Colette Buscemi (Vice President of Operations) Colette is responsible for managing the overall operational activities of NORBIC/Alliance for Illinois Manufacturing to insure that it delivers high quality technical assistance and consultative services to its clients through coordinating and integrating its personnel and resources. Colette served as Director of the Small Business Development Center for two years and was one of the chief architects of the organization’s innovative business model. She has significant experience in small business planning with expertise in assisting companies identify cost reduction strategies, increasing productivity and accessing debt and equity financing. Colette’s diverse background includes managing a start-up business and designing and developing a product that was awarded a patent in 2005. She has also worked within the media and communications department for both non-profit and for profit organizations. Colette received a B.A. in English/Minor in Journalism from Montclair State University (Montclair, NJ) and relocated to Chicago from northern New Jersey in 2004. She currently resides on Chicago’s northwest side with her family.