This Is Queensborough - December 2020

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December 2020 . Volume 16 . Issue 12

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CRUSADERS NYPQ HEAD TALKS LESSONS LEARNED FROM FIRST WAVE, HELPING SMALL BUSINESSES SURVIVE THE PANDEMIC “WE ARE HOPEFUL THAT WITHIN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS WE WILL START VACCINATING OUR STAFF. THAT IS PROBABLY THE MOST HOPEFUL ANY OF US HAVE BEEN IN A LONG TIME.”

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• A FOODIE’S GUIDE TO ASTORIA • GETTING HELP WITH YOUR INSURANCE CLAIM • HISTORIC NEIR’S TAVERN INKS LONG-TERM LEASE

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December 2020 • Volume 17 • Issue 12

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

I BELIEVE, I BELIEVE There are so many wonderful tual meetings, social distancing, quotes that surmise our lives and and rethinking how to navigate our contribute to making new normal. every moment count.

The Queens Chamber One quote that comes to never missed a beat, the mind is the measure of staff worked diligently a man, which I’ve taken on your behalf ensurthe liberty to tweak ing not only you were slightly. healthy and strong, but “The ultimate meadelivered resources necsure of an organization essary to aid in sustainis not where it stands ing your business. in moments of comfort Hats off to all the and convenience, but TOM SANTUCCI Chamber members and where it stands at times CHAIRPERSON non-members for your of challenge.” resilience. Change often This sums up the past nine times isn’t easy, and you’ve manmonths we’ve all endured during aged to stand strong despite the this pandemic. challenges you’ve faced.

As the ball dropped in Time There’s a line from the iconic Square on New Year’s Eve marking holiday classic Miracle on 34th the official start of 2020, many of Street...”I believe, I believe.” It’s us had tremendous hope and aspi- silly, but I believe. This sums up rations for the year that was ahead, my feelings about the future of including plans for business growth Queens and it’s businesses. There’s and prosperity. Unfortunately, in hope for a stronger future. less than 90 days all that changed.

Thank you for your never-ending Our measures suddenly shifted, support of this wonderful organizaand we were forced to move outside tion. of the comfort and convenience of Happy holidays to each and our daily routines to embrace vir- everyone of you.

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As I glance at my calendar, I On March 11, we hosted what can hardly fathom it is December became our final in-person event already. In a year that has been of the year, the annual St. Patone for the record books, we can rick’s Day Luncheon at Antun’s of breathe a sigh of relief Queens Village. that 2020 will soon be That afternoon, we the past. were joined by NYPD The holiday seaCommissioner Derson brings with it the mot Shea and our things we treasure special honoree Dan most. Time spent with “Dee” Tubridy of the our loved ones, bringBungalow Bar. Sadly, ing joy to others, and less than a week later one of my favorites, businesses closed for the classic movies. what became a 90-day Reflecting back over THOMAS J. GRECH lockdown to combat the past 11 months, PRESIDENT & CEO the relentless pandemwe’ve no doubt ic known as COVIDendured our share of challenges 19. with this pandemic. However, the Naturally, we didn’t let that stop Queens Chamber has continued to us here at the Queens Chamber. work diligently on behalf of both Immediately, our staff begin doing our members and non-members alike.

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

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QUEENS QUICKLY

GUIDE PROMOTES KAUFMAN ARTS DIST.

ative and commercial activity. We need help to make it thrive.”

“The understanding of water safety should be as instinctive to us as buckling up when we enter an automobile. Both can save our lives.”

To learn more about the water safety series, visit swimstrongfoundation.org.

STUDY: FLYING SAFER HONOR FOR SWIM THAN SHOPPING STRONG FOUNDATION A new study by scientists from Harvard’s T.H.

With small businesses, restaurants and cultural institutions across the city struggling to stay open, a nonprofit group is hoping that a new initiative will attract visitors to the Kaufman Arts District.

Last month, leaders of Queens Together, Kaufman Astoria Studios, Museum of the Moving Image and local elected officials gathered to promote the new digital guide “KAD Passport,” which highlights 15 of the best attractions in the arts district.

“Now is the time to support our restaurants and cultural institutions,” said Jonathan Forgash, co-founder and executive director of Queens Together. “These are the businesses that shape Astoria’s incredible diversity.”

Since April, Queens Together has delivered 35,000 meals in partnership with local restaurants. Its food pantry network has served 7,000 to 10,000 people every week.

Forgash, a former chef, warned that up to 60 percent of restaurants are at risk of permanently closing by early next year. He noted that 150,000 industry employees are already out of work.

Queens Together created the KAD Passport along with food writer Joe DiStefano in hopes that visitors will support local small businesses and “travel the world without leaving Astoria.”

Hal Rosenbluth, president of Kaufman Astoria Studios, said the idea behind the arts district was to create sustainable economic development and businesses to feed off the studio as an anchor. Another well-known cultural site in the district is the Museum of the Moving Image.

“What Jonathan is doing with this guide is certainly something that is focusing everyone’s attention on the businesses that are here and need all of our help to stay alive,” Rosenbluth said. “This is a fabulous area with cultural, cre-

The USA Swimming Foundation honored the Swim Strong Foundation as one of three national Make a Splash Heroes, which honors organizations that provide water safety education.

Each honoree will receive $5,000 from longtime USA Swimming partner Phillips 66 to continue their lifesaving work.

The East Elmhurst-based foundation has released a series of dry-side water safety programs titled “Know Before You Go!” The programs feature information on drowning statistics, foundational tips, hazardous conditions present in different bodies of water, boating safety, waterpark safety, and the dangers of extreme seasonal weather events involving water.

It teaches children from pre-K to 12th grade about essential water safety skills in a classroom or an online setting. Students understand the fundamentals of water safety without getting in a pool.

The curriculum includes a pre-test, post-test, educational activities, and illustrative slideshows. Older children will also delve into STEM-based assignments that explain the physics behind swimming skills.

The teacher’s guide supplies educators with additional resources to allow a deeper dive into each topic.

Since 2006, Swim Strong Foundation has taught more than 10,000 people how to swim, given more than $1 million in free swim lessons and taught more than 7,500 people about water safety.

“The world is becoming much more watery, and we need a different relationship with the water,” said Swim Strong founder Shawn Slevin.

Chan School of Public Health found that the layered approach U.S. airlines, including Delta, have taken to protect customers and employees from COVID-19 means the risk of exposure during air travel is very low.

To date, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not confirmed a single case of COVID-19 transmission on a U.S. airplane.

“The risk of COVID-19 transmission onboard aircraft below that of other routine activities, such as grocery shopping or eating out,” the Harvard researchers concluded.

The report found that the universal use of face masks, diligent cleaning protocols and advanced ventilation and filtration systems offer significant protection against COVID-19, lowering the risk of transmission on an aircraft to minimal

Follow the Queens Chamber on WeChat! Scan the QR code today.

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

Stay Connected With the Queens Chamber in December ...............................17

Local Chef Shares His Favorite Spots in Astoria ....................................8

Get to Know Three Members of the Chamber Staff .........................................18

The Challenges of Memorializing the Dead in a Pandemic ................9

Chamber Welcomes New Members ........................................................................21

Flower Wall Honors Those Lost to COVID-19 .....................................10 Sunnyside BID Head Awarded $50K From NY Life ..........................11 COVER STORY: Jaclyn Mucaria of NYPQ ..........................................12 Chamber Helps Neir’s Tavern Sign Long-Term Lease ........................14 4 JACLYN MUCARIA

PUBLISHER Walter H. Sanchez

MANAGING EDITOR Shane Miller

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

December 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 12 levels.

