Senate Resolution No. 5816

BY: Senator COMRIE

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
October 22-28, 2018, as Minority Enterprise
Development Week in the State of New York

WHEREAS, In New York, the dedication and entrepreneurial spirit of
minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs are vital to the prosperity
and vibrancy of every community across this great State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 22-28, 2018, as
Minority Enterprise Development Week (MED) in the State of New York, in
conjunction with the observance of National Minority Enterprise
Development Week; and

WHEREAS, For 35 years, the federal Minority Business Development
Agency (MBDA) has led the National MED Week program to convene business
leaders, honor outstanding MBEs and advocates, promote business
opportunities, and report industry trends; and

WHEREAS, During the National Minority Supplier Development Council
Conference, the MBDA will present a series of Powered by MBDA workshops
and seminars which will focus on Federal Government resources including
trade/exports, infrastructure, and federal procurement opportunities;
and

WHEREAS, In addition, MBDA will host the MBDA Pavilion where
minority entrepreneurs and business owners can obtain one-on-one
business counseling and coaching sessions; and

WHEREAS, Since 1983, every president has issued a Presidential
Proclamation designating a National Minority Enterprise Development Week
to recognize the contributions of the minority business community to the
United States economy; and

WHEREAS, During Minority Enterprise Development Week, Americans have
the opportunity to reflect on the significant ways minority-owned
businesses have helped put our economy on the path to success; and

WHEREAS, Minority-owned businesses employ millions of workers and
generate more than $1 trillion in economic output, revitalizing our
communities and driving our growth; through the MBDA, efforts have been
made to promote growth and competitiveness, and help streamline the
process of starting a company and investing in entrepreneurship training
and skill building for more Americans; and

WHEREAS, In today's global economy, minority-owned businesses are
essential to our country's success; they are twice as likely as other
businesses to export their goods and services; and

WHEREAS, Minority-owned businesses in New York State exert a strong
positive influence on the economic and social development of the State,

and the future welfare of the State depends on the continued development
of small businesses; and

WHEREAS, The members of this Legislative Body wish to proclaim their
recognition of minority-owned small businesses as a crucial element in
the economy of New York State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 22-28, 2018, as
Minority Enterprise Development Week in the State of New York; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.