This Is Queensborough - April 2021

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April 2021 . Volume 17 . Issue 4

125 YEARS IN THE

BOOKS LIBRARY LEADER DISCUSSES 125TH ANNIVERSARY AND THE LIBRARY’S ROLE IN HELPING THE BOROUGH COPE DURING A PANDEMIC “WE’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO SERVE THE CITY IN WHATEVER WAY WE COULD AROUND THE PANDEMIC.”

ALSO

• CHAMBER FORMS PARTNERSHIP WITH WEWORK • STREAMLINE B2B SOURCING WITH ALIBABA •ADEY’S SURVIVES COVID & CANCER • FULFILLING A VISION AT VAUGHN COLLEGE

QUEENS PUBLIC LIBRARY PRESIDENT & CEO DENNIS WALCOTT

EMU Health and NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital Bring World-Class Medical Care to Queens EMU Health, a multi-specialty outpatient facility in the Glendale section of Queens, and NYU Langone Orthopedics announce the addition of Ivan Fernandez-Madrid, MD, to the facility’s medical staff, beginning in February 2021.

A leading orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Madrid brings extensive expertise in hip and knee reconstruction, including the use of innovative new technology like robotic-assisted surgery and partial replacements. He is fellowship trained in Sports Medicine and specializes in minimally invasive surgery of the knee and shoulder.

“At NYU Langone, we are dedicated to providing not only the highest level of world- class medical care, but also to improving access to specialty care where people live and work,” says Madrid, a clinical associate professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Langone. “I’m excited to expand these much-needed services in Queens.”

“With over 2.5 million people living Queens, we are located in the 21st century epicenter of New York City,” says Chief Clinical Executive Ms. Efrat Yaish, PA, C. “Demand for high quality health care continues to rise and the need for excellent, local options is extremely important for patients who cannot easily travel to Manhattan. We are thrilled to offer the additional level of care our relationship with NYU Langone will bring to our facility and the people of Queens.”

Adds Daniel Lowy, founder and CEO of EMU Health, “When I established EMU

Health, it was imperative to make a positive difference in my community. My team and I are excited by the opportunities our relationship with NYU Langone will provide to those in need.”

EMU Health is a four-year-old multi-specialty outpatient medical facility under article 28, consisting of an ambulatory surgery center (AAAHC accredited) and physician practices. Since its inception, the facility has striven to make world-class medicine locally available to Queens residents, and NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital is a world-renowned facility ranked among the top 10 in the country for orthopedics, rheumatology, and rehabilitation by U.S. News & World Report. The hospital received Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, an honor given to only 8 percent of hospitals. NYU Langone’s doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals provide the highest-quality medical and surgical care for the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of orthopedic, musculoskeletal, rheumatic, and neurological conditions, as well as other related diseases and injuries.

About Dr. Ivan F. Madrid Dr. Madrid has been in practice for 20 years in New York City. He came to New York from Michigan in 1985, graduating from Columbia College in 1989. He graduated from SUNY Downstate medical school in 1995 and did his orthopedic residency training at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital. After, he did a fellow-

ship in Sports Medicine at Wayne State University and has been in continuous practice at NYU Langone since 2001.

He will be joined at EMU by Charlene Brown Bryan, NP. Charlene has worked as a floor and OR nurse since 2007 and has worked as a nurse practitioner in orthopedics since 2014. She is currently obtaining her Doctor of Nursing Practice and will graduate in May 2021. She is an integral part of the practice assisting in diagnosis and non-operative management of orthopedic conditions. She assists with injections including cortisone, viscosupplementation, platelet rich plasma and stem cells and manages perioperative care. Both Dr. Madrid and Charlene are fluent in Spanish.

April 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 4

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

ACTIONS DEFERRED This season of the year brings continues to assist businesses of all numerous things we routinely do, sizes and industries with resources aimed at sustainable most importantly our growth. taxes. The period genNaturally, as a memerally between January ber your access is 1 and April 15 of each unlimited when it comes year is when individuto these resources and als and organizations services. It is in your prepare their financial best interest to login statements from the preto queenschamber.org vious year. and begin exploring As this COVID-19 ways to become activity pandemic continues, involved. the 2021 tax season has TOM SANTUCCI Quite possibly you been deferred by 30 CHAIRPERSON have not made the decidays allowing an extension to come on board as a member sion to file.

Since mid-March of last year, yet. If this is the case, no worries, most of us have felt like our lives, we have got you covered.

The Chamber opens their events especially our businesses, have also been deferred. Out of concern and resources to all businesses for a deadly virus, only essential for an opportunity to educate and operations were allowed to contin- inform. Of course, membership has ue functioning at regular capacity. it privileges.

Fast-forward a year, and thanks To our Chamber members, thank in part to medical research and the you for your continuous support. development of multiple vaccines, For those “future” members, we we are feeling return to some sense appreciate you looking to us for of normalcy. opportunities to help keep your As a business owner, you have doors open and thriving. faced a great number of challenges I consider it an honor to serve as and hardships trying to maintain Chair of this amazing organization some semblance of normalcy. The working tirelessly on your behalf. good news is the Queens Chamber Keep moving forward!

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

Four months into a new year Chamber continues to provide and things are looking up. Busi- opportunities to educate and inform nesses are back on track, COVID- with the goal of sustainable busi19 vaccines are readness growth for longily available to most term success. of our community, and Man Li Lan, Ecospring is in full bloom. nomic Development It is a wonderSpecialist at US Small ful feeling to drive Business Administhrough the neighbortration, joins us for hoods of Queens and a webinar to discuss see the rejuvenation how to access Federal of businesses. There Grants. was never any doubt Our Online Selling in my mind we would THOMAS J. GRECH webinar will walk you bounce back, New PRESIDENT & CEO through taking advanYorkers are inherently tage of opportunities resilient. in the e-commerce industry. And There’s still work to be done, but Zoom meetings have become a thankfully we’re on the right path.

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NORTHWELL DONATES COVID VACCINE ITEMS

When Northwell Health nurse manager Sandra Lindsay received the first injection of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine last December, the nation tuned in to watch a turning point in the pandemic.

That milestone moment turned out to be historic.

Northwell announced that the items used as part of the first FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine in the United States have been donated to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, where they will join the museum’s medical collection.

Northwell donated materials documenting the

first doses, which took place on December 14 at Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Medical Center, as well as objects related to vaccine distribution and efforts to encourage the vaccination of frontline health care staff.

The donation includes the now empty PfizerBioNTech vial that contained the first doses of approved vaccine administered in the U.S., Lindsay’s original vaccination record card, her scrubs worn at the event and employee identification badge. Ms. Lindsay, director of critical care services at the hard-hit hospital, was the first person known to receive the vaccine.

“December 14 was a historic moment for all,” said Michael Dowling, president and CEO of Northwell Health. “It was our first real sign of hope after so many dark months in the fight

Sandra Lindsay receives the very first COVID-19 vaccine.

against the global pandemic.”

As New York State’s largest health system, no provider handled more COVID-positive patients. Lindsay was one of thousands of frontline workers who heroically soldiered on and saved countless lives despite personal fears and an unending caseload.

“Having lived through the devastation and suffering created by the virus, I knew I wanted to be part of the solution to put an end to COVID-19,” said Lindsay. “I hope that when people visit the museum and see all these items that they stop to honor the lives of people who did not make it and remember the loved ones they left behind.”

In April 2020, the museum formed a rapidresponse collecting task force to document the scientific and medical events, as well as the effects and responses, in the areas of business, work, politics and culture.

Due to health and safety protocols, the museum is only able to bring in a limited number of artifacts into the building. Additional artifacts related to the pandemic will be brought in and processed when the museum returns to full operation.

The Northwell acquisition includes additional vials from doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines administered at Northwell, as well as the supplies needed to prepare, inject and track the vaccinations, such as diluent, syringes and vaccination-record cards.

Northwell also donated shipping materials that document the enormous effort required to support vaccine distribution and preserve vaccine potency, such as a specialized vaccine “shipper” that monitors and maintains temperature.

“The urgent need for effective vaccines in the U.S. was met with unprecedented speed and emergency review and approval,” said Anthea Hartig, the museum’s Elizabeth MacMillan director. “These now historic artifacts document not only this remarkable scientific progress, but represent the hope offered to millions living through the cascading crises brought forth by COVID-19.”

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

Fulfilling a Vision at Vaughn College ....................................................................20

OP-ED: Empower Resorts World to Help Queens Recover ................8

Stay Connected With the Queens Chamber in April ........................................25

City Chambers of Commerce Partner with WeWork ...........................10

Get to Know Three Members of the Chamber Staff .........................................26

Queens Chamber Forms Tech Council .....................................................11 COVID STORIES: Chamber Membership Has Its Privileges .........12 EXPERT ADVICE: Coverage for Environmental Losses .................14 COVER STORY: Dennis Walcott of the Queens Library .................16 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

April 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 4

QUEENS QUICKLY

Northwell’s donation joins the museum’s medicine and science collections that represent nearly all aspects of health and medical practice.

Highlights include a penicillin mold from Alexander Fleming’s experiments, Jonas Salk’s original polio vaccine, early genetically engineered drugs and an 1890s drugstore.

The museum is working on a signature 3,500-square-foot exhibition, “In Sickness and in Health,” that will explore efforts to contain, control and cure illnesses over the centuries, thereby shaping the nation’s history.

The exhibition will feature artifacts from 19th-century vaccination tools and diagnostic instruments to cardiac implants, imaging technologies and objects from the global smallpox eradication campaign and the COVID-19 pandemic.

CITY EXTENDS PORT AUTHORITY JFK LEASE New York City has extended the Port Authority’s lease at John F. Kennedy International Airport until 2060, a move that elected officials say will lay the foundation for local jobs and boost tourism.

Last month, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed an emergency executive order lengthening the lease from 2050 to 2060. As part of the extension, the Port Authority agreed to a community benefits package that includes workforce development, education programs and environmental sustainability.

“New York City will emerge from this crisis stronger by building our recovery from the grassroots up,” de Blasio said in a statement.

As part of the community benefits agreement, the $13 billion JFK redevelopment projects will require 30 percent minority hires and 7 percent women hires across all construction trades. The deal also includes a 30 percent requirement for minority and women-owned business enterprise

(MWBE) contracting across financing, construction, design and operations.

The Port Authority will also fund new preapprenticeship programs prioritizing local residents in partnership with the Building and Construction Trades Council. It will expand the Council of Airport Opportunity in downtown Jamaica and Far Rockaway to boost local hiring.

It will fund an Office of Second Chance Employment, which will connect formerly incarcerated people or those with past involvement in the criminal justice system with airport jobs.

As for education programs, the Port Authority will continue a scholarship program for high school students, fund an aviation-focused STEM program at York College for middle school students and expand a summer camp program with the Eastern Queens Alliance.

It will also continue a local internship program.

Finally, the JFK redevelopment projects will meet minimum LEED Silver standards for new terminals, require lowest emissions use for construction equipment and transition from diesel fuel-powered ground service equipment to electric.