The study determined that the use of face masks was “the most essential part of a comprehensive set of measures to reduce COVID-19 during air travel.”

Delta was one of the first airlines to require customers and employees to wear a mask or face covering at airports and onboard aircraft.

The report’s findings also support extensive cleaning practices. At Delta, the cabin interior on every flight is thoroughly sanitized prior to boarding using electrostatic sprayers.

Delta flight attendants also wipe down hightouch surfaces in lavatories frequently during each flight, regularly making sure lavatories are clean, tidy, stocked with supplies and ready for customers.

ALPHAPOINTE FORMS PARTNERSHIP Alphapointe, one of the nation’s largest providers of rehabilitation services and employment for people who are blind, and Rightfully Sewn, which provides specialized seamstress training and products, announced a partnership to amplify the efforts of both non-profit organizations.

Rightfully Sewn was founded in 2015 by current president Jennifer Lapka with a mission to provide seamstress training for people with obstacles to employment. Ultimately, the organization seeks to enrich the specialized workforce in the area to reestablish Kansas City as an epicenter of garment manufacturing.

Rightfully Sewn will become a subsidiary of Alphapointe with the partnership expanding on Alphapointe’s existing garment-related capabilities based at its Richmond Hill facility, while providing potential growth opportunities given the high-quality products created by Rightfully Sewn.

“I was intrigued by Jennifer’s concept since our initial meeting five years ago, and have been impressed by Rightfully Sewn’s rapid development and growth,” said Alphapointe CEO and president Reinhard Mabry. “It has provided true benefit to the community through impressive programmatic outcomes for the individuals it serves.

“Alphapointe is excited to share our expertise to magnify and scale Rightfully Sewn’s impact,” he added. “Simultaneously, its operations will provide new workforce training and employment opportunities for our employees and clients as well as prospects for apparel sewing contracts we previously declined to pursue.”

Rightfully Sewn launched as a fiscally sponsored project, which is a pragmatic way for a non-profit organization concept to test a market to determine if its services are actually needed and if its operations can be financially sustained. As the organization reached its fiveyear anniversary, Lapka considered the best options to continue Rightfully Sewn’s mission-

QUEENS QUICKLY IN MEMORIUM Dear members, friends and colleagues, At a time when our city cries out for leadership, the passing of former Mayor David Dinkins is all the more poignant. As Queens knows all too well, we have said goodbye to some of the pillars of our community over the past few months, among them Claire Shulman and Archie Spigner.

An avid tennis fan, Mayor Dinkins spearheaded a plan to bring the US Tennis Center to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. In 1993, Mayor Dinkins signed a 99-year lease with the United States Tennis Association, guaranteeing that the US Open would be a major part of New York City and its economy for many decades to come.

That seminal event sparked excitement and developments that continue to this day. As we ponder on where we have been and where we are now, it is important to reflect on where we are going as a borough and a city.

I am frequently asked why we in Queens enjoy relative peace and harmony among the 175 different nationalities, ethnicities, and races that make up the most diverse county in America. I explain that our citizens are all working too hard, providing for their families and living the American dream every day to be divisive.

And I always end my comment with the wonderful words of a true trailblazer and quintessential New Yorker, the simple eloquent refrain of the 106th Mayor of New York City: The gorgeous mosaic of New York.

Sincerely, Thomas J. Grech President & CEO Queens Chamber of Commerce driven work.

Rightfully Sewn offers pattern making, sample sewing and cut-and-sew services to emerging and established fashion brands. With more than 20 clients thus far and its own line, Rightfully Sewn has been manufacturing dresses, kimonos, athletic wear and, during the pandemic, more than 40,000 fabric masks for healthcare and nonprofit entities in the Kansas City area.

Established in 1911, Alphapointe manufactures tens of millions of products annually, including nearly 100 million prescription pill bottles for the Department of Veterans Affairs and Express Scripts, state-of-the-art tourniquets for U.S. and other military allies around the world and a collection of sanitation products such as mops, brooms and brushes used by federal and state agencies around the nation.

Alphapointe also provides comprehensive vision rehabilitation services to those with vision loss, serving thousands of people every year.

BUSINESS RESOURCES Does your Small Business need help? The Queens Chamber of Commerce and the NYC Small Business Resource Network will be able to assist you in technology, real estate, legal and accounting services, procurement opportunities, marketing, loans and grants, and more.

Our on-the-ground Small Business Support Specialists will help guide you to the resources you need.

Sign Up today to access valuable resources through a local business specialist. nycsmallbusinessresourcenetwork.org You can also contact us directly at recovery@queenschamber.org for immediate assistance.

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

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PROMOTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS insuring we deliver on our corporate mantra of “Fr. Shanley’s steadfast devotion to Catholic Manditch joins ‘We Get It Done,’” said Capalino’s founder and education and to student success were apparent Flushing Bank board CEO Jim Capalino. “He will provide thoughtful from our very first conversations with him,” leadership to the business community and the read a statement from the Board. “We believe Flushing Financial Corporation, the parent holding company for Flushing Bank, announced the appointment of Douglas C. Manditch, former chairman and chief executive officer of Empire Bancorp, to its Board of Directors.

“On behalf of the board, I would like to welcome Doug to our team,” said board chairman Alfred DelliBovi. “His insight and skills will add value for our shareholders as our bank continues to grow. Doug’s experience and network will prove invaluable to our successful expansion.”

A 45-year veteran of the banking industry, Manditch was one of the founders and served as president and chief execuMANDITCH tive officer of Long Island Commercial Bank and Long Island Financial Corporation, from the formation period in 1987 until the company’s purchase by New York Community Bancorp in December 2005.

Previously, he held senior management positions with National Bank of New York City, North Fork Bank and the First National Bank of Long Island.

An Honorary Member of The Friends of Sagamore Hill, he sits on the Advisory Board of the Theodore Roosevelt Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

“We are very pleased to have Doug join our board,” said John R. Buran, president and CEO of Flushing Bank. “He has spent more than fifty years in the banking industry on Long Island.

Doug’s extensive experience and network will prove invaluable to our successful expansion of Flushing Bank on Long Island.”

Terry named president at Capalino Capalino, one of the nation’s largest urban strategy and municipal government relations firms, announced the promotion of Travis Terry to president.

The Queens native will head an expanded leadership team to oversee the firm’s new client services in real estate approvals, project financing, business operations strategy, market research, sustainability and social impact.

“Travis Terry has played a lead role the past 18 years overseeing the firm’s operations, personally managing our high-profile clients and

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media on the recovery of New York.”

Capalino recently announced that it would be building on its four decades of expertise in government relations to provide businesses and nonprofits with the full range of services needed to recover and thrive in a post-COVID-19 New TERRY York.

This includes the launch of Capalino Ventures, a vertically integrated entrepreneurial and real estate platform focused on identifying and executing on investment opportunities.

“As a firm, we pride ourselves on providing results-oriented — not just theoretical — guidance to help clients forward their visions,” Terry said. “We know our clients have big dreams for the future of New York and we are ready to make them a reality.”

DeBartolo to lead sales team at JGM JGM Construction Development welcomed Connie DeBartolo as the company’s executive vice president of Business Development.

She will be responsible for leading the sale and marketing team, driving revenue, and contributing to networking and client relationships.

She come to JGM with 30 years of experience and a history of working in the commercial/residential building service and nonprofit industries.

During her tenure, she DEBARTOLO directed all sales, marketing and business development efforts and created long-term value for organizations.

