Chris Volunteers
Chris is a long time member of the Executive Board of the Greater Niagara Frontier Council, Chris is an Eagle Scout and has served as an adult scout leader for the past 10 years.
The University at Buffalo Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL) Core Program is a ten-month program for business owners and leaders. Chris Collins has mentored 8 companies and provided insight and advice to over 50 companies the past 8 years.
The Henry A. Panasci Jr. Endowment, the University at Buffalo School of Management and the University at Buffalo Office of Science, Technology Transfer and Economic Outreach (STOR) have established a competition called the Henry A. Panasci Jr. Technology Entrepreneurship Competition (Panasci TEC). Chris Collins mentors a group through this competition each year.
In 2004, Chris mentored Mike Blumenson of Digital Surveillance Solutions who won the competition and received the $25,000 first prize – cash to jump start the company.
Guest Lecturer
Chris has been a guest lecturer in the MBA program at UB for many years. He has also lectured at Alfred University and Canisius College. His area of expertise is entrepreneurship and helping students understand the unique issues facing small companies.
Federal Reserve Bank of New York
As a result of his small business expertise, Chris served four years (1992 – 1996) on the Small Business Advisory Board to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. During those four years Chris had the honor of advising both E. Gerald Corrigan and William McDonough, Presidents of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, on economic issues that played an important role in the Federal Reserve implementation of monetary policy.
Kenmore Mercy Hospital
Chris served 7 years on the Kenmore Mercy Hospital Board of Trustees. During that time Chris was Chairman of the Sister Mary Mechtilde Memorial Fundraising Dinner. The foundation raised money to support many facets of the hospital’s operation and was instrumental in purchasing medical equipment and updating the hospital infrastructure.
Junior Achievement
Chris was a Junior Achievement volunteer teacher in Niagara Falls for several years, where he taught basic business principals to students. Teaching young students the principals of economics can have a profound impact on their future lives and careers. Chris has received several letters over the years from students he taught that credited him with motivating them to attend college and study business administration.
United Way of Buffalo and Erie County
Chris was a member of the United Way House of Delegates for over 20 years and volunteered on several committees involved in corporate fundraising. The United Way supports many not-for-profit organizations in Western New York and is often the key to these organizations having the financial ability to service the community.
