Albany- State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn), a former small business owner and merchant leader, has issued the following statement following his appointment by New York State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos to the New York City Regional Economic Development Council:

“I thank Senator Majority Leader Dean Skelos for naming me to this Council, and I look forward to working with representatives of business, education, and labor, to help reinvigorate the economy of New York City and create jobs.

More students graduate from New York City colleges than any other City in the United States, and we are leaders in many industries including financial services, arts, media, fashion and entertainment. This is an opportunity to foster positive economic growth that will benefit neighborhoods in all five boroughs. I am ready take a seat at the table and continue efforts to turn our economy around.”

Matthew Goldstein, Chancellor of the City University of New York and Kenneth Chenault, Chairman & CEO of American Express, are the New York City Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs.