This Is Queensborough - September 2019 by BQE Media - Queens Ledger Brooklyn Star Newspaper Group

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September 2019 . Volume 15 . Issue 9

NEW

YORK

CUNY SCHOOL HAS NEW LEADERSHIP FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 14 YEARS

“Being able to equip students with their education is the most amazing thing we can do to transform their lives and the lives of their families.” YORK COLLEGE PRESIDENT DR. BERENECEA JOHNSON EANES

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September 2019 • Volume 15 • Issue 9

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME TO QUEENS What comes to mind when you ment in Queens at a time when the think about Queens Chamber in borough was experiencing a masthe fall? How about one sive influx of people. of our most anticipated Today, Queens conand signature events, tinues to experience the Annual Building growth from an ecoAwards. nomic development For over 90 years, prospective, with projwe’ve recognized ects and structures that the contributions of will benefit generations architects and buildto come. ers for their herculean The Queens Chamber efforts creating some has always played a pivof Queens’ most iconic TOM SANTUCCI otal role in the business structures. growth of our borough. CHAIRPERSON The timing of the celThe benefits, resources, ebration coincides with and services provided the opening of the TWA Hotel on to our membership all contribute to May 15. Back in 1962 when it orig- the growth of the economy of this inally opened, the Eero Saarinen- richly diverse area we call home. designed TWA Flight Center was at Whether you’re in Flushing, the center of an age when jet travel Corona, Long Island City or the was at its inception. Rockaways, Jamaica or Bayside, Fast forward 57 years later, and there are buildings that have been this marvel of a structure now recognized by the Chamber for serves as JFK’s first on-airport their outstanding accomplishments. hotel. If you build it, they will indeed The first Building Awards pro- come and witness the greatest that gram was organized in 1926, with lies in our borough. the purpose of promoting developI’m thrilled to chair the Board

of an organization whose goal and purpose is to advocate, educate and provide opportunities to network, all with the goal of business growth

in Queens. Thank you for your sustained supported of the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

OUR MISSION: #ADVOCATE #EDUCATE #NETWORK As we bid farewell to summer nesses across the borough since and look ahead to fall with all the 1911. One thing that has tranfresh faces entering their first year scended the decades is what was on campus, I think back to my first written in our by-laws, which epitfall as a working omizes everything professional, right we do on behalf our out of college ready members: educate, to take on the world. advocate, and netSo many things work. were different about We educate our the way we commumembers and the nicated, networked, Queens business and certainly marcommunity through keted our businessgrant- funded semies. nars, panel discusWith social THOMAS J. GRECH sions, and small media platforms PRESIDENT & CEO groups gathered such as LinkedIn, around the table in Instagram, Twitter, our conference room. and Facebook, a significant numWe advocate on behalf of our ber of individuals can be reached members to ensure they’re able to with a single click. adequately operate their business The Queens Chamber of to achieve growth and success, Commerce has been reaching busi- and to keep them informed in this

fast-paced world of business. And we network. The scope of networking is constantly evolving, and the Queens Chamber is in the midst of providing opportunities for you to make great new connections that will ultimately grow your business. On September 17, our Nonprofit Committee will host the “Build A Better Nonprofit” event, which will provide local nonprofits resources to strengthen their organizations. On the 18th, “The Last Mile” Industrial Transformation panel discussion will examine the extensive disruption to the retail real estate landscape. It will be hosted by our Real Estate Committee. Are you interested in owning a home? There’s a seminar for that on September 23 called “Steps to Home Ownership,” and medical

professionals will gather to discuss “Prescription Pricing: What’s Behind the Cost?” on September 25. And it wouldn’t be a month of great events without a chance to network. Join us on the 17th for our monthly Business Card Exchange at Moon Rooftop Bar in The One Boutique Hotel in Flushing. We take pride in advocating on your behalf, educating you on relevant subject matter, and providing opportunities to build your own social networks to grow your business. Our staff is always ready to assist with your needs. Should you have questions about Queens Chamber please contact us through queenschamber.org. Thank you for your continued support.

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QUEENS QUICKLY SBS OFFERING GRANTS FOR SAFETY TRAINING Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Gregg Bishop recently announced that applications are now open for small construction firms to apply for a one-time grant to offset the cost of Site Safety Training. Small construction firms located in New York City with one to 15 employees are eligible for the one-time grant that will help businesses

comply with Local Law 196, which requires most construction workers to obtain Site Safety training by September 1, 2020. The initiative is expected to save small businesses tens of thousands of dollars, as the cost of training a single worker can be as much as $1,500. “These grants will allow small construction firms to provide necessary training to their workers more quickly,” said Bishop, “and help them to thrive in this key economic sector.” Businesses first choose a training provider that is best for their business by selecting from

a DOB-approved list. Then, eligible construction firms apply for the grant online or obtain more information by calling 311. Businesses are required to submit information that demonstrates their eligibility and completion of training with an authorized provider. An analyst will review the application and SBS will provide up to 100 percent reimbursement within two months after the application is finalized. “Every worker who leaves for the job site in the morning deserves to come home safely at night,” said Melanie La Rocca, commissioner of the Department of Buildings. “This training is required by law, but even more importantly, it can save lives.”

NEW KOSCIUSZKO BRIDGE NOW OPEN IN BOTH DIRECTIONS Governor Andrew Cuomo led a ceremony on August 28 to officially open the Brooklynbound lanes of the new Kosciuszko Bridge. “I spent many, many hours going back and forth on the Kosciuszko, and it is a legendary bottleneck,” the governor said. “It was narrow and it was dangerous.” Opened in 1939, the original Kosciuszko Bridge was designed to handle 10,000 cars daily. Today, 200,000 vehicles use the span every day. Compared to the former six-lane bridge, the new bridge has nine lanes of vehicular traffic and a bicycle/pedestrian lane. Construction began in 2014, when Queensbased Skanska USA was awarded a contract by the New York State Department of Transportation to construct the five-lane Queens-bound portion. With an estimated completion date in 2018, the bridge was opened on April 27, 2017. After traffic began to flow, Skanska dismantled the old truss bridge and repurposed it as an artificial reef. In October 2017, they performed a controlled explosion to demolish the old lanes leading to the former bridge. The Brooklyn-bound section of the bridge was completed by California-based Granite

PHOTO: GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

Construction. They also completed their job ahead of schedule, allowing for an early opening. Citing national tension over the political divide, Cuomo said the bridge is a symbol of

what can be accomplished “when you focus on the positive.” “This is New York State at her best,” he added. (SALVATORE ISOLA)

TABLE OF CONTENTS Promotions, Announcements & Appointments ........................................6

Queens to Host Walk to End Alzheimer’s This Month .....................................22

COVER STORY: New President Lays Out Vision for York ...............10

Partners & Affiliates News and Happenings ........................................................24

EXPERT ADVICE: Create a Culture That Attracts Talent .................12

Chamber Welcomes New Members .........................................................................29

Queens Chamber Releases First Dining & Hospitality Guide ............14 Interns Reflect on Their Summer with the Chamber ............................16 Techie Youth Opens Its Doors in Long Island City ...............................16 Chamber to Host 2019 Buildings Awards Gala in October ................21 4

PUBLISHER Walter H. Sanchez

MANAGING EDITOR Shane Miller

MARKETING DIRECTOR John Sanchez BQE Media, 45-23 47th St., 2nd Floor, Woodside, NY 11377 Phone: (718) 426-7200 Fax: (347) 507-5827

September 2019 • Volume 15 • Issue 9

FOUR FROM LIJ FOREST HILLS COMPLETE SANE PROGRAM TRAINING Four Long Island Jewish Forest Hills emergency room nurses were among the first class to graduate from the Hofstra Northwell School of Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program. The training took place over the course of six months, and included mastering the skills needed to provide emotional support and medical treatment to victims of rape and sexual assault, while also collecting vital forensic evidence. Northwell Health emergency departments across the region treated 699 sexual assault victims since January 2018. Tracy Basta, Dee Dee Latham, Shonda Ramirez and Sandra Spencer-Kingston joined 16 other Northwell Health nurses at a ceremony in New Hyde Park, where they were certified as SANE nurses. The SANE program is 40 hours of classroom training and 300 hours of hands-on clinical training. “This program is important for nursing, to keep us evolving and growing so we work to the full breadth of our scope of practice,” said Amy Smith, a nurse practitioner at LIJ Forest Hills and coordinator of the SANE program. “Having SANE nurses in our hospitals benefits all of the diverse communities we serve, so that no patient who seeks SANE services needs to be transferred out of our facilities and out of their neighborhoods.” The Hofstra Northwell SANE program is the only university- and health system-based program in New York State. A federal grant funds the program with the goal to increase the number of SANE nurses in New York. A SANE nurse is often the first person to help sexual assault survivors, making sure they feel safe as they are treated in the emergency room. The absence of SANE nurses can often revictimize those who have suffered a sexual assault by forcing them to recount what happened several times, including to emergency room personnel, nurses or physicians. SANE nurses act as personal advocates, staying upwards of six hours with their patients as they gain their trust, ask difficult questions, conduct physical exams to check for evidence and injury, provide emergency contraceptives and maintain evidence for law enforcement. “We are very proud of the inaugural class,” said Kathleen Gallo, senior vice president and chief learning officer at Northwell Health. “They are leading the way in shaping how Northwell Health will respond to the special needs of these victims.” (JEN KHEDAROO)

QUEENS QUICKLY

Pictured from left to right are Amy Smith, Tracy Basta, Sandra Spencer-Kingston, Shonda Ramirez, and Dr. Kathleen Gallo.

UNION APPRENTICES BUILD FOOD STAND Union apprentices from the New York City & Vicinity District Council of Carpenters completed work on a farm stand for the Rockaway Youth Task Force Community Garden to help the non-profit provide affordable food options in the community. “Providing the Rockaway community with more fresh, locally-grown food options is a critical part of improving the health and well-being of our residents,” said Councilman Donovan Richards. “The addition of this farm stand will allow the Rockaway Youth Task Force to enhance the community service they have long provided on

the peninsula.” Apprentices across multiple classes substituted their scheduled classes to work on the three-week project. The union trains over 1,500 carpenter apprentices and 14,000 journey-level carpenters per year at its New York City training facility. “It’s truly great to see that efforts from our training center have a dual purpose of equipping future carpenters with the unique skills needed to thrive in the labor force, while also giving back to the communities our members live and work in,” said Joseph Geiger of NYCDCC.

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PROMOTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS tion business who specializes in the complexi- recent role at NYLAG, a $29 million nonprofit Schaefer recognized ties of trenching, excavation and installation of organization that provides high-quality free civil electric and gas distribution facilities. legal services to low-income New Yorkers. for scholarly paper Since BOND opened its New York City office Gross holds an MBA in Accounting from Mary Beth Schaefer, associate professor in the St. John’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction, is one of three co-authors whose article “An Historical Overview of the Middle School Movement, 19632015” has been chosen to receive the inaugural Tom Erb Outstanding Article Award. It was published in the peer-reviewed Research in Middle Level Education Online, a journal of SCHAEFER Association for Middle Level Education. Coauthors of the piece are Kathleen F. Malu of William Paterson University and Bogum Yoon of State University of New York at Binghamton. The award honors Tom Erb, a prolific author and staunch advocate for middle level education. The award will be presented at the Association for Middle Level Education annual conference in Nashville in November.

