Senators Martins and Skelos Talk Job Creation and Economic Development with President Obama's Economic Advisor

State Senator Jack Martins and State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos recently met with Citigroup Chairman and former AOL Time Warner Chair Dick Parsons to talk job creation and economic development. The luncheon took the form of a question and answer forum that discussed a wide range of economic issues that impact small business, downtowns and emerging local markets for communities throughout New York State and Long Island. Senator Martins also took the opportunity to bring three Elmont youth leaders to the luncheon gathering. Local residents Marvin Lee, Franklin Thomas and Tyrone St. Louis attended the luncheon where a question and answer period took place centering on the economy, job creation and emerging markets for New York and Long Island.

Mr. Parsons currently serves on President Obama’s Economic Advisory Board. He also served on former President Bush’s Social Security Advisory Board and serves as Chairman of the New York City Partnership. Parsons began his career working with Governor Nelson Rockefeller and was part of Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s transition team. Outside of his work with economic and job creation affairs, Parsons serves on World Trade Center Memorial Foundation.

“The discussion about creating jobs and promoting economic development was lively and very insightful,” said Senator Martins adding, “Dick Parsons is an incredibly talented individual who has made important and lasting contributions to our State and Country. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to meet with him and bring our next generation of leaders to the forum luncheon. It's my hope that we can continue to bring the 'can-do' attitude Dick Parsons brings to economic development to all our communities.”