Borough President Donovan Richards, cochair of the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council, said the announcement is a win for the borough and New York City.

“Queens is the gateway to the rest of the country and the world because of our airports,” he said. “We know this pandemic is not just a public health crisis but also an economic crisis, so with the support of JFK, I am confident we are one step closer to recovery.”

Congressman Gregory Meeks, the advisory council’s other co-chair, said support for the Port Authority and its ongoing redevelopment projects will be key to economic revitalization after the pandemic.

“Today’s lease extension agreement will allow for deal restructuring, which will ensure the long-term sustainability of JFK’s redevelopment,” Meeks said.

PROTECTIONS FROM BIZ OWNER LIABILITY State Senator Michael Gianaris announced new legislation aimed at protecting commercial tenants from having personal liability provisions in leases invoked if they were forced to close during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new legislation suspends clauses that hold business owners personally liable when they are not able to pay rent.

Gianaris said that small businesses are the

“backbone of our communities” and have suffered tremendously during the pandemic.

“We must do what we can to keep these neighborhood institutions alive while we fight for the federal and state relief these businesses deserve.” Gianaris said.

The bill was drafted after Gianaris worked with Kambri Crews, owner and operator of Q.E.D., a comedy club and cultural venue in Astoria.

Crews said that this protection will keep business owners invested in their communities, while relieving them of the worry of “personal financial devastation.”

“If personal liabilities aren’t protected then many business owners, myself included, will have to close their doors to protect themselves and their families,” Crews said.

She said if the legislation is not signed into law, she will end up not only having to close Q.E.D., but could lose her home and personal savings in the process.

“If you still haven’t paid the landlord whole, he can come after you personally,” Crews said.

This is expanding on a bill protecting commercial tenants that was passed last year in the city by Councilman Carlina Rivera.

Rivera said that small business owners should not have to fear a “landlord going after their personal savings during this pandemic.”

“Small business owners put their heart and soul into their enterprises and our community depends on them,” she said.

CEO’S MESSAGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

norm in our daily lives, so our Technology Committee will discuss how to effectively communicate by way of virtual meetings.

There’s a lot happening to keep you educated and informed. Visit the events calendar at queenschamber.org for all our upcoming opportunities.

As Chamber members, you have access to numerous benefits designed specifically for sustaining your business growth.

Our Member Affinity Benefits are discounts are created to help save your organization money, access to the Member Directory builds your network and taps into local businesses, and you can promote your events via our Member Events calendar.

I never grow weary of saying how much I love my job. It’s because of you that our staff is driven to deliver 150 percent each and every day.

Thank you for supporting Queens Chamber. Together we are stronger!

5

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

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PROMOTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS her husband and their two “Sunil is a visionary, innovative leader, who is QBG appoints four children. sure to do great things in this new role, particu“I’m very excited to be larly to help Queens residents recover from the new board members joining the board,” said economic devastation caused by COVID,” said Queens Botanical Garden’s (QBG) Board of Trustees welcomed new members Lee-Lee Chang, Anthony Lui, Rebecca Schmutter, and Jenny Zeng.

They will be part of a team of 15 board members who will apply their expertise and strong ties to their communities to support the garden’s mission of bringing people, plants, and cultures together.

Chang is an attorney specializing in commercial and residential real estate transactions, serving the metropolitan New York area and the Chinese immigrant community.

Prior to her own law practice, Chang was an associate attorney at the Law Firm of Wise, Lerman and Katz, P.C. specializing in business law and CHANG litigation. Chang attended Taiwan National Chung Hsing University and CUNY Law School in New York.

“QBG is a hidden treasure,” said Chang.

“QBG has played an important role in conserving our community’s environment, as well as providing various educational activities to make connections with the community.”

Lui joined the Marine Corps after high school.

He served three years overseas in Okinawa, Japan, and spent his fourth year training reserve Marines at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn.

After his Honorable Discharge, he went back to college and graduated from Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business.

Lui joined Bank of America in 2005 and transLUI ferred to Flushing Bank in 2010. He has managed five different branches within the 10 years he has been with Flushing Bank. He is currently the vice president branch manager of the Broadway Station Branch.

Schmutter works at Farrell Fritz PC, where she counsels corporate entities, family-owned businesses and individuals on a wide range of domestic and international tax matters. Prior to joining Farrell Fritz, Schmutter was counsel at Pryor Cashman LLP and an associate at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. She attended Columbia College and Columbia Law School.

Schmutter was born and raised in Queens and currently lives in West Hempstead with

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Schmutter. “I grew up in Queens and know how important the Garden is to the community.

Zeng is president of East SCHMUTTER Grandview Inc. in Flushing. She graduated with a degree in Landscape Architecture from Tongji University in 1986 in China. She worked in comprehensive planning and designing for multiple national parks after graduation.

After coming to the United States in 1993, Zeng worked as a textile designer and contracted with many highprofile fashion companies, including Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein.

In 2008, she started her own business to introduce traditional Chinese silk embroidery art to the United States. She also has worked as a manager ZENG in the medical field. She and her husband reside in Forest Hills.

“As we look ahead in 2021, we recognize that the Garden is more important than ever in providing our community with a place for peace, rejuvenation, and inspiration,” said QBG executive director Susan Lacerte. “We are absolutely delighted to have Lee-Lee, Anthony, Rebecca, and Jenny come on board and help guide our exciting initiatives.”

Gupta to head LGCC’s Adult Ed programs Sunil B. Gupta has joined LaGuardia Community College as vice president of Adult and Continuing Education.

Gupta joins LaGuardia from Borough of Manhattan Community College, where he served as dean of the Center of Adult Continuing Education and Workforce Development. In this role, he oversaw training programs for 10,000-plus adult students and managed more than $18.2 million in workforce training grants.

Gupta received worthy recognition for his efforts in developing innovative career pathways in health care and in specialized information technology-based programs.

Born and raised in Queens, Gupta has a B.A. from St. John’s University, an M.S. from NYU, and is currently completing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at St. John’s.

LGCC President Kenneth Adams.

Adult and Continuing Education at LaGuardia serves thousands of individuals annually in a broad array of programs, including one of the largest English as a Second Language programs in the Northeast, a comprehensive set of services for adult basic education and high school equivalency certification, and occupational training in secGUPTA tors ranging from advanced industrial manufacturing to building management and sustainability.

Gupta serves on the boards of the COMBASE consortium, Hispanic Educational Technology Services, Department of Education’s Advisory Council for Career & Technical Education, and Jobs First-NYC.

Grillo named city’s first ‘recovery czar’ Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed Lorraine Grillo as senior advisor for recovery, also known as the city’s “recovery czar.” Her role involves monitoring the city’s progress on recovery efforts.

“As New York City’s first-ever recovery czar, Lorraine will cut through bureaucracy, coordinate across all agencies and reach out to Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140 Jackson Heights, N.Y. 11370-1131 Entire Contents Copyright 2021 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.

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PROMOTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS nonprofit and private partners to make sure our recovery is felt in every borough, every neighborhood and every block,” de Blasio said.

Grillo, an Astoria native, will transition out of her current roles in the de Blasio administration. She has served as president and CEO of the School Construction Authority (SCA) since 2010.

Several years ago, she also assumed the role of commissioner of the Department of Design and Construction (DDC).

Grillo said every job she’s had in city government, from responding to Hurricane Sandy to expanding Universal Pre-K, has GRILLO required “intense coordination across different agencies, companies and nonprofits.”

She said she will take the same approach when it comes to the city’s recovery.

“I build things, that’s what I do,” she said.

“And together, we are going to build a recovery that lifts up every New Yorker.”

Grillo’s appointment drew praise from law-

makers, nonprofits and labor unions. Tom Grech, president and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, said this is a move they have been advocating “for quite some time.”

“As a daughter of Queens, Lorraine Grillo is uniquely qualified to understand the needs of Queens and the entire city of New York,” he said.

Rajkumar to chair new Assembly committee Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar of south Queens was appointed chair of the Subcommittee on Diversity in Law. This newly created subcommittee is part of the influential Assembly Judiciary Committee.

“The Assembly Majority is committed to balancing the tilted scales of justice, and part of that is ensuring that our criminal justice system reflects the diverse state it serves,” said Speaker Carl Heastie. “Assemblywoman Rajkumar’s work throughout her career and her commitment to diversity in our legal system will be an asset to New York State.”

Rajkumar formerly practiced civil rights

law, and has stood up for the vulnerable and the disenfranchised throughout her career. She litigated class action cases on behalf of workers, tenants and women at a national public interest law firm.

She also focused on combating corporate fraud and excess in “qui tam” suits against multinational corporations, saving millions in taxpayer dollars.

In 2015 and 2016 she was selected to Super Lawyers’ New York-Metro Rising Stars List.

In 2017, she built and led the New York State RAJKUMAR Liberty Defense Project, a first-in-the-nation multimillion dollar state project to assist immigrants across the state with legal counsel. She is a graduate of Stanford Law School.

“I will focus on access to justice for minority voices in our courtrooms, on diversity in the judiciary, and on creating a pipeline of young, diverse leaders in the state’s legal system,” said Rajkumar.

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OUTSIDE OPINIONS

EMPOWER RWNY TO HELP US BUILD BACK

As the wife of a small business How can we help these people so businesses in the community. owner in Queens, I’ve seen firsthand they don’t lose their homes, their New York cannot wait five years how this pandemic has affected busi- children or what little savings they to spark this growth. We need it nesses like my husband’s throughout may have? now. the borough.

One of Governor Andrew CuoTake education for example.

But hardworking mo’s budget propos- As a participant in the National local business owners als - awarding new full Early Learning Fellowship with the like him and his brother casino licenses - would National Conference of State Legkeep doing it because help New Yorkers, islatures, and as the parent of stuthey love their craft especially communi- dents in Queens, I know firsthand (pizza!), and their loyal ties of color, recover the importance of improving the customers at Elegante economically. Resorts outcomes for all children across the Restaurant and PizzeWorld exemplifies the state and how this makes the future ria. type of casino operator better for all New Yorkers.

Other locally owned that should receive the Over the last ten years, Resorts and operated small Stacey Pheffer Amato full license.

World has generated $3 billion for the Assembusinesses like Lisena represents Resorts World is New York’s public schools, and with bly’s 23rd District Landscaping, Rockauniquely positioned to a full gaming license that contribuway Beach Broadcastgrow jobs in the imme- tion would increase significantly. ing Company or the Sincede Hair diate short-term, generate muchAgain, during a time when Salon understand that without the needed revenue for New York State, resources for schools are scarce, support of the community, they and further support the local small Resorts World is uniquely posiwouldn’t be where they are.

They understand what it takes to be a community partner and how important it is to connect with your neighborhood.

