Nassau County, NY - April 25, 2016 - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, Presiding Officer Norma Gonsalves, Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams and County Legislators today announced a new local law to create the Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Program to help ensure service disabled veterans play a greater role in providing goods and services to Nassau County residents. The program provides service-disabled veterans additional assistance and support in forming and expanding small businesses by ensuring greater participation in contracting opportunities with Nassau County.
“Service-disabled veterans sacrificed their health for our nation and it’s important that we honor them for their service to our Country,” said County Executive Mangano. “This program provides Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses the opportunity to further participate in government contracts.”
“Fighting for our veterans, particularly our service-disabled veterans, has always been one of my top priorities. In addition to securing the Veteran’s Clinic at the Nassau University Medical Center, laws such as this one are just another way that we can help our veterans who have given so much to us,” stated Presiding Officer Norma Gonsalves.
"Veterans are our most cherished resource here in Nassau. They have sacrificed so much that it is only right that we help lift, and invest in them when they arrive home. It is also smart for Nassau County to tap into the great talent pool that is veterans, as they have so much to teach us. Most importantly it is also the right thing to do, as they have already given us so much, this bill is a small way we can give back", said Kevan Abrahams.
“Service-disabled veterans who have sacrificed so much for our nation, state and county will now have greater access to county business with the passage of this legislation. We are indebted for their service and obligated to create opportunities that encourage our veterans to seek business opportunities. This legislation is long overdue and a positive step forward to better assist veterans with county business opportunities, while having a positive impact on our economy and further reducing the low county unemployment rate,” Legislator C. William Gaylor, III.
“Empowering veteran-owned businesses is key in our mission to create jobs, boost the economy, and stabilize the middle class,” said Legislator Laura Curran. “Veterans are natural entrepreneurs. They are trained to think on their feet, to quickly adapt to unforeseen conditions, and to work in results-oriented teams. An added benefit is that veterans who own businesses also tend to hire other veterans — and that’s welcome news for our soldiers when they come home.”
Nassau County Veterans Service Agency Director Ralph Esposito stated, “I thank County Executive Mangano for continuing to lead the way in providing a better life for our veterans. Whether veterans are in need of small business assistance, benefits, housing or even canned food and toiletries, the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency is here to help. If you serve, you deserve!”
Service-Disabled Veterans-Owned Businesses must obtain certification from the New York State Office of General Services Division of Service Disabled Veterans' Business Development. The program will be managed by the Nassau County Office of Minority Affairs (OMA). This office will conduct outreach and monitor compliance with the local law. There are already more than 200 companies certified as Service-Disabled Veterans-Owned Businesses in New York State.
To apply for State certification, Service-Disabled Veteran Business Owners may visit here or call (844) 579-7570. To register with Nassau County for bidding opportunities Service-Disabled Veteran Business Owners may call (844) 773-2243 or visit here.
Since taking office in 2010, County Executive Mangano has enhanced services for Nassau’s 100,000 veterans, including free transportation to the Northport VA Hospital and the East Meadow Clinic. The Mangano administration also established 42 homes, located on Mitchel Field, to provide affordable housing for veterans and their families and an additional 18 homes for active-duty military personnel. Additionally, the County helped rehabilitate five two-bedroom townhouses in Hempstead for homeless veterans and their families.
For more information on Veteran Service Agency programs, veterans may visit the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency at 2201 Hempstead Turnpike, Building Q, in East Meadow or can call (516)-572-6565. If transportation is needed, veterans may call (516) 572-6526.