BuffaloReUseEarth Day Press ConferenceTuesday April 21st, 10:30am 298 Northampton Buffalo NY

Buffalo ReUse Expands Leadership Team: Emerging Not for Profit adds depthto build capacity and expand programming.

Buffalo, NY

In just two years, Buffalo ReUse, Inc. (BRI), Western New York’s first and onlygreen demolition contractor, has grown from an all-volunteer effort to a staff of more than ten.In 2008, Buffalo ReUse dismantled over 25 structures; diverted hundreds of tons of materialfrom the landfill, and resold thousands of items back to the community at a low cost from their East Side retail destination, The ReSource.As the weather breaks in 2009, Buffalo ReUse, Inc. is preparing for their busiest season to dateand is expanding programming. To enable this growth, Buffalo ReUse, Inc. has recruited twotalented individuals to enhance a passionate and diligent team of staff, members, and volunteers.Buffalo ReUse welcomes Stephanie Simeon, acting Executive Director of Heart of the City Neighborhoods, as Board President, and West Side Housing Activist, Harvey Garrett, as Chief Executive Officer. Stephanie and Harvey, join Michael Gainer, Founder and acting Chief of Operations, now comprise a dynamic team tasked with increasing the capacity of Buffalo ReUseand establishing sound financial and business practices to prepare the organization for sustainable growth."I'm ecstatic about our team at Buffalo ReUse!” said Gainer. “We're at the point now where weare really seeing the results of two years of hard work. We’re leading the industry in buildingdeconstruction, the ReSource is buzzing with activity, and we’re eager to expand our work in theneighborhood and with young adult training. Stephanie and Harvey bring the skills, connections,and track records to solidify our start-up effort and to ensure our long-term financial andorganizational viability.”Buffalo ReUse, in collaboration with PUSH Buffalo, will have expanded funding in 2009 toincrease many of their programs. The joint application mobilizes $645,000 in NeighborhoodStabilization Proposal ( NSP)funds to tackle blight and improve neighborhoods. Buffalo ReUse and PUSH Buffalo have recently been awarded the NSP for the redevelopment of foreclosed andabandoned properties on Buffalo's East and West Sides. This funding will be used to acquire,then rehab or demolish blighted properties, board up vacant structures using murals painted bylocal schoolchildren, and enhance vacant lots by removing garbage, and installing features todeter dumping and increase property values within each neighborhood.This was a very competitive grant and was awarded to PUSH and Buffalo ReUse because of their joint focus on acquisition / rehab, home buyer assistance, green demolition and homeowner