National Minority Business Council’s statement on the passing of Edward I. Koch

Feb. 1, 2013 - PRLog -- “Mayor Ed Koch had countless accomplishments in his 20+ years of public service.  Among his many contributions to the Big Apple’s economic revitalization was milestone legislation that ushered in a new era of opportunity for minority and women-owned businesses. Known at the time as the Locally Based Enterprises Program, small business owners with gross annual earnings of under $500,000 were given the most equitable shot ever, in the history of New York, at competing for lucrative contracts with the myriad of local government agencies and their departments that keep the City open for business 24/7.

“This single piece of legislation has grown through every Mayoral administration since its passage in 1983.  Qualifying companies have now expanded to those with gross annual incomes of $2 million.  And more than 26,000 New York City prime and sub-prime contracts, worth over $1.9 billion, have been awarded to minority and women owned business enterprises.

"Mayor Koch was famous for his quick responses and off-the-cuff quips.  His signature line was also an open invitation for opponents and disgruntled constituents to answer back candidly and bluntly. But ‘Hizzonor’ really did mean it when he asked, ’How'm I doin'?  For millions of New Yorkers, Democrats and Republicans, Liberals and Conservatives, as well as legions of party unaffiliated voters, the answer for the majority of his political career was a resounding vote of confidence election, after election, after election.

“NMBC salutes Mayor Koch who served and represented the City and the interests of the majority of its residents with a level of distinction that defined what makes a New Yorker a New Yorker.”

John F. Robinson, CEO and President          National Minority Business Council