Authorizes the empire state development corporation to develop a public awareness campaign promoting businesses located in New York state with an emphasis on small businesses and the need to shop in downtown local areas; requires the creation of the Buy New York Online Networking Directory to connect purchasers with businesses located in New York.
Summary
This bill directs the Empire State Development Corporation (ESD) to create and run a public awareness campaign promoting businesses located in New York State. The campaign is intended to encourage individuals and businesses to buy products and services from in-state businesses, with particular emphasis on supporting local small businesses and downtown commercial areas.
The bill also requires ESD to establish an internet-based “Buy New York Online Networking Directory.” Business owners located and operating in New York could apply to be included, and the directory would list information such as business names, addresses, contact details, products or services offered, hours, history, and employee count. The directory must be searchable by category and by the products or services offered, making it a statewide business-finding tool as well as a promotional platform.
Impact
The bill would add a new state-run marketing and directory function to the responsibilities of the Empire State Development Corporation. It does not change tax rates, licensing rules, or business formation law, but it would create an official mechanism for promoting New York businesses and could increase visibility for small businesses, downtown merchants, and other in-state vendors. The bill also requires annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature on campaign activities and future appropriation needs, which could influence budget planning and future funding decisions.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests strong support for the measure: the Assembly Economic Development Committee approved it unanimously, 25-0, and referred it to Ways and Means. The bill’s framing is broadly pro-business and pro-local commerce, which likely contributes to its favorable reception. No committee transcript is available, so there is no recorded debate in the provided materials.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is likely fiscal rather than policy-based. Because the bill requires ESD to develop and maintain a public awareness campaign, a searchable online directory, and possible advertising through radio, print, billboards, posters, and ambassadors, lawmakers may question the cost and whether the program will require new appropriations. Another possible issue is implementation: deciding which businesses qualify, how the directory will be maintained, and whether the state should be in the business of promoting private companies. The bill text and vote record provided do not show organized opposition, but those operational and budget concerns are the most likely areas of debate.
Same As
Authorizes the empire state development corporation to develop a public awareness campaign promoting businesses located in New York state with an emphasis on small businesses and the need to shop in downtown local areas; requires the creation of the Buy New York Online Networking Directory to connect purchasers with businesses located in New York.
Authorizes the empire state development corporation to develop a public awareness campaign promoting businesses located in New York state with an emphasis on small businesses and the need to shop in downtown local areas; requires the creation of the Buy New York Online Networking Directory to connect purchasers with businesses located in New York.
Establishes the New York state innovation voucher program; provides small businesses with access to research and development by colleges and universities, government laboratories and public research institutes in order to assist such businesses in the creation of innovative products or services.
Increases tax rates imposed on unincorporated businesses and corporations in New York city upon adoption of a local law by the local legislative body of the city of New York.
Increases tax rates imposed on unincorporated businesses and corporations in New York city upon adoption of a local law by the local legislative body of the city of New York.
Grants a preference to New York state businesses in the state contract award process where the New York state business' bid is within five percent of the winning bid.
Requires the empire state plaza art commission to examine the historical significance of major rivers in the state of New York in connection with renaming the agency buildings located at the empire state plaza; requires the governor to choose the new agency building names within 60 days after the commission's recommendation.
Establishes the empire state sports and entertainment fund to create competitive financial incentives to attract sports and entertainment events in the state with an emphasis on economic development in upstate New York.
Establishes the empire state sports and entertainment fund to create competitive financial incentives to attract sports and entertainment events in the state with an emphasis on economic development in upstate New York.
Enacts the "New York small business growth and support act"; authorizes certain tax exemptions for newly established small businesses during their first three years of operations.