NEW YORK—State Senator Brad Hoylman (D/WF-Manhattan) released the following statement to celebrate Li-Lac Chocolate’s sixth location opening on Greenwich Avenue and 7th. At a weekend ceremony, Senator Hoylman presented Li-Lac Chocolates with the New York Senate Empire Award to honor this local small business.

Senator Hoylman said, “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our neighborhoods. At a time when multinational corporations and big landlords are making it difficult for small businesses to survive, it’s wonderful to see this local Greenwich Village small business thriving. I’m proud to present Li-Lac Chocolates with the New York Senate Empire Business Award to honor their years of success and sixth location. What could be sweeter than that?”

The Empire Award is the New York State Senate’s highest award for local businesses, honoring them for excellence and community involvement. Li-Lac Chocolates was given this award in recognition of Manhattan’s oldest chocolate house, and for making their community a sweeter place to live. At the award presentation on October 19th, Senator Hoylman was joined by Assembly Member Deborah J. Glick; Erik Bottcher, Chief of Staff to City Council Speaker Corey Johnson; community leaders; and Li-Lac Chocolates co-owners Anthony Cirone, Anwar Khoder and Christopher Taylor.

(Photo Caption, L-R: Andres Pazmino, Chelsea/Greenwich Village Chamber of Commerce; Anwar Khoder, Li-Lac Chocolates; State Senator Brad Hoylman; Assembly Member Deborah J. Glick; and Christopher Taylor, Li-Lac Chocolates.)