This Is Queensborough - January 2012

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January 2021 . Volume 17 . Issue 1

STIMULATING

QUEENS CONGRESSMAN DISCUSSES HOW NEW COVID RELIEF PACKAGE SHOULD BE BETTER FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AND THE LOCAL ECONOMY

ALSO

• CRUZ, ULRICH DISCUSS COVID RELIEF • NORTHWELL OFFERING FREE LECTURES WITH HEALTH EXPERTS • CHAMBER HOSTS SEMINAR ON HOW TO SECURE FORGIVENESS FOR PPP LOANS

“IF YOU PUT THE MONEY IN THEIR HANDS, IT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD. IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE FOR THE PEOPLE ON THE GROUND WHO UNDERSTAND LOCAL GROUPS, LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS AND LOCAL PEOPLE.”

CONGRESSMAN GREGORY MEEKS

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January 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 1

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

TURNING THE PAGE

As you read this, we’ve already ing by ready to assist with getturned the page on a brand-new ting you back on track for 2021.

Whether it’s any one of year, one filled with trethe business resources, mendous hope, promnetworking opportuise, and unlimited posnities or educational sibilities. The time has webinars, there’s somecome to forge ahead thing specifically tailorand lay the foundation made to fit your needs. for what will become a Don’t let this moment transformative year. pass you by; a new year Although 2020 prewith a fresh new prosented a great deal of spective.

New beginchallenge, it also taught TOM SANTUCCI nings are priceless, and us several lessons, most this is a pivotal moment of all how to survive CHAIRPERSON for future of your orgaand blaze a path you nization. probably never thought you would As we enter our 110th year of travel. operation, I’m honored to serve Interacting with the Queens as Board Chair for this organizaChamber, as many as you have tion and lend my support on your experienced, can be a godsend behalf. for your organization, providing Thank you business owners access to resources, services and of all sizes, members and future avenues designed to generate revmembers for your support. I look enue. forward to all the great things Take some time before the ahead for the diverse community month ends to evaluate and stratwe call Queens. egize. Our Chamber team is stand-

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

AND SO IT BEGINS...

Undoubtedly, we can all breath a opportunities designed to increase sigh of relief to have ushered in a your client base and informative, new year. With the holidays behind thought-provoking educational us and a new month and year ahead webinars to help you navigate the of us, it’s time to set our sites on ever-changing business environa prosperous new 365 days that ment. awaits.

Mark your calendar In mid-December, for the State of Queens we celebrated the Media event later this release of the muchmonth. We’re bringanticipated COVID ing top media experts vaccine, which our from the Queens Daily Queens health care Eagle, Queens Chronworkers and long-term icle, Queens Ledger facility resident were and Metropolitan Airthe first to receive. port News, to name Within the next couple a few, to discuss the of months, the gen- THOMAS J. GRECH future of the media eral public will have PRESIDENT & CEO industry as the panaccess, which hopedemic lingers. You fully means we’re turning the cor- don’t want to miss this. ner on this pandemic.

We’re just getting started, and Queens Chamber is poised to the time is now to strategize what continue providing you with pro- the coming weeks will look like gramming and resources to enable your business to thrive. Networking CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

love WHERE YOU

live LETS BEAUTIFY JAMAICA TOGETHER ZARA'S PHILANTHROPY Involvement on community boards richmond hill hs computer lab Voices of Jamaica features community events Fundraising

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QUEENS QUICKLY

CON ED INKS DEAL WITH SOLAR FIRM

president and CEO, said the power authority is committed to moving clean energy technologies forward and supporting initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Additional energy storage development, especially for long durations, is key for growing renewable energy such as hydro, wind and solar, while also meeting peak energy demands, he said.

“This adaptive reuse of this land will help realize yet another clean energy project that moves us another step forward in meeting our aggressive climate leadership goals,” Quinones said. (BENJAMIN FANG)

Con Edison has announced a seven-year dispatch rights agreement with the solar and energy storage company 174 Power Global to develop a 100-megawatt battery storage project in Astoria.

