News Release: Buffalo Niagara Enterprise

For Release: October 11, 2007

For Information Contact:

Therese Hickok

(716) 842-1357 x109

Buffalo Niagara Enterprise Names New Business Development Director

David Griggs to take over department after four years with organization

Buffalo, NY - Buffalo Niagara Enterprise (BNE) has announced the appointment of David Griggs as the organization's new director of business development effective Monday, October 15th. Griggs replaces ten year veteran of the organization, Christina P. Orsi, who becomes the new Western New York Regional Director of Empire State Development Corporation on October 24th.

"David has truly worked his way up through our organization and made an impact in each position he carried from research specialist, to business development manager and I know he will make an even greater impact now as our new business development director," said Thomas A. Kucharski, BNE President & CEO. "David is a well respected member of our local economic development community and has made significant progress in the Canadian market introducing the organization to key decision makers while managing a number of projects to successful completion. In addition, he played a key role in partnership with the New York State Commercial Association of Realtors that led to the establishment of the first Buffalo Niagara Commercial Real Estate Listing System. He is a true professional and team player who will no doubt continue what has become a solid strategy for business attraction."

Under Griggs' leadership, the organization intends to maintain and grow its recently unveiled business attraction focused strategy. He assumes leadership of a very experienced business development team that will continue to provide guidance and expertise in the cluster industries and markets identified as having the most potential for growth. Those priority areas are life sciences, agribusiness, back office, and a market focus in Canada.

"Over the years, as a member of the BNE family, I have had the opportunity to work with many talented folks both within these walls and around the region," stated Griggs. "I have seen our effort become a staple in the community and to have the opportunity to continue the legacy created by our dedicated investors, Tom and Christina, and many others, makes me proud."

Griggs' said one of his key priorities in his new role will be to keep discussions open regarding collaboration with key partner organizations like Empire State Development and the regional industrial development agencies. "The relationships I've built with our partner organizations present exciting new opportunities for us, specifically as it relates to ensuring the best service delivery possible for our clients. Providing answers to questions in a timely, well-organized manner, representative of all partners involved in the process, presents a seamless, coordinated approach that sets our region apart from our competition," Griggs stated.

"As I transition to my new role at Empire State Development, I look forward to working with David and the BNE team as we strive toward the same goal of increasing investment and creating and retaining jobs in the region," stated incoming Western New York Regional Director, Christina P. Orsi. "I have had the pleasure of watching David continue to grow with BNE over the years and in particular, take our Canadian effort to new heights, as I know he will do in his new role as a member of BNE's leadership team."

David resides in Wheatfield, NY with his wife Amy and daughter Madeline.

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