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St. Lawrence County chambers supporting proposed tax credits for small businesses that advertise in local media outlets

Posted 1/27/25

St. Lawrence County business leaders are supporting proposed state legislation to establish a new tax credit for small businesses that advertise in local media outlets.

The Lift Our Communities, …

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St. Lawrence County chambers supporting proposed tax credits for small businesses that advertise in local media outlets

Posted

St. Lawrence County business leaders are supporting proposed state legislation to establish a new tax credit for small businesses that advertise in local media outlets.

The Lift Our Communities, Advertise Locally (LOCAL) Act aims to maximize the reach of small businesses’ advertising dollars and boost their visibility in their communities.

“Small businesses are centers of our communities, built upon relationships with neighbors,” said state Sen. Monica R. Martinez, who introduced the bill with Assemblymember Jen Lunsford.

“The LOCAL Act will strengthen those ties by making it easier to connect to local customers through the trusted media deeply rooted in the places they serve.”

The LOCAL Act will mean “effective marketing to target audiences would become financially feasible to our businesses, ultimately enhancing their profitability and their ability to reinvest in our communities,” said Ben Dixon, Executive Director of the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce.

“It would also uplift our local newspapers, radio and digital platforms, which are essential to the fabric of our community, keeping our citizens informed and engaged,” he said.

Under the LOCAL Act, any business with 10 employees or fewer, as well as minority-, woman- or veteran-owned businesses of any size, would be eligible to receive a refundable tax credit of 80% of its first $5,000 of local advertising for a maximum credit of $4,000 per year. The program would be capped at $10 million annually.

Said Lunsford, “By providing small businesses with the tools to connect with their neighbors and supporting the local journalism that keeps us informed, this legislation strengthens the foundation of our local economies.”

Melanie Flack, Executive Director of the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce, agreed.

“Small business advertising in local news through tax credits stimulates the local economy, boosts business visibility, fosters customer loyalty, and ensures that local media will thrive,” she said.

The bill has garnered strong support from major business trade groups – including the Long Island Association, Upstate United and the National Federation of Independent Business, as well as chambers of commerce from Long Island to Chautauqua County to Columbia County.

The bill is also supported by the Empire State Local News Coalition's more than 200 local New York newspapers, which view the legislation as a winning solution to both increase investment in local small businesses and bolster the sustainability of local news organizations.

“The LOCAL Act is a win-win-win for local businesses, local news, and local communities,” said Zachary Richner, founding member of the Empire State Local News Coalition. “These institutions are intricately connected and work together to create the vibrant communities that New Yorkers love.”

Waddington Village Trustee Benny Fairchild, who is also second vice-president of the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, concurred.

“Small business is the backbone of any community, but unfortunately in today's economy, small businesses cannot afford to advertise their businesses at the same level as their larger counterparts,” he said. “This proposal will allow many of our region's small businesses to advertise their services to the community at large, in some instances, likely for the first time.”

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is also supporting the proposed legislation.

“Small businesses are the engines that drive New York's economy, but they are struggling with changing consumer habits and rising costs,” said Ashley E. Ranslow, NFIB New York State Director. “Providing opportunities for tax relief makes it a little more affordable for small businesses to operate and helps Main Street businesses compete in a difficult economic environment.”

Comprising more than 200 print and online newspapers, the Empire State Local News Coalition launched in 2024 to advocate for sound public policy that ensures the important work of local news organizations can continue across New York state. North Country This Week / NorthCountryNow.com is a founding member.

Through independent journalism, coalition members aim to serve, inform, uplift, and protect New Yorkers. Members care deeply about our local communities as well as the future of New York’s free press.

For more information, visit SaveNYLocalNews.com.