Senator Ritchie Speaks to Cny Business Leaders

'New York State Has Begun To Turn Corner'

Senator Patty Ritchie told a group of Central New York’s business leaders that the Empire State has begun to turn the corner after years of “overtaxing, overspending and overregulation.”

Speaking to business leaders at the CenterState CEO's “2012 Economic Forecast” forum, Senator Ritchie said the Governor’s proposed budget continues to build on the momentum started last year.

“For the first time in 20 years the State budget will decrease in size in two consecutive years. It includes no new taxes or fees but provides investments in our infrastructure,” Senator Ritchie said. “We must continue this trend. We must continue our focus on lowering the cost of doing business in New York State and the importance of upstate as a key economic driver for our State as a whole.”

Senator Ritchie congratulated CenterState members for their role in helping Central New York win a best plan award as part of the Governor’s regional economic development program.

Senator Ritchie also urged the organization to expand its efforts to introduce itself and what it can do for businesses in Oswego and Northern New York.

Senator Ritchie said she believes the economic growth of Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties, which she represents, are closely tied to the I-81 corridor, international commerce with Canada and the synergies that Central and Northern New York share.

Both regions are blessed with tremendous natural resources, a strong agricultural economy, serve as the home of several Universities and Colleges, and the economic power of Fort Drum,” Senator Ritchie said. “While I will never advocate consolidating the North Country into the Central New York region. I do believe we need to enhance these linkages which I believe will enhance economic opportunities for both regions.”

Based in Syracuse, the CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity is a 12-county business leadership and economic development organization. A private, not-for-profit organization, CenterState CEO represents more than 2,000 members and serves as the region’s primary economic, community and business development catalyst.