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New York now has a business ombudswoman

New York state's economic development agency and tax office have appointed an ombudswoman to, according to the state release, better connect the agencies with the business community.

Mwisa Chisunka will be the state's first Business Ombudswoman and Director of Business Tax Services and Education. She'll work with the Empire State Development Corp. (ESD) and Department of Taxation and Finance.

An ombudsman is someone appointed by an agency and given a high level of autonomy to represent the interests of the public. They're commonly found in government and news organizations.

Chisunka will work with groups like chambers of commerce to increase cooperation between them and the state economic agencies to "enhance New York’s business climate," according to the release.

“The appointment of a Business Ombudswoman builds on our success in making New York a business-friendly state.  It will help businesses of all sizes achieve their goals – to thrive and grow,” said ESD President and CEO Kenneth Adams in the release.

Chisunka did outreach for the tax department for four years prior to the appointment, according to release. Before that she was a policy analyst with the State Senate.

Innovation Trail has put in a request to speak with Chisunka at a later date.

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