The project, called East River Energy Storage System, is expected to be one of the biggest battery systems in New York. It will be built and owned by 174 Power Global.

The facility will be located on land owned by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and leased under a seven-year contract.

“New York is an important market for 174 Power Global due to the state’s commitment to clean energy,” said Henry Yun, the company’s president and CEO. “We are proud to have been selected by Con Edison for this project, and we look forward to working together to help bring clean power to the Astoria community and more broadly to the state.”

The East River Energy Storage System will be designed to balance electricity demands and provide grid reliability by delivering power, voltage support and frequency stability to the region, the company said.

Con Edison president Tim Cawley said in a statement that the project will help displace some fossil fuel-fired generation when the demand for power is highest.

“Utility scale battery storage will play a vital role in New York’s clean energy future,” he said, “especially in New York City, where it will help to maximize the benefit of the wind power being developed offshore.”

The project is expected to be in operation on January 1, 2023. It will be constructed following approval from state permit and codes requirements.

In a statement, Gil Quinones, NYPA’s

ROCKAWAY BREWERY PLANS NEW HQ A new plan to create a permanent home for Rockaway Brewing Company as part of the Averne East development was discussed at a virtual zoning meeting hosted by the Borough President’s Office last month.

The company already has two locations, one in Long Island City and one on 72nd Street in Rockaway, the latter being open for five years.

The company employees a local staff of over 20 workers.

Co-founder Ethan Long said he wants to merge the manufacturing side of the company and the tasting room into one destination with the new building.

The plan includes adding a new food hall at the 72nd street location highlighting “local culinary talents,” allowing people in the community to open new businesses.

“People would feed off what we create as a community,” Long said. “It would be a good combination.”

He also spoke about bringing sustainability and an environmentally conscious approach to the project.

“We’re not out there producing big plumes of coal smoke and other toxic chemicals,” Long said. “We’re actually low impact as manufacturing goes.”

He spoke about taking advantage of new technologies to release less CO2 into the environment, increase the use of solar energy, and adding a composting program.

“Our mindset has always been efficient and green,” Long said.

He referenced a case study in Charlotte, North Carolina, proving that a brewery can serve as a local hub, bringing positive benefits to the surrounding neighborhoods.

“People are drawn to it and it creates a strong sense of community,” Long said. “A lot of microbreweries, you can see the process right on the other side of the glass. We find this increases our community awareness.”

This proposal is part of the Averne East development project that has long been promised to residents of this Rockaway area.

The plan would create approximately 1,650 housing units, 35-acre nature preserve, and a hotel to an area bounded by Rockaway Freeway to the north and Rockaway Beach and the boardwalk on the south between Beach 32nd Street and Beach 56th Place.

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

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

One-on-One with Catalina Cruz and Eric Ulrich ...................................8

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

Northwell Clinicians Offering Employers Free Lectures .....................9

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

Accompany Capital: New Name, Same Service ...................................10 Chamber Hosts Webinar on Available PPP Loans ................................11 Business Leaders React to ‘Just Cause’ Legislation .............................11 COVER STORY: Congressman Meeks on COVID Relief ...............12 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

January 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 1 Borough President Donovan Richards said he is “very appreciative of the brewery,” but asked for more of a focus on bringing local jobs to the project, providing space for schools, and a better community facility.

“This project is personal to me,” he said. “As someone who lived in Ocean Village, whose apartment faced this site every morning, I know it really well.” (JACOB HENRY)

QEDC SNAGS GRANT FOR CORONA WORK The Department of Small Business Services (SBS) awarded a three-year grant to the Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) to develop and carry out revitalization projects in Corona.

QEDC has hired Sam Massol, who founded and ran the community-based nonprofits Astoria Green and BridgeRoots, to analyze the commercial corridor along Roosevelt Avenue between

QUEENS QUICKLY Junction Boulevard and 114th Street and devel- services, such as training webinars, counselop a plan to help local merchants. ing, and COVID-related resources, to To provide support services, QEDC merchants. has subcontracted with the Street SBS has recently awarded more Vendor Project (SVP) and Latin than $4 million in Race, Equity, and Women In Action (LWIA).

