LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Small Business Development Center,
University at Albany, upon the occasion of being selected to receive the
2014 University at Albany President's Award for Exemplary Community
Engagement on April 25, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the
Small Business Development Center, University at Albany, and affiliates
School of Business, University at Albany, and the New York State Small
Business Development Center, upon the occasion of being selected to
receive the 2014 University at Albany President's Award for Exemplary
Community Engagement, which was celebrated at an Award Ceremony at the
University at Albany, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed award honors University at Albany-community
partnerships which are enhancing public well-being in the Capital Region
and beyond; their community engagement is a collaboration between higher
education institutions and external partners in the mutually beneficial
exchange of knowledge and resources to address areas of public need; and
WHEREAS, Since 1984, University at Albany's Small Business Development
Center has provided exemplary community service, helping more than
21,400 entrepreneurs access a significant amount of funds in capital,
and creating or saving over 10,825 jobs in the region; and
WHEREAS, In 2009 and 2013, the University at Albany's Small Business
Development Center was ranked among the top 10 Small Business Develop-
ment Centers in the nation by the United States Small Business Adminis-
tration for the innovative way it champions small businesses while
providing programs and services for entrepreneurs; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of William Brigham, the Small
Business Development Center's initiatives strengthen economic opportu-
nities in an 11-county service area, as well as educational opportu-
nities at the University at Albany; and
WHEREAS, Among the innovative programs the Small Business Development
Center is involved with are: a character-based microloan fund to grow
small businesses (SEED), the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, the Veterans
Business Outreach Program, and others that directly address local
economic development needs; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the Small Business Development Center, Universi-
ty at Albany has counseled regional small businesses about the Afforda-
ble Care Act; and
WHEREAS, Through partnerships with chambers of commerce, economic
development organizations, and local lenders, the Small Business Devel-
opment Center maintains nine active outreach locations, expanding access
for business assistance in the region; campus partners are the School of
Business, and the School of Social Welfare; and
WHEREAS, Additional partners have included: lending institutions,
economic development organizations, state and county agencies, and such
chambers as: the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce; Albany-Colonie
Regional Chamber; the Chamber of Schenectady County; the Chamber of
Southern Saratoga County; and the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of
Commerce; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that when indi-
viduals and organizations 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
honor the Small Business Developement Center, University at Albany, upon
the occasion of being selected to receive the 2014 University at Albany
President's Award for Exemplary Community Engagement on April 25, 2014;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Small Business Development Center, University at Albany.