This is Queensborough - April 2022 by BQE Media - Queens Ledger Brooklyn Star Newspaper Group

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April 2022 . Volume 18 . Issue 4

Bringing NYC Back

SBS Commissioner Kevin Kim discusses revitalizing NYC Businesses

“We want to make it so that small business owners can really focus on what they do well, which is operating their business”

ALSO

· Erin Go Bragh: Chamber hosts St. Patrick’s Day · Restaurateurs thrilled mandate is lifted · A Slice of Queens: Nick’s Pizza in Forest Hills

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April 2022 • Volume 18 • Issue 4

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

Important dates on the calendar

Does the 18th of this month you’ll learn certification qualihave any significance for fications for Set Aside, maryou? If you’re an employee keting to government agenor employer it most certainly cies, and subcontracting to should. It’s the 2022 IRS tax name a few. Presenter Man-Li deadline to file taxes for 2021. Lin will walk you through the There are a number of resourc- process. es available to all businesses Next month on the 10th especially small businesses to we’ll make our triumphant assist in the process. As the return to the state Capitol days wind down towards this for our annual Queens Day deadline make sure you have in Albany. During this day all your ducks in a row. long visit we’ll meet and greet Speaking of dates to with Queens Assembly as well remember, the Chamber has Senate delegation. In addition, curated numerous tour Legislative events this month Chambers and specifically for tour the Capitol. you to keep your A front row seat organization on to let your voice track and forgbe heard. ing ahead. From These are just software which a few important will ensure your dates you should accounting pro- THOMAS J. GRECH earmark and avail cess is running PRESIDENT & CEO yourself to parefficiently to ticipate. Visit our financing to doing website at www. business with a leader in the queenschamber.org/events for industry, we’ve got you cov- details regarding these and all ered. we have in the pipeline for this Days after the tax day on month. the 20th and 21st we’re hostSome will say Queens is ing a two-part Introduction to back to business, I say we QuickBooks being offered. A never stopped. We look forcertified pro advisor will dem- ward to you taking advantage onstrate how you can sign up of all we offer so your organiand access a 30-day trial ver- zation can continue to thrive. sion of this online software. I count my blessings every This product has proven to day for the job I have, the be a huge asset for business best job in the world mind accounting systems. you. Serving your interest and In partnership with the US making it possible for busiSmall Business Administration nesses of all sizes to carry on the Chamber is presents a day in and day out making unique opportunity for your this community the very best organization to learn what it can be. Thank you from the expected when it comes to bottom of my heart for your doing business with the fed- continued support of Queens eral government. On the 28th Chamber. Remember... Queens during this hour-long session STRONG!

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

My Pleasure to Serve

In life we typically have ket the business community, one or two pivotal oppor- members and nonmembers, tunities that leave a lasting with the distribution of PPE impression for the reminder supplies and funding which of our days. fundamentally kept operations Little did I know when I moving forward for those in was sworn on May 1, 2018, need was a herculean effort. as Chair of Queens Chamber This scratches the surBoard of Directors how it face, however, you the busiwould impact my life. ness owner were the impetus As my tenure winds down behind every decision I was and I graciously pass the baton able to make as Board Chair. on to my successor who’ll lead As a 20-plus year business this illustrious group of dedi- owner I live it everyday the cated volunteers known as the same as you. Board of Directors What impacts I’d like to reflect you impacts me. on some highlights We are one comover these past four munity regardless years. of your size. Working with It has been my the dedicated pleasure to serve Chamber staff who as your Board work tirelessly on Chair for Queens your behalf 365 TOM SANTUCCI Chamber, memodays of the year has CHAIRPERSON ries I will carry been an honor. with me for a lifeNot to mention time. of course the wonderful Board Thank you for your continmembers who are committed ued support of this 111-yearto the Chamber’s mission. old organization. Your organization is a Until we meet again… direct recipient of the service these fine individuals deliver. I’m equally proud of the Internship Connection or Join the Queens QCIC which launched to bring talented candidates for Chamber of internships to your businesses Commerce today. and organizations. The parallel effort of this program set a number of young people on a course toward successful careers within the borough of Queens in return strengthening your To sign up visit organization. queenschamber.org And finally, outreach and support. The fact that throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the Chamber was able to blan-

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QUEENS QUICKLY New York State Film Tax Credit up for renewal BY EVAN TRIANTAFILIDIS

evant@queensledger.com

Queens resident Julian Montoya knew he wanted to be involved in the film industry after witnessing the backdrop and scenery of New York City in the original 1990 movie “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” as a kid. It wasn’t until after studying at Queensborough Community College when Montoya found out about the “Made in NY” Production Assistant training program, developed in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and Brooklyn Workforce Innovations. Montoya’s youthful aspirations were able to become a reality with the help of the training program and the New York State Film Tax Credit, which incentivizes filming in-state. This year, the film tax credit program is up for renewal, as Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed to extend the program by three years, according to her office’s 2023 fiscal year executive budget. If approved, the program would expire in 2029 rather than 2026. In 2009, a total of 44 states had offered some sort of film incentive programs. That number has dwindled to 31 states some nine years later. Established in 2004 with an initial annual budget of $25 million, the film tax credit now has an annual budget of $420 million. The program offers a 25 percent fully refundable tax credit on production and postproduction expenses incurred in the state. The program also offers additional credits for labor costs in counties outside of New York City. For workers on production sets like Mon-

toya, that means a steady flow of television and film jobs that are retained in New York. “I always like to say who you know gets you the job, but what you know keeps you the job,” Montoya, a Teamsters Union member, said. “The information I was learning allowed me to keep my job. They gave me the tools to become successful in the business.” In 2014, Montoya had the opportunity to work behind the scenes on the political drama series, “Madam Secretary” when it was filming in Queens. An eight-month battle with cancer didn’t slow Montoya down either, as he was back working in the industry for location jobs and later earned his Commercial Driver’s License to take advantage of more opportunities available to him. “The opportunities have kept coming and coming and coming,” he said. “Now, I’m in a great financial situation.” For lifelong Queens resident and location scout Malaika Johnson, the film and television industry has directly impacted the neighborhoods in Queens where production

sets come to shoot, she says. Her role falls into the category of community relations, with checks being cut to local businesses to store equipment if necessary, and to the local bodega that takes their lunch orders. “We might have filmed in one location, but everyone around it is affected,” Johnson said. She says many local establishments enjoy getting the call for bulk breakfast sandwich orders and lunch orders, nearly emptying their inventory. On a site location in Cambria Heights, Johnson recalled having to cut checks to four nearby houses on a block for aesthetic changes that the film called for. “We’re the ones literally putting the money into the community,” she said. Johnson added that without a state-wide film tax credit, industry jobs like hers would be lost. “If we didn't have the tax incentive, it's not just we'd be out of a job. There would be a lot less money flowing into these neighborhoods,” Johnson said.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Promotions, Announcements & Appointments .................................. 6, 7

Restaurants thrilled as mandate is lifted

Slice of Queens: Nick’s Pizza in Forest Hills ............................................ 8

It’s in Queens: Spring is in full bloom .....................................................................24

TECH SPOTLIGHT: Danny Chan of Biotech without Borders ......... 9

Get to Know the Chamber’s Newest Members ................................................... 28

Erin Go Bragh: Chamber celebrates St. Patrick’s Day ......................... 10 COVER STORY: SBS Commissioner Kevin Kim............................11, 19 STAFF PROFILES: Danielle Silverman, Angela Calcano..............15, 21 Meet Chef Bernadette and Chef Little Bit...................................................16 4

PUBLISHER Walter H. Sanchez

......................................................... 18

MANAGING EDITOR Daniel Offner

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

April 2022 • Volume 18 • Issue 4

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Senate secures $6.7M for Workforce Development U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced they secured over $6.7 million in funds for workforce development and education programs aimed at helping residents. Organizations receiving funds include: Sunnyside Community Services ($100,000) for their Safety, Learning and College Access Program, based out of the Woodside Houses Cornerstone community center. Make the Road New York ($400,000) to help expand and sustain adult education services for immigrant New Yorkers. Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation ($500,000) for their Technology Career Advancement and Mobility Initiatives, which advance and expand job training, skills development, technical assistance, professional development and networking, counseling and employer engagement for residents. CUNY York College ($527,000) to offer six high-quality course offerings and trainings that are aligned with in-demand occupa-

tions and career pathways in New York City, as identified by leading employers and marketplace data. NYC Mission Society ($1.1M) for its “Level Up” Program, which serves as a key component of NYC’s efforts to reduce high school dropout rates, as well as prepare students for post-secondary education and the workforce. City College of New York ($1.5M) for thier workforce development and infrastructure training programs which prepares participants for construction and operations jobs in transportation, energy, communications, wastewater, water, food, and health with emphasis on digital skills for advanced forms of project management, system supervisory control and operations management. New York University ($300,000) for their prison education program, providing formerly incarcerated students valuable skills in social science research and reintegrating them into New York City while also engaging them in knowledge-creation to improve research methodologies, engage a wider

range of subjects, and develop higher quality social science data. Helene Fuld College of Nursing ($1M) to diversify the registered nurses workforce in the New York area by providing nursing students with scholarships. Columbia University ($134,000) for a high school training program for small business accounting. The HOPE Program in the Bronx ($800,000) for a job training program for green jobs to support justice-impacted individuals. Sunnyside Community Services ($175,000) for its Home Health Aide Training Program. The funding will allow 300 community members to receive free training classes, which are offered in both English and Spanish. Queens Economic Development Corporation ($250,000) for their Queens Together Project to support local independent restaurants and food businesses through business education, worker education, as well as technical and marketing skills.