Inclusion grants to qualifying nonSVP will provide capacity-building profits via its Neighborhood 360 and services to street vendors so they Avenue NYC programs. QEDC’s can acquire the business acumen to funding comes from Neighborhood formalize their businesses and maybe 360. even open brick-and-mortar stores.

“COVID-19 has had devastatThe agency also plans to carry out a ing effects on our Black, Asian, and place-making campaign.

Latinx communities, and it is imporMASSOL Meanwhile, LWIA will focus on tant we deliver the resources they merchant engagement to shape cleanneed to recover,” said SBS Commisliness and beautification programs. sioner Jonnel Doris. “These initiatives will help QEDC will coordinate the efforts and pro- revitalize our commercial corridors and bring vide business-support and technical-assistance them back stronger than ever.”

PORT AUTHORITY OPENS EMPLOYEE CAFE FEATURING LOCAL VENDORS A new employee cafeteria at John F. Kennedy International Airport owned and operated by southeast Queens restaurateurs opened last month.

J&P Runway Cafe, located inside Building 14, is run by Annette Runcie, owner of Pa-Nash Restaurant in Rosedale, and Michael Duncan, owner of Jamaica Breeze Restaurant in Laurelton.

On November 30, the owners of the cafeteria joined local elected officials and executives from the Port Authority to officially open the airport cafe.

“J&P Runway cafe is a tremendous, new asset to the JFK community,” said Rick Cotton, executive director of the Port Authority. “We are proud to be partnering with this outstanding, local minority and woman-owned business venture to bring a high-quality food option with an international flair to the JFK workforce.”

Runcie and Duncan said in a joint statement that they are excited about the opportunity and what it will mean for the southeast Queens community. The owners have committed to hiring local residents to work at the cafeteria, and have already hired seven employees.

The next job fair will be in early 2021, they said.

“JFK International Airport is a huge part of our local economy, so having local restaurants on site is a continuation of that connection with our community,” Borough President Donovan Richards said. “Queens is home to some of the best small restaurants in the country, with food from all over the world, and having them at our airport is a great

opportunity.”

The cafeteria in Building 14 is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It is expected to serve over 700 employees and visitors per week.

The newly renovated cafe is over 5,000 square feet, and will offer both indoor and outdoor dining.

According to the Port Authority, J&P Runway Cafe was chosen through a selection process.

Runcie and Duncan were issued a contract for

five years with an option to renew for an additional five years.

Tom Grech, president and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, noted that Runcie and Duncan are both members of the organization.

“We cannot wait to have our next event at J&P Runway Cafe when conditions allow to show our members the results of what a dedicated effort to support MWBEs looks like,” he said.

Elected officials and Port Authority executives cut the ribbon on the new Runway Cafe.

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

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PROMOTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS in his career as a professor at Northwest- current legislative term. Adams is replacing ConEd adds three new lier ern University, the University of Illinois at Donovan Richards, who recently assumed the Chicago and the Unirole of borough president. members to board versity of Pittsburgh.

The Committee on Public Safety, which Con Edison announced three new appointments to its Board of Directors.

Tim Cawley, who was promoted to president and CEO of Con Edison on December 29, will also join the company’s board.

Cawley is currently the president of Con Edison of New York, a position he has held since 2018.

He has spent his career at Con Edison, CAWLEY notably as president and chief executive officer at Orange and Rockland Utilities and senior vice president of Central Operations with responsibilities for transmission and substation operations, the steam business and construction activities.

Cawley holds an MBA from New York University and a BS in electrical engineering from Union College.

Karol Mason is president of John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She has a strong background in social justice and has spent her career as a fierce advocate not only in New York, but throughout the country and the world.

During President Barack Obama’s administration, Mason served as deputy associate attorney general MASON at the Department of Justice. She spent much of her career at Alston & Bird, where she was the first African-American woman to be elected the Chair of the Management Committee at any major national law firm.

She attended law school at the University of Michigan after which she earned a coveted position as a Judicial Law Clerk in the US District Court. Mason’s business and policy experience and legal acumen will be a noteworthy addition to the board.

