Issues: Economic Development

Statement From Senator Patrick M. Gallivan - Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business Committee

Merger of Canton and Michigan Based Firms Will Create New Opportunities

State Senator Patty Ritchie recently celebrated the merger of two engineering firms which will create a number of new jobs and opportunities in St. Lawrence County.

Burley-Guminiak & Associates, Consulting Engineers, P.L.L.C. of Canton will now operate under the Michigan-based firm C2AE and become “Capital Consultants Architecture and Engineering.” Officials say the merger will allow both to expand and enhance their services. 

Senate Economic Development Chair Cites Economic and Safety Concerns, Urges Comptroller’s Office To Thoroughly Review Contract

“The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles’ apparent selection of a bid submitted by CBN Secure Technology of Canada to produce the state’s next generation drivers licenses raises several questions and concerns.”

“The fact that CBN’s bid was the most expensive to taxpayers and would shift the development and manufacturing processes out of the United States raises some questions as New York State continues to grapple with budget issues. I hope the State Comptroller’s office gives this contract a thorough review to ensure tax dollars are being invested wisely.”

Senator Suzi Oppenheimer (D-Mamaroneck) and the Women’s Enterprise Development Center (WEDC) hosted a successful Small Business & Economic Development Forum on Tuesday, October 23rd at the White Plains Public Library.  This was the Senator’s 21st small business conference, which has been co-sponsored for a number of years by WEDC with the generous support of Capital One Bank.

A capacity crowd filled the library auditorium to hear keynote speaker, Kris Ruby, President and Founder of Ruby Media Group, a premiere full service Public Relations and Social Media agency, discuss the state of social media and small business in today’s digital age. In a talk punctuated by sound, practical advice, Ms. Ruby encouraged small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to incorporate social media into their overall marketing and communications strategies.  As a first step, small business owners should identify their objectives in using social media, whether it be to increase sales, improve customer service, increase traffic on the company’s website, public relations or search engine optimization. 

Federal Disaster Relief

Pay equity a top issue in presidential race, but should be addressed at state level

Kennedy says closing wage gap between genders would significantly stimulate economic growth; pushes for critical measure to end wage discrimination

Kennedy: Of the ‘binders full of’ legislation still to be addressed, Fair Pay Act should be at the top of the list for potential Special Session