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PROMOTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS Elizabeth Crotty appointed head of the Business Integrity Commission New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently announced the appointment of Elizabeth Crotty as commissioner and chair of the New York City Business Integrity Commission (BIC). The mission of BIC is to ensure that trade waste and wholesale market companies, which have historically been plagued by corruption and connections to organized crime, are conducting their business safely and with integrity. Previously, Crotty was the founding partner at Crotty Saland, PC. Crotty has an established record of successfully handling high-level cases of corruption, fraud, racketeering, and money laundering. “From day one, my administration made a commitment to transparency and accountability, to establish a culture that adheres to the highest standards of integrity and good government, and the appointment of Liz Crotty is part of that work,” Mayor Eric Adams said. “Liz Crotty is delivering more than 20 years of criminal trial experience to help New York City in its mission to ensure businesses in the commercial trade waste industry and wholesale food markets conduct their affairs with integrity and honesty.” Mayor Adams has made clear that his administration will be guided by the values of accountability, transparency, and fidelity to the highest ethical standards. To that end, the administration undertook a reorganization to consolidate key ethics and enforcement agencies into a single portfolio under the Chief Counsel, including BIC, the Commission on Human Rights, the Civilian Complaint Review Board, the Commission to Combat Police Corruption, the newly-created Mayor’s Office of Risk Management and Compliance, the Office of Administrative Justice Coordinator, and the Mayor’s Judiciary Committee. The Chief Counsel’s Office also conducts an extensive and mandatory legal and ethics training program for all mayor’s office employees, which began even before the administration took office. Mayor Adams also recently signed Executive Order 6, which reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to free speech transparency, particularly around the sharing of information by agencies. “The Business Integrity Commission will play a critical role in ensuring that those who conduct business in the city do so fairly and transparently, and Liz is the right person to lead the agency into its next chapter,” Brendan McGuire, chief counsel to the Mayor and City Hall, said.

“I am honored by Mayor Adams’ confidence in me to run this unique law enforcement and regulatory agency, ensuring trade waste and wholesale market companies are conducting their business safely and with integrity,” Crotty said. “From my experience as a prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office overseeing complex domestic and international financial investigations, to my 13 years in private practice, I am ready to take on this task. A fair playing field with an open and competitive market in these industries is essential for New York’s economy and post-COVID recovery. I am ready to go to work.” “We are confident that Commissioner Crotty’s appointment will further enhance our shared public-safety mission, and her leadership of the BIC will benefit all the people we serve,” NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said. “The Business Integrity Commission works daily to ensure the businesses they regulate are operating ethically and safely,” New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga said. “The regulatory work BIC does is crucial to helping NYC businesses operate safely and fairly,” New York City Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin Kim said. “I am looking forward to working closely with Commissioner Liz Crotty to make it clear to all businesses that this city is not only open for business, but that we are committed to a business environment based on transparency and integrity.”

Kate Pechenkina named Dean of Social Sciences

President Frank H. Wu has appointed Kate Pechenkina as dean of the School of Social Sciences. Pechenkina has been serving in this position on an interim basis since July 2020. A physical anthropologist, bioarcheologist, scholar of human epidemiology, and specialist on ancient China, she will advocate for diverse social sci-

ences. As interim dean, Pechenkina was instrumental in developing the new Queens College School of Business. She has been coordinating the 4+1 program in public health with the CUNY Graduate School of Public Heath, supervising the redesign of the pre-law advisory program, and overseeing the faculty diversity enhancement program sponsored by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello named Chaplain of the New York City Fire Department Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Annunciation parish in Williamsburg, has been named a Chaplain for the New York City Fire Department. “I am very honored and humbled to be part of one of the greatest fire departments in the country. The fires I will put out will not be the fires that destroy buildings and take lives, they will be the fires of suffering and loss,” said Msgr. Gigantiello. “Right now, we may be a divided city but when it comes to tragedy we are so united, we come together as a city and we come together as a church because we all believe in one God and we let them know they are not alone.” FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro presided over the swearing-in ceremony on Monday. CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 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. Ad position cannot be guaranteed unless paid prior to publication. BQE Media assumes no liability for the content or reply to any ads. The advertiser assumes all liability for the content of and all replies. The advertiser agrees to hold the QUEENSBOROUGH and its employees harmless from all cost, expenses, liabilities, and damages resulting from or caused by the publication or recording placed by the advertiser or any reply to any such advertisement.

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April 2022 • Volume 18 • Issue 4 Email your announcement or promotion to info@thisisqueensborough.com

PROMOTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS “They are with us on our good days and on our most dark days, they are with the families to tell them that God will remain with them and I could not picture the department existing without chaplains,” Nigro said. Monsignor Gigantiello was ordained in 1995. He has served as parochial vicar at St. Patrick’s Parish, Bay Ridge, and Mary Queen of Heaven Parish in Old Mill Basin, where he installed as pastor in 2002 and served until 2013. He is the director of the office of Parish Giving, and Vicar for development for the Diocese of Brooklyn. He has also served on a variety of civic and notfor-profit boards, including the Board of Directors of Mercy First. Following the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11th, the NYPD made him an Honorary Chaplain in recognition of his work at Ground Zero. Monsignor Gigantiello joins seven other chaplains serving the FDNY.

Debra Pantin named by NYS Gov. Hochul to State Opioid Settlement Board

Debra Pantin, president and CEO of Outreach, has been named by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul to the state’s Opioid Settlement Board. The 21-member board is tasked with helping distribute settlement money from opioid manufactur-

ers and distributors who took advantage of customers leading to record overdoses and deaths from opioids. The settlement proceeds total at least $1.5 billion earmarked for New York from a number of entities named in lawsuits. “This is a tremendous responsibility, one that will entail careful consideration so the settlement funds are best used to help those battling opioid addiction,” Pantin said. “I’m thankful to Governor Hochul for including me on this panel and I look forward to working with my colleagues to work for the citizens in New York State who have been adversely affected by the opioid crisis.” In the Governor’s announcement, which also included the appointment of Anne Constantino, president and CEO of Horizon Health Services, Hochul said, “As we make our comeback from the COVID-19 pandemic, we must commit to also mitigating the impact of the opioid pandemic New Yorkers have endured for many years. That is why I am appointing Anne Constantino and Debra Pantin, two dedicated and qualified public servants to work with me in delivering results to improve prevention, treatment, and recovery for New Yorkers who need our support.” Debra Pantin has headed Outreach for the past three years. A social worker by trade, she has extensive experience in helping communities and improving outcomes. In her prior positions as CEO of VIP Community Services in the Bronx, Debbie was able to help oversee unprecedented growth in agency operations, increasing funding from $21 million to $30 million during her tenure. Debbie has also been president of the Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers of New York State (ASAPNYS) and is the current chair of Mental Health News Education’s Board of Directors. She was previously co-chair of the Substance Abuse Treatment

Committee for the Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies.

MTA Appoints Richard Davey as President of NYC Transit

a diversified transit background and strong leadership skills,” MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said. “Rich is someone New Yorkers should feel confident in as the agency moves forward with major accessibility improvements and other capacity and reliability-oriented upgrades like signal modernization, as well as megaprojects such as Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway and, in years to come, Governor Hochul’s Interborough Express.”

Room and Board appoints McGarvey as Director of Sustainablity Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chair and CEO Janno Lieber today announced the appointment of former Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation Richard Davey as the next president of New York City Transit. As president, Davey will oversee the 54,000-person workforce, as well as operations for New York City subways, buses, paratransit services, and the Staten Island Railway. Davey served in several highranking transit leadership posts in Massachusetts and has a background in every mode of public transportation. He was Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation from 2011 to 2014, but Davey’s transit career began at Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company (MBCR) in 2003. He was promoted to general manager in 2008, and customer complaints dropped 40 percent during his first year leading the agency. In 2010, Davey accepted the general manager position for Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). While he was there, MBTA had its highest annual ridership since 1946. “To take over an operation as large as New York City Transit, the goal was to find someone with

Room & Board, the home furnishings retailer, announces Emily McGarvey as its first Director of Sustainability. In this new role, McGarvey will be responsible for implementing environmentally-sound strategies that further advance the company’s mission of delivering built-to-last furniture through sustainable practices that prioritize American craftsmanship. McGarvey brings 20 years of experience spearheading social and environmental strategies with a focus on product, supply chain, operations, and branding. In 2018, she founded Star Impact Consulting, where she provided purpose-driven strategy and branding for both for-profit and nonprofit business sectors such as Apparel Impact Institute. “My initial framework for furthering Room & Board’s sustainability strategy is to elevate our position as a sustainability leader by focusing on how our furnishings and decor are better for people and the planet, and to standardize the measures we hold ourselves to for our products and operations,” McGarvey said. As sustainability’s role in the retail industry is ever-evolving, McGarvey will navigate complex issues and further solidify corporate values.

