SAN JOSE/October 27, 2003 -- Comerica Bank announced today that it is making substantial contributions to 17 very deserving community-based organizations in Northern California. The grants are the bank's way of supporting the work these agencies do in providing technical assistance to small business and affordable housing providers who focus on low-income, minority, disabled and woman-owned small businesses.
Executives from the agencies selected will receive contribution checks totaling $520,000 during a special ceremony on Oct. 27 in the executive boardroom at Comerica's California headquarters in San Jose. The contributions are part of a CRA grant program being implemented by Comerica Bank in which a total of $997,500 is being donated to 35 organizations in California and the state of Washington this fall.
California Community Economic Development Association (CCEDA), Oakland, $25,000. This organization helps to revitalize California's low-income neighborhoods through public policy, training opportunities and by offering Individual Development Accounts (IDA). Ralph Lippman, Executive Director, (213) 353-1676.
Oakland Citizens Committee for Urban Renewal (OCCUR), Oakland, $25,000. The organization supports low-income communities by providing a One-Stop Consumer Information Kiosk Project, technical assistance and financial literacy to individuals. Comerica's funds will be used to support the Eastmont Computing Center, providing technology access, education, content creation and workforce development for low- and moderate-income individuals in the greater Oakland/East Bay area. David Glover, Executive Director, (510) 839-2440.
California Association for Microenterprise Opportunities (CAMEO), Oakland, $25,000. The organization provides opportunities for low-income individuals and communities by offering training and technical assistance to microenterprise service providers. Catherine Marshall, CEO, (510) 238-8360.
Boys and Girls Club of Fresno County, Fresno, $25,000. Through computer and art education, as well as one-on-one tutoring and mentoring, this organization inspires and empowers community youth, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential. Kenneth Quenzer, President & CPO, (559) 266-3117.
Fresno West Coalition for Economic Development, Fresno, $25,000. The mission of the organization is to improve the physical and socioeconomic conditions of Southwest Fresno through affordable rental housing for low-income residents of the community. Keith Kelley, Executive Director, (559) 485-1273.
Nehemiah Corporation of California, Sacramento, $25,000. The organization serves as a catalyst for urban wealth creation and economic empowerment by its direct provision of home ownership, affordable housing and by providing support to other faith-based, community-based organizations. The organization's down-payment gift assistance program has been nationally recognized. Hazaiah Williams, Executive Director, Nehemiah Community Foundation, (916) 231-1999, ext. 1126.
California Capital Small Business Development Corporation, Sacramento, $40,000. This non-profit organization acts as an intermediary between banks and borrowers by providing loan guarantees, direct loans, and financial literacy education to small businesses throughout Northern California. Clarence Williams, President, (916) 442-1729.
Women's Initiative for Self Employment, San Francisco, $25,000. The organization offers workshops, support services and business consulting to low-income women of diverse ethnic backgrounds, which allows them to become economically self-sufficient through entrepreneurial activities. Julie Abrams, Executive Director, (415) 247-9473.
Earn Asset Resource Network (EARN), San Francisco, $25,000. The organization allows low-income individuals to establish Individual Development Accounts (IDA) and enables them to receive a 2-for-1 match on all dollars invested. The IDAs allow families to achieve their goal of home ownership, post-secondary education or certified training; or micro-enterprise development or capitalization. Ben Mangan, Executive Director, (415) 217-3662.
Sacred Heart Community Services, San Jose, $50,000. The organization provides basic need services such as food, clothing, emergency assistance for housing, utilities, daycare and job referral services to low-income San Jose residents. Amari Romero Vorwerk, Executive Director, (408) 278-2175.
Resource Area for Teachers (RAFT), San Jose, $25,000. The organization provides low-cost interactive learning materials to Bay Area teachers, non-profit organizations and community groups. Mary Simon, Executive Director, (408) 451-1420.
Kidz & Company (KC), San Jose, $25,000. This organization empowers the low-income youth of Santa Clara County to take responsibility for their academic, mental, physical and social well-being through a supportive network of after school academic and athletic programs. Himiko Hill, President & CEO, (408) 225-8659.
Santa Cruz Community Counseling Center, Inc., Santa Cruz, $25,000. The organization supports low-income individuals who are unemployed, physically disabled and suffer with severe mental illness by providing affordable housing opportunities. Paul O'Brien, Executive Director, (831) 469-1700, ext. 104.
YMCA of Monterey Peninsula, Salinas, $25,000. The organization provides outreach, summer camps, afterschool care, theater programs, and scholarships for low-income individuals. Brad Russell, Executive Director, (831) 373-4167.
Special Organizations Receiving Technical Assistance Initiative Awards:
Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, San Francisco, $40,000. CEO - Sharon Miller (415) 541-8580. Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center is a non-profit microenterprise development organization that provides business training and support services to emerging and established entrepreneurs. By fostering the creation of sustainable new businesses and new jobs, Renaissance helps individuals achieve financial self-sufficiency through self-employment and strengthens underserved communities through lasting economic development. Renaissance has served more than 2,500 clients since opening in 1985. For more information: www.rencenter.org .
East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation, Oakland, $50,000. Program Manager - Helen Shor (510) 287-5353. The East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation is a non-profit community development corporation dedicated to fostering strong communities through the development of affordable housing and economic opportunities for communities in the East Bay, particularly the low-income and Asian and Pacific Islander population. For more information: ww.ebaldc.org .
Valley Small Business Development Corporation, Fresno, $40,000. CEO - Michael Foley (559) 438-9680. Valley Small Business Development Corporation is a non-profit, non-bank, business and financial company that was incorporated in 1981. Valley is the only U.S. Department of Treasury certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in the Central Valley, which covers a nine-county service area. Valley's mission is to make unconventional financing available to small businesses and family farms. In addition to providing direct loans and technical assistance to small businesses and farms, Valley also issues loan guarantees to participating financial institutions. For more information: www.vsbdc.com.
About Comerica Bank
The Western Division of Comerica Bank includes more than 70 offices (42 branches) in California, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon and Washington. National businesses originating from the Western Division include Small Business Administration Lending, which has 31 offices in 14 states; and Technology and Life Sciences, with offices in major technology centers nationwide. Comerica Bank is a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA), a financial services company strategically aligned into the Business Bank, Small Business Banking & Personal Financial Services, and Wealth & Institutional Management. Comerica focuses on relationships and helping businesses and people be successful. Comerica Incorporated reported total assets of $55 billion at September 30, 2003.
Media Contact:
Keith Turner
(408) 556-5111
