirement beginning in April 2007. For nearly 15 years working with the Corrections through Jim, the Gleaning Program has rescued millions of pounds of fruits and vegetables from farms that would have otherwise gone to waste. Jim also coordinated the "Garden Projects" at several Correctional Facilities where over 200,000 pounds of vegetables are grown each year and distributed to food pantries and soup kitchens in Northern NY. Thousand of New York States needy families have benefited from improved food security and better nutrition through this cooperative effort.

THANK YOU JIM MARION!