New York Governor Andrew Cuomo Urged to Protect Digital Tools for Small Business

SLEEPY HOLLOW, NY (May 15, 2020) – Business leaders in New York today sent a letter to Governor Andrew M. Cuomo urging continued support for online tools and digital platforms vital to preserving small business activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by the Connected Commerce Council (3C), the letter was signed by 167 New York-based leaders representing a range of digitally empowered small businesses, including the Rey Insurance Agency in Sleepy Hollow.

“Access to online tools enables websites, analytics, digital ads, online marketplaces, and e-commerce platforms to empower retailers, restaurants, service providers, and New York small businesses of all types,” wrote New York business leaders. “Now, more than ever, businesses and the New Yorkers they serve benefit from the stability, scale, and security of these tools.”

Small business advocates also cautioned against ill-timed regulations and legal challenges that could disrupt technology options that have proven critical during the downturn.

“With storefronts closed across the country, the tools offered by companies like Facebook, Google, and Amazon have become vital economic lifelines for countless small business owners and entrepreneurs,” said 3C President Jake Ward. “We’re fortunate to have leaders like Governor Cuomo who understand what it takes for New York to compete in the digital economy, but we continue to see misguided anti-tech campaigns that create needless uncertainty for small businesses just working to stay afloat.”

“Without tools like Zoom and Google Drive, there’s no way I could have remained in contact with marketing reps, stayed in touch at networking events, or participated in local chamber of commerce meetings during this pandemic,” said Laura Rey Iannarelli of the Sleepy Hollow-based Rey Insurance Agency.

“We’re lucky to have access to so many free and low-cost digital platforms and tools to stay in business, maintain our workforce, and serve our community. As we work toward reopening the economy, it’s important that elected leaders understand the role technology is now playing and avoid policy mistakes that could slow our recovery.”

A copy of the letter and a list of signers is available here.