Senator Martins Appointed Chairman of Senate’s Commerce, Economic Development & Small Business Committee

     Senator Jack M. Martins (R-Mineola) announced that he has been named Chairman of the Senate’s Commerce, Economic Development, and Small Business Committee. 

     “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy; they create jobs, generate revenue, and provide important services to the community. Helping them grow and thrive is critically important. We’ve made significant progress over the last several years towards lowering the cost of doing business in New York State, but there is still much more which must be done. I am very excited to serve in this new role and look forward to getting to work,” said Senator Martins.

     “Senator Martins recognizes the importance of small businesses to our local communities and he has been a leader in expanding our efforts to help them grow and create new jobs. I am confident that he will do an outstanding job as Chairman of this important committee, as we work to help businesses by reducing taxes and red tape, and increasing economic opportunities,” said Senate Co-Leader Dean Skelos.

     Senator Martins brings extensive experience to his new role. During his tenure as Mayor of Mineola, Senator Martins spearheaded downtown revitalization projects to help improve and develop the Village’s downtown and business corridors. He completed the Village’s first ever master plan which utilized smart growth and transit oriented development concepts to help bring more people into the downtown area and help increase foot traffic for local small businesses. Then-Mayor Martins and the Village of Mineola earned Vision Long Island’s Smart Growth award for the plan.

     Senator Martins also has extensive experience in the business field. As the co-owner of a small business, Senator Martins understands the challenges of running a business and the importance of reducing business costs so that businesses can reinvest that money in creating jobs and business development.

     The Senate’s Commerce, Economic Development, and Small Business Committee oversees and develops legislation relating to business tax credits, economic development, business regulations, and growth incentives which affect businesses throughout the state.

     “I’ve worked with Senator Martins while he was Mayor of the Village of Mineola and continue to work with him while he serves in the Senate. His vision and commitment have helped small business owners and him being appointed Chairman of this committee certainly helps the Long Island business community,” said Richard Bivone, Chairman of the Nassau Chapter of the Long Island Business Council.

     "Senator Jack Martins is a perfect choice to chair a committee representing small businesses, jobs and economic development. Actions for economic redevelopment speak louder than words. Senator Martins spearheaded a comprehensive revitalization of his former Village with three major $80 million redevelopment projects with substantive jobs, tax and economic benefits. Vision Long Island congratulates him on this important leadership position for our region and we look forward to continuing to work with him in addressing our communities’ economic needs," said Vision Long Island Executive Director Eric Alexander.

     “We at the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce congratulate Senator Martins and will be happy to work with him as he is appointed Chair of the Commerce, Eceonomic Development, and Small Business Committee. It is our goal to assist in formulating legislation that effects Mainstreet Business Owners on Long Island,” said Julie Marchisella, President of the Nassau Council of Chamber of Commerce.

     “Senator Martins is uniquely qualified to chair the Senate Committee on Commerce, Economic Development, and Small Business. As a former mayor he provided true vision and leadership working with local businesses to transform and revitalize Mineola’s downtowns, a process which we continue today. Coming from a local government background, Senator Martins knows the pressures businesses and local governments are under every day and there are few others who can provide his level of insight and experience into promoting healthy small businesses,” said Village of Mineola Mayor Scott P. Strauss.