K 385: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 4-10, 2025, as Small Business Week in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 385 BY: M. of A. Buttenschon MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 4-10, 2025, as Small Business Week in the State of New York WHEREAS, From Montauk to Buffalo, Plattsburgh to Binghamton and every community in-between, small businesses are the heart of our communities and the American economy, employing more than half of our Nation's workers; and WHEREAS, Whether it is the diverse cuisine in the Mohawk Valley, the unique wineries in the Finger Lakes, the artful breweries in the Southern Tier, or the family owned businesses of New York City, our small businesses display the innovation and passion of New Yorkers; and WHEREAS, When we support small businesses, jobs are created, and local communities preserve their unique culture: and WHEREAS, According to the 2024 Annual Small Business Report prepared by Empire State Development, small businesses continue to be a significant economic driver in New York State with an estimated 98 percent of New York businesses having fewer than 100 employees, employing more than 38 percent of the workforce; and WHEREAS, The Upstate New York District offices of the U.S. NY Small Business Association, which services 34 counties in New York State with offices in Syracuse, Elmira and Albany, facilitated nearly 670 loans in Fiscal Year 2024, with a value of $270 million dollars; and WHEREAS, New York State continues to actively support minority and women-owned business enterprises and veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses; and WHEREAS, Small businesses of all kinds, from family-owned restaurants and farmers markets to antique stores and landscapers, are crucial to the health of our communities and to the State's economy overall, but have been greatly tested during these past few years; and WHEREAS, The innovation, diversity, competitive strength, job creation, and quality of life that small businesses bring to our economy are vital elements for our State's long-term economic health; and WHEREAS, The entrepreneurial spirit of New York residents has led to the creation and growth of emerging agricultural industries in New York, such as craft beverages, artisanal foods, and the production of hemp, hops and adult-use cannabis; and WHEREAS, Small businesses showed great ingenuity and resilience by adapting quickly to pandemic related restrictions and weathered economic hardship; and WHEREAS, The future welfare of our State depends on the continued development of small businesses; and WHEREAS, By renewing our commitment to supporting small businesses, we can maintain our global competitiveness and build a stronger Nation where everyone can succeed; and WHEREAS, When we join National Small Business Week, celebrated since 1963, we join in our country's recognition of the contributions of small businesses to the American economy and their importance in ensuring our local communities remain as vibrant as tomorrow as they are today; and WHEREAS, The members of the New York State Legislature wish to proclaim their recognition of small businesses as a crucial element in the economy of New York State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 4-10, 2025, as Small Business Week in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New