Two clients of the Syracuse Community Test Kitchen (COMTEK) are debuting products at the 2009 New York State Fair.

Charlene Barnes of Syracuse, owner of Echols Gourmet Desserts, is introducing her locally loved Ms. Echols Gourmet Caramel Popcorn. Rachel Herrin, a Syracuse resident, started Herrin Gourmet with the help of COMTEK and the South Side Innovation Center; at the New York State Fair, she is debuting Kickin’ Chicken Riggie Sauce, which is a creamy tomato and chicken recipe well known in Herrin’s hometown of Utica.

Both products are available in the Pride of New York building.

“COMTEK has been a great help,” says Barnes. “Through COMTEK, I have been introduced to many people and avenues that are instrumental to the growth and success of my business. Because of COMTEK and the South Side Innovation Center, I am on the road to expanding my business.”

COMTEK, a joint project with Syracuse University and Morrisville State College, supports new and existing food entrepreneurs in the commercialization of original recipes into full scale-up production formulas. COMTEK’s primary objective is to help entrepreneurs create new products that are marketable and profitable. Existing small food entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses to the next level of profitability are offered a variety of business training programs and culinary product improvement through the South Side Innovation Center and the WISE programs.

For more information or to make reservations, contact Lynne Foster, product development director, at (315) 443-8600 or lcfoster@syr.edu.