Mullen: "The governor is committed ..."

PALISADES – On the same day as the national unemployment rate topped ten percent, New York’s new economic development boss talked optimistically to Rockland County business people.

Speaking to a luncheon of the Rockland Economic Development Corporation in Palisades, Dennis Mullen talked of turning New York’s economy around by capitalizing on “four pillars” – technology, manufacturing, small business and agriculture.

The former president of Birdseye Foods said what the state has to offer businesses looking to locate here is old, and he wants to take it into a new arena.

"New economy, nanotech, clean green, biotech, that’s what we need to be focused on, pharmaceutical, all that new stuff,” Mullen said. “The governor is absolutely committed to that so we will be focused on that particular area and we will spend dollars and we will prioritize those opportunities in a meaningful way.”

Rockland Economic Development Corporation President Ronald Hicks is impressed with new Empire State Development president.

“I met with him in New York City. I have a whole new optimism for New York State after walking out of his office,” he said.

Rockland Business Association President Al Samuel is also ready to work with Mullen.

“He is a man of action. He comes from the business community. He knows the importance of business to the future of this state,” he said. “I have a lot of confidence in him.”

Mullen said Governor Paterson is committed to his ideas to turn the state around.