By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – There will be a change in leadership at the Erie County Industrial Development Agency.
Since June 2001, the ECIDA has been run by Buffalo Niagara Enteprise President Tom Kucharski and James Allen of the Amherst Industrial Development Agency. While praising the job they've done, ECIDA board chair Kevin Clarke says the agency has evolved to a point where its own leader is needed.
But Clarke does envision a collaboration that will continue to involve Kucharski and Allen.
"Tom Kucharski runs the sales and marketing for the region. Jim Allen will be a main player in putting together a regional strategic plan, which we don't have," Clarke said. "We'll look to put a third person at the IDA in a full-time capacity to run the 'factory.'
"The combination of those three individuals together really gives us a powerful offering and will strengthen the enterprise."
Clarke says the ECIDA board has embarked on a national search for a new executive director.
Last week, the agency agreed to assume more economic development responsibilities within the city of Buffalo.