News

June 27, 2022 As a tribute to the legacy of Erick Laine, the OBDC Board of Directors unanimously approved the re-naming of the building at 301 N Union Street from the OBDC Building to Laine Place. A new sign was placed on the building that is lit up at night, a classy look that showcases the building and pays the appropriate tribute to Mr. Laine.

September 17, 2021 After the passing of one of the co-founders of Cutco Corporation, Mr. Erick Laine, in 2020, a memorial fund was established in his name (the Erick Laine Entrepreneur Fund). From this funding source, through the brilliant entrepreneurial mind of the director of the SBU Innovation Center, the concept for a business accelerator was developed. The inaugural cohort of 5 businesses was selected from over 40 applicants, and these entrepreneurs participated in a r

August 17, 2021 Continued growth and demand for the newly renovated office spaces on the first 3 floors of the OBDC building drove yet another renovation project to create OBDC’s headquarters on the 4th floor. This space hadn’t been touched in decades and was turned into beautiful office spaces with some of the best views in Olean. In addition, the first two full time positions were added, with a full time Executive Director and Business Manager for OBDC.