Local Small Businesses Testify on New York City Manufacturing

Washington, DC –The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business today convened a field hearing in New York City. The purpose of the hearing was to provide small manufacturers with a forum to testify on their experiences and challenges doing business in New York City. Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), the top Democrat on the Committee, said the hearing helped highlight a manufacturing revival underway in New York City.

"While New York City is often thought of as a financial and media capital, we also have a rich manufacturing history and we are seeing renewed growth in this area," Velázquez noted. "By fostering success in this sector we can reinvigorate our local economies and create well-paying jobs in our City."

Velázquez was joined by the Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH), and Reps. Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) and Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY).

"Time and again, I have been impressed with the tenacity Nydia has for defending and supporting small businesses," said Chairman Chabot. "While manufacturers might be 'small' businesses, a single manufacturing job can lead to the creation of three to five more jobs in other industries. That's why today's hearing about manufacturers and the jobs they create for New Yorkers was so important."

"New York City continues to lead all other cities as the financial and cultural capital of the world, in fact one of its most valuable assets is its diversity," stated Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY). "In order to sustain our current level of competitiveness in today's and tomorrow's economy, we must provide support to all economic sectors and industries. One often overlooked, yet extremely vital economic sector, is manufacturing where tens of thousands of New Yorkers are employed to produce billions in annual revenue. As we contend with the challenges of an increasingly global and diverse economy, I would like to applaud the leadership of Chairman Chabot and Ranking Member Velázquez for taking the initiative to explore ways to support manufacturing in New York City, so that we may continue to maintain our competitive edge as a place to work and thrive for manufacturers, their employees and the communities that they strengthen and support."

"Manufacturers in New York City have made great strides, created jobs, and continue to produce more and more high value goods and services," said Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY). "But, if we want to remain one of the most productive states in the nation, we cannot take our eye off the ball. Through supporting our small business owners, women and minority owned business, and helping Community Development Financial Institutions, we are beginning to see a difference that's leading to more jobs and more economic growth and stability in our region."

During the hearing, representatives from local manufacturers including Linda Tool, Early Bird Foods & Co., LLC., MANUFACTURE NY and FXE Industries testified about their experiences building their businesses in New York. The Director of the Pratt Center for Community Development also testified about issues facing New York's small businesses.

Witnesses and Members of Congress discussed how sites like the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Liberty View Industrial Plaza/Bush Terminal and the Sunset Park and Red Hook waterfront industrial zones are becoming hubs of commerce and industry.

"New York's creative reuse of industrial space is serving as a model for other cities around the country," Velázquez added. "By leveraging New York's assets we can accelerate the manufacturing resurgence we are already seeing, creating sustainable jobs and greater opportunity."

The House Small Business Committee was established to protect and assist small businesses. The Committee has jurisdiction over matters related to small business financial aid, regulatory flexibility, and paperwork reduction. Additionally, the Committee has oversight and legislative authority over the Small Business Administration (SBA) and its programs.

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