With the City Council’s recent sey awarded a design contract in And we are fortunate to have a approval of the Special Flushing February to renovate the Flushing true community partner and eco- Waterfront District, along with Bay Promenade. As part of the nomic anchor in another one of our other positive news for the neigh- LaGuardia AirTrain project, the neighbors: Resorts World New York borhood, Flushing is poised to Port Authority will make “signifiCity. reach new development heights cant upgrades” along the 1.4-mile In the close to ten years that post-COVID. promenade, including improved it’s been open, Resorts World has The area’s recent real green space and amebecome part of the fabric of the com- estate boom may have nities. munity, supporting those in need and been tempered someActivity has continempowering others to make a differ- what by the pandemic, ued on a number of ence through a new initiative known but a number of excitother developments as the “Good Neighbor Network.” ing projects are moving throughout Flushing The Good Neighbor Network forward as life begins despite the pandemic. serves to inspire, empower, and to return to normal.

Permits were filed in advocate for social and economThe most transformaNovember for a sevenic good in Queens and throughout tive of these is the Spestory residential buildNew York State. cial Flushing Watering at 38-20 Parsons Richard Xia is In Albany, I’m known as an out- front District, which Boulevard, with plans president of Fleet spoken advocate for our hardwork- will include 1,700 for 175 residences and Financial Group. ing families, many of whom have apartments and 879 close to 39,000 square been hit hard over the last year. hotel rooms, along with feet of community Many are out of work or struggling retail and public space designed to space. to get by. serve the local community.

Furthermore, a proposed 14-story I’m also a member of the WomTotaling 13 buildings on 29 acres commercial building at 37-16 en’s Issues Task Force, because I of land, the $2 billion mixed-use Union Street would total 207,239 understand the need to empower development will also benefit square feet on what is currently a women in our communities. The the neighborhood by connecting vacant lot. majority of single parents are moth- Downtown Flushing to the FlushRecent acquisitions in the neighers who have lost more jobs than ing Creek waterfront. borhood have included the purchase men or were forced to quit during In another boon to the area’s ris- of 133-25 37th Avenue for $60 milthe pandemic because they didn’t ing quality of life, the Port Author- lion in February 2020. The one-acre know how else to handle child care. ity of New York and New Jer- lot allows 205,000 buildable square

tioned to elevate its support. Let’s empower them to do exactly that.

As an assemblywoman, it is my job to advocate for a better future for the people of Queens. They’re a resilient and diverse group of hardworking people. They rebuilt after Hurricane Sandy and now, almost nine years later, they’re building back again after a different sort of disaster.

But we all know, you can’t just rebuild, we need to make sure we are building back better and in a way that is inclusive.

By allowing Resorts World to convert to a full casino, it’s a critical step toward a brighter future for everyone in Queens: from the first grader to the high school graduate to the parents to the small business owner and beyond.

FLUSHING POISED TO SOAR POST-COVID

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feet and could be developed into a mixed-use project with residential, retail, and hotel space.

Another project that remained active during the pandemic was Eastern Mirage at 42-31 Union Street. Scheduled to debut in mid2021, the design-driven luxury hotel offers a range of amenities including an indoor pool, fitness center, meeting rooms and business center, as well as a full-service restaurant and bar.

Additional developments planned for the neighborhood are Kissena Center, a 244-unit mixed-use residential project at 46-15 Kissena Boulevard being developed by Kimco Realty, and a 146-unit apartment building currently in pre-construction at 133-25 37th Avenue.

While COVID-19 may have temporarily slowed the Flushing renaissance, continued activity during the pandemic points to an upsurge going forward, especially as vaccinations accelerate throughout the city and life begins to return to normal.

For developers and investors who want to capitalize on this growth, now is the time to look for available opportunities in the market.

April 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 4

TECHNOLOGY

SOURCE WHOLESALE PRODUCTS ON ALIBABA

Alibaba.com is one of the largest B2B e-commerce marketplaces in the world. Companies around the globe use the platform to expand and scale their businesses.

What makes Alibaba.com so powerful is its wide range of features, tools, and services designed to streamline the B2B sourcing experience. It makes it easy for your business to find products that are right for you to sell, and save money in the process.

WHAT IS ALIBABA.COM? Alibaba.com is an online B2B marketplace where buyers and sellers from around the world can connect and trade. It is a secure, trusted platform that is used by millions of businesses in over 190 countries and regions, with 5,900 different categories of product offerings. The platform is equipped with many tools and features designed to streamline B2B buying and sell-

ing.

WHO USES ALIBABA.COM Alibaba.com is a B2B platform.

This means that most, if not all, of the buyers and sellers on Alibaba. com are businesses. Business professionals come to Alibaba.com to purchase affordable finished goods or materials that they will ultimately resell for a profit.

The typical suppliers are businesses that sell raw materials or finished goods. The typical buyers are retailers, wholesalers, sourcing agents, and manufacturers who source products for resale on their own websites or on Amazon, or private-label them as their own product.

MAKE LARGE ORDERS WITH CONFIDENCE Spending a large amount of money online can make anyone nervous. This is multiplied when

you’re buying something from a seller overseas you’ve never met before. Alibaba.com helps alleviate these concerns with a service called Trade Assurance, which ensures that buyers receive their shipments on time.

It also guarantees that the quality of the products matches what was promised by the seller. It also provides a secure payment por-

tal. Additionally, Alibaba.com also offers product inspection services from third-party inspection agencies, which is another way to ensure quality.

EASILY FIND PRODUCT TO SELL As a buyer, you can choose to order ready-to-ship products, which CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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QUEENS CHAMBER NEWS & EVENTS

FIVE CHAMBERS FORM PARTNERSHIP WITH WEWORK The chambers of commerce for all five New York City boroughs last week announced a partnership with WeWork to help foster post-pandemic economic recovery by supporting businesses’ safety-focused and flexible return to work.

Businesses and individuals are increasingly looking for guidance and flexibility when it comes to returning to work in a post-pandemic world. The “NYC x WeWork” partnership aims to provide businesses with the resources to return to work and revitalize economic prosperity across the city.

Having been founded in New York City, we are especially humbled to be launching this work here today,” said Shyam Gidumal, president and COO of Americas at WeWork. “As we look to help foster economic growth across the nation, cross-sector partnerships are a powerful way to make a positive impact for individuals, businesses and communities.”

As part of the partnership, members of the city’s chambers of commerce will have access to certain incentives, including: • WeWork All Access, a monthly subscription-based product that provides access to WeWork locations so that users can choose when and where to work: • One month free trial for new members and 15 percent off per month for up to 12 months; or • Two months off of a six-month commitment or three months off of a 12-month commitment on WeWork Private office space.

“It is clear that reinvigorating the city’s economy depends on the safe return to offices,” said Randy Peers, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. “Offices are critical drivers of our economy, they make businesses more competitive, and have tremendous impact on neighborhood restaurants and retail.”

In addition, the partnership will provide the chambers with key data and insights into what

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Pictured from left to right are Queens Chamber CEO Thomas J. Grech, WeWork COO Shyam Gidumal, Queens chamber business Development manager Brendan Leavy, and Brooklyn Chamber senior vice president of Membership Lori Raphael at WeWork’s Gotham Center location in Queens. is effective as businesses return employees to work, creating a resource for businesses of all sizes to make informed decisions as the economy recovers.

Finally, as part of the effort to help foster economic growth in the city, WeWork has also joined the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s Queens Tech Council, which focuses on building an economy that embraces innovation and promotes tech adoption.

The Queens Chamber of Commerce established the Council last month with Amazon and other major companies and startups to grow the borough’s tech sector.

“As our borough and our city begin a safety-focused return to in-person work, the business community must do everything possible to kickstart our economic recovery by fostering innovation and growth,” said Queens Cham-

ber of Commerce president and CEO Thomas Grech. “WeWork’s ongoing partnership and commit-

ment to the Queens Tech Council will be a valuable asset in spurring economic development.”

The Queens Chamber of Commerce and the NYC Family Enterprise Center (NYC FEC), a leading non-profit organization dedicated to educating and inspiring family-owned businesses, last month announced a collaboration that will see the Queens Chamber take over NYC FEC’s mission, increasing the reach and impact of its programming.

The partnership will ensure that family-owned companies have the resources and programming they need to survive the pandemic and thrive long into the future.

The Chamber will create the “Family-Owned Business Committee,” a new Member Committee dedicated to providing program-

ming geared towards the unique needs of family-owned and operated businesses.

“Family-owned businesses have deep roots in the neighborhoods they serve, and go above and beyond to give back to their communities,” said Tom Grech, president and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “We have to do everything in our power to ensure that these valuable institutions have the tools they need to continue creating jobs and economic opportunity.”

NYC FEC has provided over 60 in-depth educational programs geared towards family-owned busi-

FAMILY-OWNED COMMITTEE

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

April 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 4

QUEENS CHAMBER NEWS & EVENTS

CHAMBER LAUNCHES NEW TECH COUNCIL

BY BENJAMIN FANG

To make the borough more welcoming to the technology industry, as well as help businesses in the borough adapt to evolving technology, the Queens Chamber of Commerce is launching a Queens Tech Council.

The group will be made up of

FAMILY BIZ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

nesses, including Succession Planning for a Global Family Business, Transferring Your Family Business, Family Business Boards and more.

“Small and medium-sized family businesses are the backbone of New York City and Queens,” said Warner King Babcock, president and CEO of the NYC FEC. “Sadly, so many of these businesses have been deeply impacted by the pandemic. We are thrilled the Queens Chamber will be taking over NYC FEC’s programming, significantly increasing the reach and impact of these vital services.”

In addition to the new committee, which will be the Chamber’s 13th member committee, the Queens Chamber will launch the “Queens Chamber Family Business Awards,” an annual awards ceremony for family-owned businesses.

All former and current NYC FEC members, special interest group members, and session attendees will be invited to join the Queens Chamber at a membership level of their choosing.

“Over the 100-plus years that Plaza College has been a member, the Queens Chamber of Commerce has consistently found ways to provide valuable programming that meets the needs of each of their members,” said Charles E. Callahan III, president of Plaza College, a family-owned business and the longest tenured member of the Chamber. “As a third-generation owner of a family enterprise, I understand the unique challenges these businesses face.”

major tech companies, startups, business leaders, government representatives and community leaders. So far, the council includes representatives from Google, Facebook and Amazon, as well as local groups like Pursuit, Long Island City Partnership, Crown Castle and the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation.

Tom Grech, president and CEO of the Queens Chamber, said the borough has rich diversity, transportation infrastructure, worldclass colleges and universities and a thriving arts and culture scene, making Queens an attractive option for tech companies.

“As our borough and region look to rebound from the pandemic, we need to be leveraging all the assets that Queens has,” he said. “The Queens Tech Council will focus on

making sure tech companies have everything they need to grow and thrive, and that all Queens businesses have the tech resources required to remain competitive in an increasingly global marketplace.”

The council will promote innovation and technology adoption, ensure that Queens continues to produce talent, and work with tech companies to get the resources and capital they need.

Borough President Donovan Richards said his office will work with the new Queens Tech Council to make the borough “the future for tech and economic development.”

“Queens is known for our diversity in our residents’ backgrounds, cultures, infrastructure and economy,” he said, “and therefore, an ideal location for any tech startup to launch.”