Fr. Shanley to take helm at St. John’s The St. John’s University Board of Trustees announced the unanimous election of Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., as the university’s 18th president. Fr. Shanley is expected to begin his tenure at St. John’s on February 1.

that he is the ideal candidate to serve as our beloved university’s 18th president.”

From 2005-2020, Fr. Shanley was the 12th and longest-serving president in the history of Providence College. During his tenure, he was widely credited with making substantial improvements to campus facilities and student services, hiring large numbers of new faculty, diversifying the student body, and strengthening the College’s national profile in academics and athletics.

Fr. Shanley will succeed Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw, who announced in June 2020 his intention to retire as St. John’s President after joining St. John’s in 2014 as the first lay president in its then 144-year history.

“The Queens Chamber SHANLEY of Commerce would like to extend its gratitude and a warm farewell to the outgoing president of St. John’s University and longtime friend of the chamber,” said chamber president and CEO Thomas Grech. “The Queens Chamber looks forward to working with Father Shanley and continuing what has been an enthusiastic and fruitful partnership with St. John’s.”

Fr. Shanley, a 1980 Providence College alumnus, graduated summa cum laude with a degree in history and was ordained to the priesthood Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140 Jackson Heights, N.Y. 11370-1131 Entire Contents Copyright 2020 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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December 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 12

PROMOTIONS in 1987. Four years later, he was sent to the University of Toronto to complete a Ph.D. in philosophy.

Soon thereafter, Fr. Shanley joined the faculty at The Catholic University of America where he was awarded tenure. He subsequently spent time at the University of Notre Dame and at Emory University.

Fr. Shanley joined the Providence College Board of Trustees in 1999 and was elected President in 2005, serving three consecutive five-year terms. He concluded his service as President of Providence College in June 2020.

“He was such an impactful president during his 15-year tenure at Providence College, and he will long be remembered as one of the best presidents in the history of our college,” said Fr. Kenneth R. Sicard, the current president of Providence College. “I know that he still had more to offer, and I have

no doubt that he will do a wonderful job at St. John’s University.”

The selection of Fr. Shanley follows an extensive national search overseen by an 18-member committee representing a cross-section of St. John’s University constituencies, including faculty, students, administrators, and current and former members of the Board of Trustees.

The search committee was led

by St. John’s alumnus and Chair of the Board of Trustees William J. Janetschek, retired partner and chief financial officer at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. The University was aided in the search

by WittKieffer, one of the nation’s leading higher education consulting firms.

“I am honored and delighted to be elected by the Board of Trustees to serve the St. John’s community as president of the University,” said Fr. Shanley.

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EXPERT ADVICE

FOOD JUSTICE ACTIVIST’S GUIDE TO ASTORIA

As the co-founder of Queens Together, a nonprofit that seeks to reimagine our local food industry as the engine for nourishing our communities with food and economic security, Jonathan Forgash is a longtime food justice advocate.

He previously hosted Dining for Justice, a fundraising event to keep immigrant families together, and co-founded the Queens Dining Club, which highlights the value that immigrants bring to the rich buffet of Queens through a series of local dinners showcasing unique global cuisines.

Forgash takes his inspiration from Astoria.

“The chefs, shop owners, and neighbors make Astoria a big,

table. It was a veritable feast. The house-made charcuterie and the black ink garlic pasta dish were the top dishes that night. And of course, they ordered lots of good wine.

• SAC’S PLACE 35-11 35th Ave. 718.204.5002 sacsplace.com

The medium rare steak at Christos Steakhouse.

That, Forgash says, is a neighborhood in action Eager to give back, Forgash gives us his exclusive list of his best Astoria experiences.

• CHRISTOS STEAKHOUSE 41-08 23rd Ave. 718.777.8400 christossteakhouse.com

The penne con pollo at Ornella Trattoria Italiana.

old-school, tight-knit village,” he said. “Astoria is not a fixed cultural neighborhood. It is everchanging as new families arrive from around the world. It is more than Greek, Italian, and Irish. It is also Bangladeshi, Brazilian, Serbian, Indian, Egyptian, Lebanese, and so much more.

“Astoria is an old multicultural neighborhood rich in immigrant stories, food, and film,” he added.

When Queens Together needed Iftar grocery boxes and meals for its Muslim neighbors, for example, the restaurant that provided those meals was not the expected one. Instead, it was the family at Ornella Trattoria Italian that wanted to alleviate stress for their Muslim neighbors.

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Sac’s Place is an old family-run restaurant in Astoria. It takes care of the families there with good food and community service.

Fresh tomatoes and more from their farm go into their dishes (in season, of course). To Forgash, Sac’s Place is exemplary of the spirit of public service, going so far as to say he would nominate Anthony Sacramone, co-owner, as local mayor.

When in Queens, the small

Forgash went for his son’s birthday this August. It was their first big meal out since the virus hit in March. Even with the stress of the virus and its impact on the hospitality industry, Forgash and his family are grateful that Christos Steakhouse took on the task of making the meal not only enjoyable, but special.

•ASTORIA SEAFOOD 37-10 33rd St. 718.392.2680 astoriaseafoodnyc.com

Forgash took his friends for their first meal at Astoria Seafood.

Their eyes bugged out at picking their own seafood before giving instructions on how they wanted it prepared. Even the worst part of any dining experience (the waiting while delicious smells wafted over from other tables) was bettered by the camaraderie in the room.

• ORNELLA TRATTORIA ITALIANA 29-17 23rd Ave. 929.205.4482

ornellatrattoria.com During a meal with friends last fall, dish after dish crowded the

The pizza at Sac’s Place.

Jonathan Forgash photo by Nancy A. Ruhling.

things are the big things. It’s about going to the Grand Cafe to sit and watch the world go by with a frappe, Socrates Sculpture Park to do yoga and relax your mind, Astoria Park for dog walking or laying out, or riding the Astoria ferry after dinner and watching the sun set on the top deck.

It’s about 4,000 pounds of fresh-made pasta everyday, since the 1930s, at Cassinelli Pasta and sampling sixteen types of feta at Mediterranean Foods.

Queens is the world’s borough and it means the world to those who live there.

This article originally appeared on queensbest.org, a new initiative of the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

VISIT DITMARS BOULEVARD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

items.

While it is always hard to see our favorite local businesses close, we are staying hopeful for the future.

The Queens Chamber of Commerce believes that small businesses are the backbone of our economy. We have partnered with the office of Councilman Costa Constantinides, and are committed to help these local businesses thrive.

We have been providing free

PPE, including different types of face masks, face shields, gloves, digital thermometers, and hand sanitizers to businesses to help them comply with all the safety measures.

We invite you to visit the diverse business hub of Ditmars Boulevard and help revitalize the economy of our beloved borough of Queens.

Tasneem Sultana is an outreach intern with the Queens Chamber Of Commerce.

December 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 12

FIRST-PERSON ACCOUNT CHALLENGES OF MEMORIALIZING DURING A PANDEMIC

BY J.P. DITROIA If trying times call for trying new things, then such a new beginning is now. The unexpected pandemic that has thrown the funeral industry into a tailspin has created a need to educate the public, like never before.

I have spent endless days and nights communicating with bereaved members of the public since the beginning of the pandemic. Educating the public while social distancing has presented its own set of unique challenges.

This situation has caused families to realize the importance of memorializing cremated remains in some fashion. Memorializing is a vehicle that can help them to deal with the grief.

The grief of bereaved family members is compounded by social distancing and travel bans. Our staff is in the unique position of putting together creative ways to connect with families and their

loved ones who have passed away.

