U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Clinton were the featured speakers at the Chamber Alliance of New York State’s (CANYS) sixth annual New York Day in Washington, May 11-12 in the nation’s capital. More than 100 small business people and chamber members CANYS participated in the two-day event.

Both Senators commented on possible base closings in New York as well specific legislation addressing transportation funding and small business issues. Participants at the breakfast also heard from New York Congressman Sherwood Boehlert (R-24).

Rep. Boehlert, chairman of the House Science Committee, discussed technological implications of possible military base closings in New York. The Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRACC) released its recommendations for base closures to Congress the next day. Also addressing New York’s federal agenda was Jim Mazzarella from the New York State Office of Federal Affairs.

The two-day event began with a reception Wednesday May 11 inside the Capitol Building. Several members of New York's congressional delegation and many agency officials attended the reception, including Rep. Sue Kelly (R-19); Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-14); Rep. Michael McNulty (D-21); and Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-8). Other congressional members were represented by staff. The reception also featured wines from Finger Lakes-region wineries.

The evening reception on May 11 was hosted by the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce; Anheuser-Busch, Inc.; Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc.; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce; C L R Marketing, Inc.; Central New York Ear, Nose & Throat Consultants; Chamber Alliance of New York State; Chenango County Chamber of Commerce; the Chamber of Commerce Regional Business Partnership in Huntington; the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County; Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce; Long Island Association; McLaughlin-Kehoe Insurance Agency; Niagara Mohawk, A National Grid Company; Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce; Pleasant Valley Wine Company; Progressive Expert Consulting, Inc.; Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce; ProLiteracy Worldwide; SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry; and SUNY Upstate Medical University.