Core Program Testimonials

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Working on my business is usually the last priority of my day, even though I know it should be the first. My peer-mentoring fellows in this program shared ideas and solutions and kept my feet to the fire. The generous time dedicated by mentors, alumni, and program management made this experience even more rewarding - where else can you work one-on-one with so many leaders in the Western New York business community?

- MJ Caliendo, Presiden/CEO
Grayton Company, Inc.
2006 Graduate

CEL has provided me with a strong strategic edge - mixing entrepreneurial principles with educational performance "based outcomes." Workforce is now an "intra"preneur to our internal customers serving the needs of our external customers - the community!

- Carrie Kahn, Executive Dean
Erie Community College, Department of Workforce Development
2004 Graduate

CEL has been valuable on many fronts; as a vehicle to learn from other entrepreneurs, as an opportunity to broaden my business contacts, and as an ongoing source of guidance and support.

- Don Hahn, President
Hahn & Associates
2004 Graduate

You might be surprised where CEL can take both you and your company. Some of the things I was focusing on were completely off the point. This program has given me the insight to seek some new directions. Amazing!

- Phil Basinski
Sweeney's Garage
2006 Graduate

The CEL program is one of the greatest learning tools available for entrepreneurs. It brings together some of the finest business minds in WNY, fosters a culture of information sharing and networking in a fun, dynamic and enjoyable envirmonment. I look forward to the class every Thursday and now miss the weekly meetings. My company has doubled in size since starting the course. More importantly the networking relationships and friendships that I have developed will last a lifetime.

- Edward P. Seebald, President/CEO
Seebald & Associates, LLC
2005 Graduate

My father always said "If at all possible learn from the best, in all apsects of your life." CEL has and continues to provide just that. CEL is ranked as one of my top ten experiences in my life.

- Barry Sutton, Owner/President
Sutton Distributing, Inc.
2005 Graduate

If I were aksed to describe CEL in one word, it would be "possibilities". CEL gave me the exra charge I needed to see the potential in myself and my company.

- Renee' DiFlavio, Vice President of Education and Employment
Olmsted Center for the Visually Impaired
2006 Graduate

The CEL program has forced me to take a hard look at my business and give serious thought to the direction it should take. I met other Buffalo business owners that I would not have met under other circumstances, and that newtorking is beneficial. Nobody in the CEL graduation classes minds if you approach them for business, since they are looking for business as well!!

- Annette H. Fitch, President
Print Plus
2002 Graduate

The CEL program provided our company and me with valuable information that we needed to continue growing beyond a start-up phase. The fact that the information is presented in a well managed, time eficient manner allowed me to easily manage my schedule and still attend this program. A key benefit is the immediate and continuing access to other entrepreneurs going through similar business building situations and the ability to glean possible avenues of attack on any business issue.

- John Olenick, President
ENrG Incorporated
2004 Graduate

When I decided to enroll in the CEL, my motives were to network and meet business people. Beside achieving my goals, the CEL program, through listening to others at the clinic sessions, was a good measuring stick of how well I was doing in business.

- Walid Dahma, President
Buffalo Engineering
1997 Graduate

My experience in the CEL program was invaluable and life changing. The opportunity to obtain a constructive, unbiased critique of the issues facing my bisiness, by other experienced business owners, is unavailable in any other environmnet, CEL provides a forum in which one can truly assess the strengths and weakness of their operations and provides concrete steps to help entrepreneurs take their ventures to the next level.

- Harris B. Witkin, CIC, President
Tabor Witkin & Associates, Inc.
1995 Graduate

The CEL program provided me a relaxed environment to discuss and debate key business issues in a confidential setting. The long term professional friendships developed with my classmates have been a great bonus over the years.

- Jeff Subra, President
Eskay Metal Fabricating

While advanced study is a prerequisite of most advanced business programs, sharing with your fellow students is not; the CEL program combines the best of both worlds. I knew (going in) that the program was good; I didn't know it would be great!

- David Cornell Hartzell, President
Cornell Capital Management
2002 Graduate

The CEL program is like a short cut for business owners to take gain valuable insights and expertise in areas that a business owner needs help in. The old saying "you don't know what you don't know" applies to all business owners. The CEL program greatly reduces the amount you don't know.

- David J. Colligan, Esq., Partner
Watson, Bennett, Colligan, Johnson & Schechter, LLP
1998 Graduate

When you are an individual and run a business single handed there is no feedback except the bottom line. In order to grow, a business needs feedback from others. CEL provides a lot of the missing components.

- Art Rago
President, Rise Inc.

"UB's CEL program has far exceeded any and all expectations I had when I enrolled. I have learned information and practices at virtually every clinic session, which I am able to then take back to my office and practically apply. This material you cannot get out of a textbook. Outstanding program!"

- Alan Pawlowski
Vice President, Mainlining Service, Inc.

"Excellent opportunity to look and learn from the minds and operations of Buffalo's entrepreneurs, as they open up in a safe give-and-take confidential environment."

- Rick Lohr
President, International Chimney Corporation

"CEL is a fantastic combination of networking, studying, learning and strategizing - about your own business challenges and the unique challenges of others. The cumulative knowledge of mentors, reactors, fellows and CEL staff is a resource I feel I can draw upon my entire business life."

- Mindy Hesslink
General Manager, Lenzart Color Lab

"Coming from a family business environment, I enrolled in the program to learn how other business owners think and operate and how I needed to modify my business for success. A real benefit for me has been the networking. We have a great class. The fellows freely share their expertise, have honored each other with business and genuinely care. I can say without hesitation I have gained quality friendships that will last my lifetime. While I am recommending the class to several of my friends that are business owners, I remind them that unless they are willing to give of their time and talent, don't bother applying. If you freely give, you will undoubtedly receive a return on your investment. I truly look forward to class each week."

- Joseph M. Floss
CIC, Floss Agency, Inc.