Foppiano named VP at firm’s New York office BOND, the Northeast’s premier building, civil, utility and energy construction firm, announced that Queens resident Dan Foppiano has been promoted to vice president of the Civil and Utility Division of the company’s New York City office. Foppiano will be responsible for overseeing all major civil and utility projects, while continuing to grow the operations in the New York City metro area and further develop both new and existing customers. “In just four short years, Dan’s leadership has helped BOND establish itself as a top-tier urban utilities contracFOPPIANO tor in the New York City market,” said Tony Bond, President of the Civil and Utility Division at BOND. “The expansion into New York City was BOND’s first big venture outside of the New England region. That we have been able to deliver high quality and consistent work is a testament to what Dan has brought to the table.” Foppiano is a 16-year veteran of the construc-

in 2015, Foppiano has been instrumental in the company becoming a valuable partner to key energy and infrastructure entities such as ConEdison, National Grid and the Port Authority. “As a lifelong resident of New York City, I care deeply about this market,” said Foppiano. “The city has a tremendous need for upgraded infrastructure, to be leading the BOND team in addressing these unique challenges and servicing this city is a real source of pride for me.” A family-owned business, BOND employs approximately 100 people in the New York City region and prides itself on offering employees more work-life flexibility and the opportunity to expand with the firm, no matter what region they work in. “We always try to maintain our local feel and our local family presence,” said Bond.

Gross tapped CFO for Woodside nonprofit Woodside-based New York Edge — the largest provider of afterschool programs in the metropolitan region — announced that Anna Maslow Gross will be the organization’s new chief financial officer. Gross, who previously was CFO for New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG), will bring a strategic approach to New York Edge’s finance and accounting needs and build the organization’s capacity to manage its finances as it continues to grow. “Anna’s extensive background in nonprofit and education GROSS finance will be a tremendous resource to and further strengthen our executive team,” said CEO Rachael Gazdick. “She will be instrumental in our continued success as we grow the organization and diversify our funding streams.” Gross has more than 30 years of experience in finance, including leadership roles at a variety of major nonprofit organizations. Over the course of her career, Gross has served in executive positions at Bank Street College of Education, Girls Incorporated, American Red Cross of Greater New York, Ross University, UNICEF USA, and the Touro College and University System, in addition to her most

Baruch Graduate School and BS in Mathematics and Psychology from Brooklyn College.

Chan is new medical director at Outreach Dr. Enoch Chan has joined Outreach, a drug and alcohol treatment services agency in Richmond Hill, Greenpoint and Long Island, as its full-time medical director. Chan, who has been practicing medicine for more than two decades, served as a consulting physician for Outreach for the past five years. “Having a veteran of the medical community, someone as practiced, compassionate and aligned with our goals as Dr. Chan, will prove invaluable to the health CHAN and well-being of those we serve,” said Debra Pantin, president and CEO of Outreach. Chan will help advance Outreach’s integrated care model, which affects families and individuals involved with treatment. His short-term goals, the agency said, includes working with the executive team and senior management to expand the agency’s Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) capabilities, as well as implementing the use of telehealth. Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140 Jackson Heights, N.Y. 11370-1131 Entire Contents Copyright 2019 by Queensborough. All letters sent to the QUEENSBOROUGH should be brief and are subject to condensation. Writers should include a full address and home and office telephone numbers, where available, as well as affiliation, indicating special interest. Anonymous letters are not printed. Name withheld on request. No such ad or any part thereof may be reproduced without prior permission of the QUEENSBOROUGH. The publishers will not be responsible for any error in advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Errors must be reported to the QUEENSBOROUGH within five days of publication. Ad position cannot be guaranteed unless paid prior to publication. Schneps Communications assumes no liability for the content or reply to any ads. The advertiser assumes all liability for the content of and all replies. The advertiser agrees to hold the QUEENSBOROUGH and its employees harmless from all cost, expenses, liabilities, and damages resulting from or caused by the publication or recording placed by the advertiser or any reply to any such advertisement.

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September 2019 • Volume 15 • Issue 9

PROMOTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS He will also serve as the organization’s representative to the greater medical community, and provide direct patient care at the agency’s locations. Chan received his bachelor’s degree at Stony Brook University and his medical degree from New York Medical College. He served his residency at North Shore Health System, and was the attending physician at Long Island’s Peconic Bay Medical Associates. He also served with another behavioral health agency before joining Outreach as a consulting physician at its Bellport location. “It is an absolute honor to be a part of Outreach, an organization that has committed itself for more than four decades to serving and helping to heal individuals and families struggling with substance abuse,” Chan said in a statement. “I am humbled to be able to work with such tireless and devoted professionals, and I am excited to do my part in expanding the Outreach mission to build healthy lives.”

Kauff to lead cancer genetics at Northwell The Northwell Health Cancer Institute has

appointed Dr. Noah D. Kauff chief of cancer Cancer Institute. genetics for the health system. He joined the Kauff also will help integrate cutting-edge Cancer Institute on August 14. understanding of the molecular basis of individKauff, a gynecologist and geneticist, has spe- ual cancers to provide more targeted therapy to cialized in cancer genetics for 20 years. Prior Northwell’s oncology patients as well as better to joining Northwell, he served as characterize cancer risks and methdirector of clinical cancer genetics at ods to reduce these risks in patients the Duke Cancer Institute in Durham, with a family history of cancer. North Carolina, part of the Duke Kauff’s research interests include University Health System. the role of genetic counseling on From 2006 to 2015, Dr. Kauff the evaluation and management of directed the Ovarian Cancer Screenindividuals with an inherited preing and Prevention program at disposition to cancer. His clinical Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer focus includes cancer risk counselCenter (MSK) in Manhattan. He ing, screening for and prevention of also was an attending physician for inherited cancers and the gynecoMSK’s Clinical Genetics and Gynelogic care of patients with cancer. KAUFF cology Services. He is a fellow of the American In his role at Northwell, Kauff, College of Obstetrics and Gynecolwill provide leadership, strategy and manage- ogy and a member of several medical orgament of cancer genetics, incorporating clinical nizations, including the American Society of care, research and education across the health Clinical Oncology, American Association for system’s cancer centers. Cancer Research, and Society of Gynecologic “With Dr. Kauff’s extensive clinical and Oncologists, among others. research expertise, he will be critical in develA frequent lecturer at medical meetings, oping a comprehensive and robust adult cancer Kauff has been invited to give nearly 100 pregenetics program at Northwell,” said Dr. ,Rich- sentations on inherited breast and gynecological ard Barakat, director of the Northwell Health cancer and other related topics.

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QUEENS CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS

ST. MICHAEL’S CONTINUES TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, a participating school with the Roche Center for Catholic Education at Boston College in the Two-Way Immersion Language Program, continues to expand enrollment in the only Catholic, dual-language Mandarin and English elementary school in the United States. As demonstrated by improving test results, the nearly 300 students at Saint Michael’s are receiving additional educational and social benefits from dual-language education. Founded in 1851, the school’s preschool through grade 8 programs continue to serve the immigrant population of Queens. With a 100 percent graduation rate,

the Class of 2019 received over $165,000 in scholarships and awards to local Catholic and specialized high schools. One students was accepted to Manhattan’s Regis High School, a merit-based high school with free tuition for academically qualifying students. St. Michael’s Catholic Academy enjoys academic and professional support from several institutions. Fordham University and St. John’s University offer teachers educational strategies for meeting the needs of second-language learners. The Department of Education and Columbia University selected the PKA program to be part of the ExCELL Professional Devel-

opment Program. This program for teachers and assistant teachers will train them to use highquality, research-based strategies to improve the language and literacy skills of the children in their classroom, both in English and their native language. Several special events are planned for the 2019-2020 school year: • 50th Reunion: On Saturday, September 21, the school will host a 50th reunion of the Class of 1969 with a 4 p.m. liturgy in the church followed by tours of the school building and class dinner. • Building Re-Dedication: On Sunday, September 22, Bishop DiMarzio will bless and rededicate the school building, which underwent a $2 million repointing of its historic brick structure, which was built in 1914. All are welcome

to celebrate with the parish and school communities. • Kindergarten Open House: Families interested in an excellent kindergarten program should attend the open house at 10 a.m. on October 1. • Fall Gala: St. Michael’s Fall Gala will take place on Thursday, October 24, at the Sheraton East from 6 to 11 p.m. Honorees include Bishop Di Marzio, the Rotary Club of Flushing, and Thomas James, a former faculty member, for their outstanding service to the children of Flushing. Anyone interested in attending one of the events or a personal tour of the school, contact Margaret Mary O’Connell, director of Development & Marketing at oconnell@stmichaelsca.org or (718) 961-0246. Visit stmichaelsca. org to learn more about the school.

September 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 15 â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 9

CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS QC WELCOMES NEW STUDENTS

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it, students were greeted by Interim President William Tramontano Jeff Ceraso (center) and senior administrators. Students later took part in a Starving Artist CafĂŠ & Gallery large-scale ice-breaker event to encourage new friendships, enjoyed a performance by R&B artist Jacquees, and visited a fair where more than 40 student organizations were represented. (Photo: Andy Poon)

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COVER STORY

EANES DISCUSSES VISION FOR YORK NEW POST MARKS RETURN TO CUNY SYSTEM

BY BENJAMIN FANG On her first day as interim president of York College, Dr. Berenecea Johnson Eanes had a packed schedule. She did a walkaround of the school’s Jamaica campus, met with dozens of students and hosted a reception in the afternoon. “I’m excited and grateful,” she said. “I can’t wait to meet my new community.” Eanes was named interim president on July 25, her appointment pending approval by the CUNY Board of Directors. She is replacing a longtime leader of York College. On August 31, Dr. Marcia V. Keizs stepped down after 14 years at the helm, a tenure marked by several accomplishments, including increasing enrollment and expanding the school’s national profile, restructuring academic departments, and launching new undergraduate and master’s programs. Keenly aware of her predecessor’s achievements, Eanes, who had known Keizs since she was a vice president at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, said she spoke to the former York College president several times before her arrival. She learned not only about where the college is now, but where Keizs hopes York College will go in the future. “Dr. Keizs has been extremely generous in her time and her attention to sharing every bit of information that she can,” Eanes said. “I’m grateful for all of it, especially for the attention to detail.” In many ways, Eanes has been prepared for this new role, which is the latest in a 25-year career in higher education at both public

Dr. Berenecea Johnson Eanes comes to York College after a seven-year stint at Cal State Fullerton.

and private institutions. At 18 years old, Eanes began her student affairs life as a residence hall director at Dillard University in New Orleans, where she received a bachelor of science in public health. She later received a master’s degree in social work from Boston University and a Ph.D. in social work from Clark Atlanta University. After teaching social work at several colleges on the east coast, and a stint as associate dean of students for diversity and accessibility at Hamilton College, Eanes joined CUNY’s John Jay as vice president for student affairs, a post she held for six years. Her journey then took her to California in 2012, where she served as vice president of the Division of Student Affairs at California State University (CSU) Fullerton. Eanes led a division of more than 400 employees to support the personal, social and academic development of nearly 40,000 students.

