A forum was held recently in Lake Placid for women and minority business owners to learn how to become certified contractors with the state of New York.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has directed state agencies to increase their contracts with certified women and minority owned businesses. But some areas of the state, like the Adirondacks, are challenged to find enough qualifying businesses.
New York Senator Betty Little spearheaded a forum in Lake Placid recently about the New York State Women and Minority owned business program.
Adirondack Economic Development Corporation, based in Saranac Lake, is a New York State entrepreneurship assistance program center with a program goal to certify women and minority owned businesses in the region. Executive Director Jim Murphy.
And that’s something even towns and villages are encountering. Tupper Lake Mayor Paul Maroun attended the forum to find out about contracting options.
Often the problem is not a lack of available businesses, but rather the availability of certified businesses. Stark’s Gravel and Excavation LLC owner Judy Stark is not yet certified.
Author Dr. Pat O’Gorman is starting an education and training consulting firm in Saranac Lake.
The state representative presenting the forum declined to be interviewed because she had not received prior authorization from the state press office.
A link to information is available here.