Kia Floyd, Facebook’s eastern head of Public Policy, said Queens’s strong business economy, diverse talent base and access to arts, culture, media and commerce first attracted the company to New York City in 2007.

“As we continue to grow, it’s important that we do our part in fostering opportunities in tech that are equitable for all,” Floyd said.

Hope Knight, president and CEO of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, said the tech council has the potential to lift people, businesses and neighborhoods out of the economic crisis.

“Downtown Jamaica, a mass transit hub that’s home to York College, a diverse business district and a vibrant residential community, is proud to be part of this vital initiative,” she said.

CHAMBER, FCBA INK AGREEMENT

On March 23, the Queens Chamber of Commerce and the Flushing Chinese Business Association (FCBA) signed an official affiliate agreement. The agreement will allow the two organizations to share resources and information to support their member businesses, and highlights the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s support of the borough’s vibrant Chinese American small business community. Taking part in the ceremony were Borough President Donovan Richards, Councilman Peter Koo, FCBA executive director Peter Tu, and Chamber president and CEO Thomas Grech.

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

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COVID SUCCESS STORIES

CHAMBER IS ALL ABOUT ‘ME’-MBERS

BY MICHAEL SHOULE American Express has nothing on the Queens Chamber when it comes to the saying “membership has its privileges.” The number of quality people and companies that I have been introduced to by the Chamber in the past 12 months would make you think we were living in preCOVID-19 times.

That is because Chamber CEO & President Tom Grech and his great staff realized that their mission “to foster connections, educate for success, develop/implement programs and advocate for members’ interests” was never more vital than during this ongoing pandemic that had the potential to cripple the economy.

Whether through virtual gatherings, Taking Care of Business LIVE!, small business webinars, or Facebook LIVE! Fridays, the Chamber is to be commended for consistently offering relevant and timely online resources for their members and the Queens business

Michael Shoule is vice president of his family’s 156-year-old logistics company JW Hampton.

He is co-chair of the newly formed Family-Owned Business Committee and author of the children’s book My Daddy Loves Boston College Football.

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community as a whole.

It is hard to believe that it was a year ago the Chamber hosted one of their last in-person events in the Bulova Building in Knockout Networking with Michael Goldberg. This was set up in large part by member Tommy DiMisa, the nonprofit sector connector whose Philanthropy in Phocus interviews from the attic of his home are proof of his commitment to helping others.

This ethic of selflessness and genuine concern for others is not unusual for Queens Chamber members, as Amir Sobhraj and his team at Zara Realty stepped up in the spring to contribute reusable bags for a Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens pop-up food panty event.

Around the same time the Chamber facilitated a huge Easter candy donation to the families of member organization Hour Children. More recently, Chamber member Mark Berger of Securitech Group Inc. contributed financially to Marguerite’s Pantry at Our Lady of Fatima in East Elmhurst just a few blocks from the Chamber’s offices.

Just about ten minutes away in Elmhurst is the New Life Community Health Center, which was the beneficiary of an ultrasound machine donated by the Father John J. Murray Knights of Columbus Council that I belong to at American Martyrs.

We purchased it from Nat and Andrew over at Chamber member Ultrasound Solutions Corp.

Other connections that the Chamber staff have made has had a more direct impact on my family’s business. At the Korea Trade Expo, I met Sanjay Mukhi of member City National Bank, which focuses on entrepreneurs and professionals.

During one February visit to

an event at the Bulova Building, I was introduced to member K.Y. Chow of GM Printing and his company printed our 155th anniversary brochures later that year.

Rachel Kellner of Aigner Chocolates, after reading my article in a previous issue, was kind enough to send a sample box to her fellow member.

The result of that thoughtfulness was JW Hampton making a box of delicious Aigner chocolates the gift of choice this year for their holiday customer gift giving.

While we are on the subject of food, I had the privilege of meeting Loycent Gordon of the historic Neir’s Tavern in Woodhaven at one of the members networking events, and am thankful to know Mark Boccia of Bourbon Street and Austin Ale House.

Of course, there are countless members in the food and beverage industry who continue to need our support. The Chamber has played

ters was matched with member Richard Lipson’s company Rainbow Leather and is still employed there to this day.

Knowing that JW Hampton is in the logistics industry, I have been introduced to members Larry Zogby at RDS Same Day Delivery Services and John Comack at Green Energy Technology (JGM Construction), who installs charging stations for electric vehicles along with brothers Brad and Tom Caracciola at GroundForce Logistics.

When I started to get involved in helping property managers and owners get the free Amazon Key for Business system installed in their buildings, I was quickly introduced to member Victor Hunt who founded The Astorian, as well as other industry professionals.

Finally, one of our longtime service providers Bobby Giurintano, who does a great job over at TGI Automation, is already a member and deserves THERE ARE SO MANY GREAT mention for years of great MEMBERS OUT THERE STILL TO service.

There are so many great MEET, AND I LOOK FORWARD members out there still to meet, and I look forward TO US CONNECTING IN to us connecting in 2021 2021 WHETHER VIRTUALLY whether virtually or eventually - fingers crossed OR EVENTUALLY - FINGERS in person. It should not be CROSSED - IN PERSON. surprising that the more I have engaged with the Queens Chamber and its membership the more I an important role in fighting for have gotten out. I would venture these businesses and the value of to say much more than I put in, in their intervention should not be fact, and that is high praise. underestimated.

In the end Tom and team at Another initiative the Chamber the Chamber are always thinkundertook to assist local business- ing about new ways to help their es was the QCC Internship Con- members and contribute to the nection program they began last growth of our economy here in summer that matched Queens resi- Queens. With a soon-to-be 13th dents attending college or recent different working committee and graduates with businesses that virtual events continuing throughneeded to improve their online out the upcoming months, their presence. willingness to make introductions I am happy to say that after shar- is invaluable and the reason why ing the opportunity with my net- Queens Chamber membership work, one of my friend’s daugh- truly does have its privileges.

“

”

April 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 4

COVID SUCCESS STORIES

STAYING IN BUSINESS AMID A PANDEMIC, CANCER Many business owners have tence had paid off. faced unimaginable challenges durHowever, just two months later ing the current global health crisis. she began to experience extreme None more so than fatigue and excruTarsha Adeyemi, ciating back pain. founder of Adey’s Initially, docBeauty Supply. tors diagnosed She’s overcome her with anemia a bad business deal and muscle pain. and a life-changing Some time later, health diagnosis Adeyemi was told that inspired her she had Multiple to turn her dreams Myeloma, a rare into reality and form of cancer found a successthat affects the ful company that blood and bones helps celebrate for which there is black beauty.

BY GEORGIA E. AUSTIN currently no cure.

On August 27, Adeyemi now 2019, Adey’s had an upsetting Beauty Supply opened its doors decision to make: should she close for the first time, and it felt like all her newly opened store while she Adeyemi’s hard work and persis- underwent treatment or remain

open for business?

With the help of her family and the prayers of many, she decided to keep Adey’s Beauty Supply going, and in January 2020 she began the necessary course of treatment that would help her gain control over her Multiple Myeloma.

Her business was booming, her customer base growing, and she was responding well to the treatments.

Unfortunately, by the end of March 2020, the arrival of COVID19 meant that all nonessential businesses had to close, yet another huge blow to Adeyemi.

It would have been easy for her to give up. After all, she had a huge health battle to fight, too. She was undeterred and decided to move her business online and use her website to keep the business going

and serve her customers during the closures.

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EXPERT ADVICE

ARE YOU COVERED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL LOSS?

BY ALINA CELLURA Most manufacturers and distributors do not realize that there is a huge gap in their General Liability (GL) coverage. Losses and claims from a pollution incident or environmental exposures from manufactured products are not covered on the GL policy.

There is a solution for this gap in coverage and some insurance carriers have been offering it: Combined Form General Liability and Environmental coverage.

The Combined Form has many perks if the manufacturer or distributor qualifies for coverage. First and foremost, it offers broader coverage to address significant coverage gaps.

It is better priced for catastrophic exposures and is not lumped with retail frequency of “slip and falls.”

Finally, it is non-auditable, which means premiums are based on the previous 12-month revenue and do not vary during the policy term regardless of changes in company sales.

The Combined Form is great solution for manufacturers and distributors concerned about losses from environmental claims and products pollution liability and want to fill this gap in coverage.

Generally, limits for this policy include $1 million per incident with a $2 million aggregate limit on the primary policy, with umbrella limits available up to $300 million.

There is a $0 deductible option for casualty claims, including products pollution.

Often, insurance carriers that offer this policy form can write other policy lines and provide aggressive premium options for the insured.

Carriers we work with are A.M. Best “A” rated and have many years of environmental insurance experience and writing the Combined Form.

We urge manufacturers and distributors to consider this policy form as it may save in premium costs and future potential losses currently not covered on the standard GL policy.

As noted above, this policy form addresses significant gaps in coverage. Environmental losses are not covered on GL policies. The Combined Form will however cover you for new pollution conditions cleanup and liability, both on and off-site resulting from your operations, as well as products pollution and exposures.

A great example of a products pollution exposure is the common Teflon non-stick pan. Chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) were commonly found in many Teflon and non-stick pans and are known carcinogens.

Thankfully, use of these chemicals has been mostly phased out over time, but many products have other potential unknown environmental exposures that could give off toxic fumes and/or are skin irritants.

Alina Cellura is an account executive in the Environmental and Professional Services Division at SterlingRisk. She has both Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science degrees in Environmental Services and Geology, and has held various positions in the insurance field since the late 1990s. For questions or to explore coverage, please contact Alina Cellura at (516) 773-8636 or acellura@sterlingrisk.com.

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Many manufacturing operations also use products that come from abroad where environmental standards are not as stringent. It is the use of these products in your operation that could possibly result in products pollution claims.

The Combined Form covers you for these potential exposures.

Other coverages the Combined Form addresses are pollution liability during transportation and misdelivery, natural resource damages, non-owned disposal site coverage, and off-site contracting operations for pollution.

Liability and cleanup of soil, surface water and groundwater are also covered for mold, asbestos, lead and silica.

This policy also provides many enhancements. Not only does it cover you domestically, but it provides worldwide pollution coverage for products, transportation, off-site contracting operations and non-owned disposal sites. Restora-

tion costs, host liquor liability, professional liability, and contractual liability for work near a railroad are included as well.

The Combined Form offers the broadest “Who is an Insured” language including lessors, vendors, newly acquired or formed, volunteers and leased workers. In addition, there is a blanket Additional Insured coverage when required by contract.

Emergency response costs for immediate mobilization of environmental professionals is provided in the event of a loss. Business Interruption, bioterrorism and intentional releases of chemical, biological and nuclear agents are covered as well.

Finally, the policy will also cover legal and defense costs and expenses. Bottom line, if you qualify, this policy form can fill in gaps of coverage, save in premiums, and offer many perks and enhancements that are not provided in standard GL policies.

