THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH
queenschamber.org
QUEENS CHAMBER NEWS & EVENTS
CHAMBER HOSTS CANDIDATES FOR QUEENS BEEP BY SARA KREVOY As the special election for Queens borough president draws near, those vying for the position are taking the opportunity to present their vision for the borough to voters. On February 4, the half-dozen hopefuls that will appear on the ballot on March 24 discussed the local business climate during a forum hosted by the Queens Chamber of Commerce at Antun’s in Queens Village. Moderated by Spectrum News NY1 anchor Ruschell Boone, candidates fielded questions on topics that ranged from support of the local small businesses to the Amazon deal to their favorite res-
taurant in the borough. “The businesses in this city are not looking for a handout, only for a real chance without roadblocks, red tape and barriers to succeed,” said Tom Grech, chamber president and CEO, an organization with nearly 90 percent of its membership representing businesses that have 10 or fewer employees. “We respectfully implore all of our elected officials citywide and statewide, and all of those seeking elected office to walk a mile in the shoes of our business folks,” he continued. Many of the candidates spoke of the borough president as a position that acts as a cheerleader for the county, especially when it comes to promoting the growth
of local businesses. The Queens borough president receives millions of dollars annually in city capital to be steered toward various community organizations and projects. For Elizabeth Crowley, a former City Council member, the position of borough president provides an opportunity to procure more funding and resources for Queens, and invest them in business improvement districts (BIDs), cultural institutions and tourism. “I would be the borough president that protects Queens’ sense of place,” she said. “I think it’s time we have a leader that is going to fight for our fair share, and work with the business community to create more jobs and
economic opportunity.” Dao Yin, a community activist and small business owner currently serving as both secretary-general of The Shanghai Association of America and executive vice president of the Queens Residents and Voters Coalition, advocated for an influx of funds into the city’s budget for workforce training. He also proposed a 10 percent property tax credit to home offices and small businesses, as well as the construction of an international convention center in Queens, much like Manhattan’s Javits Center. “You need to give the companies, corporations and startups incentives” he said. “Right now
Pictured from left to right are Elizabeth Crowley, Anthony Miranda, Chamber CEO and President Thomas Grech, Councilman Donovan Richards, James Quinn, Dao Yin, Councilman Costa Constantinides and Chamber Board Chair Thomas Santucci.
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