Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C – Batavia) toured local businesses and met with local business leaders earlier this week to discuss ways to improve economic development in Western New York. During the 2010 Legislative Session, economic development programs statewide were charged new fees and saw development funding significantly decreased, which Assemblyman Hawley voted against.

“As a local business owner in Western New York, I know firsthand how difficult and unfriendly New York State is for businesses, especially small businesses,” said Hawley. “Over the years, Albany has increased taxes, fees, and regulations to the point that starting or maintaining a business here is almost impossible. It is my hope that by working with local business leaders we can create a grassroots movement to tell Albany that it needs to stop its tax and overspend policies. We need to start investing in job creation and economic development programs.”

Assemblyman Hawley’s local business tours started earlier this month with a visit to Willow Specialties in Batavia on August 6 to meet with CEO Bernie Skalny. Willow Specialties produces baskets and packing supplies for hotels, restaurants and supermarkets across the country.

On August 17, Assemblyman Hawley met with Jim Lines, president & CEO, and Jeffrey Glajch, CFO, of the Graham Corporation in Batavia, a leading designer and manufacturer of vacuum and heat transfer equipment for energy markets and process industries.

On August 24, Assemblyman Hawley met with Peter Milicia, president of BMP America, Inc. in Medina. BMP America specializes in manufacturing and converting technical non-woven textiles and engineered polyurethane elastomers.

Hawley’s local business tour will continue with planned visits to TREK, Inc. in Medina, Precision Packaging Products in Holley, and Allen’s Canning – Birdseye in Oakfield.

Earlier this month, the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) released its 2009-2010 Voting Record, which outlines the voting record of legislators regarding critical economic development and job creating legislation in New York. While 79 of 150 Assembly members voted against business interests 80% of the time during 2009 and 2010, Assemblyman Steve Hawley was rated among the most business-friendly legislators in the state with a pro-business voting record of 91%.