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A ‘SLICE’ OF QUEENS

Having a bite at Nick’s Pizza in Forest Hills BY ROBERT INTELISANO

When you think about Forest Hills, many things come to mind as it has a rich history and is considered an integral part of Central Queens. You can walk along the boutiques and retail shops on Austin Street and Metropolitan Avenue and hear a variety of languages being spoken. In 1911, the Forest Hills Long Island Railroad Station opened taking passengers from Forest Hills to Madison Square Garden in 18 minutes. The West Side Tennis Club (former home of the U.S. Tennis Open) moved from Manhattan to Forest Hills Gardens from 1913-1978, before relocating to the expansive Flushing Meadows Park. Forest Hills Stadium is a premier concert venue hosting major acts such as The Beatles (in 1964), Rolling Stones (in 1966), Jimi Hendrix (in 1967) and Tom Petty (in 2017), just before Petty’s untimely death. My family owned a connected townhouse at 182 Burns Street in Forest Hills Gardens from 19672013. I have fond memories as a young boy of visiting my Grandma Anna’s house, enjoying her delicious lasagna, chicken soup with mini marble-sized meatballs and home-made pizza, then playing in the park across the street with my brother Ross. Every Sunday we had the traditional Italian dinner (at 2 p.m. sharp) and there was always a full house and many visitors. The aromas were heavenly, and

nobody went home hungry! In fact, she would give out leftovers in colored Tupperware. She only had one rule-you had better return her Tupperware, or there were no more leftovers for you! Years later, she would remember which friends had second and third helpings. Ah, the good old days! Now, there is a burgeoning foodie scene in Forest Hills. Austin Street boasts two Michelin Award winning Asian Eateries, Spy C Cuisine and Memories of Shanghai. These two restaurants replaced my favorite Michelin Award winning Danny Brown’s Wine Bar, which closed in 2015. Restaurant Row on 70th Road between Queens Boulevard and Austin Street is home to excellent Cuban, Japanese, Middle Eastern and Eastern European food to name a few. There are also several very good pizza options within walking distance. Owned by Nick Angelis, Nick’s Pizza is located in Forest Hills at 108-26 Ascan Avenue between Austin and Burns Street. They opened in 1993 and have been serving outstanding pies ever since. Their other two other locations are in Rockville Center and the Upper East Side; however, Forest Hills is the original location. Nick’s has been one of my go to spots for years, so I decided, in order to keep my objectivity, I needed to bring in a fellow food connoisseur from Queens to give his educated opinion: Bill Donofrio is a reverse mortgage specialist and lifelong Queens resident. To give you an idea of his affin-

Red and white pizza at Nick’s in Forest Hills

Enjoying a pie with Bill Donofrio at Nick’s Pizza in Forest Hills ity for pizza, Bill, and his best friend Dave (now referred to as Chef Dave) after school would take one bus and two trains from Bay Terrace to John’s Pizza on Bleecker Street when they were only 15 years old. Roundtrip it was three hours. They would buy two pies, eat one on the spot and bring the second one back home to Bayside. Nick’s Pizza is a unique place. You can order a thin-crust pie (no individual slices) with a choice of 20 toppings, and you can mix and match. Their sauce borders on tangy and sweet. For example, we ordered a large pie with crumbled sausage and half with hot cherry peppers which you see pictured. Their crumbled sausage topping currently stands alone as my favorite sausage topping of all time! Nick’s offers three different white pies which also stand out. They have a ricotta pie, mozzarella pie and a white pie with both ricotta and mozzarella. For those who cannot decide what type of pie to order, you can order a “Red and White.” As the name implies, it is halfred and half-white (pictured with half sausage). I don’t understand why more pizzeria’s do not offer these menu choices. Their house salad gets rave reviews along with their calzones and Juniors’ cheesecake. The homemade cannoli (when available) are Bill’s all-time favorite. Nick’s is also Bill’s choice for the

number one Pizzeria in Queens, and he says, “it’s not even close!” If you are a fan of old school bottled soda, Nick’s carries Stewart’s Cream Soda, Black Cherry, and Diet Root Beer. They have a decent wine list with Red, Rose, and White wine options. We enjoyed the red wine. They offer a well-rounded list of 11 beers ranging from Brooklyn Lager, Blue Point and Bud Lite to Peroni and Dogfish IPA. Due to COVID-19, Nick’s has reduced hours Monday-Thursday from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. and from 12 – 9 p.m. from Friday-Sunday. They now accept credit cards and deliver. I have seen write ups on Nick’s praising the consistency of their brick oven pizza. In my opinion, the most unique aspect of Nick’s pizza is they use a GAS Oven, not brick or coal. Their gas oven produces a charred thin-crust pie evenly cooked with never an off day. Speaking of write ups, Four Square ranks Nick’s No. 2 in Queens. Zagat gives Nick’s a 24 out of a possible 30 and describes it as a “neighborhood fixture, family oriented joint for thin-crust pies.” Where is your favorite Queens slice? Tell me your favorite place and why. Let me feel your passion about Queens pizza! See you next month! Email me at Rob@InsuranceDoctor.us to share your favorite Queens pizzeria and slice.

April 2022 • Volume 18 • Issue 4

TECH SPOTLIGHT This month’s featured tech entrepreneur is Danny Chan of Biotech Without Borders, a nonprofit in Queens that provides education, lab facilities and a forum for cricial discussion to support repsonsible innovation in biotechnology. Could you tell us a little bit more about your company? Biotech Without Borders is a volunteer-run nonprofit providing low-cost lab space to work with biology, and a community structure for collaborative science. This type of organization is called a community lab. We believe that empowering more people to safely use these tools is a powerful method to increase scientific literacy, tech-

nological innovation, and community organizational capacity. In addition to using our lab facilities, we invite our members to participate in decision-making and operations. What is your latest project and why are you excited about it? We are officially reopening the lab in Long Island City after closing our location in Downtown Brooklyn in 2020. We have interests in microbial analysis of contaminated soils, barcoding fungi, bioart, and frugal enzyme manufacturing that I am eager to see produce data, inspire others, and build a collective know-how between members. One of the projects I will prepare for this summer is in antici-

pation of interns from the NYC LifeSci program. We will plan work with local and global collaborators in frugal enzyme manufacturing. This project will expand our capacity to produce reagents for workshops while simultaneously helping collect data that allows low-resource labs around the world to produce reagents for themselves. Why are you excited about the future of tech in Queens?

well-poised to collaborate with global initiatives that resonate with the same values. In this respect, Queens embodies an incredible opportunity to learn from the histories and passions of its residents in order to inform the building of new technologies that can meet both local and global challenges that face us.

There is so much talent and diversity here. There is a very real challenge in making material improvements in the local context while simultaneously ensuring the same in the global context. I have a lot of optimism that organizations that embrace the power of difference in our diverse local communities are

To learn more, visit biotechwithoutborders.org

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QUEENS CHAMBER NEWS & EVENTS

Chamber hosts St. Patrick’s Day luncheon BY DANIEL OFFNER

doffner@queensledger.com

The Queens Chamber of Commerce held its annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic on Wednesday, March 16, at Terrace on the Park in Flushing. Hundreds of business and community leaders from all across the borough gathered at this year’s festivities honoring NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell and Real Estate Board of New York President/CEO James Whelan. The annual event, held in celebration of the contributions of Irish-Americans in Queens, also included delicious corned beef and cabbage and networking opportunities. “The influence of IrishAmerican and immigrants and their descendents on politics, industry, labor, arts and religion beginning as early as the 1700s is evident and apparent to this day,” Commissioner Sewell told the audience. “I’d like to acknowledge and dedicate this year’s public safety award to the men and women of the NYPD Emerald Society Pipes and Drums and to all the members of the NYPD who suit up every single day to police this complicated and revered city. They are everything we can hope for and need them to be.” Sewell, a 25-year Nassau County Police veteran, is the first woman to serve this role in the NYPD’s 176-year history. Over the years she has led hostage negotitations spearheaded initiatives to get guns and drugs off the streets and has beena member of the federal terrorism task force. Following her presentation, she was presented with the Public Service Award from Queens Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas Grech. “After two years of losses for

Queens residents and not being able to gather in person, it is a joy today to bring together business and community leaders to celebrate the amazing contributions that Irish immigrants and Irish-Americans have made to our business community,” Grech said. “They have helped make Queens and New York City a thriving borough, leading the comeback from COVID-19, and ensuring Queens remains a great place to work, live, and do business. And we are grateful for the opportunity to honor Commissioner Sewell and James Whelan for their efforts in bringing our borough and city back.” This year, the St. Patrick’s Irish American of the Year Award was presented to James Whelan, president of the Real Estate Board of New York, the city’s leading real estate trade association representing commercial, residential, and institution property owners, builders, managers, investors, brokers, sales people and other corporations. Whelan oversees all of the board activities including advocating for effective public and industry policy, supporting the association’s 17,000 members with technical resources and educational opportunities, and connecting industry leaders with other business and community leaders to foster constructive civic partnerships and impactful results. “Having been born and bred in Queens, and now raising my family in this wonderful borough, it’s an honor to be recognized at today’s event,” Whelan said. “The chamber has taken on significant efforts to position the borough and city on the road to recovery coming out of this pandemic and I look forward to continuinwg to work with this organization.”

Council Speaker Adrienne Adams delivers a speech on the contributions of Irish-Americans in Queens

The luncheon also featured a presentation of colors by the 2nd Battalion 25th Marines, led by Color Sergeant Pillco; the National Anthem, sung by Danasia Davis; a benediction from Reverend James A. Kuroly, rector and president of the Cathedral Preparatory School and Seminary; remarks by City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, NYPD Commissioner Sewell, Whelan and Queens Chamber Board Chair Thomas Santucci; and a performance by the NYPD Emerald Society Pipes & Drums band. “Our borough’s Irish roots are strong and deep, going back centuries. As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, we honor our IrishAmerican heritage and all that our neighbors of Irish descent have contributed to the growth and success of The World’s Borough,” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said. “Thank you to the Queens Chamber of Commerce for its efforts to revitalize our small business community as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and congratulations to today’s honorees.” Also in attendance were NYC Councilman James Gennaro, Councilwoman Vickie Paladino, New York State Senator Leroy Comrie, and New York State Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman and Assemblyman David Weprin.

Bagpipers with the NYPD Emerald Society perform

This year’s honoree, NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell accepts the Public Service Award from Queens Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Thomas Grech.

