Mission:
The mission of the Finger Lakes Entrepreneurs' Forum (FLEF) is to provide a mechanism by which entrepreneurs and others concerned with growing enterprises can meet regularly to exchange information.

Networking meetings are often held on the premises of a company so the attendees may learn from true practitioners. Meetings are typically held on the third Thursday of the month but may vary from time to time. Membership includes entry to all meetings. To attend or host a meeting contact FLEF.

Topical meetings are held based on need. Subject experts address topics of member concerns. Topics have included getting SBIR funding, human resources, import and export, intellectual property rights, and so forth. If you would like a particular topic presented, FLEF will seek a qualified expert.

In 2005, FLEF held it's first Entrepreneurs Expo. Member companies displayed their products and/or services in a trade show setting to the general public. Networking at the Expo allowed members and visitors to learn about each other's products/services. Several companies reported new business as a result of the Expo.

History:
In 1995, based on his interest in promoting collaboration among local high-tech companies, Michael Meador began working with Ed Wolf and Marjorie Zack of Cornell's Office for Technology Access and Business Assistance.  From these discussions emerged the idea of a forum.  The trio invited local entrepreneurs and business & community leaders to a brainstorming session on June 14th of that year.  This was followed in July and August by four meetings of the "Finger Lakes Entrepreneurs' Forum Planning Group", from which emerged the fleshed-out concept and structure for The Forum.  Other participants in that initial effort were Greg Galvin, Rus Howard, Nancy Humphries, Sylvester Johnson, Tom Kurz, Nancy Lieberman, Max Mattes, Michael Stamm, and Peter Walsh.

Invitations went out to the broad entrepreneurial community to attend the October 19, 1995 official launch of The Forum, which featured presentations from John Alexander, Tom Kurz, Kris Venkat, and Peter Walsh.

Over the years, hundreds of others have shared experiences, and contributed the ideas and effort necessary to maintain the viability and relevance of The Forum.  Logistical support such as mailings, publicity, treasury, and membership maintenance for the first and many subsequent Forum meetings was provided by Tompkins County Area Development and, in more recent years, by the Alliance for Manufacturing and Technology.

Focus:
The focus is on for-profit enterprises offering products or services beyond their local communities.

Many members are high-tech companies serving national and international markets. Manufacturing, research, and services are represented.

Attendees include founders and employees from start-up and continuing enterprises. All are welcome.