SYRACUSE, NY - The Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce announced today that Nasir Ali will be leaving his position as president of The Tech Garden. Ali, who moved to Syracuse five and a half years ago to lead the Chamber's high-tech incubation support initiatives, will be teaming up with Martin Babinec, founder and board member of San Leandro, CA based TriNet HR Corporation, to launch a new venture called Upstate Venture Connect (www.upstateventureconnect.org). Paul Brooks, vice president of entrepreneurial services, and Linda Hartsock, executive director of the Clean Tech Center, will continue to provide the full range of programs and services of The Tech Garden to clients and the community.

"My time in Upstate New York has convinced me of the potential this region has for regaining its central place in the national and global economy. A critical factor for our future success is having a mechanism that connects Upstate's innovation assets and entrepreneurial drive to individuals and institutions that are willing to accelerate their success," said Ali. "The opportunity to work with Martin on unlocking Upstate's potential is one I could not pass up," he added. Upstate Venture Connect will be based at the Syracuse Technology Garden incubator. Ali will continue to lead the Seed Capital Fund of Central New York, a private investment fund he launched in 2007 (www.scfcny.com).

Martin Babinec moved his family back to his hometown of Little Falls, NY ten years ago from the San Francisco Bay Area. Babinec founded TriNet in 1988, and until recently commuted regularly from Little Falls to Silicon Valley. He stepped down from his position as CEO in May 2008 and recently relinquished his responsibilities as chairman of TriNet to focus his efforts on creating Upstate Venture Connect. "Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to get to know world class entrepreneurs across Upstate and many of the talented individuals who are working hard to help them succeed. There are thousands of successful people outside the region with the capacity and the desire to help Upstate entrepreneurs. Making those connections happen is the central focus of Upstate Venture Connect."

Chamber President Darlene Kerr said, "I have enjoyed working with Nasir and especially value the fresh perspective that he brings to addressing challenges facing our community. We are looking forward to welcoming him as The Tech Garden's newest entrepreneur and expect he will continue to be engaged with the region's entrepreneurial efforts."

Chamber Board Chairwoman and SRCTec President Mary Ann Tyszko, who also chaired The Tech Garden's Advisory Board for five years, added, "Nasir took the Chamber's vision and turned it into a reality by creating a leading incubation program that offers services recognized as best in class by incubators and economic development groups across the state. He has built a team that shares his passion for entrepreneurship, deep commitment to our region, and burning desire for success. The Tech Garden is well positioned to continue delivering high quality services in the areas of student entrepreneurship, clean technologies and research commercialization."

Rob Simpson, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Development Association, which recently announced its plans to merge with the Chamber, said, "Nasir and I have had a strong, collaborative relationship over the past five years. We share a common vision of a vibrant, entrepreneurship driven region and remain committed to continuing efforts that will create a more prosperous future for our communities. Upstate Venture Connect can play a key role in accelerating entrepreneurial activity and I am confident it will be successful given its founders' passion and capabilities."

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About the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce is the largest member business association in Central New York. Representing more than 2,100 businesses in the Central Upstate NY area our mission is clear; to create an economic climate that enhances growth, prosperity and the quality of life for all who live and work in Greater Syracuse.

About Syracuse Technology Garden
The Tech Garden is a program of the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce. Its mission is to stimulate high-tech entrepreneurship, foster the development of emerging growth companies and support technology commercialization throughout the region. Start-up technology businesses are offered business plan assistance, mentoring and marketing advice, targeted referrals, networking opportunities and state-of-the-art office space from which to grow their businesses. More information is available at: www.TheTechGarden.com.