Business and political leaders met today in Schenectady to discuss the economic impact of long standing small businesses to the Eastern New York city …
Officials gathered at one of Schenectady County's oldest businesses, celebrating its 175th anniversary: the law firm now known as Higgins, Roberts and Suprunowicz dates back to the 19th Century - Michael Supronowicz notes the firm first hung out its shingle in 1837. Supronowicz believes the Capital Region is re-defining itself in areas such as nanotechnology and manufacturing.
Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy points out that many small businesses which originally sprung up in what was once known as "the electric city" were established to serve that large G-E workforce, and he feels what comes around once, comes back around again.
Union College President Stephen Ainlay says the school has just observed a milestone of its own. He explains Union has been transitioning: adjusting to the changing structure of the national and regional economies.
Chuck Steiner is President of the Chamber of Schenectady County. He paints a bright "Schenectady future." Statistics were not available regarding how many small businesses have been lost in recent years, but Jim Salengo, the Executive Director of Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation says that over the last several nearly 50 new businesses have sprung up in the downtown area alone, categories including Arts & Education, Dining & Nightlife, Health & Beauty.
Steiner, Ainlay and Mayor McCarthy agree Schenectady is already benefiting from a resurgence of business, small and large, throughout the Greater Capital Region Community.