The CSU system, Eanes noted, is similar to CUNY in that the student body is diverse and full of first-generation students looking to transform their lives through education. The CSU system is also very mission driven, she said. At Cal State Fullerton, Eanes said overseeing 40,000 students was like “managing a small town.” But she also wanted to make such a big place feel small for every student. “That’s the only way our students succeed, by finding their place on a campus,” she said. “Every student has to know they belong and find where they belong.” Her leadership at Cal State Fullerton won her national accolades. In January 2019, Eanes was the sole recipient of the NASPA Scott Goodnight Award for Outstanding Performance as a Dean. The year before, she was the only administrator in the CSU system to receive the Wang Family Excellence Award for her con-

tributions and achievements at the school. Eanes said she comes to York College with a deep commitment to students and education. “I believe that education is the social justice dilemma of our current world,” she said. “Being able to equip students with their education is the most amazing thing we can do to transform their lives and the lives of their families.” As the new interim president, Eanes said she will spend a lot of time listening, learning and getting to know people at York College. She said she’s focused on understanding CUNY Chancellor Felix V. Matos Rodriguez’s mission and how to connect that to the campus. She also wants to better understand the relationship between the local community and York College, and how the school plays a crucial role in the neighborhood. Finally, Eanes will learn more about the faculty and staff, and figure out what opportunities they

September 2019 • Volume 15 • Issue 9

COVER STORY

Dr. Eanes meets with students as part of her first day on the job.

would like the college leadership to pay attention to to better educate students. She noted that York College is in the process of putting together

a strategic plan that will focus on the education, environment and future of the school. “A very robust and appropriate conversation has been going on

well before my coming here,” she said. “I’m just going to join in on that conversation. “It will be a living plan,” she added. “Once we get our strategic plan, we’ll know where we’re going, and we’re all going to do it together.” Eanes said she’s also aware of the challenges facing higher education leaders today –– although she prefers to view challenges as opportunities. One in particular is the lack of resources, whether it’s space, people or time. “There’s never enough,” she said. “Resource management is really important.” Another challenge, she said, is figuring out how to come into a place where people have had a “wonderful president for 14 years” but have to adjust to a new leader. But after an exciting first day, Eanes said feels more than honored to be the interim president at York College. “I feel really privileged and blessed to be able to do this,” she said.

YORK AT A GLANCE Founded: 1966 Location: Jamaica, Queens Total Student Enrollment: 8,693 (fall 2018) Student to Faculty Ratio: 20 to 1 Schools: 3 (School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business and Informations Systems, School of Health Sciences and Professional Programs) Degrees: Over 70 B.A. and B.S. Majors Student Clubs: 42

CUNY AT A GLANCE Campuses: 25 Students: 274,906 (Fall 2018) Degrees Conferred: 53,942 (2017-2018)

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EXPERT ADVICE

STRATEGIES TO COMPETE WITH THE BIG BOYS BY DAYANA CABEZA, LILIANA TORELLA & JOE OGNO

Organizational culture and employee engagement are, by far, the two biggest defining drivers of success and growth. They are also the most misunderstood and ignored factors in most small-mid size companies, period. Culture, because it is so hard to define (philosophies, attitudes, beliefs, behaviors), and engagement, because it is difficult to measure (work hours, pay, volunteerism, leadership/ownership), often get placed on the back burner. This puts your firm at an immediate disadvantage when it comes to growth and sustainability. Both engagement and culture come from the “f” word: feelings. How do your people feel when they walk in the door? Frequently that answer isn’t what ownership wants. Until recently, companies had the luxury to be passive about using design in reinforcing or improving their culture. Today, based on current global business trends that affect every size firm, developing the workplace is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. Have you considered how your culture is communicated by your office space? Let’s look at these evolving realities. Business complexity and disruption, while always a part of business, happens with incredible speed today. More and more, people are working across different geographies and time zones, and being able

to connect quickly and reliably is a critical element in the planning and design of new or renovated space. Therefore, incorporating advanced technology into workspace design is a given and keep your company progressive, nimble, relevant, and profitable. Your people feel empowered. Complexity and disruption come from the digital universe, or in other words, technology. Laptops, tablets, smartphones, docking stations, multiple monitors, sit-stand workstations, interactive smartboards, video conferencing, etc. Tie that with the many software interfaces - CRM, ERP, Salesforce, Analytics, Website Forensics and you see the very “connected” way for us to feel “disconnectDayana Cabeza and Liliana Torella are ed” from the culture. senior organizational consultants at Like with all aspects Be Growth Consulting. Learn more at of planning, this is an begrowthconsulting.com or contact@ opportunity for you to begrowthconsulting.com. Joe Ogno is a define how your firm workplace strategy expert at Jason Office will work. Products. Contact him at joe@jasonoffice. Choose the right com and visit jasonoffice.com. space, the proper

hardware, the right design, and the right software to be sure that the culture is supported in each step. Remember, culture is hard to define, and engagement is hard to measure. Plan for the best outcomes, don’t hope for them. A critical part of maintaining a culture and keeping people engaged is the attraction and retention of the “right” people. A well-designed and thoroughly culture-driven workspace consistently conveys the environment that will get the right people to come there and keep them there to grow along with the company. Give the people the best tools, collaborative spaces, and make them feel valued and safe. There is no secret sauce, remember it is about feelings. For the first time in history, we have four different generations coexisting and working under the same roof and working side by side. Different hot buttons, styles, motivations, flexibility demands, physical capabilities and, yes, feelings must be taken into consideration. The current workforce spends 25 to 35 percent less time on individual

work than just 15 years ago, and that trend is rising. If you aren’t in front of it, then you’re behind it. For that reason, you need to find a common ground where generations can work together, learn, collaborate, focus, and socialize. And most importantly, every workspace must encourage communication and provide options to work in preferred styles where innovation, agility and creativity can emerge. Today’s work is complex and unpredictable, and a single, all-purpose workspace does not give your people the tools to compete. One size does not fit all. The support of an expert consultant facilitates the process, shortens the learning curve, and can help achieve the results that create super employees that create super businesses. If you want to know more about culture and the impact of the workspace on the way we will work in the future, join us on September 20 at the Queens Chamber of Commerce for a workshop titled “How will you work tomorrow? Culture and Workspace for Small and MidSized Businesses.”

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CHAMBER MOVES TO BIGGER SPACE, BUT NOT FAR The Queens Chamber of Commerce has moved to a bigger office, but visitors won’t have to go far to see their new digs. After 25 years in the same office at the Bulova Corporate Center in East Elmhurst, the chamber moved on August 9 to a larger space just around the corner in the same building, located at 75-20 Astoria Boulevard. “Due to our incredible growth over the past few years, the expansion of our programs and further push into a number of new communities in Queens County, we are thrilled to be staying in the same building so that we can continue to serve all the businesses

of Queens,” said Chamber CEO Thomas Grech. To showcase their new office, the chamber is hosting an open house and reception on Tuesday, September 17, at 2 p.m. “Now is an exciting time to be doing business in Queens and an exciting time for the Queens Chamber,” Grech said. “We’ve hired new staff and launched new initiatives to benefit our members and the borough as a whole. “This move will help us better serve Queens’ business community,” he added, “and we invite all business owners to come and pay us a visit so we can help your business grow and thrive.”

CHAMBER RELEASES DINING & HOSPITALITY GUIDE The Queens Chamber of Commerce released its 2019 Best of Queens Hospitality & Dining Guide, highlighting some of the best hotels and restaurants that make Queens a unique place to stay and dine. It came out just in time to be distributed free of charge to some of the 800,000 tennis fans who visiting Queens for the U.S. Open. The guide showcases restaurants by neighborhood and cuisine, and will include notable ratings and mass transit directions, making it easy for hungry patrons to visit new spots and rediscover long-time favorites. CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

A screenshot from the web-based interactive version of the new guide.

September 2019 • Volume 15 • Issue 9

QUEENS CHAMBER NEWS & EVENTS

QUEENS TOURISM KIOSK RETURN TO U.S. OPEN The Queens tourism kiosk returned to the grounds of the National Tennis Center again this year, encouraging U.S. Open attendees to check out some of the other things the borough has to offer outside of the great tennis taking place. This marks the eighth consecutive year that the United States Tennis Association (USTA) has hosted the kiosk. The opening of the kiosk coincided with Queens Day at the U.S. Open, which is a showcase for many of the borough’s cultural institutions. Available at the kiosk this year was a new magazine and interactive website created by the Queens Chamber of Commerce (see page ??) featuring the best places to enjoy the unique culinary and hospitality options in Queens. “My duty is to support the businesses in Queens County,” said Chamber CEO Thomas Grech. “To buy local and shop local is really important.” Volunteers at the kiosk also handed out Queens-themed items and advice on how to maximize one’s time in the borough. The kiosk is sponsored by the Queens Chamber, It’s In Queens, and Empire State Development Corporation. PHOTOS: DOMINICK TOTINO

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INTERNS REFLECT ON TIME SPENT AT CHAMBER BY BENJAMIN FANG Interns play a crucial role in any office setting, providing help while gaining valuable experience on the job. This summer, the cohort of interns at the Queens Chamber of Commerce assisted with outreach to small businesses, dispensing resources while gathering information. Mohamad Amin, a 20-year-old Hunter College student studying economics, said his favorite part of the internship was seeing all of the different neighborhoods the borough has to offer. “I’ve been all around Queens with the chamber,” he said. Amin said he joined Jacqueline Donado, the chamber’s strategic program coordinator, on outreach trips to various neighborhoods. When they came back to the office, he processed the visits on Microsoft Excel or the customer relationship management (CRM) tools. He said through the experience, he improved his interpersonal

skills, as well as his proficiency with Excel. The Queens Village resident landed the internship through CUNY’s Summer Corps program. He has been an intern at the chamber since July. “They have a very calm but welcoming working space,” Amin said. “The work is not too intense, but still feels rewarding.” Another intern, 19-year-old Atiqul Haque Chowdhury, started his internship with the Queens Chamber in August. Chowdhury immigrated to New York this past December after finishing high school in his native Bangladesh. He wanted to attend college in the United States, but was told that he would not receive financial aid unless he showed proof of residency for 12 months. When he arrived, he took a job with a local Dunkin Donuts, only to be unfulfilled by the work. He then applied for the Young Adult Internship Program (YAIP) with the nonprofit organization Opportunities for a Better Tomor-

DINING & HOSPITALITY GUIDE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

“With over 6,000 restaurants and 150 hotels, New Yorkers know that Queens is the best borough to sample cuisines from all over the world and stay when you’re visiting,” said Chamber CEO Thomas Grech. “Our 2019 Best of Queens Hospitality & Dining Guide will make it easier for everyone – from native New Yorkers to tourists visiting for the first time – to find the restaurants and hotels that will make their time spent in Queens memorable,” The guide will be accompanied by a mobile optimized microsite, developed by LiveXYZ, with an interactive map showing bars and restaurants from the guide and what’s happening inside each location throughout the day.