Alina Cellura and the Environmental team consult with manufacturing and distribution clients on unique risk management solutions to provide the most economical and comprehensive coverage on a Combined Form for General Liability, Products Pollution Liability, Site Pollution Liability and Contractors Pollution Liability, and coordinate the placement on all other necessary insurance lines. SterlingRisk was founded in 1932 and is one of the top 35 largest privately owned and managed brokerages in the United States, employing about 300 skilled professionals in eight offices, with its principal location in Woodbury, New York.

SURVIVING COVID & CANCER

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

work, and as the sole owner and employee, it often meant attending chemotherapy sessions and then going straight back to the store to pack and deliver orders.

However, her customer base grew, and even though stores are now allowed to reopen Adeyemi still offers same-day delivery service in her locale.

Throughout all the challenges of the last few years, Adeyemi’s passion for her business and incredible resolve has kept her going during her cancer treatments and the threat COVID-19 has posed.

She firmly attributes her recov-

ery from chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant to God, her family, and her business. She is a fighter and an inspiration to all.

Adeyemi is now working on starting her own nonprofit organization to assist African Americans living with Multiple Myeloma.

March was Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month and Adey’s Beauty Supply donated a portion of its March sales to the International Myeloma Foundation. The IMF has an initiative to increase awareness about Multiple Myeloma in the African-American community.

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COVER STORY

MORE THAN JUST BOOKS IN BUILDINGS

BY SHANE MILLER On March 19, 1896, a library in Long Island City opened its doors, and with two other libraries in Astoria, the trio formed the Long Island City Public Library. When Queens consolidated with New York City in 1901, a new charter proposed joining all of the libraries in Queens under one umbrella. In 1907, the Queens Public Library was officially incorporated.

Just over 125 years later, Dennis Walcott now serves as president and CEO of Queens Public Library (QPL), steering it through arguably one of the most trying years in its century-and-a-quarter history, as one of the most public of institutions joined the rest of the city in closing its doors.

But one of the largest and busiest public library systems in the most ethnically and culturally diverse area in the country didn’t abandon its mission to serve the people of Queens by “building strong communities,” as its mission statement declares. If anything, the pandemic proved how integral the library system is to the people and neighborhoods of the World’s Borough.

“It did for a host of different reasons,” Walcott told This Is Queensborough about what COVID-19 taught him about the importance the library plays in people’s lives.

“One, the library plays a very key role in that it is our responsibility to have information available to the public.

“But on the negative side, we really miss having the public in our buildings and miss having the public access information directly,” he added. “We miss the informal network and the safe haven we play for the public, and I know the public misses that tremendously.”

Queens Public Library (QPL) closed its doors on March 16 of last year, but by March 30 was up and running with a variety of virtual programming, offering everything from children’s story hour to ESL classes to resume development workshops. Currently, QPL offers

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Dennis Walcott (right) with former mayor David Dinkins in 2016, the year Walcott became head of QPL. about 75 virtual sessions per week.

“It’s not as a result of me, it’s a result of the really smart and dedicated group of people who work here,” said Walcott. “They turned on a dime and started ramping up around the virtual world. Everybody was just fantastic and built it up rather quickly, expanded it and diversified the offerings.”

The library addressed serious issues, as well. Last summer, when the discussion about race relations in this country began to heat up, the library hosted a session with Attorney General Letitia James on the subject. QPL also hosted an interactive discussion with Dr. Lisa Cooper of Johns Hopkins University about vaccine hesitancy.

“Several people with vaccine hesitancy told some of our team members that after seeing Dr. Lisa Cooper, they decided to go get a vaccine,”

Walcott said. “She was able to provide information that addressed some of their concerns.”

As part of Black History Month in February, the library important to the African-American community, especially as they relate to the pandemic and mental health.

People from across the nation and even the world joined in the discussion.

“The crazy guy I am, I get up early to do my workout, so I woke up extra early to watch the insomnia session at 3 o’clock in the morning,” said Walcott.

Q

PL is also playing an integral role in fighting the pandemic. Last month, the Flushing

Library halted service and was converted into a vaccination site.

When Walcott spoke with Queensborough, he was actually on his way to the Ozone Park Library to check in on that branch’s conversion into a second vaccination site.

“We always wanted to play a role if we could be helpful,” said Walcott. “So we worked with the city to turn the Flushing Library into a vaccination site. We’ve always wanted to serve the city in whatever way we could around the pandemic.”

That includes opening COVID19 testing sites at several branches.

To date, over 60,000 people have been tested at the Lefferts, Ozone Park, Windsor Park or Kew Gar-

“BUT ON THE NEGATIVE SIDE, WE REALLY MISS HAVING THE PUBLIC IN OUR BUILDINGS AND MISS HAVING THE PUBLIC ACCESS INFORMATION DIRECTLY. WE MISS THE INFORMAL NETWORK AND SAFE HAVEN WE PLAY.”

April 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 4

COVER STORY dens Hills branches.

In July, the library began offering “to-go service” at seven branches, which has since expanded to over 35 branches. And despite the ongoing pandemic, QPL was able to keep several capital improvement projects on track, including new doors and ramps at the Sunnsyide Library, renovations to the Steinway branch, and improvements at the Glendale Library.

A new library in Far Rockaway is under construction, and the Astoria Library, which dates back to 1904 and is the oldest library in the QPL system, will soon be the focus of some much-needed upgrades.

“Once the city said we are going to move forward, our folks started meeting with them” Walcott said.

“That feels great, because it’s our goal to constantly look at how we improve the infrastructure and address the needs of the community through a library that meets today’s needs and not one built for the 20th Century.”

W

alcott assumed the role of president and CEO in 2016, a very tumultuous time for QPL. His predecessor was fired after it was discovered that he had charged hundreds of thousands of dollars of personal expenses to his library corporate card, as well as spent lavishly decorating his office at the Central Library.

The scandal also resulted in a drastic reshuffling of QPL Board of Trustees, but Walcott said it’s not in his personality to dwell on the negative.

“The library had a very challenging period, but my goal and the goal of the board was just to move forward, and we just keep focused and positive,” he said. “People were doing great things before I got here, and we’ll continue to do that. I only know how to operate in a very positive way.”

Walcott served as School Chancellor under former mayor Michael Bloomberg. In that role, he took his responsibility to the public seriously and worked to always be

accessible.

“When we had the old Panels for Education Policy, I would never come on stage from the back, I always walked from the back of the auditorium where people would see me and interact,” he said.

“They would yell at me or be angry or whatever mood they needed to convey. I don’t have any problems with that.”

It’s a focus he has brought to his role as head of QPL. QPL President and CEO Dennis Walcott speaking at Elmhurst Hospital.

He routinely greets patrons at the Central Library when the doors open rarely seen reading or interacting our creative and dedicated team at 9 a.m., and can often be seen with anyone. Walcott eventually members here. roaming the floor. decided to ask him why.

QPL also wants the public to “It’s different than when I was “He said, ‘The library is my help them mark the historic milechancellor, because here at the oasis from the craziness outside,’” stone. At qpl125.org, people can library you’re really open to the he said. “Being on the floor with upload photos or share their own pubic,” Walcott said. “As chancel- the desire to have people interact- library story, take an interactive lor you’re in an office building, so ing, there wasn’t a barrier. If I was quiz, enter a poetry contest, or write their own “Love Letter to Queens.”

QPL will soon release a bucket list of 125 library experiences not to be missed, and the 125 employees with the most seniority will be honored, including one woman who is just shy of her 50th anniversary with the public isn’t flowing in and out in an office away form the mix, I QPL. wouldn’t have heard those stories.”

Walcott was born and raised past you.” in Queens, and still lives there Walcott shared the story of a man espite the new vaccines and with his wife Denise, with whom who would come to the library the city, hopefully, returning he has four children and eight everyday and read approximately ten books a week. He struck up to some semblance of normal, now grandchildren. He grew up a fivea conversation with the man and is still not the time to be planning minute walk from the St. Alban’s learned that he was homeless and large-scale celebrations. That said, branch, and in high school Walcott under the impression he was not QPL isn’t going to let it’s 125th changed buses across the street allowed to have a library card anniversary go by unnoticed. For from the Central Library, where he because of his housing situation. starters, a virtual gala is planned would do research, but by his own admission, also a lot of “just hangWalcott said team members quick- for June.

“Normally with galas you cel- ing out.” ly made him a card-carrying memebrate individuals, but our goal “Some of those librarians are ber of QPL. Another man would come to the this year is to celebrate 125 years probably thinking, ‘I can’t believe library everyday at 9 a.m. and sit of service,” Walcott said. “I can’t this guy is the head of the Queens at a table until 2:30 p.m., but was say enough positive things about Public Library,’” he said.

“NORMALLY WITH GALAS YOU CELEBRATE INDIVIDUALS, BUT OUR GOAL THIS YEAR IS TO CELEBRATE 125 YEARS OF SERVICE. I CAN’T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT OUR CREATIVE AND DEDICATED TEAM MEMBERS HERE.”

D

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NONPROFIT NEWS

CONSERVANCY HAS MOMENTUM FROM STRONG 2020 The Hunters Point Parks Conservancy (HPPC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance and advocate for the green spaces and waterfront of Long Island City, and to ensure the parks remain an indispensable asset to the community.

Their main programming areas - volunteer projects and free community events - were disrupted significantly by the coronavirus pandemic, as they involved large groups of people gathering together in parks.

In response, HPPC radically reinvented these programs in order to keep its community safe, while still providing high-quality programming and fulfilling its obligation to keeping Gantry Plaza State Park and Hunter’s Point South Park in top shape through facilitating volunteer cleanups.

Throughout the 2020 calendar year, HPPC hosted 100 virtual events attended by 3,000 people, and held 56 volunteer sessions attended by 514 volunteers. HPPC volunteers removed 856 bags of weeds, planted 1,206 plants and 13,000 bulbs, and pruned an additional 750 plants.

They also helped mitigate trash buildup on the LIC waterfront by purchasing seven Bigbelly trash cans for Hunter’s Point South Park (doubling the park’s trash capacity), created a 3,300-square-foot pollinator meadow with the Newtown Creek Alliance, worked with NYC Parks to remove graffiti in the parks and fix broken lights, and helped bring public art to the waterfront.

As the 2021 calendar year kicks into gear, HPPC is looking to build on their momentum from a strong 2020. A successful season of virtual events in 2020 prompted a new 2021 winter virtual program series (with another coming mid-April) featuring 20 events over Zoom, including yoga, Zumba, art, and kids STEAM programs.

All events are free, but registration is required and all information

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Volunteers take part in cleaning up a waterfront park in Long Island City. can be found on HPPC’s online calendar.

The end of April will also see the launch of the season’s volunteer gardening days and HPPC is encouraging anyone interested to help.

They will be working in Hunter’s Point South Park every Thursday morning at 10 a.m. and every Saturday morning in Gantry Plaza

State Park at 10 a.m.

Ten volunteers at a time will be allowed and registration is required.

Volunteers are required to wear a face covering through the duration of the session and follow other safety guidelines.

