Grand Island Business Assistance Center
looking to the future

Grand Island Dispatch, September 5, 2003

Grand Island's Committee for Economic Development recently opened an office at the IsleChem Business Center, 2801 Long Road.

The new center is called the Grand Island Business Assistance Center and has already started a series of new initiatives.

The office space for the Business Assistance Center was graciously provided by Dr. Chuck Rader of IsleChem, LLC, along with office furniture and a computer. Already, several small Island businesses have contacted the center to ask questions or seek assistance with business issues.

The Committee for Economic Development was started several years ago under the direction of Peter McMahon, town supervisor, and has been involved in a number of projects aimed at making Grand Island attractive to prospective businesses.

The goal of the committee is to foster a "business friendly" environment that will assist business start-ups on Grand Island, help existing businesses to grow, and attract quality off-Island businesses to Grand Island.

The committee is working closely with the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce on a number of programs. For example, a series of workshops is being conducted that will assist small businesses in a variety of areas.

The first workshop was held last May and covered marketing programs based on summer tourism in Western New York. Another program was held in September on marketing techniques for small businesses. On December 3, 2003, a workshop entitled "Tax Issues for Small Businesses" will be held. The committee is planning to offer this workshop free to both Island and off-Island businesses by hosting the workshop at IsleChem's well-equipped
auditorium and by obtaining speakers from regional agencies and companies.

The Economic Development Committee, along with the Chamber, will continue to sponsor other programs to promote business growth and development on the Island. These include the following:

• Grand Island Database - The committee is working with the Institute for Regional Growth at the University of Buffalo to create a database of Grand Island information. This will help companies who are looking for Grand Island properties, expansion options, or need information on demographics, regulations, or competitive businesses.
• Small Business Assistance - Through the GIBAC office, the committee will respond to requests for information and assist companies looking for help. This will include both start-ups as well as existing businesses.

If you are interested in learning more about the Grand Island Business Assistance Center, contact information is as follows:

Grand Island Business Assistance Center
IsleChem Business Center
2801 Long Road
Grand Island, NY 14072.

They can be reached via phone at 716-773-8645 or fax 716-773-8646. You can also email gibac@islechem.com.