April2022 2022• •Volume Volume18 18• •Issue Issue44 April

COVER STORY

SBS Provides Equity, Access and Inclusion BY DANIEL OFFNER

doffner@queensledger.com

New York City Commissioner of Small Business Services Kevin Kim is all too familiar with the ins and outs of owning and operating a small mom-and-pop business. Kim’s family immigrated to Sunnyside, Queens in 1975, when he was just five years old, and once situated in the community his parents opened up their own business —an artificial flower import and export company. “My mother was an artificial flower designer and my father, would then take what she made and go door-to-door in the garment district until they built up a small business,” Kim said. His family later moved to Bay Terrace, where he attended I.S. 25 on Francis Louis Boulevard, after which he attended Townsend Harris High School prior to its relocation to Queens College in 1995. Kim went on to attend college at Stanford University in California, where he earned his master’s degree, and after spending some time studying abroad in Asia—both in Japan and at Beijing University in China—decided to head back to New York to earn his law degree from Columbia University. Finding that this career path was not what it was cracked up to be, he decided to instead pursue a career in public service—going to work for his local congressman, former U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman. “I had always been interested in public service,” Kim said. “Having worked for Ackerman, I learned so much. He was a great political mentor.” After about three-and-a-half years as part of Ackerman’s administrative staff, he saw an opportunity to run for City Council, and in 2009, became the first KoreanAmerican to ever win a primary in New York City. Unfortunately, he would lose the general elec-

SBS Commissioner Kevin Kim in front of Freedom Tower, near his office at 1 Liberty Plaza tion to the later disgraced City Councilman Dan Halloran, by about 800 votes. During the campaign, he and his wife also had a newborn child, and in 2010 they decided to move closer to her job in Manhattan. There he started a couple of entrepreneurial ventures and eventually became a member of the Community Board in Midtown. He was later appointed Commissioner of the State Liquor Authority from 2014 to 2016 and the following year was appointed to the CUNY Board of Trustees, where he helped select the president of Queens College. Kim went back to practicing law for a brief time before being appointed Commissioner of Small Business Services by NYC Mayor Eric Adams on Jan. 19, 2022. “One of the things I’ve already learned is how important it is to really go out and meet the small businesses where they are,” Kim said. “I’ve already had the opportu-

nity to go on a number of corridor walks throughout the city.” Kim said that one of his primary goals is to have corridor walks with every member of the City Council, and in his brief tenure thus far, has already toured the business districts in Jamaica, Flushing, and Astoria. “Every time I visit a corridor, I see everything that’s good about the city. I asl see the challenges that we’re facing with storefront vacancies, but it’s been heartwarming and inspiring to see businesses and meet business owners that have actually launched their businesses during the pandemic,” Kim said. “For example in Jamaica, Queens, we ran into a Haitian bakery owner, Le Bon Pain. They launched during the pandemic and they’re a familyowned business. They are doing well and just the courage and resiliency to open and survive the pandemic was something that reminds me of my parents in many ways. Coming to this country, speaking very little English with very little and then working through no mat-

ter what the challenges were. A lot of immigrants just don’t have a choice, right? They have families to feed and they do whatever they need to. So that kind of fighting spirit is good to see it’s still alive and well in many areas of Queens.” Kim said that while there is no quit in Queens, he also recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for a lot of businesses. “Families have been experiencing tragedies and I see my role as SBS Commissioner to do everything I can to help out,” Kim replied. “I wake up every morning knowing that if I work hard and I continue to adhere to the mission of SBS we can really help so many people in need.” In the two years since the COVID-19 pandemic started, approximately 66,000 businesses in New York City have closed. This includes roughly 5,000 out of the Continued on Page 19

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April 2022 • Volume 18 • Issue 4

STAFF PROFILES

Community Fellow Danielle Silverman

Danielle Silverman is a Community Fellow with the Queens Chamber of Commerce

Q: What do you look forward to in your role at Queens Chamber?

Go in with an open mind, a positive attitude and be friendly.

As a Queens resident, I am passionate about the community and am excited to help small businesses thrive during this challenging time.

Q: Name one thing you hope to accomplish in 2022.

Q: What was your previous job before this?

One of my resoultions was to complete my LinkedIn profile (spent a while avoiding it) and I accomplished that in March.

I worked in COVID relief as a NYS Contract Tracer for the past year.

In 2022, I hope for a year of growth and learning.

Prior to that I worked as an event planner in New York and Washington D.C.

Q: What is the biggest take away from surviving the coronavirus pandemic?

Q: What was the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

I think as a whole we learned the importance of kindness.

To always believe in yourself and feel confident in who you are.

Our collective struggles brought us together and taught us that a little extra warmth and love towards one another goes a long way!

Q: What advice would you give a candidate who might consider joining a new team?

More staff profiles on Page 21

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CULINARY CORNER

Traveling Private Chef and Catering Company: Chef Little Bit of “Taste Buds Matter LLC”

Chef Little Bit is a Queens based private chef and catering company who creates what she refers to as holistic “Veggital Nutri-meals”, creatively modifying recipes & products based on your individual food preferences, allergens, likes and dislikes. She will form a collaborative fitness/ nutritional diet plan suitable for each individual’s health needs, characteristics, status, preferences, and lifestyle. Chef Little Bit specializes in taste buds and the significance of herbs, spices & the produce we consume. She remains a strong food advocate for youth, the elderly & community development. Some examples of her extended teachings and contributions towards neighborhoods &

essential causes that impact herself & her environment include: ”Heal Through Food“ models, a creative arts theme-based Pop-Up venue consisting of specialized dishes, recipes, demos, and classes catered to clients that may seek a holistic life path or teaching . Her recipes have been featured in both “Queens Library Magazines Winter Recipes” and “Queens People Eating.” She hopes to continue her studies and culinary journey on the road, while still being of assistance to others as she begins to write her first book. For more information on Chef Little Bit visit www.Tastebudsmatterllc.com or follow her on Instagram @healthroughfoodnyc.

Spotlight Profile: Chef Bernadette Alvelo-Miller CEO of “Bernadette’s Place LLC”

Chef Bernadette’s passion for cooking began as a child. Her Puerto Rican culture was passed down through her parents and grandparents, and her lessons were taught in the kitchen. Bernadette clearly recalls stories about why we eat what was cooked. She grew up in a diverse neighborhood with the ability to enjoy a variety of different cuisines. “It was the wonder of ingredients that grew my curiosity towards the culinary world,” she said. Bernadette knew that food has so much history. That its roots make you feel as if you belong, and she always found herself around food. She started out by learning how to create the food she enjoyed eating on her own, and would cook for friends and family—who also loved her food. In 2015, Bernadette entered the Food Pathway Program offered by NYCHA so she could open her own business. She soon graduated and continued to grow her culinary credentials. In 2017, she had her youngest daughter, and during that time at home with her, decided to enter the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, named after the famous 19th-century French chef.

Bernadette graduated from the online program with her diploma in Culinary Arts. But she refused to stop there, and went on to receive an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts in 2020. Bernadette’s Place LLC creates wonderfully authentic dishes and will cater your private event. Her dedicated team includes Mr. Noel Merritt, sous chef and an army veteran who worked in the New York City school system as a cafeteria cook. He ensures the brigade system is in order. Miss Neysha Diaz, the entremetier who is self-taught and has learned the health benefits of vegetables, and Miss Susana Diaz, is the manager who assists in the kitchen and ensures everything is in order. “Until today, I continue to educate myself,” Bernadette said. “Cooking is not just making food, it’s an artistic form. There is always room for creativity with so many different combinations of flavors. I find it to be endless and enjoy seeking new blends.” For more information on Chef Bernadette Alvelo-Miller visit https:// bernadettesplacellc.com or reach out via email at bernadettesplacellc@gmail.com.

April 2022 • Volume 18 • Issue 4

Queens Day in Albany

Tuesday May 10th 2022 Promote your restaurant, Present your food, Showcase your flavors at our 'Taste of Queens' in Albany hosted by the Queens Chamber of Commerce. 300 + Attendees Meet & Greet Legislators TIQ Magazine Spread Queen's Best Website Featured in QC Chats Podcast Featured in Facebook Live Event Promoted via all QCC Social Media platforms

For additional information email: llicona@queenschamber.org

Participation is free and space is limited!

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Restaurateurs Thrilled as Vaccine Mandate is Lifted BY TANIA PADGETT Dianna Loiselle, owner of Astoria restaurant Telly’s Taverna, remembers when she became fed up with the proof of vaccination mandate. One evening as the dinner crowd trickled in, her hostess politely asked for and began reviewing vaccination cards and IDs. All complied without incident, except for one. A man, his face contorting with anger at the request, produced his card, but not without making several derogatory comments about his private area. The hostess fled the dining room and then burst into tears. Loiselle, who had been standing just a few feet away, could not believe what she had just heard. “I was in shock,” she said. “I kept asking myself, did he really just say that?” The mandate turned the restaurant business from a welcoming experience to an unwelcoming one, she added. “We did not want to police our customers.” Brian Urbina, co-owner of Dylan’s Forest Hills, said his experience with the mandate was also difficult. Customers would get verbally abusive with his staff after they were asked to show proof of vaccination and dinner traffic began to dwindle. Dylan’s, which opened two days before the pandemic shut down the world, was beginning to get back on its feet last year after managing several crises brought on by COVID-19. “Then the mandate came,” Urbina said. “And I wasn’t sure if the business would be able to survive the fallout.” But that all changed when Mayor Eric Adams lifted the ban on the mandate bringing relief to many restaurateurs. “The restaurant industry was devastated by the pandemic,” Tom Grech, president and chief executive officer of the Queens