Dwight McBride is president of The New School. He has spent his career in higher education, holding the position of provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs at Emory University, dean of the Graduate School and associate provost for Graduate Education at Northwestern University and ear-

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An award-winning author, McBride is known as a national leader in research on African-American literature and the study of race, gender and sexuality. McBride earned a PhD in EngMCBRIDE lish from the University of California, Los Angeles.

McBride’s leadership as a distinguished scholar, author and academic administrator will bring a significant knowledge base to the board.

Fok joins team at D&B Engineers & Architects Allen Fok, P.E., of Flushing, was hired as a Water Supply Engineer with D&B Engineers and Architects.

Fok is a graduate of Manhattan College with an M.S. in Environmental Engineering. Prior to D&B Engineers and Architects he worked at Roux Environmental Engineer & Geology, D.P.C. in Islandia.

FOX He is one of nine new hires at D&B Engineers and Architects, an engineering and consulting organization specializing in civil and environmental engineering, water supply and construction management founded in 1965. It is headquartered in Woodbury.

“Despite the many upheavals within the sector in 2020, D&B has continued our steady growth in this, our 55th year of operation,” president Steven A. Fangmann. “I’m pleased to say that our nine new employees add significant expertise and hands-on experience that enable us to expand services to our municipal and private sector clients.”

Adams named chair of Public Safety Comm.

Councilwoman Adrienne Adams of south Queens was appointed chair of the Committee on Public Safety for the remaining of the

has oversight over the New York Police Department, is one of the City Council’s most critical committees.

It also has jurisdiction over the Civilian Complaint Review Board, the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, courts, legal ADAMS services, district attorney offices and the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor.

“I am committed to put forth my efforts to increase public confidence and improve the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers,” said Adams. “I look forward to putting forth a very robust agenda from my committee.”

Before being appointed to chair the Committee on Public Safety, Adams was chair of the Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sitings, and Dispositions.

“The Committee on Public Safety plays a critical role in holding NYPD accountable and making changes to improve how the department operates,” said Speaker Corey Johnson.

“Council member Adams will push the NYPD to be more transparent and practice smart and fair law enforcement.”

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.

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QUEENS REPS ONE-ON-ONE

CRUZ: GOV’T CAN HELP SMALL BUSINESSES

BY BENJAMIN FANG With indoor dining prohibited, retail stores limited on the number of people allowed inside and the pandemic still ongoing, small businesses across the city are struggling to make enough revenue not only to pay their staff, but to pay their rent.

During a recent walk along a commercial corridor in her district with members of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz spoke to business owners who said they had to let employees go and hire family members instead.

Across her western Queens district, which includes Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Corona, Cruz said small businesses are feeling the pain.

“It’s going to be very difficult to make the profit needed to make current and overdue rents,” she said.

The assemblywoman said she believes every level of government has a role to play in helping small businesses not just recover, but thrive.

At the federal level, help is on the way after Congress passed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package that includes $284 billion to replenish the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). According to reports, $15 billion has been set aside for performance venues, movie theaters and cultural institutions.

On the local level, Cruz said the city allocated several million dollars to struggling small businesses, but they also doled out the funding on a first-come, first-served basis rather than need, which the assemblywoman said should be the priority.

“Those who can get the money first are the business owners who are more savvy,” she said.

As for Albany, Cruz said lawmakers continue to push for legislation to aid commercial tenants. While she is “extremely supportive” of commercial rent control bills, she said there are constitutional issues

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that need to be addressed.

“We need to look at the possibility of creating a rent controllike system that would curtail the way commercial landlords increase rents by exorbitant amounts,” she said.

Since May, Cruz has been advocating for a series of bills she sponsored that she believes will help small businesses reopen and put community members back to work.

The Open for Business Act would provide tax incentives to businesses that employ local residents in part-time or full-time positions. To qualify for the tax break, businesses must hire employees who meet specific requirements, such as living within 50 miles of the company and previously losing employment due to the pandemic.

Another bill that Cruz backs, the Save Merchants and Retail Tenants (SMART) Act, would establish a temporary state assistance fund to provide legal counsel to small businesses undergoing bankruptcy proceedings.