By scanning a QR code in the guide, users will be able to see what’s happening where they are at any given moment - from happy hours to food and drink specials to events – and navigate their way to bars and restaurants. The interactive map will also be available at queenschamberrestaurantguide.com. “Tourism in Queens is booming these days, and this project is going to catapult the borough to another level,” said Rob MacKay, director of Public Relations, Marketing and Tourism for the Queens Economic Development Corporation. The 2019 Best of Queens Hospitality & Dining Guide will also be available at local hotels, Queens Chamber of Commerce member businesses, and events throughout the year.

Some of the interns who gained valuable experience with the Chamber.

row (OBT) in Jamaica. Through YAIP, Chowdhury landed a 12-week internship with Assemblyman Clyde Vanel’s office in Queens Village. On May 16, Chowdhury attended the Queens Chamber Expo at Citi Field, where he met Queens Chamber President and CEO Tom Grech and chief of operations Joanne Persad. They took a liking to him, and later offered him an internship at the chamber. Chowdhury has been working on the “Chamber On-the-Go” initiative, a partnership between the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and the city’s chambers of commerce. The mobile business support program helps small business owners access free services without leaving the comfort of their storefronts. During on-site visits, trained business specialists conduct a snapshot of the company’s strengths and needs, connect them with free resources, provide business support and answer questions on challenges and opportunities. In addition to inputting documents on the Queens Chamber’s website, Chowdhury has begun

physical outreach to mom-and-pop stores. Chowdhury said he values his experience at the chamber because he’s always been interested in working in an office environment. “This is perfect, it can’t be better,” he said. “There’s so many things to learn. “I can use the information and knowledge in my life,” Chowdhury added. “This kind of experience can help me choose my career.” The 19-year-old said he wants to attend college soon, and may be interested in studying biology. But in his short time with the chamber, he has already learned a lot about professionalism, how businesses work and how to interact with people. Chowdhury said he wants to continue convincing small businesses, especially those in the Bangladeshi community, to which he has a strong connection, to work with local chambers. “There are a lot of services, a lot of opportunities, but if they don’t know, they’re not going to take them,” he said. “Our job is to let them know.”

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FOR ENTREPRENEURS, QUEENS TAKES THE CROWN WHY THE BOROUGH IS PRIMED FOR A BUSINESS RENAISSANCE Brooklyn may have gained steam as a hub for tech innovation in recent years, but now it’s Queens, home to over 50,000 businesses, that’s the latest New York City borough to represent opportunity for enterprising companies. Business growth in Queens has outpaced the citywide rate by five percent over the last decade, and major players have taken notice of New York’s largest borough. In just the past year alone, The New York Times, real estate giant Corcoran, and even Robert De Niro have eyed the borough for new endeavors and facilities. This surge in business—and accompanying real estate and population boom—has made Queens a natural fit for coworking spaces. In 2016, WeWork opened its first outpost in the borough, an airy, fourfloor facility at 35-37 36th Street in Astoria. And WeWork broke ground on a second facility at 27-01 Queens Plaza in Long Island City in March 2018. The two-floor location is situated near Queens cultural staples like film production facility Silvercup Studios and MoMA PS1. With 11 subway lines, two of the busiest airports in the country, and a location between Manhattan and Brooklyn, Queens is incredibly easy to get to and get around. And then there are the unbeatable views. “We moved to our WeWork location on the first day it opened in 2018,” says Neil Levin, a Queens resident, founder of Webline Designs and member at WeWork’s Queens Plaza location in Long Island City. “Once we saw the wellkept space—with access to conference rooms and all the amenities— and the views of Manhattan, it was like, ‘you can’t beat this.’” This fall, Gotham Center, situated on Long Island City’s major thoroughfare Jackson Avenue, will

mark the newest addition to the Queens WeWork family—as well as the biggest, with 13 floors and more than 150,000 square feet. The three locations represent convenience for many; the majority of current WeWork members whose businesses are based in Queens also live in the borough. “We have two employees who walk to work,” says Edion Mecaj, principal at iX Construction and member at WeWork Queens Plaza. “One goes home for lunch. And we have another who bikes from Sunnyside. It offers a lot of convenience.” Doing business at WeWork has provided iX Construction with significantly more efficiency than they’ve managed to find before, Mecaj adds. “We had another option—one of WeWork’s competitors—but it was smaller and had a lot less amenities,” he says. “What’s also convenient about WeWork is that pretty much immediately after you secure the space, you’re up and running. Previously, I’ve gone through the hassle of getting an office ready. I know the pain and the cost of that, and by the time everything is operational, you’re looking at a few months. With WeWork, you just grab a laptop and you’re ready to go.” Levin has found the combination of being established at WeWork and in Queens to be extremely good for business. “Because of how involved we are in the community, it feels like it’s not as hard to get work,” says Levin, who is a member of the

Queens Chamber of Commerce. “We spend a lot of time here, and people always wave and say hello. We talk to people, find out what

they do, who they are, and see if there’s an opportunity there. I feel like we’re in the center of New York City.”

CHAMBER WELCOMES TECHIE YOUTH TO LIC BY CARL MCCARTHY On July 25, residents mingled with the leadership and teachers of Techie Youth at the not-forprofit organization’s new storefront classrooms at 23-01 41st Avenue in Long Island City.

“Every day, new small businesses are opening up in Long Island City,” said Brendan Leavy of the Queens Chamber of Commerce at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Techie Youth is a welcome addition to the neighborhood, and we want to support you and other

small businesses making the neighborhood a nice place to be.” Techie Youth is a New Yorkbased charity providing free technology career training to foster kids and other at-risk youth. This sumCONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

September 2019 • Volume 15 • Issue 9

MEMBER NEWS

TECHIE YOUTH IN LIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

mer the group started teaching two free five-hour classes, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, five days a week. Over 100 students are enrolled, all of them through a city program that provides the youth with a stipend for their time spent in the Techie Youth classroom. “Most importantly, what Techie Youth provides is hope,” said president Eric David Benari. “A lot of these kids don’t stand a chance without a helping hand, and we try to give it to them in the form of tech skills. We provide each student with opportunity and attention.” Techie Youth has been operating at several other locations since the first class commenced in November 2015. They quickly took advantage of their new Long Island City

location, teaming up with Hour Children, another Long Island City charitable organization, to provide a special “Techie Youth Plus+” computer-career training program for formerly-incarcerated women. Lance Pinn, CEO of Techie Youth’s close neighbor Brooklyn Boulders, provided free bouldering and climbing lessons to approximately 40 of the Techie Youth students. This immediately became a significant highlight of their summer, as kids in foster care living without parents typically cannot afford luxuries such as bouldering in a gym. Techie Youth hopes to coordinate similar arrangements with other local healthy activity providers. Carl McCarthy is an attorney and board member of Techie Youth. He can be reached at carl@techieyouth.org.

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SUMMER’S BONUS TRACK! FUN IN SEPTEMBER September is a time to shop for school supplies, drink pumpkinspice lattes, and take the sweaters out of storage. Queens residents do these activities, but they also enjoy fun, enriching and recreational events in their home borough. The upcoming month’s lineup includes dance, film, food, art, ghosts, motorcycles, a moon festival, and something called “forest bathing.” Please read on. Sept. 7-8, Chuseok Korean Moon Festival. The 37th annual South Korean culture celebration features food, activities, vendors, and K-pop. Two days: Sept. 7, 10 am to 7 pm; and Sept. 8, 10 am to 6 pm. Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing, queensbotanical.org. Sept. 8, Jewish Life in Queens, 2:30 pm. Jack Eichenbaum, who is the official Queens historian as per Borough President Melinda Katz, lectures on how the local Jewish population has evolved over the years. Kingsland Homestead, 14335 37th Ave., Flushing, queenshistoricalsociety.org. Sept. 11-Mar. 8, Brendan

PARSONS DANCE

Fernandes: Contract and Release. The current installation “Noguchi: Body-Space Devices” is reconfigured as a set for “Contract and Release,” a performancebased collaboration with Brendan Fernandes, who works at the intersection of dance and the visual arts. Developed with architectureand-design collaborative Norman Kelley, the installation features six “training devices” inspired by the rocking chairs that Noguchi produced for Martha Graham’s “Appalachian Spring (1944)” dance. These chairs create an endurance test for the dancers, who have to sit on them and remain balanced while working through a version of Graham’s “contract and release” exercise. The Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Rd., LIC, noguchi.org. Sept. 13-22, América. Twelve screenings of a documentary on three Mexican brothers and their 93-year-old grandmother, América. Diego returns home from the circus to reunite with his brothers after América falls from her bed. He’s a dreamer who sees poetry and purpose in this tragedy, but

his dream of familial cohesion fades as the brothers clash over money, communication, and the challenge of caring for their grandmother. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria’s Kaufman Arts District, movingimage.us. Sept. 14, World’s Fair Tour, 2 pm. Lloyd Trufelman leads this Municipal Arts Society walk through the grounds of the 1939 and 1964 World’s Fairs. The sights include Queens Museum (formerly NYC Pavilion), Philip Johnson’s NY State Pavilion, the Unisphere (exact site of the Trylon and Perisphere), Port Authority Heliport, Westinghouse Time Capsule, and the New York Hall of Science. More info at mas.org. Sept. 15, Antique Motorcycle Show, 11 am. This 39th annual blowout features a judged show of more than 100 antique bikes, live music, food vendors, and bikes for sale. Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy., Glen Oaks, queensfarm.org. Sept. 15, Opening for Two Exhibitions, 6 pm. “Searching the Sky for Rain” brings together artists who disregard how the

art industry regulates, classifies, compartmentalizes, and essentializes difference. The show questions who has the right to abstraction. “École du soir” is Christian Nyampeta’s ongoing investigation into how to live together. It consists of a scriptorium, an exhibition, and public programs concerned with “thinking Africa.” SculptureCenter, 44-19 Purves St., LIC, sculpturecenter.org. Sept. 20, Season Opening Party with Cuban Music, 7 pm. Flushing Town Hall kicks off its new season with three-time Grammy nominee Jane Bunnett (soprano, sax, flute) and her sextet, Maqueque. These female musicians play a rich AfroCuban gumbo. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., flushingtownhall.org. Sept. 21, Frights and Phantoms of Flushing, 7:30 pm. This twohour walking tour explores the haunted aspects of Flushing. It repeats on Oct. 5 (7:30 pm), Oct. 13 (3 pm), Oct. 19 (7:30 pm), and Oct. 26 (3 pm and 7:30 pm). Meet outside Flushing Quaker Meeting House, 137-16 Northern Blvd., boroughsofthedead.com. Sept. 21-22, Parsons Dance. This company fuses the gestures and movements that comprise contemporary dance with the precision of the classical genre. Shows on Sept. 21 at 2 pm and 8 pm, plus Sept. 22 at 3 pm. Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Ave. S., Flushing Meadows Corona Park, queenstheatre.org. Sept. 22, Forest Bathing, 10 am. The Natural Areas Conservancy offers “forest bathing,” a low-intensity activity based on the practice of shinrin-yoku, which focuses on gently engaging mind, spirit, and body with the natural environment. Expert guide Nancy Kopans from Urban Edge Forest Therapy leads the fun in Forest Park. Meet-up instructions provided upon registration. More info at queensmuseum.org. The monthly “It’s In Queens” column is produced by the Queens Tourism Council. More info at itsinqueens.com.