Mojitos in Jackson Heights saw an increase in business during the pandemic thanks to the Governor’s executive order permitting the sale of alcholic beverages “to-go.” Chamber of Commerce, said. been lifted. The owner of the Latin fusion “Many jobs were lost. Many “It saved my business,” he restaurant, which serves mouthbusinesses, shuttered. The re- said matter-of-factly. “Our rev- watering delights, such as grilled moval of the mandate has im- enue is now up 40 percent, and shrimp, smoked pork skin, toastproved the business climate so we expect it only to get better.” ed garlic bread, mashed fried that restaurants can now do what Dylan’s with its Hard Rock plantains and more, is also optithey do best and that’s provide a Café-inspired décor, live music mistic, but cautious. fine dining experience.” and menu full of comfort-food “We are back,” Muñoz said. Indeed. Queens restaurant favorites was in the hole for al- “But Queens restaurants still owners interviewed by “This is most a million dollars due to the need support.” Queensborough” said the remov- pandemic. More needs to be done, he al of the mandate has brought The mandate, which was said, adding that he would like to immediate benefits to their busi- meant to save lives, was killing see the legalization of alcoholic nesses. his business. When it was re- beverages “to-go” and other proDuring one evening in March, moved, the restaurant started to business initiatives. Telly’s dining room is full. Wait- fill up with customers again, UrGrech noted that the chamers bustle about with platters bina said. ber is ready to offer assistance to groaning with steaming plates of His business goals include Queens restaurants. Greek favorites, grilled octopus, paying off debt, bringing in even “The Queens Chamber of fish, fried calamari and spinach bigger acts to the venue, and Commerce offers technical assispie. keeping customers happy. tance, business advice and finanThe low murmur of people enMarcos Muñoz, owner of Mo- cial planning for restaurants,” joying a night out and the sound jitos in Jackson Heights, also Grech said. “We are committed of wine-filled glasses clinking saw a bump in business after the to getting Queens businesses fill the air. mandate was lifted. back on track. Call us!” The restaurant’s business is almost back to pre-pandemic levels, Loiselle said. Next steps are to keep getting better, she replied. “We’ve been here for more than 30 years serving fresh, delicious Greek food, and we plan to continue that tradition for at least 30 more,” Loiselle said. Urbina said he wept with joy Telly’s Taverna in Astoria when he heard the mandate had

April 2022 • Volume 18 • Issue 4

NYC Small Businesses Recover after COVID CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

25,000 restaurants that were previously in operation. During the pandemic, the department even went so far as to create a 24/7 hotline that handled over 80,000 calls for help. SBS also helped connect small businesses to a couple of hundred million dollars worth of grants and loans and formed a program called commercial lease assistance, which provided pro bono assistance for businesses to renegotiate their lease terms. Within SBS there are four major divisions: The first, the Division of Business Services, is what people traditionally think about when they hear about SBS. This division is dedicated to helping launch, operate, and grow businesses. The second is the Neighborhood Development Division which helps manage the 76 business improvement districts (BIDs) throughout the city. The third is the Division of Economic and Financial Opportunity, which is in charge of all of the Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (M/ WBE) certifications for New York City. Kim said that to date, there are approximately 11,000 M/WBE certified businesses. During the pandemic over $1.2 billion in COVID-19 relief funds

were awarded to MWBE businesses. The fourth division is dedicated to managing 18 Workforce One Career Centers throughout the city, connecting job seekers with careers and job training programs. “We are about trying to give access to capital, to give people the basic business services they need to support our neighborhoods by supporting the BIDs, and then connecting job seekers with training programs that lead to well-paid careers,” Kim said. In addition to the department’s four main divisions, Kim said that they provide several programs and services, such as BENYC—a robust mentorship program connecting over 1500 current and aspiring Black entrepreneurs—and NYC Quick Start, which helps aspiring business owners launch their companies by providing a small business advocate to help get through the regulatory requirements. However, it is important to note that SBS is not a regulatory agency. They only serve as an advocate, meaning that the department will do what they can to contact these agencies on the behalf of the business in order to help get through the process smoothly. “I think what people don’t realize is that you have to think about SBS as your free business advo-

cate,” Kim said. “We’re here, not as a regulatory agency, but to hold your hand if need be to get you through the opening and reopening process as soon as possible. That’s our sole goal.” Compliance advisors on the other hand are trained individuals with the department who understand what the regulatory agencies are looking for when they make inspections and they provide businesses with a free preview of what is required in order to be up to code. Back in January, Mayor Adams issued an executive order prioritizing the City’s economic recovery. The executive order, better known as “Small Business Forward,” called for the creation of an interagency working group to closely examine the fines being issued on small businesses, with the goal of seeing which could be reduced, which warrant a warning, and which can be eliminated altogether. “By mid-May, we will be making a recommendation to the mayor after our thorough analysis and discussions with the relevant regulatory agencies,” Kim said. SBS is also involved in the Mayor’s economic recovery blueprint, specifically the revamping of the NYC business portal website, which will provide one-stop services for small businesses.

“We want to make it so that small business owners can really focus on what they do well, which is operating their business,” Kim said. “And it’s a challenge. It’s not easy, but we’re hoping to also look at various technology tools to coordinate this kind of schedule.” He also understands that economic recovery actually promotes public safety. “When commercial corridor has a lot of storefront vacancies and no foot traffic, quality of life issues arise,” Kim said. “So we do all that we can to help mom-and-pop stores reopen, grow, and thrive.” One of the things that Kim said he hopes to accomplish as SBS commissioner is to improve the visibility of the agency. “We have so many resources and tools to help business owners in various stages of their business life, but if people don’t know that we offer these services, all of our planning and effort goes to naught,” Kim said. “If more people took advantage of our services, we feel that it’ll definitely speed up the reopening of businesses… it’ll definitely prompt the financial health of businesses.” For more information on the Deapartment of Small Business Services visit sbsconnect.nyc.gov or call (212) 513-6300.

FAQS

How can SBS help? For Starting Businesses •

Developing your business idea

Every business starts as an idea. Take advantage of free business planning courses to translate your business idea into a business plan. •

Seeking out advice

Get feedback on your business idea and plan. SBS offers handson, intesive instruction for your business plan and connects you with a business coach. •

Understanding your industry

Each

industry

has

different

demands. If you are a NYCHA resident, SBS offers specific programs to help build a food or childcare business. •

Writing your business plan

A business plan is a living document that serves as a road map for your business. SBS provides an online guide to create your business plan.

For Operating Businesses •

Securing necessary financing

•

Finding educational resources

•

Licensing and permit approval

•

Providing free legal advice

•

Saving money through government incentives

•

Help building and training a team of employees

•

Help selling to government and corporations

•

Prepare for emergencies

Certifying with the City More than 10,000 businesses benefit from certification with the city, which enables these companies to compete for government contracts. NYC spends up to $17 billion per year on goods and services. Certification provides greater access to these opportunities.

What else does SBS provide? SBS provides assistance with licences, permits, grant applications, emergency preparedness, hiring, job training, identifying/avoiding violations from regulatory agencies, reopening storefronts, and establishing connections with local BIDs and Community Based Development Organizations (CBDOs). The department also focuses on programs centered around M/WBEs, Emerging Business Enterprise (EBE), Locally Based Enterprise (LBE), Equal Opportunity Employers (EEO), LGBT-Owned Business Enterprise (LGBTBE), nonprofit management assistance, and storefront improvement.

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NONPROFIT NEWS Northwell named a leader in LGBTQ+ health care Northwell Health has been recognized as a national leader in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer inclusiveness by the 2022 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). Twenty-five Northwell facilities earned Equity Leader status, which is based on the health system’s policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of LGBTQ+ patients, staff and visitors. Less than 500 facilities nationwide earned the Equity Leader distinction on the 15th annual survey. This is Northwell’s eighth appearance on the HEI survey, which is compiled by the Human Rights Campaign, a nonprofit which strives to end LGBTQ+ discrimination. Northwell grew from eight locations recognized in 2014, its first year on the list, to 25 leadership awards this year. “At Northwell Health we continue to expand our culture of care where we are build trust and partnerships with our patients and are dedicated to providing culturally sensitive, respectful and humanistic care to all of our communities,” said Dr. Jennifer H.

Mieres, chief diversity and inclusion officer and senior vice president of the health system’s Center for Equity of Care. “We offer personalized, compassionate health care to each and every person inclusive of members of our community who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer. It is a great privilege–and a great responsibility–as we continue our journey in re-igniting the human connection as a pathway to advancing diversity, inclusion, and health equity,” Dr. Mieres said. “We are honored to be recognized by the HRC Healthcare Equality Index for the past eight years.” HEI examines four key criteria: Foundational policies and training, LGBTQ+ patient services and support, employee benefits and policies, and patient and community engagement. More than 900 facilities participated in the latest survey. Another area of focus is LGBTQ+ education (50-hour minimum each year): Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson, Staten Island University Hospital’s north campus and South Oaks Hospital in Amityville each completed more than 200 hours.

Celebrating the power of reading

Against a backdrop of challenges in a changing world, over the past year the National Book Foundation remained steadfast in its mission to celebrate literature, and not just the pleasure of reading, but the power of reading. Through Book Rich Environments, NBF distributed over 200,000 new, free books for families in public housing communities, reaching over 122,000 young people and strengthening vital connections between families and their local libraries and community reading partners. Thanks to a grant from the Mellon Foundation, the Literary Arts Emergency Fund, a partnership between NBF, the Academy of American Poets, and Community of Literary Magazines, will soon be announcing a second round of grants—totaling $4.3 million—to provide vital support to the national ecosystem of nonprofit literary arts organizations and publishers across the country. Spring also marks the launch of the National Book Awards, with the selection of acclaimed writers who will serve as panel judges for the coming season.