“If they can’t pay rent,” Cruz said, “they can’t afford to get a lawyer.”

A third bill, the Commercial Lease Efficiency and Resolution (CLEAR) Path Forward Act, would encourage tenants and landlords to renegotiate the terms of their leases outside of the courtroom.

The legislation would provide a roadmap for both parties to negotiate a settlement, prevent litigation and avoid commercial evictions.

If they cannot reach an agreement, the legislation would provide criteria for the court to evaluate whether there should be a reduction of rent or termination of the lease.

“Landlords, if they’re good, would rather make money than have a vacant building,” Cruz said.

“My bill says COVID is a legal excuse for you to get out of a lease.”

In addition to focusing on restaurants, retail stores and other small businesses, the assemblywoman said she wants to help street vendors. She noted that more people

are turning to selling on the street out of necessity.

“People have no choice but to do street vending,” she said. “Folks who were working in restaurants and retail stores need to survive.”

Cruz said while she understands the frustration that small businesses have over street vendors, she said sometimes competition is a good thing.

“We want to work with everyone,” she said. “Everyone has a right to survive and seek the survival of their families.”

The assemblywoman said she’s committed to making sure small businesses get the resources they need to stay open. Many have been around for decades, but are facing closure because relief has not reached them yet.

“While we may have amazing

ideas, if they don’t pass and get signed, they’re not going to help anyone,” Cruz added. “The most we can do is continue to push.”

A DECADE IN OFFICE

BY JACOB HENRY After spending over a decade serving constituents of District 32 in south Queens, Councilman Eric Ulrich reflected on the challenges he faced and the accomplishments he achieved throughout his time in office.

Ulrich was just 24 years old when he was elected to the seat, and next year term limits will force him from office. At the time of his victory, he was one of the few Republicans to hold office in New York City, but he took to City Hall a focus on serving everyone in the district regardless of party affiliation.

“I’ve always tried to go out of my way to serve the people that didn’t vote for me and let them know that I’m still a representative for them,” Ulrich said. “They don’t have to vote for me, but my door is always going to be open.”

A couple years after he was elected, Ulrich’s district was hit with Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

The similarities between that and the current COVID-19 pandemic

are not lost on the councilman.

“Both were out of our control and both are going to take us years to fully recover from,” Ulrich said. “Both left people broke and feeling a sense of hopelessness, but we’re desperately doing our best to assist people and take it one day at a time.”

He said he was proud of his work on the recovery efforts from Hurricane Sandy, as well as his work on legislation that created the city’s Department of Veteran Services.

Ulrich also mentioned his work on rezoning efforts, renovating parks and schools, and spurring economic development in commercial areas.

He also called himself “the last of a dying breed” of moderate Republicans, explaining that while he supports lowering taxes, the NYPD and limited government, he still advocates for workers’ rights, a woman’s right to choose, and marriage equality.

“I have disagreements with my CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

January 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 1

FIRST-PERSON ACCOUNT

FREE LECTURES BY NORTHWELL CLINICIANS CUSTOMIZED FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION, SERIES COVERS A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS

BY ANNETTE ROTH, MHA New York State’s largest health care provider is now offering free virtual lectures from its world-class physicians to businesses and faithand community-based organizations in Queens.

Northwell Health’s Ambulatory Services Community Outreach Program supports wellness and employee and civic engagement through lectures that cover nearly 300 compelling health care topics.

Entering its tenth year, the program is well-honed through community feedback and is now offering stimulating discussions in Queens.

Since inception, the program has delivered more than 3,000 lectures at more than 500 venues across Greater New York. Some of the most requested lectures include: • Important Tips to Know For Maintaining Heart Health • Preventing & Treating Orthopedic Injuries

Annette Roth is the director of the Ambulatory Services Community Outreach Program at Northwell Health. She has been in the role for nearly nine years. Interested in participating? Contact Ms. Roth directly at aroth1@northwell.edu or (516) 318-1966.

