The Coalition for Employment and Economic Development has been operating with a volunteer dedicated community citizens for the past 4 years. In February of this year we were able to secure a location to house this very offictive and demanding organization with paid staff and volunteers.

Our mission is to effect change by creating an environment through unified action that opens doors for access and creates paths for opportunities in employment and entrepreneurship. CEED seeks to abolish the system and conditions that have obstructed the attainment of economic growth for minorities. Further, CEED endeavors to concretely contribute to establish support and maintain minority owned businesses. One of our early accomplishments to execute our mission is the establishment of our linkage agreements with entities, such as SUNY/Buffalo, Office of Urban Studies, Hispanics United, Nubian Contractors Association, 78 Restoration and the Niagara Community Center and Girls Club.

Since 1991, CEED has effectively opened dialogue with such entities as local unions, general contractors of non-union construction projects and state appropriated projects. In most cases our successes has resulted in over 25% minority representation. This includes, but is not limited to Crossroads Arena, Early Childhood Center, The Greater Buffalo Airport and Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Our current projects include CEED, Project, Roswell Park Cancer Institute Pre-Screening Project and our Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program. Since opening our doors, we have serviced over 500 people from Buffalo and Erie County.

We have enclosed our brochure for your review along with an attached membership application. We hope that as you peruse our brochure that you will consider becoming a member. If at this time you are unable to, please know that your inquiry, concerns or desire to volunteer is welcome.

Call us at 716/897-3329. Or visit at our wed site at
http://www.apollo3.com/community/buffalo/ceed

Yours truly,

Millicent Thomas, Project Director

John E. Smith, Board Chairman