The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is offering Bronx businesses an exclusive opportunity to attend a special presentation on New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s financial year 2025-2026 State budget on Friday, Feb. 7, at noon.

 

Officials from the Chamber said the president and CEO of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), Robert J. Rodriguez, will lead the event and deliver an in-depth overview of the proposed budget and its potential business impacts.

 

Chamber officials said Rodriguez brings decades of experience to this discussion. Confirmed as DASNY president and CEO in May 2024, they said he has a distinguished career in public service and private sector roles, including his tenure as New York’s 67th secretary of state and 11 years as a state assembly member.

 

They said he has been a powerful advocate for infrastructure, economic development, and workforce issues throughout his career and his leadership spans positions at Public Financial Management, A.C. Advisory, Inc., and Bloomberg L.P. They said he holds a BA in history and political science from Yale University and an MBA in finance from NYU Stern Business School.

 

Chamber officials added that as the State prepares to address critical issues like business support, workforce development, and economic growth, the presentation will provide key insights into how the governor’s initiatives may influence the business landscape in The Bronx and statewide.

 

The proposed budget includes various proposals to foster economic competitiveness, tackle workforce challenges, and boost the State’s overall business climate. However, according to Chamber officials, New York continues to face significant challenges, including some of the highest corporate, property, and personal income taxes in the nation, a complex regulatory environment, and high operational costs that impact local businesses.

 

“We are pleased to offer Bronx businesses this exclusive opportunity to hear directly from Robert Rodriguez, a leader with deep insight into both the public policy and business sectors,” said Lisa Sorin, President of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. “For Bronx businesses, this is an invaluable opportunity to engage with key policymakers, understand the budget’s implications, and take part in the conversation on how we can collectively address New York’s business challenges. Business engagement with our elected officials will help ensure the needs of the Bronx’s diverse business community are front and center in these critical discussions.”

 

Chamber officials say small businesses remain the backbone of New York’s economy and according to New York State Empire State Development (ESD), small businesses with fewer than 50 employees account for 98% of all companies in New York State and employ 40% of the state’s private-sector workforce. Meanwhile, they said the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) reported in May 2024 that New York City has reached an all-time high with 183,000 small businesses.

 

Bronx Chamber officials said it represents hundreds of small business members, as well as Fortune 500 companies including Aflac, Allstate, Altice USA, Amazon, AT&T, Bank of America, Capital One, Cintas, Comcast, Con Ed, DoorDash, Google, JPMorgan Chase, Meta, MGM Resorts, Philip Morris International, Starbucks, Target, and Verizon.

 

They said this is a must-attend event for any business owner looking to gain an understanding of how the State budget will affect them and added that the Chamber is committed to providing its members with exclusive access to resources, events, and opportunities that help businesses grow, thrive, and succeed in today’s competitive landscape.

 

Chamber officials say this virtual event is free to attend but requires registration. Bronx Chamber members may register online at www.BronxChamber.org. Non-member businesses interested in attending the budget presentation may contact Alexis Martinez at membership@bronxchamber.org to register.