September 2019 • Volume 15 • Issue 9

QUEENSBOROUGH CALENDAR OF EVENTS SEPTEMBER 9/17, 9 AM

BUILD A BETTER NONPROFIT

Are you a nonprofit struggling with retaining quality volunteers? Are you seeking strategic ways to market your organization? A broad range of experts will help you address these and other issues. FREE Register at queenschamber.org Investors Bank Astoria Training Room 31-33 31st Street Astoria 9/17, 2 PM

CHAMBER OPEN HOUSE

Join the Chamber as it officially opens its new larger office in the Bulova Corporate Center after 25 years at its old location. Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140 Jackson Heights

9/23, 11 AM

STEPS TO HOME OWNERSHIP

Get tips that can help you buy, build and invest in your home with confidence from Lucien Lapierre of TD Bank. FREE Register at queenschamber.org Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard Jackson Heights 9/25, 4 PM

PRESCRIPTION PRICING...WHAT’S BEHIND THE COST?

Join the Healthcare & Wellness Committee as they present a conversation to explore prescription pricing. A diverse panel will field questions which will provide more clarity around this topic. FREE Register at queenschamber.org 90-27 Sutphin Boulevard 5th Floor Jamaica

9/26, 4 PM

LEAN MANUFACTURING & BATTLING RISING COSTS IN NYC

“Lean” a systematic method for waste minimization within a manufacturing system without sacrificing productivity. FREE Register at queenschamber.org Securitech Group, Inc. 54-60 46th Street Maspeth

OCTOBER 10/3, 6 PM

2019 BUILDINGS AWARDS GALA

For over 90 years, this marvelous tradition honors the architects, builders, engineers, lenders, interior designers and owners of buildings and building projects in Queens County. Our gala this year takes place at Eero Saarinen’s landmark 1962 Flight Center at JFK.

Tickets at queenschamber.org Parking Compliments of Thales USA TWA Hotel at JFK Airport Central Terminal 5 Area Jamaica 10/16, 9 AM

BREAKFAST SPEED NETWORKING #3

A fast-paced event where you’ll build professional networks and increase your bottom-line. FREE Register at queenschamber.org Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard Jackson Heights 10/24, 9 AM

BUSINESS OPEN MIC

Share your business expertise with a selected group of professional, start up and entrepreneurs FREE healme.nyc 44-02 23rd Street Long Island City

9/18, 9 AM

“THE LAST MILE” INDUSTRIAL TRANSFORMATION

Join the Real Estate Committee for a panel discussion with industry professionals. FREE Register at queenschamber.org Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard Jackson Heights 9/20, 9 AM

HOW WILL YOU WORK TOMORROW? ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE & WORKSPACE

This workshop will explore how important it is for businesses to have a work space strategy as a talent attraction, engagement, and retention tool, among other related topics concerning the workplace of the future. FREE Register at queenschamber.org Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard Jackson Heights

Tyler Morse, president and CEO of MCR Development, will deliver the keynote speech at this year’s Building Awards Gala discussing the vision behind the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport. Not only will the hotel host this year’s event, it will be honored in the Hotels & Motels category for New Construction.

For any registration or more information on these events or any other events please call us at 718.898.8500 or visit us on the web queenschamber.org

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NONPROFIT NEWS

JOIN THE FIGHT TO END ALZHEIMER’S The New York City Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will host the Queens Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, September 28, at Flushing MeadowsCorona Park. The annual event raises funds to support Alzheimer’s and dementia research and the New York City Chapter’s care, support and education programs available to all New Yorkers free of charge. The walk begins at 10:45 a.m. and will be hosted by NY1 anchor and reporter Shannan Ferry, who lives in Queens. “I’ve seen how Alzheimer’s can have an impact on families, and I’m honored to be part of such an incredible effort to help families affected by this disease,” said Ferry. “It’s especially meaningful to be emceeing the walk in my native borough of Queens.” Walk to End Alzheimer’s participants will learn more about Alzheimer’s disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical studies enrollment, support programs and services. No registration fee is required, and family-friendly activities like a photo booth and dedicated kid zone will be provided free of charge. During the opening ceremony, participants will honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and all forms of dementia with Promise Flowers during the poignant Promise Garden Ceremony, a moving display of hope to represent the personal reasons participants join together to fight Alzheimer’s. Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia. There are 400,000 people in New York State living with Alzheimer’s and more than 1 million dementia caregivers. Over 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, making it the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only disease among the top 10 causes of death

that cannot be cured, prevented or even slowed. Alzheimer’s and dementia have a disproportionate impact on women, African Americans and Latinos. Two-thirds of Americans living with Alzheimer’s are women, African Americans are two times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s or another dementia than whites, and Latinos are about 1.5 times more likely than whites to develop Alzheimer’s or another dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association New York City Chapter is a community resource with a range of support services and programs in Queens and throughout the five boroughs. In addition to in person services, the Alzheimer’s Association operates a nationwide 24/7 helpline (800-272-3900) that is available to offer support to people living with dementia and their loved ones 365 days a year. The 2019 Queens Walk to End Alzheimer’s on September 28 is one of four New York City fundraising walks sponsored by the New York City Chapter. The oth-

Queens Walk to End Alzheimer’s Emcee and NY1 anchor Shannan Ferry and family. ers are: • Brooklyn Walk to End Alzheimer’s - September 22 at Cadman Plaza Park • Staten Island Walk to End Alzheimer’s – October 12 at The College of Staten Island

• Manhattan Walk to End Alzheimer’s – October 26 at The South Street Seaport Visit alz.org/walk to register your team today, or contact Alex Schoeneck at alschoeneck@alz.org.

EXPERT ADVICE

AGE CAN BE ALL IN THE EYES BY MARC J. ELKOWITZ The shape of a person’s eyelids and eyebrows speaks volumes to their overall beauty. Eyelids can make someone appear much older than they are, while lowered or flattened eyebrows often make a person appear angry, which can significantly detract from their overall appearance. Extra skin and fat in the upper and lower eyelids occurs with normal aging, but are also common in younger individuals. Surgical correction of the eyebrows, lower eyelids, and upper eyelids, often occur simultaneously. Removing excess fat and

skin from the upper eyelids is one of the most common procedures performed by plastic surgeons. It leaves a very small scar that is barely perceptible. Lower eyelid surgery consists of a variety of surgical procedures designed to eliminate visible fat pads and excess skin. Fortunately, eyelids have creases and lines that hide most surgical incisions. An eyebrow lift is a great way to significantly improve facial aging. Facial injectables are sometimes used to reposition or shift eyebrows to a more desirable location. The final option to reposition and shape eyebrows is surgery, placing them in a slightly elevat-

ed and arched position. Many of these incisions are hidden within the hairline and have minimal visibility. Upper and lower eyelids should be free of excess skin and fat, but not excessively hollowed, and the eyebrow should be properly positioned and slightly arched. When this balance is achieved, the results can be quite exciting. If you would like more information on this or other cosmetic procedures, visit PlasticSurgeryofNewYork.com. Or call Marc J. Elkowitz, MD, FACS, and his team at (855) PSNY-123 to schedule a complimentary consultation.

September 2019 • Volume 15 • Issue 9

Invites you to join us for our

2019

Keynote speaker – Tyler Morse – CEO, Managing Partner - MCR Special remarks by – NY City Department of Buildings Commissioner – Melanie La Rocca

Celebrating outstanding architecture throughout Queens County for over 90 years

TWA Hotel at JFK

TERMINAL 5, JFK AIRPORT Parking compliments of Thales USA

6:00 PM

RSVP at queenschamber.org or call 718.898.8500

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QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES 82ND STREET PARTNERSHIP

37-06 82nd Street, Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Executive Director: Leslie Ramos 718.335.9421 82ndstreet.org QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $224,000 with more than 200 businesses under its umbrella. The district is on 82nd Street from 37th Avenue to Baxter Avenue. The board meets quarterly with the annual meeting in June. There are free immigration services every Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 71-29 Roosevelt Avenue. All services are free, confidential and open to any member of the community. Some of the services include DACA, TPS and document replacement and renewal. Call (212) 652-2071 with any questions. The Partnership’s hugely popular Viva La Comida food and arts festival will take place on 82nd Street on September 21 from noon to 7 p.m.

BAYSIDE VILLAGE BID

213-33 39th Avenue, Bayside, NY 11361 Executive Director: Christine Siletti 718.423.2434 info@baysidevillagebid.com QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $218,000 and over 350 members. Founded in 2007, the BID includes commercial property owners and residents on Bell Boulevard between 35th Avenue and Northern Boulevard, as well as a block east and west on 41st Avenue.

BAYSIDE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

41-16 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, NY 11361 President: Ed Probst Vice President: Judith Limpert 718.229.2277 info@baysideba.com baysideba.com Founded in 2007, the BID includes commercial property owners and residents on Bell Boulevard between 35th Avenue and Northern Boulevard, as well as a block east and west on 41st Avenue. Upcoming events include: • Virtual Networking Event on Wednesday, September 18, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. - Powered by Treble, a virtual networking event that allows you to join from the comfort of your own home or office. Treble, a business networking program, will help strengthen and grow your business network Register on the BID’s site. • Third Networking & Educational Event on Thursday, September 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. Speaker Tildet Varon discusses “The Missing Piece in Your Business: Bridging Wealth and Well-Being.” It will take place at Bourbon Street at 40-12 Bell Boulevard. • Wednesday, September 25, at 11:30 AM -

This year’s annual BBA golf outing will honor Mark Boccia, who is the owner of Bourbon Street, Austin’s Ale House and One Station Plaza. It will take place at Clearview Golf Course, which is located at 202-12 Willets Point Boulevard in Bayside.