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April 2022 • Volume 18 • Issue 4

EXPERT ADVICE RESTORING BREAST SENSATION AFTER MASTECTOMY

BY DR. CONSTANCE M. CHEN

Each year in the United States, more than 100,000 women have mastectomies. Advances in surgical techniques today offer women the hope of a soft, warm breast that may look similar and feel much like her original breast, especially if she undergoes natural tissue breast reconstruction. As a result, more and more women now choose breast reconstruction, either at the time of the mastectomy or later. However, in some cases, women who undergo breast reconstruction learn that the natural “look and feel” of her restored breast actually relates to how the breast will look and feel to someone else. Some women report that their reconstructed breasts do not feel at all natural to her and moreover that the reconstructed breast lacks all feeling and is completely numb to touch and sexual arousal. “The prevalence of social media and zoom conferences has led some women to be more self-conscious about how they look,” says Dr. Constance M. Chen, plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist. “While our capability to reconstruct a woman’s breast after a mastectomy has come a long way, the emphasis has been on rebuilding her appearance, with less focus on how she feels. In

fact, after mastectomy, many women discover that their breasts are numb – a reality for which they were unprepared. The positive news today is that new techniques in breast reconstruction allow specially trained surgeons to reconnect nerves with the possibility of restoring sensation.”

WHY THE LOSS OF SENSATION? In a mastectomy, the nerves that provide feeling to the breast and nipple are cut, resulting in a loss of sensation in the remaining skin, regardless of whether or not the woman undergoes breast reconstruction. In the case of breast reconstruction using implants, the artificial breast implant may actually form a physical barrier that prevents nerves from growing through it to reach the skin. However, with natural tissue breast reconstruction, microsurgeons can suture together nerves from a woman’s own tissue to create a new sensate breast. In these cases, rejoining blood vessels and nerves allows them to grow through the transferred tissue to reach the skin and increase the potential return of sensation. There are different types of sensation – deep pressure, light touch, pain, and temperature – and they each come back at different rates.

Deep pressure sensation usually returns most quickly and temperature most slowly. Moreover, regenerated nerves can take months or even years to reach the skin, and the quality of sensation is variable. “Since nerve growth is slow and the return of sensation is not ensured, not all surgeons prioritize reconnecting the nerves to restore sensation,” Dr. Chen said. “However, taking the time in surgery to carefully repair the nerves can result in the return of feeling and improved sensation.” Innovative microsurgical techniques that use neural tubes and nerve grafts have provided some patients with excellent sensation and even erectile function of the nipple. “Restoring sensation is on the frontline in breast reconstruction,” Dr. Chen concludes. “Sensory restoration can help a woman feel more normal after mastectomy. Each woman will have a unique experience and result, but it is important for surgeons to do their best to restore a woman’s body as fully as possible to help her regain her health and sense of self.” Dr. Chen is a board-certified plastic surgeon and an expert in the use of innovative natural techniques to optimize medical and cosmetic outcomes for women undergoing breast reconstruction. For more information visit constancechenmd.com.

STAFF PROFILES

Business Development Coordinator Angela Calcano Q: What do you look forward to in your role at Queens Chamber?

Seek out a nice working environment like this one.

I’m looking forward to working with the members.

Q: What’s your favorite music or movie genre?

Q: What was your previous job before this?

I don’t have a favorite genre of music. I like to listen to a little of everything and I like all types of movies, especially comedy.

Finance accountant for Waste Management of NY. Q: What was the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Stay focused on the goal. Q: What advice would you give a candidate who might consider joining a new team?

Q: Name one thing you hope to accomplish in 2022. What I hope to accomplish in 2022 is to keep moving in a positive direction. Q: What is the biggest take away from the coronavirus pandemic? What I took away from surviving the coronavirus pandemic is that we could adapt to anything…

Angela Calcano is the Business Development Coordinator with the Queens Chamber of Commerce 21

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Need to disinfect your facilities, but hate the idea of spraying chemicals on everything? We will fully disinfect your facilities—including viruses-using only Ultraviolet Light. We use no toxins or chemicals. We spray no liquids. We leave no residue or odor. If this sounds appealing, visit our website for a QCCoC member discount.

Keep your business germ & virus-free with Denco’s Empowered Solutions. The CDC recommends disinfecting and sanitizing both air and surfaces in your facility to destroy Coronavirus.Empowered Air kills all pathogens, including Coronavirus either through your HVAC or with stand-alone units- Uses revolutionary NASA developed Photo Catalytic Oxidation Technology. https://www.dencoenvironmental.com/qcc

https://www.uvcommercialdisinfection.com/Qu eenschamber/

FAST, EASY, and AFFORDABLE Harassment Prevention online training. Our courses meet all NEW YORK CITY AND STATE requirements and include a certificate of completion. Learn how to recognize and prevent retaliation. How to appropriately report sexual harassment Bystander and third-party intervention. visit: https://ezlearnu.learnupon.com/store/611590 -queensny-workplace-harassment-andabusive-conduct-employee

VIP Discount Program Contact Joe and Todd for details Joe Morrone | joe.morrone@pcrichard.com Todd Costello | Todd@pcrichard.com

Optimizing technology with customer retention is an essential step to manage your business. Managing Payments properly will secure this reality faster than anything else. PaySwipe, Inc services thousands of NY Metro businesses since 2004. ALL Queens Chamber members receive Clear and concise pricing terms. Month to month option with no cancelation fees Unlimited resources to answer your questions. Visit: http://payswipe.com/queens-chamber-ofcommerce/

Shiftyy Health is a division within Shiftyy Sesame Eat! AI VIRTUAL WAITER + ONLINE MENU + Technologies Inc., an IoT solutions provider. ONLINE PAYMENT + E-MARKETING service for Shiftyy Health provides innovative IoT solutions restaurants, cafes, and bodegas. Built for for temperature monitoring devices for all contactless, and efficient operations. Special 6industries. month complimentary service for members of the Shiftyy Health has created innovative Queens Chamber of Commerce. temperature monitoring devices to assist Contact: businesses with temperature monitoring that Amy Leu, US Lead Business Development, meet HIPAA requirements, are efficient, and amy@imago.ai reduce the time and costs in conducting manual Willie Lee, Project Manager, willie@imago.ai temperature monitoring. Visit: http://queenschamber.shiftyyhealth.com/ Website:https://join.sesameeat.com/?pop=qnyc

Visit our website at queenschamber.org for additional member benefits.

April 2022 • Volume 18 • Issue 4

QUEENSBOROUGH CALENDAR OF EVENTS APRIL

ELMHURST OUTDOOR BUSINESS RESOURCES DAY

April 12, 2022 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. The Queens Chamber will provide info on workshops to improve your entrepreneurial and business skills; guidance and consultation to start your own business and what your options are; motivation for women and minority groups; new business connections so you can get to know the community better; specialized advisors to inform you of tax breaks and grants offered; foreign language experts to help you translate from English to your own language or vice-a-versa; legal expertise; advise to help you find your ideal employees; and recovery from natural disaster and crisis. Centro Cultural Barco de Papel 40-03 80th St., Elmhurst

FINANCING WORKSHOP

YOUR

(“Learn how to face new challenges with this seminar”) Este seminario le servirá como guía para saber cuáles son los recursos disponibles para financiar un negocio. En los meses venideros durante la recuperación de la pandemia, es importante que los empresarios estén informados y preparados para enfrentar nuevos desafíos y oportunidades. VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

COFFEE, DOUGHNUTS ORIENTATION

April 20, 2022 @ 10 a.m. The Queens Chamber of Commerce is committed to maximizing your Membership. If you’re a new member, join us for this 45-minute orientation. Queens Chamber 75-20 Astoria Blvd., Suite 140 Bulova Corporate Center, Jackson Heights

BUSINESS THE OF

April 12, 2022 @ 2 p.m. This free workshop will serve as a guideline to help you begin your start-up or operating business on the right track. In recovering from the pandemic, it is important for entrepreneurs to be informed and prepared to deal with new challenges and opportunities. You will walk away with information about the importance of utilizing a business plan, various financing options, resources for startups, and an overall better understanding of the fundamentals for business. VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

GOOGLE MY BUSINESS

April 13, 2022 @ 2 p.m. If you’re serious about getting more clicks, sales, and profits without wasting time trying to do it yourself, register now for this special event. We’ll show you exactly how to create an amazing online presence for your business. VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

CHANGING CYBER

LANDSCAPE THREATS

April 20, 2022 @ 11 a.m. A confluence of events have created one of the most threatening atmospheres toward technology infrastructure that we’ve ever experienced. Join the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s Technology Committee for this online presentation. VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

ESTRATEGIAS PARA AFIANZAR RELACIONES EN EL COMERCIO GLOBAL April 13, 2022 @ 2 p.m. Participe, network y conozca hacedores de marcas en Queens. Espacio limitado, reserve su cupo hoy. “Strategies to strengthen relations in global trade”) Develop a unified strategy to best navigate cultural differences when doing business. Network with a group of business owners looking to expand markets post COVID-19. Space is limited, register today. Holiday Inn Express & Suites 64-06 Queens Blvd., Woodside

BALANCING THE COMPETING DOING BUSINESS WITH FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DEMANDS OF WORK AND LIFE April 15, 2022 @ 9:30 a.m. Time is the most valuable resource known to mankind. It is finite and cannot be expanded. Once it’s used it’s gone forever. VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

CONOZCA COMO ENFRENTAR NUEVOS DESAFÍOS April 13, 2022 @ 4 p.m.

