LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim Summer 2016 as Small Business Summer in the State of New York

WHEREAS, In New York, the dedication and entrepreneurial spirit of small
businesses are vital to the prosperity and vibrancy of every community
across this great State and nation; and
WHEREAS, Travel and tourism is a vital and growing component of the
New York State economy; and
WHEREAS, New York traveler spending grew 5.4% in 2014 to $62.5
billion, with such spending generating $100.1 billion in total business
sales including indirect and induced impacts; and
WHEREAS, Tourism-generated income grew by 4.0% from 2013 resulting in
increased employment and longer hours from tourism workers, reaching
$31.6 billion in 2014; and
WHEREAS, In New York, small business plays an important role in the
State's tourism industry; and
WHEREAS, Tourism encompasses the State's numerous destinations which
includes recreational, cultural, historical and agricultural events as
well as scenic activities; and
WHEREAS, Small businesses support tourism activities with the products
and services they provide, from dining on Main Street to a play on
Broadway, swimming at the beach to hiking a mountain, buying from a
farmers' market to exploring a cultural festival, visiting a big city on
an urban adventure to picking apples at an orchard; and
WHEREAS, According to the United States Department of Commerce over
400,000 enterprises qualify as a small business in New York State,
comprising 97 percent of the State's established businesses, including a
growing number of minority and women owned businesses, as well as first-
time entrepreneurs, that thrive and grow in our urban and rural communi-
ties; and
WHEREAS, Spending by visitors to New York State in 2013 generated an
estimated $95.4 billion in total business sales; and
WHEREAS, New York State tourism generated $7.8 billion in state and
local taxes in 2014, saving each New York State household an average of
$962 in taxes; and
WHEREAS, The innovation, diversity, competitive strength, job
creation, and quality of life that small businesses bring to our econo-
my, particularly tourism, are vital elements to the long-term economic
health and the spirit of their home communities; and
WHEREAS, The fabric of each community in our great State is woven with
threads from numerous small businesses, from diners to fine dining,
drive-ins to ice cream stands, wineries to farm stands, corner stores to
gift shops, resorts to day spas, each community's character is in part
shaped by its small businesses who help drive local tourism; and
WHEREAS, Summer approaches and people begin to plan for vacations,
long weekends, and day trips to New York State's numerous vacation and
tourism destinations such as parks, beaches, mountains, historical and
cultural places, urban and rural settings; the role of tourism and small
businesses, and the goods and services they provide, must be recognized
and supported; and
WHEREAS, Summertime is an opportunity to recognize the contributions
made by small businesses such as creating jobs, paying taxes, and
producing goods and services for the people of New York State and for
their local communities; and
WHEREAS, All New Yorkers, travelers and visitors are encouraged to
support and patronize small businesses throughout the State; now, there-
fore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim Summer 2016 as Small
Business Summer in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York, and the County Executive of each county in New York State.