BUSINESS CENTER FOR NEW AMERICANS (BCNA)

78-27 37 Avenue, Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Business Development: Tshering Gurung 347.730.6468 tgurung@nycbcna.org QUICK GLANCE: Since 1997, BCNA has been serving New York City entrepreneurs. BCNA is an approved Small Business Administration Intermediary Lender and a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). BCNA’s Microloan program is the cornerstone of its services. They provide small business loans and microloans to business owners who are not able to obtain loans from traditional lenders.

FOREST HILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PO Box 751123, Forest Hills, NY 11375 President: Leslie Brown 718.268.6565 FHChamber11375@gmail.com FHChamber@aol.com QUICK GLANCE: Re-formed in 1995, the group has over 225 members. Chamber meetings are held on the last Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m. at the West Side Tennis Club, 1 Tennis Place, in Forest Hills. This month’s meeting will take place on September 25. The Shop Forest Hills Fall Festival will take place on September 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Austin Street between 69th and 72nd roads. The free event will feature crafts, unique merchandise, gourmet foods, rides for the kids, a wine and beer garden and more.

GATEWAY JFK

Executive Director: Scott Grimm-Lyon info@GatewayJFK.org GatewayJFK.org QUICK GLANCE: Formerly the Greater JFK Industrial BID and founded in 2016, the group seeks to provide support to the off-airport air cargo and services district through supplemental services and improvements, technical and professional services for its members, and advocacy and administration. GatewayJFK is seeking sponsors for banners on Rockaway Boulevard. Participating sponsors will have their logo displayed on the lower portion of the banners for one full-year. Sponsoring the banner will cost $1,000, but sponsoring three

or more banners costs $750 per banner. If interested, contact GatewayJFK at 516-730-3400 or scott@gatewayjfk.org. The BID recently launched the GatewayJFK Rideshare portal to match commuters with others who live and work close to each other. Commuters are free to choose how frequently they want to carpool and with whom. If you are a member who regularly carpools and you need to leave work in an emergency, the free Guaranteed Ride Program will get you to your destination for free by public transit, taxi, Lyft or Uber.

GREATER FLUSHING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

39-01 Main Street, Suite 511, Flushing NY 11354 Executive Director: John Choe john@flushingchamber.nyc 646.783.8985 flushingchamber.nyc QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 2014 and representing over 200 businesses. Upcoming events include: • Grow NYC Greenmarket - Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Visit the GrowNYC Greenmarket at Maple Playground at 136-50 Maple Avenue. • Annual Golf Outing on September 9 - Visit the Chamber’s website for more information on this all-day event. • The “In It Together” Gala on October 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. - The Chamber will celebrate its fifth anniversary as a multicultural membership association of entrepreneurs and civic leaders. It will take place at Daedong Manor at 15024 Northern Boulevard.

GREATER JAMAICA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

90-04 161st Street, Jamaica, NY 11432 President: Hope Knight 718.291.0282 gjdc.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1967, the group has 75 members. GJDC’s work expands economic opportunity and improves quality of life for the ethnically and economically diverse residents of Jamaica and for the region at large, which benefits from rational, well-planned, and sustainable metropolitan growth.

GREATER WOODHAVEN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WOODHAVEN BID 84-01 Jamaica Avenue, Woodhaven NY 11421 718.805.0202 gwdcbid@hotmail.com woodhavenbid.com

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Profiling Queensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Most Dynamic People To subscribe to this monthly, glossy magazine, visit thisisqueensborough.com or call BQE Media at 718-426-7200. To place an ad, call BQE Media at 718-426-7200.

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QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $257,000 with more than 350 businesses under its umbrella. On Jamaica Avenue from Dexter Court to 100th Street. They are providing free benches for store owners along Jamaica Avenue. They also provide 2.5 and 5 percent home improvement loans.

those who perished on September 11, 2001, will take place at the JFK Airport Baseball Field next to Building 141 and the Cell Phone Parking Lot. • Annual Golf Outing on September 16 This all-day event will take place at Brookville Country Club in Glen Head. Register on the Chamber’s website.

JAMAICA CENTER BID

LONG ISLAND CITY PARTNERSHIP

161-10 Jamaica Avenue, Suite 419 Jamaica, NY 11432 Executive Director: Jennifer Furioli 718.526.2422 jamaica.nyc @JamCenterBID (Twitter) @jamcenterbid (Instagram) @Jamaica Center BID (Facebook) QUICK GLANCE: Budget of over $1 million. Founded in 1979, the Jamaica Center BID serves over 400 businesses on Jamaica Avenue between Sutphin Boulevard and 169th Street. The BID’s goal is to promote and maintain Downtown Jamaica as a thriving business hub and an enjoyable destination to shop, work, live and visit. The BID’s sanitation team is out on Jamaica Avenue 360 days a year. The BID offers marketing and promotion for the district, including a value card program, banner and rubbish bin sponsorship opportunities, and supports business owners in opening or expanding their operations. The BID is the proud recipient of a threeyear, $300,000 Avenue NYC grant and is currently conducting a Commercial District Needs Assessment (CDNA), which will inform future programing. Upcoming events include: • Friday through Sunday, September 1-2, 13-15, 27-29, from 10 AM to 8 PM - Sidewalk Sales on Jamaica Avenue between Sutphin Boulevard and 169 Street

JFK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

616 Duke Street, Westbury, NY 11590 Executive Director: Mercedes Altman 516.492.0513 jfkairportchamberofcommerce.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1978, the group has over 200 members. JFK Airport is the only airport in the country to have its own chamber of commerce wholly dedicated to the airport business community, which employs 35,000 people. The airport handles more than 50 million passengers a year, using almost a half-million square feet of warehouse space to handle more than a million tons of air freight cargo a year. Upcoming events include: • Annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, September 11, from 7:30 to 10 a.m. - A gathering to remember and pay respect to all

President: Elizabeth Lusskin 718.786.5300 longislandcityqueens.com Founded in 1979, the Long Island City Partnership advocates for economic development that benefits LIC’s industrial, commercial, cultural and residential sectors. The goal is to attract new businesses to the neighborhood, retain those already here, welcome new residents and visitors, and promote a vibrant and authentic mixed-use community. The LIC Partnership operates the LIC Business Improvement District and the LIC Industrial Business Zone. • Celebrate LIC on Friday, September 20, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Join the Long Island City Partnership (LICP) for a celebration of the LIC community and its 40th anniversary serving the neighborhood. It will take place at Plaxall Gallery at 5-25 46th Avenue.

MASPETH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

P.O. Box 780265, Maspeth, NY 11378 President: David Daraio 718.335.1300 maspethchamberofcommerce.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1953, they have 120 members and a budget of $115,000. • The Chamber’s Monthly Meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 20, at noon It will be held at Connolly’s Corner at 71-15 Grand Avenue.

MASPETH INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (MIBA)

BOC: 96-11 40th Road, Corona, NY 11368 Coordinator: Quincy Ely-Cate 718.205.3773 qelycate@bocnet.org mibanyc.org QUICK GLANCE: Roughly 600 businesses with 30 active members. The Maspeth Industrial Business Association, a project of the Business Outreach Center Network, provides a collective voice in advocating the needs and interests of industrial and manufacturing businesses in Maspeth. They help companies in the Maspeth Industrial District in developing workforce, accessing tax credits, obtaining financing, navigating government regulations and, in some cases, finding real estate.

MIDDLE VILLAGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

79-47 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village, NY 11379 President: Salvatore Crifasi 718.894.8700 Sal@Crifasi.com QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $8,000 with 35 businesses under its umbrella. Formed in 1929. MVCC meets annually and focuses on the Metropolitan Avenue shopping district between 69 and 80 th streets. Annual membership fee is $150, and they are looking to gain momentum through attracting new members. The mission is to improve the area and assist local businesses if they have any concerns or needs.

MYRTLE AVENUE BID

62-14 Myrtle Avenue, Ridgewood, NY 11385 Executive Director: Ted Renz 718.366.3806 QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $500,000 with over 300 retail and service businesses under its purview. Board meetings are held four times a year with the annual meeting in June. The district includes Myrtle Avenue in Ridgewood between Fresh Pond Road and Wyckoff Avenue. Program support is provided by the Ridgewood LDC. One of the longest running BIDs is also one of the more innovative in its approach to helping maintain an active business corridor by helping landlords rent vacant properties. The website ridgewood-ny.com shows properties that are currently for rent in the district. The BID has also been involved in a zoning initiative for Myrtle Avenue. Executive Director Ted Renz is working with, and has the approval of the community board, to preserve the integrity of the business feel of Myrtle Avenue by making it a special zoning district. City Planning is looking at the request now. The plan seeks to keep the look of the two- and three-story commercial infrastructure in tact. Upcoming events include: • Ridgewood Youth Market on Saturdays in September from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. - The market is located at Cypress & Myrtle avenues. • Labor Day/Back to School Sidewalk Sale from August 30 to September 2 - The sales last all day along Myrtle Avenue. • Myrtle Avenue BID Fall Street Festival on September 22 from noon to 6 p.m. - The festival will take place on Myrtle Avenue from Wyckoff and Forest avenues. • Tribute Artist Lamar Peters will perform on Saturday, September 27, from 7 to 10 p.m. - The concert will take place in the 71st Avenue Plaza, which is located near the intersection of Myrtle and Forest avenues.

September 2019 • Volume 15 • Issue 9

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES QUEENS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

12-55 Queens Boulevard, Room 309 Kew Gardens, NY 11424 Executive Director: Seth Bornstein 718.263.0546 queensny.org QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $1.5 million and a resource for over 2,000 businesses in the borough of Queens. Funded by Department of Small Business Services, they strive to create and retain jobs via programs that grow neighborhoods and assist small businesses. QEDC assists by providing one-on-one consultations, hosting workshops, operating training courses and networking events. Upcoming events include: • Ready? Set. Go! on September 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - A 90-minute free workshop that takes you through all the things you need to think about when going into business. It will take place at Borough Hall at 120-55 Queens Boulevard in Kew Gardens in Room G110. • Corona Small Business Summit on September 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - A free event to connect small business owners with agency representatives and community organizations to available resources to help them grow. It will take place at Corona Plaza at 103-12 Roosevelt

Avenue. • Legal Clinic on September 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. - Get free legal assistance for your business’ legal needs. Sign up for a free 30-min-

Minority/Woman Business Enterprise and what you will need to do to obtain government contracts. It will take place at The Entrepreneur Space at 36-43 37th Street in Long Island City.

