New Haven Independent

McEmpowered

by Tess Wheelwright | May 18, 2006 11:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Life for Frank Rodriguez (pictured at right) just got a lot “EZ-er.” He saved thousands of dollars for doing McBusiness in the New Haven Empowerment Zone (EZ), where Empower New Haven is offering tax breaks totaling $300,000 to keep businesses open and growing. And hiring local: each EZ-resident employee is worth up to $3,000 in savings. Once a McDonald’s crewperson himself, before working his way up the ranks to become the owner of four branches, Rodriguez is glad to be able to give jobs to neighbors like Aureliano Flores (left) — and get rewarded for it. “This program helps you solidify your stability in the community, while giving back!” To others whose businesses fall on EZ streets, Rodriguez’s advice is: Cash in on Empower’s tax incentives today. “You have to take this opportunity. If I’m hungry and you offer me a plate of rice and beans, how could I let it go by?” T.W.

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