We are the warehouse for those memories. Unfortunately, in the past the public has not realized the value of this essential service.

Our staff has emerged as the true unsung heroes for essential end-of-life services. It has been a challenge, as each facility has its own limits. We are the last frontier in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic.

It has been difficult, as we try to help our families, guiding them as they search for a funeral director.

However, due to the barrage of deaths, it has been very difficult to find one.

I received a call about a young man well known in the fashion industry, who died alone in a New York hospital. His parents were stuck in Japan, and sadly could not be with their dying son during his final hours.

After several calls, I was able to get a funeral home to pick up his remains. Within a week, we pre-

formed the cremation.

Through emails, a close friend who was in America and the bereaved father from Japan poured out their hearts.

“I walked to the place of his memories for 11 hours with his cremated remains,” the friend wrote.

“He was quite heavy, but I held him and kept walking. He could see his friends and they could touch him and talked to him. Thank you so much for your work in this terrible situation. We appreciate you from the bottom of our heart.”

His bereaved parents in Japan wrote that they appreciated the support, and promised to come to the crematory when they are able to return to New York to pickup their son’s remains.

The importance of memorializing a loved one is amplified by stories like this one. In the last few months, we have gotten many calls from many families reaching out to us to honor the memories of their loved ones. And I am glad to help

J.P. DiTroia is president of US Cremation Co. LTD in Middle Village. these families in their time of need.

We all work with our hearts full of compassion in caring for the living so they can honor the memories of the deceased. It is our true calling.

HELP SMALL BUSINESSES, VISIT DITMARS BOULEVARD

BY TASNEEM SULTANA

It is of no surprise to us that the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on our economy, and while Queens has gone through a tough period while being an epicenter, Ditmars Boulevard in Astoria has experienced its own share of suffering.

Ditmars Boulevard is home to diverse small businesses, including restaurants, bars, nail salons, laundromats, medical offices, and pharmacies.

Due to the pandemic, a lot of the businesses were forced to remain closed for a few months. Businesses are opening up again with strict regulations following both state and CDC health guidelines to ensure safe services for the customers as well as staff.

Face coverings are required, and social distancing is strictly implemented. Restaurants have been offering outdoor dining as permitted by city regulations. Many are

hosting happy hours and seasonal menus to attract customers.

Business owners are using plants and other decorations to provide a pleasant dining experience while boosting the economy during this

critical time. Unfortunately, many businesses were forced to close as they could not survive the adverse effects of this deadly health crisis.

We are sad to note that the 35-year-old jewelry store at the

heart of Ditmars Boulevard, Thessaloniki Jewelers, is closing its doors. They are offering a closing sale of 25 percent off of every CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

9

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

NONPROFIT NEWS

FLOWER WALL BRINGS COMFORT TO SURVIVORS

BY GAIL M. GRABOWSKI

Back in January, while we were bemoaning our post-holiday girth or enjoying the calm of post-holiday celebrations, little did we know that this calm preceded a storm that was about to change life as we knew it.

Some changes we could see: shuttered businesses and school closings; others we could feel: no work, no paycheck. And some we feared: sickness and dying.

But for some, the change was invisible. It was the pain of losing loved ones to COVID-19.

To help with the healing, Dorothy Stepnowska, owner of Flower Power Coffee House NYC and founder and president of the Glendale Queens Chamber of Commerce, created the Flower Wall Memorial at Myrtle Avenue and Fresh Pond Road. She hosted a memorial ceremony at the site on October 16.

This unique memorial, which remained on display until October 23, was designed by Stepnowska and created with the help of small businesses owners Dana Scaccalossi of The Caffein8d Crafter, Lydia Linares of Creativity Comes Naturally, and Kovalenko Lioudmila, a floral designer.

Together, they cut colorful paper petals and fashioned them into large, stylized flowers. The flow-

Gail Grabowski is a member of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce.

10

ers were mounted on a board and framed a quote by Harlem-based poet, Hattress Barbour. Solar lights were woven throughout the wall for nighttime viewing.

“I was amazed at how much help I received from local business owners and friends, it was crazy,” said Stepnowska. “There was always something that needed to be done yesterday and we didn’t know who would come through for us, but somehow it worked.

“Jonathan Paulino constructed the wall, and the Myrtle Avenue BID painted the back wall just for the unveiling,” she added. “Santos Morales was always available for transportation. I couldn’t have done it alone and I thank everyone.”

State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Councilman Robert Holden, Ted Renz of the Myrtle Avenue BID, and members of Community Board 5 attended the ceremony.

Barbour, who lost his uncle to COVID-19, read an original poem and Brian Walter and Katerina Veleska addressed the crowd.

Walker lost his father, John Walker, and Veleska lost her father, Zlatko Veleski, to the virus.

The Glendale Queens Chamber of Commerce, which Stepnowska began organizing in late 2019, held just three meetings before COVID19 hit New York. Despite that, it has an enthusiastic group of core members and is a positive presence in the community, especially during this pandemic.

Weeks of isolation turned into months, with social contact limited to phone calls and the Internet.

As the number of new COVID-19 cases began to soar and deaths rose alarmingly, Stepnowska became apprehensive, but she knew that she was fortunate.

She was healthy, had lost no one close to her to COVID-19, and that’s when the idea of creating a memorial began to take root.

“Talking to people who had been sick with COVID-19 or whose loved ones had died alone from this disease made me want to do something for my community,” she said.

“I’m a floral designer, so I knew

Gail Grabowski and Dorothy Stepnowska from the Glendale Chamber of Commerce stand by the memorial.

the memorial would include flowers. I chose paper flowers so people could pin photos of loved ones on them. The people who lost loved ones will remember them always.”

Stepnowska is grateful to the community for its help and support, but she was especially touched by one act of kindness and unity in particular on the part of a small

group of homeless people who sleep at the memorial site.

They watched the wall go up, and because they wanted to contribute they offered to keep an eye on it.

“I created this memorial because I wanted the survivors to know they weren’t alone in their grief,” Stepnowska said.

BID DIRECTOR HONORED CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

Familiar with Bean’s work, Verscheure and Yamashita also nominated the Astoria resident due to her contributions to the community during the pandemic.

Along with former chef Jonathan Forgash, Bean co-founded Queens Together, a nonprofit organization that helps local restaurants while feeding frontline workers and community members facing food insecurity.

In May, Queens Together partnered with the Variety Boys and Girls Club to launch a new food pantry to provide fresh produce and other foods to nearly 500 families per week.

The organization started off feeding hospital workers at the height of the pandemic in New York. They

later pivoted to focus on food-insecure families, and recently started a new initiative to provide meals for teachers and school staff.

The $50,000 general support grant will go toward the Variety Boys and Girls Club’s ongoing programs, which include food relief, virtual after-school programming and other services for the western Queens community.

“It was perfect for what we were thinking,” Verscheure said, “because we were also thinking about helping kids and family.”

Yamashita said she hopes the grant will be used to help local children, whose families may have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I hope they can still continue running programs for those kids so they can learn, grow and have fun.”

December 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 12

NONPROFIT NEWS BEAN HONORED BY NY LIFE

love WHERE YOU

Yuka Yamashita, left, and Veronique Verscheure, second to the right, presents a check to Jaime-Faye Bean, second to the left, and Andy Rodriguez, center, executive director of the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens. At far right is Variety board president Walter Sanchez.

BY BENJAMIN FANG In February, New York Life launched a new campaign called “Love Takes Action” to mark the insurance company’s 175th anniversary.