ROCKAWAY BUSINESS ALLIANCE

ute appointment with a pro-bono attorney to discuss pressing legal issues. If you need more time, you can schedule follow-ups and continue to work with them. This clinic is a partnership between the Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) and the Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project (NELP). With only 16 slots available, call the QEDC office at (718)263-0546 to book your slot. It will take place at The Entrepreneur Space at 36-43 37th Street in Long Island City. • Get Business From New York City and State Government on September 26 from 10 a.m. to Noon - Learn about getting certified as a

info@rockawaybusinessalliance.org QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $40,000 and a resource for over 200 businesses. The Rockaway Business Alliance was founded in 2012 after Hurricane Sandy. RBA’s vision is to create business corridors that are clean, safe, and welcoming, with shopping, dining, attractions, and engagement for the local community and the visitors drawn to Rockaway’s beaches and open spaces.

ROCKAWAY DEVELOPMENT & REVITALIZATION CORPORATION

1920 Mott Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691 President: Kevin Alexander 718.327.5300 www.rdrc.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1978, the group has 30 members. Founded in 1978, the Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation (RDRC) was

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES established to promote the revitalization of the Rockaway’s economic base and neighborhoods by creating long-standing partnerships with city and state agencies. RDRC is governed by a twelve-member board of directors and a fivemember merchant advisory board. RDRC’s current city and state collaborations include the Downtown Far Rockaway Storefront Improvement Program, The Downtown Far Rockaway Public Wi-Fi Project, The Rockaway East Workforce Development Program and most recently, the planned $288,000,000 Downtown Far Rockaway Redevelopment Project. With over 250 businesses and 61,000 or 53 percent of the Rockaway’s entire population living within 2 miles of downtown Far Rockaway, one of RDRC’s goals is to reduce the over $91 million in market leakage to neighboring downtown shopping districts. To address this challenge, in 2014 RDRC rejuvenated the Rockaway East Merchants Association (REMA). Today with RDRC as its administrator, REMA membership now includes 40-plus local businesses with an active calendar of events that includes an annual merchant’s fair, talent show, fashion event, holiday tree lighting and live concerts. REMA membership meetings are held on the fourth Monday of the month at 1 p.m. at the corporation’s office at 1920 Mott Avenue in Far Rockaway. • Free Computer Workshops begin on Monday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - This event will take place at RDRC’s office at 1920 Mott Avenue. • 2020 Census Recruitment Drive on Tuesday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday, September 24, from 3 to 7 p.m. Representatives will be on hand to help attendees pre-register for jobs with the U.S. Census Bureau. The event will take place at RDRC’s office at 1920 Mott Avenue.

STEINWAY ASTORIA PARTNERSHIP BID

25-69 38th Street, Suite 1C, Astoria 11103 Executive Director: Marie Torniali 718.728.7820 info@steinwaystreet.nyc steinwaystreet.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1991, the BID has over 300 members. The Steinway Street Business Improvement District encompasses all 300 business located on Steinway Street from 28th Avenue to 35th Avenue. National chain stores such as Victoria’s Secrets, The Gap, Benetton, and Express are side by side with local family owned shops some of them fixtures on the street for some 50 years. Board meetings are held seven times a year. The BID’s vision is to make Steinway Street user

friendly, while highlighting the local businesses on the street and bringing together the Astoria community in a positive way. Upcoming events include:

Cultural Fair. Sunnyside Shines is partnering with the Turkish Cultural Center for a fair in Lowery Plaza at 40th Street & Queens Boulevard.

SUNNYSIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SUTPHIN BOULEVARD BID

PO Box 4399, Sunnyside, NY 11104 President: Vanessa Ceballos 718.729.4688 www.sunnyside-chamber.org QUICK GLANCE: Annual budget of $55,000. The chamber is an organization built around assisting and helping local business and professionals by providing resources to increase business, safety and historical preservation throughout the neighborhood. At its recent annual meeting, Chamber members elected Vanessa Ceballos, owner of Firefly Petite Cafe & Bistro on 43rd Avenue, to serve as 2019-20 president.

SUNNYSIDE SHINES

45-56 43rd Street, Sunnyside, NY 11104 Executive Director: Jaime-Faye Beam 718.606.1800 director@sunnysideshines.org sunnysideshines.org QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $480,000 with more than 250 businesses under its umbrella. The BID is still looking for sponsors for Sunnyside Street Banners along Queens Boulevard and Greenpoint Avenue. There are still a number of locations still available, call the office for more info. Companies that are not located in Sunnyside are invited to participate as well. Sponsorships start at $350 and last for one year. Upcoming events include: • Thursday, September 5, from 4 to 7 PM - Beats in Bliss Plaza with New York Tibetan Service Center. Traditional Tibetan drum dance, sand mandala activities, and prayer flag making. • Friday, September 6, from 7 to 10 PM Sunnyside Outdoor Movie Events. Watch West Side Story at Noonan Playground at 42nd Street and Greenpoint Avenue.. • Thursday, September 12, from 4 to 7 PM Beats in Bliss Plaza with McManus Irish Dance. Celebrate Irish culture with dance and live music! • Thursday, August 22, from 4 to 7 PM - Beats in Bliss Plaza with Nora Krohn and Nick Revel. • Saturday, August 24, from noon to 6 PM - Lowery Plaza Pop-Up Market will set up at Lowery Plaza at 40th Street and Queens Boulevard with local vendors selling everything from jewelry to food! • Saturday, September 28, and Sunday, September 29, from noon to 6 p.m. - Turkish

89-00 Sutphin Boulevard, Suite 204C Jamaica, NY 11435 Executive Director: Glen Greenridge 718.291.2110 sutphinblvdbid@verizon.net QUICK GLANCE: The BID was founded in 2004 and represents 134 businesses, 56 properties and 39 property owners along Sutphin Blvd. between Hillside and 94th avenues. The BID is currently accepting applications for vendors interested in taking part in the 2019 Harvest Festival. The festival will take place on Saturday, September 21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

NEW MEMBERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

Horsford Accounting & Advisory 85 Broad St. New York, NY 10004 horsfordcpa.com

Morgan Stanley

1010 Northern Blvd., Ste 214 Great Neck, NY 11021 morganstanley.com

PlantUs NYC

3 Dows Ln. Irvington, NY 10533 plantusnyc.com

SMA Law Firm

27-01 Queens Plaza North Long Island City, NY 11101 smalawyers.com

TNT Industries, Inc.

180-02 137th Ave. Springfield Gardens, NY 11434 tntind.net

Transtech Consulting Group 22 Red Brook Rd. Great Neck, NY 11024 transtechconsultinggroup.com

Wingate by Wyndham

38-70 12th St. Long Island City, NY 11101 wingatehotels.com

September 2019 • Volume 15 • Issue 9

NEW MEMBERS MAJOR CORPORATE

Clear Channel Outdoor

99 Park Ave, 2nd Fl New York, NY 10016 clearchanneloutdoor.com Whether building your brand in a specific neighborhood, an entire city, across the nation, or even spanning the globe, we want to help create advertising that delivers results.

CORPORATE

ClearCell Power

420 Lexington Ave New York, NY 10170 clearcellpower.com ClearCell Power is offering the most proven technologies in renewable energy, providing a clean, efficient, reliable and cost-effective energy source to buildings and microgrids. The company offers complete energy solutions for commercial infrastructures. This generates clean continues electricity, provides heat and cooling, improved sustainability, utility cost control, water savings and secure resilient energy.

Manpower

99 Park Ave., 9th Fl New York, NY 10016 manpower.com With offices in 80 countries across the world, Manpower is the global leader in contingent and permanent staffing, providing organizations of all sizes with a continuum of staffing solutions to enhance business agility and competitiveness. With their thorough understanding of staffing trends and deep pool of highly qualified candidates, Manpower can deliver the talent, matching the right individual to the right job—faster and with better business results.

NYC Ferry Operated by Hornblower

110 Wall St. New York, NY 10005 ferry.nyc NYC Ferry Operated by Hornblower provides New Yorkers a dependable way to commute and connect in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx along the East River. Its state-ofthe-art vessels offer comfortable conveniences including charging stations, Wi-Fi and concessions – all for the same price as a subway ride.

Sive, Paget & Riesel P.C.

560 Lexington Ave., 15th Fl New York, NY 10022 sprlaw.com For over 50 years, Sive, Paget & Riesel (SPR) has been a recognized leader in environmental law and litigation, municipal and land use law. The firm has unparalleled experience

assisting clients in the preparation of environmental assessments and Environmental Impact Statements (EISs), working on Brownfield redevelopment projects and environmental permitting, and supporting corporate transactions with due diligence reviews and risk assessments. We pride ourselves on providing high quality, cost-effective representation with personal attention to our clients’ needs. As the New York region and nation grapple with an increasingly complex array of issues relating to environmental protection, they use their experience, insight and creativity to support a diverse array of clients, including state and local governments, public authorities, corporations, major cultural and medical institutions, professional sports organizations, developers and individuals.

Spring Hill Suites New York Jamaica/ JFK Airport

140-35 Queens Blvd. Queens, NY 11435 marriott.com Music fills the air at Forest Hills Stadium while cheers pour from Citi Field, both near SpringHill Suites New York JFK Airport/ Jamaica. Grab a free, delicious breakfast before you start your day and end the evening with cocktails in the hotel bar. An on-site business center helps you tie up loose ends before meetings. Comfortable event venues with AV equipment and high-speed Wi-Fi make for the ideal board meeting space. A 24-hour fitness center lets you schedule your workout when it’s convenient for you. Apartment-style suites give you plenty of room to relax on longer business trips with separate work, living and sleeping spaces that help you keep up your usual routine. Lots of natural light, free Wi-Fi and spa-like bathrooms make every stay a pleasure.

Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP

3000 Marcus Ave., Ste 1E9 Lake Success, NY 11042 vmmlegal.com Ever since the firm’s inception in 1969, they have been steadfastly committed to making lifelong client-attorney relationships. They truly understand the importance of developing nurturing relationships built on mutual trust with their clients. Never accepting anything less than excellence, their attorneys go above and beyond the normal standards of ethics and handle every case with the utmost degree of enthusiasm, professionalism, and conviction. A growing list of satisfied clients is a testament to this. An unparalleled record of success is a confirmation of this. Their legal team never compromises on client commitment. For this reason alone, they make

the effort to truly listen and create effective steps needed to satisfy your needs. If you are in need of legal counsel, speak with them. Their New York and New Jersey attorneys are ready to help you.

White Coffee

18-35 Steinway Pl. Long Island City, NY 11105 whitecoffee.com White Coffee will grow customers’ profits by providing quality-based, innovative solutions to their ever-changing needs. Their mission is for every customer to be an ambassador of the White Coffee family.

