Senator Jim Alesi Named to Governor’s Small Business Advisory Board

Senator Alesi is One of Fifteen Members of the New York State Small Business Advisory Board, Appointed by the Governor and Legislature with the Advise and Consent of the Senate

Senator Jim Alesi (R-I-C – Perinton), was confirmed today by the State Senate as a member of the New York State Small Business Advisory Board.  Colleagues on both sides of the aisle congratulated Senator Alesi on his unanimous, and unprecedented, appointment to the State Small Business Advisory Board – Senator Alesi is believed to be the first sitting member of the Legislature to become a member of the Board.

“I am proud – and honored – for the opportunity to serve the businesses, entrepreneurs, employees and residents of New York State in a new, exciting role as a member of the State Small Business Advisory Board,” said Senator Alesi.  “As a former small business owner myself, I know first-hand, the hard work and daily rigors of owning and operating a small business.  I thank my colleagues in the Senate for their confidence and affirmation, and I look forward to partnering with other members of the Board to create a more business-friendly environment in New York State.”

Senator Alesi, who served many years as the Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business Committee, has been widely recognized for his many contributions to the business community, and has been named a Guardian of Small Business by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), a Champion of Business by the New York State Business Council, and has received numerous other awards.  

The primary responsibilities of the State Small Business Advisory Board are the identification of resources that will facilitate the growth of small businesses in New York, and the elimination of obstacles that impede growth, through the recommendation of changes to policies or regulations.  Moreover, the State Small Business Advisory Board serves as a catalyst for creating and maintaining a greater awareness of the issues important to the sustainability of small businesses across our state, and to the livelihoods of owners and employees.  Senator Alesi’s appointment to the State Small Business Advisory Board bodes well for the business community in Upstate New York and the Greater Rochester region.

Mike Elmendorf, New York State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), New York's leading small business advocacy association, said: “Senator Alesi's addition to the Governor's Small Business Advisory Board is welcome news to New York's job creators and entrepreneurs.  As a former small business owner and NFIB member himself, Senator Alesi fully understands the challenges facing New York's small employers.  Senator Alesi has been a consistent champion of lowering New York's crushing cost of doing business and tax burden, a record that earned him recognition as one of NFIB/New York's 'Guardians of Small Business' last year.  His will be an important voice on the Small Business Advisory Board.”

Kenneth Adams, president and CEO of The Business Council of New York State, Inc., said: “Small businesses are the engine of job creation and growth. Helping them succeed in this difficult economy is critically important.  The Business Council congratulates Sen. Jim Alesi on this appointment.  He will be an asset to the state’s small business owners.”

Sandra Parker, President and Chief Executive Director of the Rochester Business Alliance, said: “Small businesses are the future of our state and the backbone of our economy- especially in Upstate.  We at the Rochester Business Alliance are pleased and proud to have Senator Alesi on the Governor's Small Business Advisory Board.  Senator Alesi knows the Upstate economy well and will represent our interests!”