The year-long campaign kicked off with a 60-second Super Bowl ad called “Agape,” an ancient Greek term describing “the highest form of love,” to highlight the company’s history of helping people build better futures.

When COVID-19 struck the country just a month later, New York Life and its foundation quickly pivoted the campaign to honor people and organizations who helped make a difference in their communities during the pandemic.

New York Life employees put forward 130 nominees, which the foundation narrowed down to 35 winners, each of whom received a $50,000 grant to direct toward a local organization. In total, through the Love Takes Action campaign, the New York Life Foundation has awarded $1.75 million for its 175th anniversary.

Local New York Life agents Veronique Verscheure and Yuka Yamashita nominated Astoria resident Jaime-Faye Bean, executive

director of the Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District (BID) and co-founder of the nonprofit organization Queens Together.

Bean, who was one of the 35 winners of the program, chose the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens as the grant recipient.

“It was kind of obvious,” Verscheure said, when asked why she nominated Bean. “She does so much.”

Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bean helped strengthen small businesses, promote commercial districts and beautified the streets of Sunnyside through the BID’s many programs.

Through Restaurant Week to holiday lightings, plaza programming and pop-up markets, Sunnyside Shines has long advocated for the neighborhood’s local small businesses.

“She’s so creative,” Yamashita said. “She’s such a big asset.”

The New York Life agents said they have been working with Bean for a few years already, attending networking events, meeting with local business owners and even sponsoring a holiday trolley.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

COVER STORY

PREPARING NYPQ FOR NEXT COVID WAVE HOSPITAL HEAD RECOUNTS CHALLENGES, LESSONS LEARNED FROM PANDEMIC

BY BENJAMIN FANG In the 35 years that Jaclyn Mucaria has worked in hospitals, the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was the worst crisis she had ever faced.

Mucaria, president of NewYorkPresbyterian Queens, said her hospital was overrun with COVID-19 patients. Queens was an epicenter of the outbreak, and because no one knew much about the disease at the time, they didn’t know how many patients would be coming in.

“It was very unpredictable,” she said. “Everyday, we were trying to do something different.”

One of the first decisions Mucaria made was to create more negative pressure rooms and make sure positive patients were all in one area. The goal, Mucaria said, was to test them, get them out of the emergency room as quickly as possible, and get them onto a patient floor.

The hospital president also had to increase ICU beds. At one point, about one in every five patients needed ICU beds, which meant converting recovery and procedure rooms and other spaces into miniICUs. “That was not easy,” she said.

“We had to bring in ventilators and critical care staffing.”

After elective surgeries were cancelled due to the pandemic, Mucaria said that freed anesthesia machines and recovery rooms for ICUs. It took a lot of teamwork to get them up to code, especially with the negative pressure.

At the Flushing hospital, the staff set up a tent outside the emergency department to screen patients. Mucaria noted that the Emergency Department was not large enough to accommodate the number of patients.

When the Emergency Department was backlogged, the hospital would call the FDNY and EMS to ask them to take patients elsewhere. EMS would give the

12

Flushing site two-hour blocks to direct patients, but if a sick person arrived on their own, the hospital couldn’t turn them away.

Toward the end of the first wave, Mucaria said they even had to convert the cafeteria into a space for 20 beds just to add more capacity.

“Unlike a department store or a restaurant that posts a sign on maximum capacity and locks the door,” she said, “we can’t lock the doors.”

NewYork-Presbyterian Queens set up a command center in the boardroom that was manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

They worked closely with the hospital system to move equipment, PPE and staff back and forth across facilities.

“It was really comforting to know that we were part of a larger enterprise,” Mucaria said.

From a staffing perspective, Mucaria said the hospital set up recharge rooms so the staff could unwind from the stress. They also set up hotel accommodations for people who did not want to go home and possibly spread the virus to their families. Buses were arranged to pick up and drop off staff members who did not want to ride mass transit.

The hospital also provided mental health resources for its team.

“This was very mentally draining and challenging,” Mucaria said.

It was also tough on Mucaria, who said she did not have a day off in more than four months. She was worried about possibly bringing the coronavirus home, so she always stayed in a separate room.

Some days, she said, she slept on the couch in her office.

Mucaria noted the core leadership team, from nursing and physician to administrative leaders, “basically lived here for months.”

When they weren’t at the hospital, they were constantly on phone and Zoom calls.

The worst weekend for Mucaria

(Photo: Eryn Hatzithomas/QBG)

Jaclyn Mucaria at last year’s Rose Gala at the Queens Botanical Garden.

Mucaria was presented with the Community Leadership Award.

was Easter weekend. She said she had some people at her home, so she locked herself in her bedroom and was on the phone all weekend.

“As a leader, you could never show anybody that you’re scared,” she said. “You could never show anybody that you don’t have the situation under control.

“Even if we were nervous or unsure, we could never communicate that,” Mucaria added. “After doing that for months, it gets tiring.”

What helped was the support of the local community. Every day, donations from places Mucaria never even heard of arrived the hospital. Mucaria recalled the halfday she spent making bouquets after the hospital received big barrels of flowers.

They received food for months.

The local Dunkin Donuts would send the entire staff coffee and donuts every Monday. They received PPE from doctor’s offices and ambulatory surgery sites that were closed.

The donations ranged from shakes, snacks and granola bars to

thank you cards.

“We had anything you could think of,” Mucaria said. “The outpouring of love, whether it was a note from a kid out in South Dakota to restaurants in the community that just kept sending food, it was very touching.

“We would never have been able to do it without that,” she added. “We are eternally grateful for that.”

COVID-19 infection and hospitalization rates in the city eventually flattened over the summer, but as winter nears, the city has already seen a concerning spike.

This time around, Mucaria said the hospital is much better prepared. Health care professionals also know much more about the disease than at the start of the pandemic.

Mucaria also noted that for some reason - whether it’s herd immunity or that the virus has mutated - people are not getting as sick as they were before. Overall, hospitals know much better how to treat the virus.

Another important factor is that

December 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 12

COVER STORY hospitals now have their surge plans ready. Mucaria said she knows when NewYork-Presbyterian Queens reaches a certain number of patients, they have to start converting their units.

“We documented everything we did before,” she said. “We had many, many debriefs about what went well and what didn’t go so well, so as to not make the same mistake twice.”

In the last few months, the NewYork-Presbyterian enterprise ordered stockpiles of PPE, so they have enough protective equipment.

She also noted that it’s “much clearer” what staff has to wear, from masks to eye shields, and that they should always socially distance and wash their hands frequently.

“A lot of the things that we were learning are now cast in stone,” Mucaria added.

Still, the hospital president warned that the next wave will still be a challenge. She hoped that the numbers will not be what they were before, but over the past two weeks, her volume has doubled.

Mucaria said she’s already getting on phone calls two or three times a day about preparation.

“My biggest fear is not within the hospital, it’s outside the hospital,” she said, “with people who don’t think the rules apply to them.”

She expressed worry that after Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and the Christmas holidays, hospitals will see a lot more COVID-19 patients.

She’s also worried about college students returning home for break, particularly if they have been acting as if they are immune to the disease.

What would help, especially on the government side, is if political leaders were all on the same page rather than fighting publicly, Mucaria said. She hopes that they will look at the volume at different hospitals and make sure that allocations of Remdesivir, vaccinations, ventilators and PPE are given to hospitals that are in the most need.

Mucaria added the messaging should come from one source,

rather than different messages from the various federal agencies. She also hopes government officials will be more strict with the public on following COVID-19 protocols and regulations.

“People are not following the rules,” she said, “and there’s not enough consequence.”