The Conservancy is also bringing back its corporate volunteer program. Queens-based companies in particular are encouraged to bring their employees out for a day in the fresh air on the waterfront giv-

ing back to the community and its parks.

Corporate volunteer days are bespoke experiences that are tailored to fit the needs of each company and ensure a safe environment. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Casey Chamberlain, HPPC’s manager of Programming and Development at casey@hunterspointparks.org.

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QUEENS CHAMBER NEWS

FULFILLING A VISION AT VAUGHN COLLEGE Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology recently completed construction of its new campus cafeteria. The modern 5,000-squarefoot facility replaces the old cafeteria located in the cellar of Vaughn’s main East Elmhurst building, and fulfills a long-planned goal for Vaughn.

It also continues the implementation of the longterm Master Campus Plan developed by Graf & Lewent Architects.

Vaughn College is renowned nationally for its extraordinary record of providing upward mobility to its diverse student body, including many first-generation Americans and first-generation college students, and for its partnership with the vital airline, airport and engineering industries in the New York area.

The new cafeteria is a major step in Vaughn’s continuous program of improvement in its programs and facilities.

The working partnership between Vaughn College and Graf & Lewent Architects began 20 years ago, when Steve Lewent attended a Crain’s breakfast event featuring Gordon Bethune, then the CEO of Continental Airlines.

Graf & Lewent had been working on projects for Continental since 1995. By chance, Lewent found himself seated next to Dr. Sharon DeVivo who, at the time, was director of Development for the College of Aeronautics, as the school was then known.

After learning about DeVivo’s position at the College, Lewent noted that Graf & Lewent specialized in both higher education and airline projects, so maybe there would be a good fit between college and architect.

A few years and a few projects later, the College of Aeronautics became Vaughn College, and Vaughn hired Graf & Lewent to create a master plan. This was a great way for Graf & Lewent to get to know and understand Vaughn better, and to help visualize the future of the growing and ambitious college.

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The new cafeteria is a project Vaughn College has had in the pipeline for a number of years.

Graf & Lewent worked closely with the Vaughn team to understand the college’s plans to expand and better serve its student community. The master plan included concepts for a new library, conference center, cafeteria, and the college’s first residence hall.

A focus of the plan was an interior “quadrangle” located at the geographical center of the main campus building, and surrounded by key student facilities, such as

the library and cafeteria.

The residence hall represented a major expansion of Vaughn’s vision for its student population and make-up. It was completed in 2008, and was an immediate success. Suddenly, Vaughn was no longer only a commuter college.

Vaughn College is located directly across the Grand Central Parkway from LaGuardia Airport. Certain landing paths require planes to fly very low near Vaughn. Along

with planes taking off at the airport, the sound levels can be significant.

In 2011, Vaughn undertook a major upgrade of the main building as part of a soundproofing project sponsored by the Port Authority and the FAA. This project essentially rebuilt much of the original 1930’s-era building inside and out, including new windows, insulation, cladding, and roof.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

The new space is visible to passersby on 23rd Avenue.

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FULFILLING A VISION AT VAUGHN COLLEGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 This aggressive program triggered changes to the interior layout, some of which meshed with the Graf & Lewent Master Plan, and some of which did not. But many student service facilities were installed at the center of the building, at a circulation “quad” as envisioned in the Graf & Lewent Master Plan.

Unfortunately, the cafeteria was not part of this renovation, and remained in its original basement location.

As the college’s population grew, the former cafeteria was inadequate. Vaughn had long sought to replace the space with a new expansive one, but now the need was urgent.

The presence of new resident students in conjunction with a larger overall population of students, faculty and staff required a larger – and more welcoming – food facility.

And, with food service facilities becoming a key factor in attracting future students to higher education institutions, the time had come in 2017 to make the new cafeteria a reality.

The Vaughn and Graf & Lewent teams worked closely and quickly to develop a design for the new space. An underutilized facilities maintenance and storage space immediately adjacent to the new quad was the focus of the design effort.

Not only was the 3,600-squarefoot space ideally located, but it offered 20-foot-high ceilings and skylights to boot.

Different sizes, arrangements and even the possible insertion of a mezzanine floor were explored.

The food service staff was brought in to provide insight into how they could do their jobs better and more efficiently, and an online survey was sent to students and staff to get ground-level feedback.

A new pizza oven was high on the wish list!

The final design called for the complete renovation of the existing space, plus a 1,400-square-foot addition to create a 5,000-squarefoot facility. The kitchen was a giant leap from the 350-square-foot facility in the basement, and featured all-new state-of-the-art food preparation equipment and walk-in refrigerator/freezer storage.

The addition to the building was

designed as a pre-engineered “Butler Building.” Using a prefab structure was highly cost effective, and its exposed structural system fit perfectly with the industrial esthetic of the existing space.

The interior materials were chosen for durability and ease of maintenance, as well as look. All furnishings were designed to be movable, so that the grand dining space could be rearranged for special college and community functions.

The new space is bright and open, as well as visible to passersby on 23rd Avenue. Graf & Lewent was also able to add outside space for eating and connecting during the warmer months.

The project was awarded to Stuart Berger Construction Corp., which has since merged with Cook & Krupa LLC. Construction began in the spring of 2019. As always, there were some issues that arose.

For example, an old foundation for a long-since demolished structure was uncovered during excavation. Its removal delayed the installation of the foundations for the building addition. Another setback was due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the project was deemed “essential” by city guidelines, and

construction resumed after a brief pause.

The use of a pre-engineered building helped recover some of the time lost to obtaining Building Department approvals and remedying unforeseen site conditions. When the Butler Building “kit” arrived, the new addition was in place in a matter of weeks.

The construction was substantially completed in June 2020.

Vaughn’s new cafeteria is the fulfillment of a long-awaited goal for Vaughn, and reflects the college’s commitment to a continuous cycle of improvement and growth both inside and outside the classroom.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have this significant upgrade to our campus, and look forward to taking full advantage of the space in the coming months,” said Dr. DeVivo.

“Our long-term relationship with Graf & Lewent has provided us with a partner who is responsive and reflective of our needs. This is a relationship that has provided us with a campus that feels comfortable and meets the needs of students, faculty and staff.”

NY CRYSTAL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

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The addition of resident students on the Vaughn College campus necessitated a redesign of the space.

22

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April 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 4

KEEPING QUEENS CRYSTAL CLEAN If the coronavirus pandemic taught business owners one thing, it’s that cleaning and sanitizing their business requires a lot more work than asking employees to clean up after themselves.

Whether you run a small retail store or a company with hundreds of employees, you need a professional cleaning service that has the staff, resources, and equipment to handle a job that is now more important than ever before.

One family-run company, New York Crystal Cleaning, has been at the forefront of helping businesses clean and sanitize their workplace to enable them to safely reopen.

Owned and operated by brother and sister, Antonios and Penelope Vaggelas, New York Crystal Cleaning has been providing professional cleaning services, sanitizing, and maintenance regimens for businesses and homes for over ten years.

New York Crystal Cleaning works with big businesses, like New York Community Bank who has over 80 locations around NYC, and small businesses, like The Grand, a popular restaurant in Astoria, Queens.

They service just about every industry you can think of, including banks, hospitals, schools, daycares, commercial offices, gyms, restaurants, worship facilities, car dealerships, hotels, and more.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed us in so many ways — one of the most noticeable being our definition of cleanliness,” said New York Crystal Cleaning CEO, Penelope Vaggelas.

“More than ever, ensuring a clean and healthy facility is critical. We understand the huge task of safely reopening and operating a business without significant downtime. It requires navigating new coronavirus cleaning and disinfection protocols and making sure personnel are properly trained,” Vaggelas added.

The coronavirus that has infected millions of people around the world can lurk for hours on doorknobs, handrails, keyboards, elevator buttons and other hard surfaces, just waiting to be passed on to someone else.

Studies show that 15% of people don’t wash their hands often enough, so, as part of their routine office cleaning program, New York Crystal Cleaning disinfects “common touch” areas like door handles, elevator buttons, vending machines, and water coolers.

New York Crystal Cleaning uses CDC & EPA Registered Disinfectants, and their two-step cleaning process is proven to clean more effectively and efficiently than any other process on the market.

First, an electrode atomizes the cleaning solution.

Then, when the solution is sprayed, the charged particles are attracted to the surface area. The particles then wrap around the surface, giving an even coat to 3-d and other hard-toreach places. This process ensures that entire surfaces are safely and thoroughly disinfected.

New York Crystal Cleaning is committed to helping you create a “Crystal Clean Experience” for your employees and your customers, so everyone can be confident that they are in a clean and safe environment,” said New York Crystal Cleaning President, Antonios Vaggelas.

“Your employees are on the frontlines of your business, so it’s important that every effort should be made to protect their health,” he added.

New York Crystal Cleaning’s commercial services include: environmentally-friendly green cleaning, general property cleaning (offices, lobbies, bathrooms, etc.), elevator cleaning, flooring cleaning (marble, tile, ceramic, granite, hardwood, etc.), stripping, waxing, and buffing floors, recycling services, uniformed day porter services, carpet cleaning and shampooing, construction cleanup, and much more.

New York Crystal Cleaning also works with renters and homeowners to keep their homes clean and safe.

They offer residential services such as: year-round spring cleaning, blinds and window dressing cleaning, deep cleaning for carpets, CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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April 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 4

QUEENSBOROUGH CALENDAR OF EVENTS APRIL 4/7, 11 AM

SETTING UP A SHOP USING SHOPIFY

Learn easy-to implement tips on how to set-up your Shopify website. Shopify has grown from 5 people in a coffee shop to over 5,000 across the globe, and powers over one-million businesses worldwide.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org 4/8, 11 AM

GOVERNMENT GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

The Queens Chamber of Commerce is joined

by Man-Li Lin, Economic Development Specialist for the United States Small Business Administration, for a webinar presentation on Federal Grants and how to apply for and track them.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org 4/13, 2 PM

ONLINE SELLING TO GENERATE ADDITIONAL REVENUE FOR YOUR BUSINESS

An information-packed session on how to harness the power of your e-commerce platform to maximize your revenue. It will cover fine tuning your buyer personas, identifying your best attribution and conversion paths using social media to help to drive sales and remarketing to achieve higher conversion.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org 4/14, 9 AM

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION

The Queens Chamber of Commerce is committed to maximizing your membership. If you’re a new member and have yet to participate in an orientation, please register to join us virtually.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org 4/15, 11 AM

QUEENS CHAMBER ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE PRESENTS THE EV REVOLUTION

Learn how and why electric vehicles will be the dominate source of transportation.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org 4/15, 2 PM

Business Outreach Center present a webinar by Neil Gilberg on the rules and regulations surrounding Workers’ Compensation.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org 4/16, 9:30 AM

CRITICAL THINKING IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Benefits of critical thinking include, improved cognitive skills, a foundation of logical decision making on which you can draw, even in stressful situations higher professional achievement, improves team playing skills, and facilitates the ability to stay calm.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org 4/20, 2 PM

VIRTUAL MANUFACTURING TOUR - WHITE COFFEE

The Chamber’s Manufacturing Committee invites you to join a virtual tour White Coffee, a third-generation family-owned coffee importer/roaster located in Astoria.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org 4/21, 9:30 AM

NEURO-MARKETING

Join the Queens Chamber for a special webinar by the US Small Business Administration

where we learn the new science of consumer decisions coined “Neuro-Marketing.” Learn tools for Neuro-Marketing, strategy, and examples of this new science in practice.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org 4/21, 3 PM

TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE PRESENTS: VIRTUAL MEETINGS

Out of necessity almost everyone has is logged into online meetings and these meetings aren’t going away anytime soon. It is extremely important to communicate effectively via virtual meetings. This presentation will show you in a fun way our Top 10 do’s and don’ts for Zoom and other virtual meetings.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org 4/21, 4 PM

MAXIMIZE ONLINE ORDERS FOR RESTAURANTS

Review the importance of your Google My Business Profile, incorporating your online ordering into your main website, the power of special online discounts and using social media to amplify your online ordering options.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

How Recycling Used Cooking Oil Can Benefit Your Business Free Live Webinar

Mon., April 5, 2021 at 12PM or Fri., April 30, 2021 at 2PM Learn how to recycle used cooking oil and how it can benefit your business and the environment! Avoid the hazards and risks of not properly disposing your used cooking oil.