AND

THE

April 28, 2022 @ 11 a.m. Queens Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Small Business Administration invites you to join this webinar and learn about how to do engage in business with the federal government. Learn about finding opportunities, what the federal government buys, certification qualifications, marketing to government agencies, subcontracting, resources, and assistance.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

HOW TO EFFECTIVE

CONDUCT AN JOB INTERVIEW

April 29, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. The program will offer tips for the human resource specialist on how to conduct an effective interview and make it possible to select the best candidate for the job vacancy. We go over all the ins and outs of preparing for and conducting an effective job interview. We will also focus on the challenges of conducting a remote interview. This complimentary webinar is presented by Professor Joshua Bienstock. VIRTUAL To participate visit https://nyit.zoom. us/j/94366879811 or https://nyit.zoom.us/ join and enter meeting ID: 943 6687 9811

MAY

QUEENS DAY IN ALBANY

May 10, 2022 from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. The Queens Chamber of Commerce invite you to participate in this annual event, which includes a meet-and-greet with the Queens Assembly and Senate delegation, tours of the majestic Capitol Building and Legislative Chambers, and a cocktail reception/food sampling of the finest Queens’ food and drink purveyors. Buses leave from the Bulova Corporate Center, 75-20 Astoria Blvd. in Jackson Heights at 6:30 a.m. sharp. Empire State Plaza State St. and Washington Ave., Albany

COOP, CONDO, HOA, APARTMENT EXPO

AND

May 11, 2022 from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Meet face-to-face with board members, property managers and building owners. Maintain your presence in the industry. Buyers come on your turf. Network with your peers. Obtain leads for new business. Pre-shows leads for your category. Hilton Midtown Hotel 1335 6th Ave., New York, NY

SELLING TO THE GOVERNMENT AND GLOBAL MARKET May 11, 2022 @ 1 p.m. Queens Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Small Business Administration invites you to join this webinar and learn about selling to the government and the global market, certification for set aside, marketing to government agencies, subcontracting, and more. VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

IT’S IN QUEENS By Rob MacKay, Director Public Relations, Marketing & Tourism, Queens Economic Development Corporation It’s April, and plants are growing. The days are longer. Youngsters are falling in love. And hopefully, the Easter bunny will be hopping around Queens for a few days. But that’s not everything. This month, the borough also hosts film festivals, Latin dance, live concerts, theater, and bubbles. (Thousands of bubbles.) Please read on the find out about the wonderful things that are about to happen in Queens. Free First Friday April 1 from 11 - 6 p.m. Admission is free on the first Friday of every month. However, visits must be scheduled in advance due to Covid-safety protocols. The Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Rd., Long Island City. Latin Culture and Festival April 8 - April 10

Dance

Three days of dynamic performances celebrating Latin culture through song, dance, comedy, and fantastic music. Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Ave. S., Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

Underground International Black History Month Film Festival April 8 - April 9 from 11 - 6 p.m. Two days of shorts, documentaries, music videos, and other films with a red carpet. King Manor Museum, 150-03 Jamaica Ave. David Krakauer and his Acoustic Klezmer Quartet April 9 @ 4 p.m. Musica Reginae presents one of the most important and influential proponents of new Jewish music and Klezmer’s new wave. Krakauer plays acoustic versions of his original compositions mixed with classic tunes from the traditional Klezmer repertoire. The Church-in-the-Gardens, 50 Ascan Ave., Forest Hills. Barnyard Egg Hunt April 9 - 16 @ 4 p.m. Youngsters search for goodies as part of a time-honored spring tradition on two separate days (April 9 and April 16). Hayrides, local vendors, and animal petting, too. BYOB (Bring Your Own Basket.) Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy., Glen Oaks. CrossCurrent Contemporary Dance Festival April 10 @ 2 p.m. Produced by Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, this eighth annual celebration demonstrates the vibrancy and diversity of the

B-The Underwater Bubble Show comes to Queens College’s Colden Auditorium on April 24th Asian American dance scene in the New York metropolitan area. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd. Botanical Immigrants Tour April 10 @ 11 a.m. As part of the Monthly Walking Tour Series, staffers lead an exploration of the global origins of local plants and how they’re used in different cultures. Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing. Monthly Jazz Jam April 13 @ 7 p.m. On the second Wednesday of the month, musicians hone skills and jam with peers. The house band is led by saxophonist Carol Sudhalter. Don’t play? Listen! Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd. Crazy Talented Asians and Friends: An Evening of Live Comedy April 23 @ 8 p.m.

Crazy Talented Asians and Friends return to Flushing Town Hall on April 23rd 24

Led by NYC-born actor/writer Otter Lee, this troupe presents an evening of stand-up routines, sketches, and wacky stories about triumphing over the COVID quarantine. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd.

Tumbleweed April 23 @ 8 p.m. The New American Voices 2020 Virtual Reading Series lets playwrights present developing works to audiences that provide feedback to foster discussions in fun, interactive ways. This night’s play is Marus Scott’s “Tumbleweed,” which explores beauty standards, interracial marriage, parenting, and other themes as young Willow’s natural hair stirs up heated controversy in the household. Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Ave. S., Flushing Meadows Corona Park. B-The Underwater Bubble Show April 24 @ 3 p.m. Inspired by such fairy tales as “Alice in Wonderland,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “Peter Pan,” this performance includes colorful costumes, laser technology, optical illusions, and soap bubble tornadoes. Audiences enjoy dance, puppetry, juggling, contortionism, sand art, and a little bit of magic. Queens College’s Colden Auditorium, 153-49 Reeves Ave., Flushing. Walking Tour of Ridgewood April 24 @ 2 p.m. Adrienne Onofri, author of “Walking Queens,” leads a tour of Ridgewood with emphasis on history, landmarks, demographics, and food. Meet at 55-27 Myrtle Ave.

this is...

April 2022 • Volume 18 • Issue 4 The Business News of Queens & The Official Magazine of The Queens Chamber of Commerce

THE LATEST ON THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN QUEENS Your inside scoop straight from the business community’s top leaders

Profiling Queens’ Most Dynamic People. They read it.... so should you! To subscribe to this monthly, glossy magazine, visit thisisqueensborough.com or call BQE Media at 718-426-7200. To place an ad, call BQE Media at 718-426-7200

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

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 1997, the

Bayside Business Association services all of Bayside business to address issues and concerns those businesses have with regards to running their businesses.

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 provides small and micro business owners in New York City with low-cost loans, access to business training & technical assistance, and oneon-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.

April 2022 • Volume 18 • Issue 4

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES GREATER WOODHAVEN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 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.

MASPETH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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 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

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.

a resource for over 2,000 businesses in the borough of Queens. Register online for upcoming virtual events, including:

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-

MIDDLE VILLAGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

79-47 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village, NY 11379 President: Salvatore Crifasi 718.894.8700 Sal@Crifasi.com QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $8,000 with 35

businesses under its umbrella. Formed in 1929. MVCC meets annually and focuses on the Metropolitan Avenue shopping district between 69 and 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

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

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 QUICK GLANCE: REMA 4 US, Inc. seeks to engage in economic development and revitalization in the Rockaway Peninsula. To strengthen

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

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NEW MEMBERS CORPORATE Century Development Group 33-66 Farrington St., Suite 200, Flushing, NY 11354 centurygroupdevelopment.com An integrated Real Estate Development company founded by George Xu. Community Care Rx Inc. 86 Front St., Hempstead, NY 11550 commcarerx.com Unique long-term care pharmacy providing comprehensive services. Cross County Savings Bank 79-21 Metropolitan Ave. Middle Village, NY 11379 crosscounty.com FDIC-insured mutual savings bank founded in 1888 as Bushwick Savings & Loan Association of New York. EBP Environmental, Inc. 3280 Sunrise Highway, Suite 72, Wantagh, NY 11793 enpenvironmental.com Certified WBE specializing in the disposal and hauling of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. JBS USA 1313 Wall Street, Beardstown, IL 62618 jhssa.com Macerich 90-15 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst, NY 11373 macerich.com Leader of top retail and mixed-use destinations in major U.S. markets. Praxis Public Relations 69 Chichester Road, Huntington, NY 11743 prazisinc.us Consulting and management services for a growing number of private sector, municipal and nonprofit organizations

SMALL BUSINESS PARTNERS Amazing Lash Studio 162-38 Cross Bay Blvd Howard Beach, NY 11414 amazinglashstudio.com

Montford Workshop 101-01 95th Avenue, 1H Ozone Park, NY 11416 montfordworkshop.com

Argento General Construction LLC 19-03 75th Street East Elmhurst, NY 11370 ArgentoUSA.com

M&M Piping and Heating Service 95-26 Sutphin Blvd. Jamaica, NY 11435

Divino Pizzeria and Restaurant 164-02 Cross Bay Blvd. Howard Beach, NY 11414 divinopizzeria.com

Noguchi Museum 32-37 Vernon Blvd. Long Island City, NY 11105 noguchi.org

Eckerd Connects 89-31 161st Street, Suite 200 Jamaica, NY 11432 https://www.eckerd.org

Push Fitness Club 188-10 Union Turnpike Fresh Meadows, NY 11366 pushfitnessclub.com

E-J Electric Installation Co. 4641 Vernon Blvd. Long Island City, NY 11101 ej1899.com

Reverse Mortgage Funding 41 Pinelawn Road, Suite 200 Melville, NY 11747 reversefunding.com

FoodtoEat 6111 155th Street Flushing, NY 11367 foodtoeat.com

Solucore Elevator Consultants 100 Park Avenue, 16th Floor New York, NY 10017 solucore.com

Gehi and Associates 74-09 37th Avenue, Suite 205 Jackson Heights, NY 11372 gehilaw.com

Special Olympics New York 211 East 43rd Street, Suite 802 New York, NY 10017 specialolympics-ny.org

H2 Architects 6 West 128th Street, Ground Floor New York, NY 10027 h2-architects.com

Stella Global Trading Inc. 13620 38th Avenue, Apt. No. 9 Flushing, NY 11354

La Misa Enterprises Inc. (Philanthropy) 19 Locust Ave Glen Head, NY 11545 philanthropyinphocus.com

The L Group 18-33 41st Street Astoria, NY 11105

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES our community revitalization programs and community development efforts in the Rockaway Peninsula REMA works alongside businesses, civic groups, government agencies, and nonprofit 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 Peninsula.