With reports of several pharmaceutical companies nearing successful vaccines, Mucaria said staff in the NewYork-Presbyterian system are meeting often to discuss distribution and who should receive it first.

She said it doesn’t matter which vaccine comes out because she believes they will all work.

“We are very hopeful that within the next two months, we will start vaccinating our staff,” she said.

“That is probably the most hopeful any of us have been in a long time.”

Though she does not want to prognosticate, Mucaria added that she is hopeful that by the end of the first quarter next year “things will simmer down.”

In the meantime, NewYorkPresbyterian will continue to rely on its physician partners at its Medical Group off-site locations to play a key role in communities.

During the height of the pandemic, many of those locations closed, Mucaria said. All of the physicians and staff were redeployed to the hospital, which she said was a “huge help.”

The physicians provided thousands of telemedicine visits. During the crisis, when families could not visit their loved ones, they would get in touch with call centers, some of which were operating 24 hours a day. Physicians would run those call centers, so they had access to medical records and provided families with updates.

“We would get calls at 2 or 3 in the morning from family members who couldn’t sleep,” she said.

The Medical Group’s physicians also kept in touch with patients who came to the emergency room with COVID-19, but were not sick enough to be admitted. Rather than discharging them without follow up, the hospital sent those patients home with oxygen, a thermometer and a pulse oximeter to test their oxygen saturation.

The doctors would follow up with those patients through telemedicine several times a day.

Those physicians are all back in operation now, Mucaria said, though visits are roughly 80 percent in person and 20 percent telehealth. Many of the offices have expanded hours to avoid crowding.

“They are still doing a lot of telehealth monitoring,” she said.

“They’re all following up with all of these patients.”

Some of the Medical Group physicians are coming into the Flushing hospital to help with testing both employees and the public.

Mucaria said they are likely to also administer the vaccine in a few months as well.

Lately, the hospital has been focusing a lot of attention on partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, such as the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

NewYork-Presbyterian recently launched a grant program for local businesses. While other hospitals have local businesses apply directly to them, NYP Queens made the decision to work with the Queens Chamber to adjudicate the grants.

Altogether, 283 Queens small businesses received grants through the program, which gave out more than $400,000 in the borough alone. Most of the dollars went to purchase PPE. “That’s a great thing, and hopefully we can think of other ways we can partner in the future,” Mucaria said. “We don’t want to just be a place where people come when they’re sick.”

She said she wants the hospital to be a place of knowledge, and help the chamber with screening, prevention and education.

Mucaria said she also joined the board of the New York Hall of Science. The hospital is now partnering with the institution to create educational materials for kids coming to the museum on viruses and transmission.

The hospital president said they work closely with many Chinese, Korean and Taiwanese groups, which are active in the surrounding neighborhoods.

“We’re really trying to get out there and into the community,” Mucaria said, “much more than waiting for people to come here.”

13

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER NEWS

HISTORIC NEIR’S FINALLY INKS LONG-TERM LEASE

BY BENJAMIN FANG The historic Woodhaven pub Neir’s Tavern will keep its doors open for the next five years, with an opportunity to reach its 200th anniversary.

Last month, Loycent Gordon, the owner of the 191-year bar, officially signed a five-year lease, with an option to extend the agreement for another five years.

Though Gordon made a handshake deal with building owners Henry and Ken Shi in January, they finalized the agreement with the help of the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

At the lease-signing ceremony, which was attended by chamber representatives, local elected officials and even Mayor Bill de Blasio, Gordon thanked all of his supporters for believing in him.

“This is a new lease on life. In the middle of a pandemic, we have an opportunity to start over,” he said. “I would hope Neir’s Tavern will be a beacon of hope for that.”

Believed to be one of the oldest bars in continuous operation in New York City, Neir’s Tavern was on the verge of closure at the start of the year.

Unable to broker a deal with the property owners, Gordon, a New York City firefighter who has owned the bar for the last 11 years, decided to call up WNYC’s “The Brian Lehrer Show” during the weekly “Ask the Mayor” segment.

Gordon said it was a “shot in the dark,” a last hurrah that he hoped would lead to a miracle. He got through to the mayor and told his story.

“He felt a sense of responsibility to do something,” Gordon said of de Blasio.

Later that afternoon, Tom Grech, president and CEO of the Queens Chamber, invited Gordon, the Shi brothers, representatives from the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and local lawmakers to the chamber’s office in East Elmhurst.

“I closed the door and said I’m

14

Loycent Gordon (seated) signed a five-year lease to keep Neir’s Tavern open. Pictured standing (left to right) are SBS Commissioner Jonnel Doris, Chamber CEO Thomas Grech, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Councilman Robert Holden and Assemblyman Mike Miller. not going to feed you or let you out until we have a deal,” Grech said.

They emerged with a deal that was officially signed last week.

Councilman Robert Holden, who was in the room, said the negotiation was contentious and difficult.

“But it was something we had to do, we must do, to protect small businesses and protect our history,” he said. “This is a landmark for Woodhaven and Queens. If any establishment was worth saving, it was this.”

As part of the agreement, SBS provided help through its commercial lease assistance program, according to Commissioner Jonnel Doris. They also provided a Love Your Local grant, which included 20 hours of expert advice from a business consultant and up to $90,000 for renovations.

Two months later, the COVID19 pandemic put everything on hold. By March 31, Gordon had to temporarily close Neir’s Tavern.

After many other establishments transitioned to delivery and takeout, the owner said he did not want to put his guests and staff at risk of contracting the virus.

Gordon kept paying his staff through a combination of GoFundMe donations, gift cards that customers purchased, loans and personally not taking a salary. He also donated hot meals to local frontline workers.

Raquel Olivares, executive director of the Woodhaven Business Improvement District (BID), said during the pandemic Gordon reached out to all of the businesses on Jamaica Avenue to help them advertise their services.

“That says so much about him,” she said, “and how much he understands how much power a place like Neir’s has for this neighborhood.”

At the lease-signing ceremony, de Blasio praised Gordon for his strength and resiliency, and for embodying the “New York City

spirit.”

“No matter what was thrown at you, you stuck with it,” he said.

“You’re preserving something beautiful here and you’re making it even better.

“This is an amazing place, you can feel the history and feel the spirit,” de Blasio added. “The number one thing to do to help it survive another 200 years. Show up, spend a little bit of money.”

Neir’s Tavern first opened in October 1829 as The Blue Pump Room. It was located across from the popular Union Course racetrack and became a gathering spot for bettors. In 1898, the bar was purchased by Louis Neir, who added a bowling alley and ballroom.

The watering hole stayed in his family until the late 1960s, when it was sold and renamed the Union Course Tavern. That name stuck until 2009, when Gordon purCONTINUED ON PAGE 15

December 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 12

EXPERT ADVICE

ADVOCATING FOR OWNERS WITH INSURANCE CLAIMS

BY PHILIP MALTAGHATI Most property owners in Queens are rarely faced with filing and handling an insurance claims for damage from fire, water, adjacent construction, or broken or frozen pipes.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

come back and continue to support Neir’s Tavern so it can reach 200 years,” he said.

Though it’s already tough being a small business owner, Gordon said he has never experienced this much difficulty, this many ups and downs, in his entire life.

He said he’s grateful that other people decided to help shoulder the burden, from eating and drinking at the institution to sharing social media posts.

“That’s been the strength that kept me going,” he said.

A committee of supporters planning ahead to the bar’s 200th anniversary is already tossing around ideas for how to celebrate, Gordon said. Some have mentioned throw-

ing a parade, while others want a community space and museum to recognize the history of the Neir’s Tavern.

