Accelerate Center’s Role in O.C.

* I was pleased to read in The Times (Jan. 11) about UC Irvine’s plans to make improvements in its approach to supporting Orange County’s small businesses. The recent closure of the Accelerate business development center provides an opportunity for the university to better focus its outreach efforts and to develop a more comprehensive program drawing from strengths in many parts of the campus.

As an Orange County business executive, I look forward to the new opportunities that will result from the university’s latest efforts to better serve the local business community.

JULIE NEWCOMB HILL

President and CEO, Costain Homes

Chair, CEO Roundtable, UC Irvine

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* The article on Accelerate quoted me out of context.

Yes, “I wanted to broaden it [Accelerate’s mission].” But the fact that [former director] Tiffany [Haugen] chose to stick to the core mission she had defined was quite proper, and I remained a supportive sponsor. Accelerate was a nationally recognized, award-winning program, and Tiffany deserves lots of credit.

LUIS VILLALOBOS

Former chair, Accelerate Advisory Board