• Acid Reflux & How It Affects Your Health: Overview of Medical & Surgical Treatments • Weight Management: Surgical & Non-Surgical Options • When Your Headache Can Be A Symptom of Serious Neurosurgical Problems!

• An Overview of Spine Health: Maintaining a Healthy Spine The program offers an extensive list of topics about almost every medical situation—physical or psychological. Each lecture is delivered using simplified language to help make the subject matter as understandable as possible.

The program has been a boon for many organizations.

“Working with Annette and the many talented Northwell Health physicians and surgeons has been a fantastic extra perk enjoyed by my company,” an Ernst & Young senior director said about her experience. “My colleagues so often express their extreme excitement at learning new health information that is both valuable and usable in their own lives.

“There is no question that these virtual lectures have made a great difference in employee workplace satisfaction and engagement,” she added.

The program’s virtual lectures have proven successful due to the collaboration between physicians and participating venues. Some organizations have sent monthly requests to develop lecture content, making their pursuits even more customizable.

With Northwell’s longstanding relationship with the Queens Chamber of Commerce, this program will continue to fulfill a void of providing enriching health care programming throughout New York City’s most-diverse borough.

As one of the state’s largest nonprofits, Northwell’s community mindset and mission-driven purpose carries the expertise of its 74,000 team members, including numerous members of Northwell Health Physician Partners who are providing superior care in more than 100 clinical specialties.

Annually, the health system provides more than $1.2 billion in community benefit to support many free programs like the Ambulatory Services Community Outreach Program, which are designed to tap into the real needs of communities we have the privilege of serving.

QUEENS REPS ONE-ON-ONE ULRICH COMPARES SANDY TO PANDEMIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

party on social issues, but I’m fiscally conservative” he said. “My constituents, most of them are Democrats or independents, and they think that I’m doing a good job.”

He promised a smooth transition to whoever wins the election and takes over his seat.

“I will make sure that I hand off the district and my office in the best shape possible,” Ulrich said. “I want to make it as easy as possible for whoever takes this position to do the job, because when they succeed the people that live here will succeed and be better off.”

Ulrich’s advice for the next person in office would be to understand the diverse demographics of the district from Breezy Point to Richmond Hill, hire a staff that speaks several languages, and always make sure that “the constituents come first.”

“If you put your best self for-

ward and you are visible, accessible and helpful, that will get you very far,” Ulrich said.

He said that he’s weighing his options about his future, but is more focused on securing unemployment insurance and PPP loans, access to food and other recovery

efforts related to coronavirus.

“The constituent work continues until the day I leave office, and it’s not something we’re not going to let up on,” the Ozone Park native said. “Next to being a father, this has been the most rewarding and gratifying experience of my life.”

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NONPROFIT NEWS

NEW NAME FOR LENDER & GOOD NEIGHBOR

BY CATHERINE VENTURA On November 10, Business Center for New Americans, a leading CDFI and SBA lender, announced it was rebranding as Accompany Capital. The nonprofit has offices in Jackson Heights and Manhattan, and is an active community presence in Queens.

The new name reflects Accompany Capital’s evolution and broad commitment to support clients not only with affordable capital, but also with ongoing access to business training, oneon-one counseling, and technical assistance Along with the new name and brand, executive director Yanki Tshering unveiled a new logo and new website with a streamlined online loan application process.

“The new name allows us to emphasize that we do more than just provide affordable capital, we partner with our clients and accompany them every step of the way on their entrepreneurial journeys,” said Tshering. “While our name has changed, our mission has not.

“Events like the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, as well as past challenges like Hurricane Sandy and the 2008 financial crisis, have only reinforced our commitment to our mission, determining how best to support our clients through changing economic environments

Catherine Ventura is a Communication Consultant for Accompany Capital.

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and staying relevant and responsive,” she added.

To date, Accompany Capital has made $34 million in loans to micro and small business in New York City, $8 million of which were made to over 1,000 businesses in Queens.

Because of the significant number of clients in Queens who own restaurants, Accompany Capital has mobilized to help them meet the challenges of social-distancing mandates.

