LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim March 2, 2010, as MWBE Awareness Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize days of
distinction which serve to bring awareness to important goals and objec-
tives that affect the people of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to memo-
rialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim March 2, 2010, as Minori-
ty Women-Business Enterprise (MWBE) Awareness Day in the State of New
York; and
WHEREAS, The mission of the Minority Women-Business Enterprise Program
is to promote equality of economic opportunities for MWBEs and to elimi-
nate barriers to their participation in State contracts; and
WHEREAS, Through the MWBE Program, minority and women-owned businesses
are afforded equal access to contracting opportunities on projects
throughout the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, There are 8,266 total minority and women-owned businesses;
4,089 are minority, 5,078 are women, and 913 have dual certification;
despite having the second-most women-owned businesses and third-most
minority-owned businesses in the country, New York ranks 12th in state
spending with such businesses; and
WHEREAS, Small businesses, including minority-owned and women-owned
businesses, constitute an important segment of our free enterprise
system and generate many of the new jobs created in New York State; and
WHEREAS, Programs of such high purpose and worthy accomplishment such
as MWBE's, whose endeavors contribute to the economic health and quality
of life of the communities of this great State and Nation, should be
recognized and commended for the fundamental role it has played as a
pioneer of progress; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that when
programs of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim March 2, 2010, as
MWBE Awareness Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York.