To get to the 200-year mark, Gordon encouraged everyone to support small businesses.

“I’ll keep trying as long as you believe in me to keep getting it right,” he said. “We need it now more than ever.”

The mayor echoed that call to shop and buy local, especially during the holiday season.

“More than any other time in our history, we’ve got to buy from our mom-and-pop stores and go to our restaurants,” de Blasio added.

“We’ve got to keep our money in our communities.”

NEIR’S OWNER LOOKS AHEAD TO 200

Philip Maltaghati is president of United Public Adjusters & Appraisers, Inc. Contact him in the Ozone Park office at (800) 718-5677.

chased the bar, renamed it and led a restoration project.

The pub is known for providing the setting for multiple scenes in the iconic 1990 film Goodfellas, as well as the 2011 movie Tower Heist. Patrons also claim that actress and singer Mae West first performed at Neir’s Tavern.

Gordon said he couldn’t have kept the bar running for the last 11 years without the help of the community. By signing the lease, he said it means the bar will have “a little bit more certainty in this time of uncertainty.”

“I’m relieved, and I’m also hopeful that maybe people will

15

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December 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 12

QUEENSBOROUGH CALENDAR OF EVENTS DECEMBER 12/1, 11 AM

MEET THE AUTHOR

The Queens Chamber will be giving authors from Queens or who have written about Queens a platform to talk about their projects, exploring how Queens has influenced their work.

Speakers include Mike Figliola and Daniel Scarpati.

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12/16, 9 AM

CEO’S MESSAGE

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

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION

12/16, 11 AM

RAPIDLY RISING CYBERSECURITY

With a large number of individuals working remote your personal information is subject to attack. This informative session will review an Organization’s PPI (personal protected information), types of data breaches and the damages they can cause, together with proactive interventions to mitigate the risks of a data breach.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org 12/16, 2:30 PM

THE PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM 3.0

A new administration means a changing trajectory for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). There have been recent changes to the forgiveness process and over $100 million of unallocated money is still available. Tune in to find out how to get forgiveness and extract more money from the next “Stimulus Tranche” of available money.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org 12/18, 9:30 AM

MEDIATION SKILLS: TECHNIQUES TO RESOLVE THIRD-PARTY DISPUTES

Developing and expanding your mediation skills can help keep everyone focused on their key goals and away from unnecessary and counterproductive conflict.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

EN ESPANOL 12/15, 5:30 PM

EXITO EMPRESARIAL TRAS ASEGURAR LA CERTIFICACION

Participa y conozca la experiencia de Carolina Franco y otros profesionales hispanos que a

outreach to our members to check in and let everyone know we were there to help.

During those months of lockdown, we hosted a COVID-19 town hall designed to help businesses more forward, launched our weekly Facebook LIVE broadcast with business leaders and elected officials from the community making a difference during difficult times, and highlighted five businesses each week who were doing what they do best: supporting their community.

We also provided access to PPE for local businesses to aid in keeping our community healthy, which is an ongoing process.

My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones this year, and the Chamber takes pause and reflection to honor the outstanding members we’ve lost this year as well.

I’m beyond thankful for the opportunity to serve this amazingly diverse community we call home. At the end of the day, it really is a wonderful life.

Here’s wishing you and yours all the best this holiday season. Thank you for your continued support of Queens Chamber.

Remember, we are United and Queens Strong!

Statement required by the Act of August 12, 1970, section 3685. Title 39, United States Code, showing the ownership, management and circulation of Queensborough magazine, published 12 times per year, and owned by the Chamber of Commerce of the Borough of Queens, 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140, Jackson Heights, New York 11370. Statement filed September 1, 2019. Publisher: Chamber of Commerce of the Borough of Queens Editor: Thomas Grech Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding one percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities, none. Extent & nature of circulation: Avg. each issue, Actual single issue, Preceding 13 mos., (Nearest to filing date). Total number of copies 3,071 (2,468). Paid and/or requested circulation: Dealer, carrier sales 623 (532), Mail subscriptions, 1,429 (1,002), Total 2,052 (1,534). Free Distribution By mail 0 (0), By other means 198 (200), Total 198 (200). Total distribution 2,250 (1,734), Office Use, leftover, spoiled 821 ( 7 3 4 ) , Return from news agents 0 (0), Total 3,071 (2,468), Percent paid 92.2 (88.47).

I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete. Thomas J. Grech, Editor

17

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER STAFF PROFILES Previous job: South Dakota Department of Assistant at the Queens Historical Society MEG MCCABE Tourism What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever

How long have you been with the Chamber?

Since October 7, 2020 Previous job: Communications Associate What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join the Chamber team? If you are open and honest, there is not a person on this team who would not be willing to help you.

Cats or dogs? I love both, but always had dogs.

What’s the most inspiring part of your job?

Being able to connect people who need assistance with people on our team who can help.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Learn to read, write, and speak Greek.

If you could meet anyone living or dead, who would it be? Jane Austen

NEIL WAGNER

How long have you been with the Chamber?

1.5 years

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? My mother told me to always be brave.

What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join the Chamber team? Be willing to work hard, push yourself past your boundaries and have fun.

Cats or dogs? Dogs.

What’s the most inspiring part of your job? Getting to help the small businesses in Queens If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Play the guitar If you could meet anyone living or dead, who would it be? I would want to meet George Washington.

DANA HE

How long have you been with the Chamber?

Since July 6, 2020 Previous job: Research and Administrative

been given? Always listen to your gut feeling and do what you feel is right. Sometimes the gut feeling is stronger than your logical thoughts.

What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join the Chamber team? Be yourself. It’s kind of cliche, but everyone at the Chamber really does treat each other like family.

You’ll feel most comfortable being yourself, and everyone will see right through you if you’re acting, so don’t try to be someone you’re not.

Cats or dogs? Dogs all the way!

What’s the most inspiring part of your job?

Knowing that I’m able to help those who need assistance.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I would like to learn how to ride a bike and code.

If you could meet anyone living or dead, who would it be? I would love to meet with the philosopher Shang Yang.

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December 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 12

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES 82ND STREET PARTNERSHIP

37-06 82nd Street, Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Executive Director: Leslie Ramos 718.335.9421 82ndstreet.org QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $224,000 with

more than 200 businesses under its umbrella.

The district is on 82nd Street from 37th Avenue to Baxter Avenue. The board meets quarterly with the annual meeting in June.

There are free immigration services every Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 71-29 Roosevelt Avenue. All services are free, confidential and open to any member of the community. Some of the services include DACA, TPS and document replacement and renewal. Call (212) 652-2071 with any questions.

ASIAN AMERICAN FEDERATION

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

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

BAYSIDE VILLAGE BID

213-33 39th Avenue, Bayside, NY 11361 Executive Director: Christine Siletti 718.423.2434 info@baysidevillagebid.com QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $218,000 and

over 350 members. Founded in 2007, the BID includes commercial property owners and residents on Bell Boulevard between 35th Avenue and Northern Boulevard, as well as a block east and west on 41st Avenue.

BAYSIDE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION 41-16 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, NY 11361 President: Ed Probst Vice President: Judith Limpert 718.229.2277 info@baysideba.com baysideba.com QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 2007, the BID

includes commercial property owners and residents on Bell Boulevard between 35th Avenue and Northern Boulevard, as well as a block east and west on 41st Avenue.

ACCOMPANY CAPITAL (FORMERLY BCNA)

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

QUICK GLANCE: Chinatown Partnership, led

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.

