Senator Malcolm A. Smith Announces Workshop On Economic Development "Mega Projects"

Saying "Recent large-scale development proposals across New York State have the potential to involve numerous local, small and minority and women-owned business contractors and firms," State Senator Malcolm A. Smith (D- Queens) today announced that he will hold a workshop addressing these issues during the 34th Annual Conference of the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican and Hispanic Legislators.

Economic Development: Mega Projects -- A Multitude of Opportunities, will take place Saturday, February 19, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., in Hearing Room B at the Legislative Office Building in Albany.

"From the new Bass Pro shop coming to Buffalo, to proposals for an arena in Brooklyn and a stadium in Manhattan, there will be a need for business opportunities for local, small and minority and women-owned businesses. This workshop will discuss ways in which these businesses can substantially involve themselves," Senator Smith said.

Invited guests include:
- Bruce Ratner, Owner, New Jersey Nets
- Jay Cross, President, New York Jets
- John C. Whitehead, Chairman, Lower Manhattan Development Corporation
- Robert E. Boyle, Chairman, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
- Mike Lorenz, CEO, DestiNYUSA
- James Hagle, President and COO, Bass Pro Shops
- Thomas Suozzi, Nassau County Executive, Nassau Coliseum Redevelopment
- Dean John Flateau, School of Business, Medgar Evers College - CUNY

"These participants have been invited to present their project vision and provide information on how local, small and minority and women-owned businesses can procure contracts relative to these mega projects, if and when they commence," Senator Smith said. "Given the continued problems caused by Upstate’s prolonged economic slump, the burst of the stock market bubble of the late 90s and the 9/11 attacks, it is of utmost importance that these projects benefit all New Yorkers."

Those interested in learning more about this event are encouraged to call Senator Smith’s office at 718-528-4290.

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