By TRACEY DRURY
tdrury@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1609

Central Referral Service Inc. officially merged into the Olmsted Center for Sight.

State officials finalized paperwork on the deal last week, completing the second stage of an affiliation between the two corporations that began last year when Central Referral became a subsidiary of Olmsted. Effective June 24, Central Referral assets, employees and operations will continue on an uninterrupted basis as part of Olmsted.

"This was a long but orderly process that required much due diligence and had many steps, including several levels of government to work through," said Ron Maier, Olmsted executive director. "Everyone at Olmsted Center, Central Referral Services, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County and United Way of New York State should feel proud with this accomplishment."

The merged organization will result in savings for infrastructure costs such as human resources, IT and back-office functions. It also gives Olmsted an experienced staff to help develop its contact management/call center training program. Combined revenues will top $12 million.

A renovation is under way of the second floor at Olmsted's Main Street offices, with Central Referral expected to move there by year-end. It's currently housed at the County Public Safety building on Elm Street.

Olmsted has traditionally provided services for the blind and individuals with vision problems, as well as other disabilities, including job training. The contract management program was introduced three years ago. Central Referral has concentrated on call center work for years and holds state and local contracts, including operating the local 211 social services network. It serves Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Wyoming counties.