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.

BUSINESS OUTREACH CENTER NETWORK (BOC, INC.)

FOREST HILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

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

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES gjdc.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1967, the group

has 75 members. GJDC’s work expands economic opportunity and improves quality of life for the ethnically and economically diverse residents of Jamaica and for the region at large, which benefits from rational, well-planned, and sustainable metropolitan growth.

GREATER WOODHAVEN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WOODHAVEN BID

84-01 Jamaica Avenue, Woodhaven NY 11421 718.805.0202 gwdcbid@hotmail.com woodhavenbid.com QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $257,000 with

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.

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

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

MYRTLE AVENUE BID

62-14 Myrtle Avenue, Ridgewood, NY 11385 Executive Director: Ted Renz 718.366.3806 QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $500,000 with over

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.

MASPETH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

JAMAICA CENTER BID

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.

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

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.

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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

12-55 Queens Boulevard, Room 309 Kew Gardens, NY 11424 Executive Director: Seth Bornstein 718.263.0546 queensny.org QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $1.5 million and a

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

December 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 12

NEW MEMBERS modern cleaning equipment.

CORPORATE

Mondial Automotive

114-14 14th Road College Point, NY 11356 gomondial.com Mondial Automotive was founded in 1956

by Showky Kaldawy Sr. with the core beliefs of honesty, integrity and respect. These values continue to act as an integral thread within the fabric of our organization. Mondial is proud to continue the company legacy into the second generation of our family business.

We are committed to supplying our customers the highest quality parts backed with superior service. When quality counts, you can rely on Mondial for all your needs.

New York Crystal Cleaning

38-17 111th Street Corona, NY 11368 newyorkcrystalcleaning.com New York Crystal Cleaning adapts a cleaning regimen that accommodates the precise needs of your home or business in NYC. Trained and efficient staff are equipped to meet and exceed top-notch service expectations at rates that will not exceed your budget. Choose first rate janitorial services that include cleaning, detailed reports and flexible schedules carried out with

New York Islanders Hockey Club 15 Verbena Avenue Floral Park, NY 11101 nhl.com/islanders

their specific insurance needs, Skyline Risk Management was formed by a venerable team of specialized professionals with decades of industry experience.

INTRODUCTORY

Asure HCM

Reef Technology

1565 Jefferson Road, Suite 210 Rochester, NY 14623 asuresoftware.com

500 5th Avenue, 26th Floor New York, NY 10010 reeftechnology.com We transform underutilized urban spaces into neighborhood hubs that connect people to locally curated goods, services, and experiences. With an ecosystem of 4,500 locations and a team of 15,000 people, REEF is the largest operator of mobility, logistics hubs, and neighborhood kitchens in the United States, Canada, and has a growing presence in Europe. Together we are leveraging the power of proximity to keep our communities moving forward in a sustainable and thoughtful way.

Star Fire Protection Co. 224-50 Braddock Avenue Queens Village, NY 11428 starfireny.com

Stifel Nicolaus

1225 Franklin Avenue, Suite 150 Garden City, NY 11530 murphywealthmgmt.com

Tio Square, Inc.

108-14 72nd Avenue, 2nd FL Forest Hill, NY 11375 tiosq.com

Skyline Risk Management, Inc.

228 Park Avenue South, Suite 48897 New York, NY 10003 skylineriskmanagement.com Born out of the evolving demands of individuals and businesses to find a supportive brokerage ready to adapt and grow with

Triboro Printing

2502 Steinway Astoria, NY 11103 triboroprinting.com

CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES state agencies.

ROCKAWAY EAST MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION (REMA4US)

1032 Beach 20th Street Far Rockaway, NY 11691 rema4us.org REMA 4 US, Inc. seeks to engage in economic development and revitalization in the Rockaway Peninsula. To strengthen our community revitalization programs and community development efforts in the Rockaway Peninsula REMA works alongside businesses, civic groups, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

REMA works to inform the public about opportunities that exist to strengthen the community, and to create a welcoming and safe environment to help expand economic opportunity in the Rockaway 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 some of them fixtures on the street for some 50 years.

SUNNYSIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

$55,000, the chamber is an organization built around assisting and helping local business and professionals by providing resources to increase business, safety and historical preservation throughout the neighborhood.

businesses under its umbrella. The mission of Sunnyside Shines is to invigorate and enrich the economic life of the neighborhood by creating a safe and dynamic commercial district.

SUTPHIN BOULEVARD BID

89-00 Sutphin Boulevard, Suite 204C Jamaica, NY 11435 Executive Director: Glen Greenridge 718.291.2110 sutphinblvdbid@verizon.net QUICK GLANCE: The BID was founded in 2004

and represents 134 businesses, 56 properties and 39 property owners along Sutphin Boulevard between Hillside Avenue and 94th Avenue in Jamaica.

3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30 pt

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SUNNYSIDE SHINES

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

John Renda

Financial Advisor 47-01 Queens Blvd Suite 208 Sunnyside, NY 11104 718-361-1306

MKT-5894I-A

approximately $480,000 with more than 250

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

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EXECUTIVE COMMMITEE Thomas Santucci

Richard Dzwlewicz

Thomas J. Grech

Brendan Leavy

Nash Roe

Fran Biderman-Gross

Joanne M. Persad

Jacqueline Donado

Chairperson

Associate Treasurer

Vice Chairperson

Associate Secretary

Treasurer

Immediate Past Chair

Patrick Yu

Susan Browning

Mayra DiRico

Secretary

SENIOR ADVISORY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE STAFF President & CEO

Business Development Manager

Chief of Operations

Strategic Program Coordinator

Alejandra Espejo

Jef Gross

Financial Controller

Neil Wagner

Business Service Program Manager

Manager of Committee Development

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

QUEENSBOROUGH (ISSN0033-6068 is published 12 times a year for $12.50 annually by the Queens Chamber of Commerce of the borough of Queens. 75-20 Astoria Blvd, Suite 140, East Elmhurst NY 11370-1131.

Periodicals postage paid at Flushing NY and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Blvd., Suite 140, East Elmhurst NY 11370-1131.

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

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

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

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

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

Patrick Yu Daniel Zausner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BANKING & LAW

Margaret T. Ling, Esq. Big Apple Abstract Corp. mling@bigappleabstract.com Paul Harrison Chase paul.harrison@chase.com

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

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ENERGY

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

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

HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS

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

HOSPITALITY

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

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

NONPROFIT

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

REAL ESTATE

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

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

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

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

Quontic Bank RCG Mortgage Receivable Collection Services, LLC Rego Park Seniors Club LLC Related Retail Corporation Rochdale Village Community Center Royal Waste Services, Inc. Safeguard Global Safety Facility Services Samaritan Daytop Village Santander Bank SBT Advantage Bank Seagis Property Group, LP Signature Bank Sive, Paget & Riesel P.C. Skyline Risk Management, Inc. SL Green Realty Corp.

Solomon Agency Corp.

Spring Hill Suites New York Jamaica/JFK Airport Squad Security Inc. St. Francis Preparatory School St. John’s Episcopal Hospital St. John’s University Sterling Risk Structural Engineering Technologies, P.C. Suffolk Sussman-Automatic Corporation Target TC Electric TGI Office Automation Thales The Andy Li Team at Compass The Botanist The Durst Organization The First National Bank of Long Island The Flying Locksmiths -Queens NY The Heskel Group The Liquidity Source The Lovett Group The Marcal Group T-Mobile TSC Traning Academy, LLC Ultrasound Solutions Corp.

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

December 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 12 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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