Highlights of the program included: executive leadership to set the tone through the Spitzer-Paterson Administration and all government agencies making Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) a major priority; a disparity study to set realistic goals and provide legal standing for programs; streamlining the MWBE certification process and an easy-to-navigate system for firms, agencies, and contractors; a Mentor-Protˆ©gˆ© Program modeled after the New York City School Construction Authority’Äôs program; expanding the scope of MWBE-eligible firms.

NAWBO-NYC President, Melanie McEvoy, says,

’ÄúSenator Paterson’Äôs proposals will significantly increase the participation of women and minority owned businesses in state government, which is important since they are the fastest growing sector of the economy. NAWBO-NYC is proud to support these initiatives and will do everything we can to see them enacted.’Äù

’ÄúIf Eliot Spitzer and I win in November, we are going to break down the barriers to opportunity for MWBEs and change the culture of our government,’Äù Paterson said in announcing the proposal before more than 200 business and community leaders at York College in Queens. ’ÄúI am absolutely committed to developing MWBEs in New York after a 12-year period of abuse and neglect.’Äù

The plan intends to reverse the downward spiral of opportunity afforded businesses owned by women and minorities. MWBE’Äôs have encountered sagging progress in receiving work on State projects over the last 12 years.

For more information on NAWBO-NYC, see http://www.nawbonyc.org.

For more information on Sen. Paterson, seehttp://www.paterson2006.com.