By Joyce Kryszak
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-924226.mp3
Buffalo, NY – Buffalo ReUse founder Michael Gainer has once again been terminated. This is the second board of directors to give Gainer his walking papers.
The original board stepped down last year after controversy erupted over its decision to remove Gainer from his post as Executive Director. Gainer had refused to leave the job site. Then, an entirely new board was appointed and Gainer was reinstated.
But this time Gainer said he is moving on.
"Right now I'm in conversations with Niagara Falls, folks from Youngstown, Ohio, and numerous other efforts to really just take the torch of building reuse forward and try to support and serve more ideas and energy for building reuse and job creation throughout the Great Lakes region," said Gainer.
The board of directors did not release a statement or give specifics about why Gainer was let go.
When he was fired last year, ReUse was struggling financially. The John R. Oishei Foundation had withheld the last payment of a $200,000 grant because of concerns about Gainer's leadership. Paul Hogan with Oishei declined comment on tape. But he says the foundation has had no contact with the board since last year, nor was the Foundation involved with this termination.
Chris Smith is a ReUse board member and spokesman. He said it was an internal personnel matter.
"We have internal measurements for performance and growth for the organization. We have our eye on some strategic goals that we want to progress too," said Smith. "We made a determination to seek new leadership. We have nothing negative to say about Michael and we do wish him the best."
Gainer has already launched a web site for consulting called ReUse Action. The web site extensively promotes the accomplishments of Buffalo ReUse during his tenure. Gainer said he will do whatever he can do to be supportive of the organization.
"The organization is in great hands - the best staff on the planet - some of the most caring, sincere and passionate staff people and members and patrons who come into the store everyday," said Gainer. "And I'm really hopeful that the Buffalo ReUse vision and mission continues on."
Buffalo ReUse has expanded over its three years from a salvage company to a training facility with a host of community programs.