Hosted by Flushing Willets Point Corona Local Development Corporation and Flushing Business Improvement District with guest speakers from the NYC Department of Environmental Protection.

Supported by a grant from TD Charitable Foundation.

Please register at: bit.ly/recyclewebinar2021

WHAT BUSINESSES NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COMPENSATION

The Queens Chamber of Commerce and Queens

25

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER STAFF PROFILES MICHELLE WATSON JACQUELINE How long have you been at the Chamber?

DONADO April will mark seven months that I have been with QCC.

Previous Job: Pre-COVID, I was building a career in restaurant management for about eight years. When this virus hit, I started my own business as a virtual assistant helping restaurants and food service businesses.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? “If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” It has really made me think about who I surround myself with, both personally and professionally.

If I’m not learning and growing, it’s probably time to move on.

What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team? Be yourself! Don’t be shy and don’t worry about being accepted. This team is so diverse and welcoming, you’ll fit right in no matter who you are.

knowing we’re making a difference.

Favorite Music Genre: Rock and alternative mostly, with a little bit of hip hop.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish in 2021? In 2021, I hope to read more books. I used to be an avid reader, but somehow I let the hobby slip away.

What is the most inspiring part of your job?

Helping small businesses in need. There are some genuine, heartwarming moments when business owners express their gratitude for the services we’re providing. It’s so rewarding

What is the first thing you plan to do that you have missed over the past year? Post-COVID, I would really love to go to concerts again. I truly miss the feeling of being in a crowd, singing along to a live performance.

GEORGE HADJICONSTANTINOU

How long have you been at the Chamber? I started in April of 2008, so 13 years.

How long have you been at the Chamber? I have been here six months.

Previous Job: I was managing editor at El Diario La Prensa, the oldest Hispanic daily newspaper in the U.S.

Previous Job: I was deputy chief of staff for Assemblyman Michael DenDekker.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Keep calm under pressure.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Don’t leave a job half-finished

What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team? Train to multitask and keep focus in your personal and professional life.

What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team? Buy a comfortable pair of sneakers.

Favorite Music Genre: Alternative Rock What is the most inspiring part of your job?

Meeting with small business owners and providing them, at least, with a glimmer of hope.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish in 2021? Keep a business from closing.

What is the first thing you plan to do that you have missed over the past year? Attend a baseball game.

26

Favorite Music Genre: Jazz and Bossa Nova.

What is the most inspiring part of your job?

The opportunity to learn abut cultures, languages and individuals who represent success and diversity.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish in 2021? Stay safe and healthy.

What is the first thing you plan to do that you have missed over the past year? Travel, visit and hug my relatives abroad.

April 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 4

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.

ASIAN AMERICAN FEDERATION

120 Wall Street, 9th Fl., New York, NY 10005 aafederation.org QUICK GLANCE: The Asian American Federation’s mission is to raise the influence and well-being of the pan-Asian American community through research, policy advocacy, public awareness and organizational development.

Established in 1989, the Federation is a panAsian non-profit organization representing a network of community service agencies in the Northeast. These agencies work in the fields of health & human services, education, economic development, civic participation, and social justice.

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 QUICK GLANCE: 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.

ACCOMPANY CAPITAL (FORMERLY BCNA)

78-27 37 Ave., Ste. 1 Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Business Development: Tshering Gurung 347.730.6468 tgurung@accompanycapital.org QUICK GLANCE: Accompany Capital is an

award-winning Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Small Business Administration (SBA) micro lender that pro-

vides small and micro business owners in New York City with low-cost loans, access to business training & technical assistance, and one-on-one counseling.

Accompany Capital has disbursed over $34 million in loans and assisted over 10,000 immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs in New York City since its founding as Business Center for New Americans (BCNA) in 1997, as well as provided workshops and one-on-one advice on business management and marketing to over 10,000 businesses.

BUSINESS OUTREACH CENTER NETWORK (BOC, INC.)

85 S. Oxford Street #2 Brooklyn, NY 11217 718.624.9115 bocnet.org QUICK GLANCE: Business Outreach Center Network’s mission is to improve the economic prospects of traditionally underserved groups, with a focus on low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs and their communities, and thereby create genuinely brighter futures.

At the heart of our mission is the belief that whatever their differences, people and communities share a common goal: to achieve economic stability and growth. Working in partnership with culturally diverse individuals and organizations in support of this shared goal is the hallmark of BOC.

CHHAYA CDC

37-43 77th Street, #2 Jackson Heights, NY 11372 718.478.3848 chhayacdc.org QUICK GLANCE: Core to our strategy is organizing and advocating for systemic changes that remove the barriers to well-being, housing stability, and economic mobility for our communities. For over 20 years, Chhaya has served tens of thousands of individuals and led the charge on key policy issues for immigrants, such as basement legalization, language access, tenants’ rights, and more.

CHINATOWN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (CHINATOWN PARTNERSHIP)

217 Park Row, 2nd Floor, Suite 9 New York, NY 10038 chinatownpartnership.org QUICK GLANCE: Chinatown Partnership, led

by Wellington Chen, was formed in 2006 as new start-up from grounds up to bring residents, business owners and community groups together to rebuild Chinatown following 9/11, and to preserve the neighborhood’s unique culture while ensuring its vitality in the future through strategic positioning.

With the highly popular Weekend Walks street festive series, Mid-Autumn Festival, One Day in

NYC, annual Beautification/Earth Day, East West Parade with Little Italy, Double Valentine’s Day to promote the softer side of Chinatown and the Jewelry District and all the cafes, eateries in the area. Explore Chinatown marketing initiative, Lunar Stages outdoor film screenings, and Taste of Chinatown street events, Chinatown Partnership helps promote the area as a special destination to live, work, and visit.

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.

GATEWAY JFK

Executive Director: Scott Grimm-Lyon 516.730.3400 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.

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 repre-

senting over 200 businesses.

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 27

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES WOODHAVEN BID

84-01 Jamaica Avenue, Woodhaven NY 11421 718.805.0202 gwdcbid@hotmail.com woodhavenbid.com 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.

JAMAICA CENTER BID

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: Founded in 1979, the Jamaica

Center BID serves over 400 businesses on Jamaica Avenue between Sutphin Boulevard and 169th Street. With a budget of over $1 million, 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.

JFK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

P.O. Box 300687, Jamaica, NY 11430 Executive Director: Clorinda Antonucci President: Al DePhillips Vice President: Joseph Morra JFKCoCExec@gmail.com jfkairportchamberofcommerce.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1978, the group

has over 200 members. The chamber was chartered in 1978 by a group of business people in and around JFK Airport. It is the only airport in the nation to have its own Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber seeks to create an environment in which members of the business community can work together to enhance the growth, well being and economic development of the airport community and its aviation industry.

LONG ISLAND CITY PARTNERSHIP

President: Elizabeth Lusskin 718.786.5300 longislandcityqueens.com QUICK GLANCE: 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.

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MASPETH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Executive Director: Ted Renz 718.366.3806 QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $500,000 with over

120 members and a budget of $115,000.

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.

MASPETH INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (MIBA)

QUEENS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

P.O. Box 780265, Maspeth, NY 11378 President: David Daraio 718.335.1300 maspethchamberofcommerce.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1953, they have

BOC: 96-11 40th Road, Corona, NY 11368 Coordinator: Quincy Ely-Cate 718.205.3773 qelycate@bocnet.org mibanyc.org QUICK GLANCE: Covering roughly 600 busi-

nesses with 30 active members, the Maspeth Industrial Business Association 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 busi-

nesses under its umbrella. Formed in 1929. MVCC meets annually and focuses on the Metropolitan Avenue shopping district between 69 and 80th streets. The mission is to improve the area and assist local businesses if they have any concerns or needs.

MURRAY HILL MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION OF NY

P.O. Box 1897 New York, NY 10156 212.886.5867 murrayhillnyc.org QUICK GLANCE: Murray Hill is a unique residential neighborhood in midtown Manhattan.

While there is no formal boundary for the neighborhood, the area served by The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association and its sister organization the Manhattan East Community Association (MECA) extends from Fifth Avenue eastward to the East River and from 42nd Street down to 26th Street (encompassing the 10016 postal code).

MYRTLE AVENUE BID

62-14 Myrtle Avenue, Ridgewood, NY 11385

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. Register online for upcoming virtual events, including:

ROCKAWAY BUSINESS ALLIANCE

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 Rockaway

Development & Revitalization Corporation (RDRC) was established to promote the revitalization of the Rockaway’s economic base and neighborhoods by creating long-standing partnerships with city and state agencies.

ROCKAWAY EAST MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION (REMA4US)

1032 Beach 20th Street Far Rockaway, NY 11691 rema4us.org REMA 4 US, Inc. seeks to engage in economic development and revitalization in the Rockaway Peninsula. To strengthen our community revitalization programs and community development efforts in the Rockaway Peninsula REMA works alongside businesses, civic groups, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. REMA works to inform the public about opportunities that exist to strengthen the community, and to create a welcoming and safe environment to help expand economic opportunity in the Rockaway

April 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 4

NEW MEMBERS MAJOR CORPORATE

Facebook, Inc.

1601 Willow Road Menlo Park, CA 94025 facebook.com We build technologies that help people connect with friends and family, find communities, and grow businesses.

CORPORATE

Cine Magic LIC Studios, LLC 30-15 48th Avenue Long Island City, NY 11101 cinemagiclic.com

HANAC, Inc.

27-40 Hoyt Avenue South, 2nd Fl Astoria, NY 11102 hanac.org HANAC was founded in Queens, NY in 1972 to serve the needs of the Greek community. At that time, Greeks coming to the United States needed social services to get acclimated to life in America.

