The National Minority Business Council Salutes the Distinguished Career of Former Governor Mario M. Cuomo, an advocate for Minority Business Development

New York, NY, January 04, 2015 --(PR.com)-- The National Minority Business Council’s (NMBC) board of directors and its members wish to salute the distinguished career of former Governor Mario M. Cuomo and his outstanding support for Minority and Women Owned Businesses during his twelve years of Governor of the State of New York. The NMBC extends its condolences to the Cuomo family upon his passing yesterday evening.

Governor Cuomo was responsible for the passing of Article 15-A of the Executive Law, signed into law on July 19, 1988, which authorized the creation of an Office (now division) of Minority and Women's Business Development to promote employment and business opportunities on state contracts for minorities and women business owners. Under this statute, state agencies are charged with establishing employment and business participation goals for minorities and women owned businesses that are doing business with the State of New York.

The NMBC has enjoyed a long relationship with the State of New York under both former Governor Mario M. Cuomo and current Governor Cuomo. John F. Robinson President & CEO, served on the Governor’s Advisory Council for Minority and Women Owned Businesses and the organization received many awards from the Governor’s office over the years including the award for Achievement in Export in 1994. Additionally, The NMBC also held a few contracts with the State of New York to facilitate education and training as well as to provide technical assistance services to minority firms.

“I feel a special kinship to the Former Governor,” states John F. Robinson President & CEO of The NMBC, “…he was born and raised in South Jamaica as I was and the minority business community will miss his advocacy.” Mr. Robinson goes on to say that he hopes that his son Andrew Cuomo will continue his father’s legacy of supporting minority businesses.

For more information about the NMBC and its Minority and Women Owned Business Certification, please contact the MNBC at info@nmbc.org or call 347-289-7620.

The National Minority Business Council, Inc. (NMBC), a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation, was founded in December 1972. The primary purpose of the organization is to enhance the success and profitability of the small business community through the provision of high-quality services, programs, advocacy and networking support. The NMBC provides procurement; education and training; international trade services; advocacy and business development assistance to minority and women-owned businesses as well as veteran-owned businesses. The secondary purpose is to act as an information clearinghouse for the women- and minority-owned business enterprise (MWBE) community. For further information about the NMBC, please visit nmbc.org or call 347-289-7620 or send us an e-mail at info@nmbc.org