Business notebook: Good news for local small businesses - maybe

WARWICK - State Sen. Thomas P. Morahan, R-C-New City, recently announced a plan by the Republican majority in the state Senate that, he said, targets concerns that hold back small businesses from growing and creating new jobs. The plan, according to Morahan, would provide $490 million in assistance in the first year and almost $1.3 billion in tax relief and assistance to small businesses when fully implemented after three years. “We need to continue to do more to help businesses, especially small businesses, create good-paying jobs,” Morahan said. “This small business assistance package will lower taxes, provide new economic incentives, streamline red tape and bureaucracy and make it much easier for young people and families to stay here because they will see a future here.” The Senate plan would eliminate the corporate income and franchise tax for manufacturers; provide direct property tax relief checks to small businesses; provide tax relief for businesses that pay personal income tax; provide tax credits for the costs of energy; and cut State red tape and bureaucracy. What might be of interest to Warwick businesses is that the Senate small business assistance plan includes a $350 million refundable tax credit to help small businesses - those that employ 20 people or less, with rising energy costs. It also would create a small business STAR program to provide direct rebate checks, averaging $700, to small businesses that pay school taxes. The plan also promises relief from red tape and bureaucracy by simplifying and reducing paperwork, eliminating unnecessary or overly burdensome fees and permits and creating a one-stop shopping information center to help someone start or expand a small business in New York. The problem is that the plan has to be introduced and approved in the Assembly, where it may meet severe opposition by the leadership. It also has to be signed into law by the governor. Warwick and other business owners might be well served by voicing their opinions by telephone or e-mail to the New York State Legislature. Locally, however, Warwick does have the support of its representatives including Morahan and Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt, R-C-Greenwood Lake. “It is essential that we do everything we can to improve New York’s business climate, in particular to help our struggling small businesses,” Rabbitt said. “Nearly 98 percent of all businesses in New York are small businesses and nearly 52 percent of working New Yorkers are employed by these small businesses. My conference pushed for measures last session that are similar to those proposed by my counterparts in the State Senate. I look forward to working with my legislative colleagues to pass initiatives that support our businesses thus improving our economy and creating new jobs.” Classic Restorations Imagine over 80 classic automobiles from the 1930s to the 1990s all under one roof. Visit a 30,000-square-foot building on Transport Lane, just off County Route 1 in Pine Island and that’s what you will find. Last August, Classic Restorations, a multi-million dollar operation moved from Westchester County to Pine Island. It was a win-win situation since the huge facility, a perfect location for the vintage car restoration company, had been vacant for seven years. Melvin Benzaquen, founder and president of Classic Restoration is a lifelong auto enthusiast and road racer. He earned his degree in engineering at the University of Michigan and later went to work for Ford Engineering Research and Development. Benzaquen is a nationally recognized authority on classic American muscle car restoration and modification. He is also a regular contributor to “High Performance Pontiac” magazine. Classic Restorations employs a staff of skilled mechanics and artisans who work on five to ten project cars at a time. All bodywork, paint and mechanical work are performed on premises. The company offers complete interior customization and restoration, electrical work, audio and electronics installations, custom graphics and stripes, and more. “Our international clients have us ship cars worldwide and we’re proud of our reputation,” said Benzaquen. “The results have graced magazine covers and coffee-table books.” Classic Restorations specializes in total restorations, modifications and suspension or drive train upgrades for wide range of vehicles. Free nationwide pick up and delivery, as well as ballpark quotes are available on most jobs. For additional information visit www.classicresto.com or contact Melvin Benzaquen at 258-2050. Hot news for Leo Kaytes Ford Leslie Culkin, general sales manager at Leo Kaytes Ford is all smiles these days. And so is Leo R. Kaytes, president of the Ford dealership on Route 94, Warwick. The 2007 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX recently earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), achieving the highest possible ratings in front, side and rear tests. “With this top rating,” Culkin said, “the Ford Edge outperforms all our competition in midsize Crossovers and Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs.)” The Ford Edge, a crossover utility vehicle (CUV) explained Culkin, is smaller than an SUV but it has more cargo-carrying capability and practicality than a car. “Ford has a great hit in the Edge,” said Kaytes. “We’re seeing lots of interest and we are thrilled that the Edge has earned this “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). And at Leo Kaytes Ford, we’re proud to offer quality products like the Edge.” For additional information call Leo Kaytes Ford at 986-1131 or visit www.leokaytesford.com Chamber news The Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce is planning an educational breakfast in early March that will answer questions about using the Internet as a powerful marketing tool. Details to follow.