INF Associates, LLC 1114 Main Street Fishkill, NY 12524

INTRODUCTORY

17 Battery Place, 8th FL New York, NY 10004 exponents.org

Complete Safety Services

133-33 Brookville Boulevard Rosedale, NY 11422 joselhealthcare.com

DEEP OUTCOMES, LLC

10606 160th Street, Apt. 1A Jamaica, NY 11433

DevJee, Inc.

245 Park Avenue, Suite 1800 New York, NY 10167 northwesternmutual.com

1375 Broadway, 18th FL New York, NY 10018 costmarc.com

4142 24th Street, Suite 1403 New York, NY 11101 CompleteSafetyNY.com 89-03 250th Street Bellerose, NY 11426

112 Beach 62nd Street, FL 1 Arverne, NY 11692 devjee.com

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.

SUNNYSIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PO Box 4399, Sunnyside, NY 11104 President: Vanessa Ceballos 718.729.4688 sunnyside-chamber.org QUICK GLANCE: With an annual budget of

$55,000, the chamber is an organization built around assisting and helping local business and

Jos-El Care Agency

Just Grand 59

Northwestern Mutual

Diamond Central, LLC

Parents in Action for Leadership and Human Rights

Downright Printing

Recycle For Education

40-10 National Street Corona, NY 11368 MyDiamondCentral.com 88-29 238th Street Bellerose, NY 11426 downrightprinting.com

PARTNERS & AFFILIATES Peninsula.

Exponents, Inc.

CostMarc Consulting Group

professionals by providing resources to increase business, safety and historical preservation throughout the neighborhood.

SUNNYSIDE SHINES

45-56 43rd Street, Sunnyside, NY 11104 Executive Director: Jaime-Faye Beam 718.606.1800 director@sunnysideshines.org sunnysideshines.org QUICK GLANCE: The BID has a budget of

approximately $480,000 with more than 250 businesses under its umbrella. The mission of Sunnyside Shines is to invigorate and enrich the economic life of the neighborhood by creating a safe and dynamic commercial district.

SUTPHIN BOULEVARD BID

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 Boulevard between Hillside Avenue and 94th Avenue in Jamaica.

16809 91st Avenue, Lower Level Jamaica, NY 11432 parentsinaction.net Recycle For Education 200-09 Murdock Avenue St. Albans, NY 11412 recycleforeducation.net

Royal Exterminating Co., Inc. 108-44 172nd Street Jamaica, NY 11433 royalexterminatingco.com

The Sahel, LLC dba Nneji dba IBARI 32-20 34th Avenue Astoria, NY 10044

Steveknowsmedicare

231 West 21st Street New York, NY 10011 Steveknowsmedicare.com

HUNTERS POINT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

A minimum donation is required. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are also available for many other HPPC programs and corporate partnerships are vital to the success of the organization.

For more information about LIC waterfront parks, HPPC’s virtual events, volunteer opportunities and more, visit hunterspointparks.org.

You can also check out the Conservancy on Facebook, Instagram (@licwaterfront), and Twitter (@licwaterfront).

29

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

SENIOR 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 Vincent L. Petraro, Esq. Dominick Ciampa George Rozansky Joseph Farber Gerard Thornton Louis D. Laurino Jeff Levine Joseph M. Mattone, Sr

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 Stephanie Baldwin Fran Biderman-Gross Joshua E. Bienstock Susan Browning Kenneth J. Buettner Charles E. Callahan KY Chow

Sal Crifasi Steven DeClara Mayra DiRico Richard Dzwlewicz Charles Everett, Jr. Joseph R. Ficalora Tamara Gavrielof

Howard Graf Raymond Irrera Kenneth Koenig Neil Levin Bert Lurch Carl Mattone Patricia Mezeul

Melinda Murray-Nyack Maria Odysseus Stephen Preuss Nash Roe Jeffrey Rosenstock Juan Santiago Thomas Santucci

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

Patrick Yu Daniel Zausner

CORPORATE MEMBERS A&E Real Estate A&L Cesspool Services Corp AARP Adria Hotel and Conference Center Aeroterm AFC Urgent Care - Howard Beach Amaracon Testing & Inspections, LLC American Lions LLC Amna Construction Corp AmTrust Title Andromeda Antun’s of Queens Village Apple Bank for Savings Apple-Metro, Inc. ARK Development LLC Ashnu International, Inc. Assured Environments Astoria Sports Complex Atco Properties Accounts Payable Aurora Contractors, Inc. Avison Young AYC Properties LLC Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP Balkan Sewer And Water Main Service Bank of America Merrill Lynch Bank of Hope Bellozino Bethpage Federal Credit Union Bijal Hospitality - Hyatt Place LIC & Fairfield Marriott LGA Blink Fitness Boyce Technologies Inc. Bridgehampton National Bank Broadway Stages Cactus Holdings Inc Capital One Bank Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens CBRE

Center for Automotive Education and Training Cerini and Associates, LLP. Ciampa Organization Cipico Construction, Inc. Citibank CityMD Clearcell Power Conference Associates, Inc Cord Meyer Development LLC Corporate Development Systems, Inc. Courtyard by Marriott Crescent Properties, Inc Crown Castle Crunch - Rochdale (Please correct spelling in magazine) Cushman & Wakefield Damian Family Care Centers, Inc. Daniels, Norelli, Scully & Cecere P.C. Daroga Power, LLC Dedline AV East Coast Energy Group Ecosave Inc. Emigrant Mortgage Company Enterprise Fleet Management eXp Realty: Andrew Wu Exquisite Construction F & T Group Farrell Fritz, P.C. First Central Savings Bank Flushing Council On Culture & The Arts Forest Hills Financial Group Inc. GF55 Partners Gil-Bar Industries, Inc. Glenwood Infinity LLC (Hello Panda Festival) Global Industrial Goodwill Industries of New York & North-

ern New Jersey, Inc. Graf & Lewent Architects Greater NY Automobiles Dealers Association Green Energy Technology Greenpoint Manufacturing & Design Center Gum Studios Hampton Inn by Hilton JFK Airport Healthy Corner Pharmacy Hilton Garden Inn LIC New York Hook & Reel LLC Horticultural Creations, Inc. Hyatt Place Flushing IBIS Styles New York LaGuardia Airport INDA, Association of Nonwoven Fabric Industry Innovo Property Group Instacart Intercontinental Capital Group iRCM, Inc. J.W. Hampton Jr. & Co., Inc. James F. Capalino & Assoc.

Jaros, Baum & Bolles Jason Office Products JC Elite Construction JDP Mechanical JetBlue Airways Corporation JFA Insurance Brokerage & Associates Inc. JGM Construction Development Jones Lang LaSalle Kasirer Consulting Kaufman Astoria Studios, Inc. Kimco Realty Corporation Klein Weath Management/ Hightower Advisors Laffey Real Estate Laguardia Plaza Hotel Laser Bounce of Brooklyn Inc.

Levine Builders Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade Association, Inc. Luxury Office Suites LLC Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc. Madison Realty Capital Manpower McBride Consulting & Business MCT Fine Wine & Spirits, LLC Medisys Health Network Mega Contracting Group LLC MetroPlus Health Plan Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade MicroGrid Neworks, LLC Millennium Dae Dong, Inc. Molloy College Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens Mr. T Carting Corp.

Muss Development LLC My Benefit Advisor, LLC NEOLEDGE Neuman’s Kitchen Newtown Creek New York + Atlantic Railway New York Health Plan Association New York Oil Heating Association Northwell Health NYC Ferry Operated by Hornblower Olympia Court Real Estate OneGroup Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation Patrick B. Jenkins & Associates Patrizia’s Italian Restaurant Petro PGA Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Piermont Bank Premier Paint Roller Co LLC

COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Michelle Stoddart ResortsWorld Casino New York City michelle.stoddart@rwnewyork.com Jayson Simba Festival of Cinema NYC FestivalofCinemaNYC@gmail.com

BANKING & LAW Paul Harrison Chase paul.harrison@chase.com

COMMUNICATIONS Cody Fisher Blue Ox Marketing, LLC cody@blueoxmarketing.com Leigh Schuckman Sandler Training leigh.schuckman@sandler.com

HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS

E Central Medical Management bertl@ecmmgt.com

30

ENERGY

Marshall Haimson E-Capital Development marshall@e-capitaldevelopment.com Jay Solly Sol Strategies jaypsolly@gmail.com

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INNOVATION Bill Staniford bill@staniford.com Michael Grella Grella Partnership Services mike@socialquityventures.com

FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES Chad Callahan Plaza College cec4@plazacollege.edu Michael Shoule JW Hampton mikes@jwhampton.com

HOSPITALITY

Jim Quent Statewide Public Affairs jquent@statewidepublicaffairs.com Vincent Gentile Vassilaros & Sons Coffee vincent@vassilaroscoffee.com

MANUFACTURING Lina DeLaCruz Control Electropolishing Corp. lina@controlpublishing.com Geoff Smith Connect 360 geoff@bizcon360.com

NONPROFIT

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

REAL ESTATE

Martin Cottingham Avison Young martin.cottingham@avisonyoung.com Kevin Louie Cushman & Wakefield kevin.louie@cushwake.com Michael Wang Project Queens michael@projectqueens.com

TECHNOLOGY Bobby Giurintano TGI Office Automation bgiurintano@tgioa.com Fred Canone fc1281@gmail.com

TRANSPORTATION Kris Amato TD Bank Kristin.amato@td.com William Harris Edge Auto Rental william@edgeautorental.com

Premier Payroll Solutions Prime Storage Priority 1 Security LLC ProHEALTH Care QSIDE Federal Credit Union Queens Center Mall Queens Public Communications Corp.

Quontic Bank RCG Mortgage Receivable Collection Services, LLC Rego Park Seniors Club LLC Related Retail Corporation Rochdale Village Community Center Royal Waste Services, Inc. Safeguard Global Safety Facility Services Samaritan Daytop Village Santander Bank SBT Advantage Bank Seagis Property Group, LP Securitech Group, Inc. Signature Bank Sive, 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 Sterling Risk Structural Engineering Technologies, P.C. Suffolk Sussman-Automatic Corporation Target TC Electric TGI Office Automation Thales The Andy Li Team at Compass The Botanist The Durst Organization The First National Bank of Long Island The Flying Locksmiths -Queens NY The Heskel Group The Liquidity Source The Lovett Group The Marcal Group T-Mobile TSC Traning Academy, LLC Ultrasound Solutions Corp.

United Airlines United American Title Agency United Construction & Development Group Corp United Public Adjusters & Appraisers, Inc. USTA National Tennis Center, Inc. Valley National Bank Vanguard Building Solutions, LLC Vassilaros & Sons Coffee Vic Kessler Signs LTD Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP Watch Guard 24/7 LLC White Coffee Corp Wisselman, Harounian & Associates, P.C. YMCA of Greater New York / Queens Branches York College - CUNY Young Nian Group, LLC Zara Realty

April 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 4 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.

31

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