Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Deirdra L. Picou (212) 788-2971
Mayor Giuliani said, "I'm pleased to be here this morning to honor New Yorkers who have made Manhattan's East Side community a better place -- a better place for business, and a better place to live. Improving the quality of life has been one of my administration's highest priorities. From the record reduction in the crime rate to the cleaner streets to the growth of industry, the mood in New York City is one of optimism and hope for the future.
"Another major component in creating a favorable business climate is the reduction or elimination of taxes that placed barriers or prohibited the growth of local businesses. The tax reforms that we have already enacted constitute some of the largest tax reductions in the City's history. In fact, we have created 100,000 new jobs in the private sector and 18 retention agreements have helped in saving 48,000 jobs with possibilities for 15,500 jobs in the future.
"So, from the revitalization of Times Square to the South Bronx to Flushing, Queens, it's easy to see that New York City is in the middle of a renaissance. And I'm pleased to say that the East Manhattan Chamber of Commerce represents the spirit of New York City business at its best. The Chamber and its member companies are the backbone that makes New York City the Business Capital of the World," concluded the Mayor.
Mayor Giuliani also congratulated the three EMCC award recipients: Futurekids, which received the New Business award; Resident Publications, which received the Business Growth award; and, Twenty First Century McDonald's, which received the Neighborhood Outreach award.
The EMCC, created more than 75 years ago, is dedicated to the same principles its founding fathers encouraged: growth of the business community through interaction with each other and with their surrounding neighborhoods. EMCC member companies are offered business seminars, networking opportunities and other benefits.