INTRODUCTORY

Associated HCM

111 Express St. Plainview, NY 11803 associatedhcm.com

Bridge Path Property Group LLC 21514 Hollis Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11429 bppropertygroup.com

F. DeVito Fuel Corp.

70-14 Ditmars Blvd East Elmhurst, NY 11370

Franco Blueprint, Inc. 6011 68th Rd. Ridgewood, NY 11385 francoblueprint.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 Statement required by the Act of August 12, 1970, section 3685. Title 39, United States Code, showing the ownership, management and circulation of Queensborough magazine, published 12 times per year, and owned by the Chamber of Commerce of the Borough of Queens, 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140, Jackson Heights, New York 11370. Statement filed September 1, 2018. Publisher: Chamber of Commerce of the Borough of Queens Editor: Thomas Grech Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding one percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities, none. Extent & nature of circulation: Avg. each issue, Actual single issue, Preceding 13 mos., (Nearest to filing date). Total number of copies 3,110 (3,009). Paid and/or requested circulation: Dealer, carrier sales 579 (607), Mail subscriptions, 1,937 (2,002), Total 2,516 (2,609). Free Distribution By mail 0 (400), By other means 198 (200), Total 198 (200). Total distribution 2,714 (2,809), Office Use, leftover, spoiled 396 ( 2 0 0 ) , Return from news agents 0 (0), Total 3,110 (3,009), Percent paid 92.70 (92.88). I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete. Thomas J. Grech, Editor

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

EXECUTIVE COMMMITEE Thomas Santucci

Richard Dzwlewicz

Thomas J. Grech

Brendan Leavy

Nash Roe

Fran Biderman-Gross

Joanne M. Persad

Jacqueline Donado

Chairperson

Associate Treasurer

Vice Chairperson

Associate Secretary

Treasurer

Immediate Past Chair

Patrick Yu

Susan Browning

Mayra DiRico

Secretary

CHAIRPERSON’S ADVISORY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE STAFF President & CEO

Business Development Manager

Chief of Operations

Strategic Program Coordinator

Alejandra Espejo

Jef Gross

Financial Controller

Neil Wagner

Business Service Program Manager

Manager of Committee Development

William Blake Dominick Ciampa Joseph Farber Louis D. Laurino

Joseph M. Mattone, Sr George Rozansky Gerard Thornton

QUEENSBOROUGH (ISSN0033-6068 is published 12 times a year for $12.50 annually by the Queens Chamber of Commerce of the borough of Queens. 75-20 Astoria Blvd, Suite 140, East Elmhurst NY 11370-1131. Periodicals postage paid at Flushing NY and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Blvd., Suite 140, East Elmhurst NY 11370-1131.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Fran Biderman-Gross Joshua E. Bienstock Michael Billia Susan Browning Kenneth J. Buettner Charles E. Callahan KY Chow

Carol Conslato Sal Crifasi Mayra DiRico Richard Dzwlewicz Joseph R. Ficalora Tamara Gavrielof Howard Graf

Raymond Irrera Kenneth Koenig Henry Kuykendall Neil Levin Jeffery E. Levine Carl Mattone Patricia Mezeul

Jeffrey Owens Nayan Parikh Albert F. Pennisi Vincent L. Petraro Esq Nash Roe Jeffrey Rosenstock Juan Santiago

Thomas Santucci Mark Scheinberg Caryn Schwab Sher Sparano Michelle Stoddart Terri Thomson Henry Wan

Patrick Yu Daniel Zausner

CORPORATE MEMBERS A&E Real Estate A&L Cesspool Services Corp A. Giannopoulos Architects AAA Northeast AARP Ackman-Ziff ADP Major Accounts Adria Hotel and Conference Center Aeroterm Airlogix Alma Bank American Lions LLC Amna Construction Corp AmTrust Title Andromeda Antun’s of Queens Village Apple Bank for Savings Apple-Metro, Inc. Ashnu International, Inc. Atco Properties Accounts Payable Aurora Contractors, Inc. AYC Properties LLC Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP Bank of America Merrill Lynch Bank of Hope BankUnited, N.A Bellozino Berkman, Henoch, Peterson, Peddy & Fenchel Bethpage Federal Credit Union BNB Bank Borchert & LaSpina, P.C. Boyce Technologies Inc. Broadway Stages Cactus Holdings Inc Capital One Bank Center for Automotive Education and Training Cerini and Associates, LLP. Ciampa Organization

Cipico Construction, Inc. ClearCell Power Complete Orthopedic Services, Inc Conference Associates, Inc Cord Meyer Development LLC Cornell NYC Tech Corporate Development Systems, Inc. Courtyard by Marriott CPEX Real Estate Crescent Properties, Inc Crown Castle Curaleaf Cushman & Wakefield DGC Capital Contracting Corp. Daroga Power, LLC Douglas Elliman Real Estate DY Realty Services, L.L.C. E Central Medical Management East Coast Energy Group Ecosave Inc. Edge Auto Inc. Elmhurst Hospital Center Emigrant Mortgage Company EMU Health ENT and Allergy Associates, LLP Enterprise Fleet Management eXp Realty: Andrew Wu Exquisite Construction Fabiani Cohen & Hall, LLP Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) Farrell Fritz, P.C. Financial Recources Brup Investment Services LLC First American International Bank Flushing Bank Flushing Council On Culture & The Arts Forest Hills Financial Group Inc.

GF55 Partners Global Industrial Goldenwood Property Advisors Goodwill Industries of New York & Northern New Jersey, Inc. Graf & Lewent Architects Grassi & Co. Greater NY Automobiles Dealers Association Greenberg Traurig Greenpoint Manufacturing & Design Center (GMDC) Greiner Maltz Company of NY Gum Studios Hampton Inn by Hilton JFK Airport Healthy Corner Pharmacy Inc. HiLine Construction Hilton Garden Inn Long Island City New York HK Capital Home2Suites Long Island City/ Manhattan View HSBC Bank Hyatt Place Flushing INDA, Association of Nonwoven Fabric Industry Innovative Lending Platform Association Innovo Property Group International Asbestos Removal Inc. iRCM, Inc. James F. Capalino & Assoc. Jaros, Baum & Bolles Jason Office Products JetBlue Airways Corporation Jetro/ Restaurant Depot JFA Insurance Brokerage & Associates Inc. JGM Construction Development, LLC Jones Lang LaSalle

COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATIONS Joshua Bienstock, NYIT bienlaw@aol.com Dayana Cabeza Be Growth Consulting contact@begrowthconsulting.com

ENERGY

Marshall Haimson E-Capital Development marshall@e-capitaldevelopment.com James Hendon Energy Economic Development Corp. jhendon@energyedc.com

HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS

Susan Browning Long Island Jewish Forest Hills sbrowning1@northwell.edu Bert Lurch E Central Medical Management bertl@ecmmgt.com

HOSPITALITY

REAL ESTATE

Jim Quent Statewide Public Affairs jquent@statewidepublicaffairs.com Laura Altimari Fine Taste NYC finetastenyc@gmail.com

Martin Cottingham Avison Young martin.cottingham@avisonyoung.com Michael Wang Politan Real Estate mwang121@gmail.com

MANUFACTURING

TECHNOLOGY

NONPROFIT

TRANSPORTATION

Geoffrey Smith NY Grant Company Geoffrey@nygrants.com Thomas Powell Boyce Technologies tpowell@boycetechnologies.com

Larry Grubler Transitional Services of NY lgrubler@tsiny.org Maria Odysseus Investors Bank modysseus@myinvestorsbank.com

Bobby Giurintano TGI Office Automation bgiurintano@tgioa.com Fred Canone Telehouse mwang121@gmail.com

Kris Amato TD Bank Kristin.amato@td.com Nadir A. Jones MTA Small Business Development nadjones@mtahq.org

JRT Realty Group Inc. Kasirer Consulting Kaufman Astoria Studios Inc. Kimco Realty Corporation Klein Weath Management/Hightower Advisors Laffey Real Estate Laser Bounce of Brooklyn Inc. Lessing’s Food Service Management Levine Builders LimeBike Luxury Office Suites LLC Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc. M&V Provision Company Madison Realty Capital Main Street Radiology Manpower Marriott International, Inc Mazars USA LLP McBride Consulting & Business Medisys Health Network MedPlex Mega Contracting Group LLC MetroPlus Health Plan Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade MicroGrid Neworks, LLC Mikkeller NYC Molloy College Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens Mr. T Carting Corp. MTA Long Island Rail Road Muss Development LLC NEOLEDGE Neuman’s Kitchen New York + Atlantic Railway New York Building Congress New York Business Corporation New York Health Plan Association New York Oil Heating Association New York Racing Assn. Inc. New York Restaurant Association New York Safety and Training NYC Ferry Operated by Hornblower Northwell Health OneGroup OTJ Architects Patrick B. Jenkins & Associates Patrizia’s Italian Restaurant Petro Home Services Plastic Surgery of New York Portnoy, Messinger, Pearl & Assoc., Inc. Premier Paint Roller Co LLC Premier Payroll Solutions Prime Storage Priority 1 Security LLC Progressive Waste Solutions/IESI NY Corp QSIDE Federal Credit Union Quadlogic Controls Corporation Queens Center Mall Queens Public Communications Corp. Queensborough Community College Quontic Bank

RCG Mortgage Radisson Hotel JFK Related Retail Corporation Royal Waste Services, Inc. Russo’s On The Bay Safeguard Global Samuel Goldstein & Co PC Santander Seagis Property Group, LP ShiftPixy Signature Bank Silvercup Studios Simon Baron Development Sivet, Paget & Riesel P.C. Skyline Risk Management, Inc. SL Green Realty Corp. Solomon Agency Corp. Spring Hill Suites New York Jamaica/JFK Airport Squad Security Inc. St. Francis Preparatory School St. John’s Episcopal Hospital St. John’s University Structural Engineering Technologies, P.C. Sussman-Automatic Corporation Target Terrace On The Park TFCU TGI Office Automation Thales USA Inc. The ALLCOT Group LLC The Botanist The Durst Organization The First National Bank of Long Island The Heskel Group The Marcal Group The New York Times The Sweet Construction Group T-Mobile Treasure Island Storage TSC Traning Academy, LLC Ultrasound Solutions Corp. United Airlines United Nations Federal Credit Union United Public Adjusters & Appraisers, Inc. USTA National Tennis Center, Inc. Valley National Bank Vanguard Insurance Agency Vassilaros & Sons Coffee Venture House Vic Kessler Signs LTD Villa Russo Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP Waste Management of New York LLC Watch Guard 24/7 LLC Welby, Brady & Greenblatt, LLP WellLife Network Wells Fargo WeWork White Coffee Corp Windstream Enterprise York College - CUNY Zara Realty

September 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 15 â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 9 MAJOR CORPORATE MEMBERS

We hope you are enjoying the newly designed, expanded Queensborough, the monthly publication of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. We, the Chamber, direct and approve all content deciding what stories are covered in each issue, editing all copy and forwarding information that is contained in the publication. BQE Media produces it for the Chamber. We look forward to continuing to highlight the outstanding business persons, services and activities that make our borough unique. We welcome all your letters, manuscripts, etc. Please send all materials to the Queens Chamber of Commerce at 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140, Jackson Heights, NY 11370 or call 718.898.8500 for more information. We reserve the right to edit for space limitations. Your support of the magazine is critical to its success. We encourage you to include Queensborough in your advertising plans. To place your ad, please call BQE Media at 718.426.7200.