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.

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 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

April 2022 • Volume 18 • Issue 4 EXECUTIVE COMMMITEE Thomas Santucci

Nash Roe

Thomas J. Grech

Brendan Leavy

Patricia Mezeul

Richard Dzwlewicz

Joanne M. Persad

Jacqueline Donado

Chairperson

Associate Treasurer

Treasurer

Associate Secretary

Patrick Yu 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 Susan Browning Kenneth J. Buettner Charles E. Callahan Ali Chaudhry

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

Tamara Gavrielof Howard Graf Dr. Cameron Hernandez 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 Sher Sparano

Michelle Stoddart Terri Thomson Henry Wan Mark Weprin Patrick Yu Daniel Zausner

CORPORATE MEMBERS 365 Data Centers A&L Cesspool Services Corp AARP Above All Pressure Cleaning Abrams Fensterman Ads Engineers, DPC Aeroterm Amna Construction Corp Antun’s of Queens Village Aora Development Approved General Contracting Inc., ARK Development LLC Aurora Contractors, Inc. Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service Bank of America BedRock Real Estate Partners, LLC Berkshire HathawayHomeservices

Laffey International Realty BJ’s Wholesale Club Blumenfeld Development Group, Ltd. Capital One Bank Carben Construction Inc. Carter Milchman and Frank CBRE CDS-Mestel Construction Center for Automotive Education and Training Cerini and Associates, LLP. Champion Elevator Corp. Ciampa Organization Cine Magic LIC Studios, LLC Cipico Construction, Inc. CitizensRx CLEAR Secure, Inc. Combs & Company Complete Supply

Cord Meyer Development LLC Cornell Tech Cort CPower Energy Management Crann Integrated Solutions Crescent Properties, Inc Cross County Savings Bank Crown Castle Crystal Window & Door Systems, Ltd Dedline AV Direct Clean Service Solutions East Coast Energy Group Eastern American Technologies EDGE AUTO INC Emigrant Mortgage Company Enterprise Fleet Management EOS Electrical Corp EW Howell Construction Group First Central Savings Bank

COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Leonard Jacobs Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning leonard@jcal.org Adrienne Whaley Queens Underground Black & Brown Film Festivals queensunderground718@gmail.com

BANKING & LAW

Paul Harrison Chase paul.harrison@chase.com Jackie Harounian Wisselman, Harounian & Associates jackie@lawjaw.com

COMMUNICATIONS Jake Oliver Anat Gerstein jake@anatgerstein.com Henry Ramos Dedline AV henry@dedlineav.com

HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS

Bert Lurch E Central Medical Management bertl@ecmmgt.com Prabhleen S. Virk Citrin Cooperman pvirk@citrincooperman.com

ENERGY Marshall Haimson E-Capital Development marshall@e-capitaldevelopment.com

Jay Solly Sol Strategies jaypsolly@gmail.com

Azra Khalfan-Kermali Plaques by Azra azra@azra.com

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INNOVATION

NOT FOR PROFIT

Bill Staniford Rentigo bill@staniford.com Deepti Sharma Food To Eat deepti@foodtoeat.com

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

FOOD, BEVERAGE & 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

Larry Grubler Transitional Services of NY lgrubler@tsiny.org Wendy Phaff Gennaro Queens Center for Progress wphaff@queenscp.com

REAL ESTATE

Martin Cottingham Avison Young martin.cottingham@avisonyoung.com Kevin Louie RIPCO klouie@ripcony.com Michael Wang Project Queens michael@projectqueens.com

TECHNOLOGY

Sean C. O’Rourke Combs & Company sorourke@combsandco.com Fred Canone fc1281@gmail.com

TRANSPORTATION Marlon Taylor NY & Atlantic Railway mtaylor@anacostia.com Phil Jones LIME philip@li.me

FLUID MECHANIC’S CORP Forest Hills Financial Group, Inc. Gatsons Electric, Inc. Gil-Bar Industries, Inc. GOLDEN AGE HOME CARE INC goPuff Graf & Lewent Architects Greater NY Automobiles Dealers Association HANAC, Inc. HE2PD, Inc. Healthy Corner Pharmacy Heatherwood Communities Himmel + Meringoff Properties HNY Ferry, LLC Hydro Quebec IKEA Queens INDA, Association of Nonwoven Fabric Industry INF Associates, LLC Innovo Property Group Instacart J Strategies, Inc J.W. Hampton Jr. & Co., Inc. James E Fitzgerald Jason Office Products JGM Construction Development Kasirer Consulting Kaufman Astoria Studios, Inc. Knights Collision Experts Inc. Krispy Kreme Laffey Real Estate Levine Builders Littler Mendelson, P.C. Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc. M & T Bank Madison International Realty Madison Realty Capital McBride Consulting & Business Mega Contracting Group LLC Mesirow Financial Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade Molloy College Mondial Automotive Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens Mr. T Carting Corp. My Benefit Advisor, LLC NBCUniversal New York + Atlantic Railway New York Crystal Cleaning New York Islanders Hockey Club New York Life Insurance Company New York State Energy Coalition, Inc. Nonprofit Sector Strategies, PBC Northwell Health Nuvo Solutions Onegroup Owareco, LLC Patrick B. Jenkins & Associates

PGA Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Popular Bank Priority 1 Security LLC ProCleanings Co QSIDE Federal Credit Union Queens College R.A.M.S. Mechanical Inc. Red Eye Group LLC REDI Group, LLC Reef Technology REIL Capital Related Retail Corporation Ripco Investment Sales RXR Realty Safety Facility Services Samaritan Daytop Village Securitech Group, Inc. Signature Bank SL Green Realty Corp. Solo Energy & Electrical, Inc. Solve Together LLC Spectrum Reach Squad Security Inc. St. Francis Preparatory School St. John’s University Standard Group Starbucks Corporation Sterling Risk Structural Engineering Technologies, P.C. Sullivan Engineering LLC SUNation Solar Systems Target TGI Office Automation The Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders The First National Bank of Long Island TLC Virtual Resiliency Total Fire Protection Transmission Developers, Inc. TSC Traning Academy, LLC Ultrasound Solutions Corp. United Airlines United Construction & Development Group Corp United Public Adjusters & Appraisers, Inc. USTA National Tennis Center, Inc. Valley National Bank Vassilaros & Sons Coffee Vista LIC Hotel, Best Western Premier Collection W & M Fire Protection Services W. SCULLY, CPA, P.C. Waste Management of New York LLC Watch Guard 24/7 White Coffee Corp Wisselman, Harounian & Associates, P.C. York College - CUNY

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

Business Wins Big at ‘Make It Awards’ BY JESSICA MEDITZ jmeditz@queensledger.com For the fifth consecutive year, the New York Knicks and Squarespace hosted the Make It Awards, which support and celebrate the small, local businesses and entrepreneurs that help New York City thrive. Hosted at Madison Square Garden, the Make It Awards honors four winners, presenting them with a $30,000 grant to further expand their mission. This year’s winners include Adapt Ability, a Brooklyn nonprofit that provides custom adaptive bicycles for children with special needs; Harlem Pilates, which helps make health and wellness accessible to diverse communities; Legally BLK Fund, dedicated to supporting aspiring Black women attorneys by providing them with various resources; and COVERR, a Queens-based business that provides financial services that are customized for the gig economy, empowering workers to reach their highest earning potential. Based in Long Island City, COVERR offers workers a better alternative to a credit card or loan

by eliminating traditional barriers. Kobina Ansah, the company’s founder, said that COVERR started out by him passing out flyers and interviewing Uber/Lyft drivers in Queens, which has grown significantly since. “It really started out with finding out initially that Uber drivers in New York often pay somewhere between $350 to $500 plus dollars per week to rent the car that they’ll never actually own,” Ansah said. “It became very clear to me that more than auto finance, liquidity or just cash management was a bigger challenge for Uber drivers, and shortly after, that started providing our business financing and people started getting inquiries from other parts of the gig economy.” Ansah said that coming from a family of Ghanaian immigrants, he knows what it’s like to be part of an underrepresented community, which is why COVERR’s mission is so important to him. He said that when he previously worked at Wells Fargo, he did not get to support a lot of people who look like him, and is grateful to now be able to provide services to underserved market segments. “That’s what compelled me

Four businesses across NYC (Adapt Ability, Harlem Pilates, Legally BLK Fund and COVERR were honored at MSG’s Make It Awards.

to start to focus on people who worked in emerging markets like the gig economy, which happens to be one of the fastest growing labor segments,” he said. “It happens to be represented by over 50 percent of those who work in the U.S. economy currently are members of the BIPOC community.” Ansah said he was stunned to have been recognized in the Make It Awards, especially upon discovering that 750 other businesses applied. He added that with the $30,000 grant, COVERR will use the

MAJOR CORPORATE MEMBERS

funds to help further automate the underwriting practice, which will speed up the application process for clients, creating a job board to create greater resources for all clients and research and development. “Being in a city as vibrant as New York, I knew the competitive landscape was huge And so I feel very fortunate to be selected,” Ansah said. “Honestly, it’s an affirmation of the hard work that we do, and the importance of the work that we’re doing.”

April 2022 • Volume 18 • 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.

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This is Queensborough - April 2022

Articles inside

Get to Know the Chamber’s Newest Members

It’s in Queens: Spring is in full bloom

Meet Chef Bernadette and Chef Little Bit

Restaurants thrilled as mandate is lifted

COVER STORY: SBS Commissioner Kevin Kim............................11

STAFF PROFILES: Danielle Silverman, Angela Calcano..............15

Promotions, Announcements & Appointments .................................. 6

Erin Go Bragh: Chamber celebrates St. Patrick’s Day

Slice of Queens: Nick’s Pizza in Forest Hills