First by providing low-cost emergency loans to help weather the storm then, more recently, by supporting clients as they build outdoor seating areas through a collaboration with the 82nd Street Partnership and the Urban Design Forum, as well as curating takeout offerings and menus and advising on ways to build a greater digital presence on social media.

Other Queens clients have turned to Accompany Capital for support in optimizing their websites for greater online sales, or pivoting to stock up on inventory like PPE equipment or produce high-demand plexiglass and plastic barriers.

“We have a strong commitment in continuing to support these businesses both during this current crisis and in the future,” explained Accompany Capital senior loan officer and Queens resident Vish Dasma.

He noted that many of the businesses are in neighborhoods whose residents rely on them for the jobs they create and the meeting places they provide, contributing to the cultural and economic fabric of the borough and the city.

“As an ‘economic first responder,’ we are proud of our efforts in supporting our clients with emergency financial and technical support at time of their greatest need,” said Accompany Capital Board chair Kwame Marfo. “Rebranding will allow us to better position the organization for an accelerated growth phase as we expand

our offerings in our ever-expanding quest to empower entrepreneurial dreams, create jobs, and revitalize communities.”

Accompany Capital worked for several months with Brenda Smith and Associates, a top branding consultant, to choose a name that not only reflected the mission but also had positive associations in all of the languages spoken in Queens.

The name change will be reflected in such initiatives as the annual Immigrant Heritage Week Awards event, which will be held virtually later this year, and the Speakers Bureau, which makes available dynamic women entrepreneurs with exciting success stories to tell.

The new Accompany Capital logo will also be prominent in Queens events the organization helps sponsor, such as the annual Momo Crawl, workshops at the Queens Library, and initiatives with the community board and other local organizations.

“As BCNA, we were a very familiar face at many Queens events,” said Tshering Gurung, manager of Business Development & Training Coordinator, who works in the Queens Office. “Now we look forward to reintroducing ourselves in the upcoming months so that businesses in Queens recognize the name Accompany Capital as a welcome neighbor as well.”

CHAMBER GRANT FOR TSINY

Dr. Larry S. Grubler, CEO of TSINY, and Queens Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Grech.

The Queens Chamber of Commerce provided a grant to Transitional Services for New York (TSINY) help defray the cost of funding ongoing PPE needs.

“With the chamber’s generous PPE/IPC micro-grant, we will be able to continue to keep our staff and clients safe,” said Dr. Larry S. Grubler, TSINY CEO. “There are many great things about the Queens Chamber of Commerce, but their commitment to nonprofits and building a strong and innovative commu-

nity continues.

“Yet again, the chamber deserves much respect for taking on this initiative,” he added. “We are all grateful for their continued support for TSINY and the Queens community.”

TSINY is a non-profit mental health agency that provides integrated services and housing for adults with serious and persistent mental illness. It is recognized as a leader and innovator among mental health agencies in New York. Learn more at tsiny.org.

January 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 1

QUEENS CHAMBER NEWS

PPP LOANS STILL AVAILABLE FOR SMALL BIZ

BY JACOB HENRY

There is still $100 million on the table for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans, and the Queens Chamber of Commerce held a virtual seminar last month to discuss how small businesses can access the money.

Insurance industry expert Robert Intelisano provided details and examples on how to navigate the sometimes confusing world of pandemic business loans. One major point that he wanted people to understand was forgiveness should be looked at as the “number one takeaway.”

If a business with existing PPP loans is seeking forgiveness, Intelisano said that the business has ten months from the end of the covered period.

The covered period varies depending on specific time frames.

If a business received PPP money before June 5, it must use the eight-week covered period to ask for forgiveness.

However, if a business received money after that date, it can use either the eight-week of 24-week covered period.

“Sit tight regardless,” Intelisano said. “Look at the rules, consult with your advisors, and apply properly. You have ten months to do so and that’s for the 8 week or 24 week period.”

He also spoke about the auditing process, detailing how receiving a loan less than $50,000 might give you a “free pass.”

Any business receiving a loan for $2 million will be audited automatically, Intelisano said.

“There’s a lot of moving parts,” he said. “You really want to know the rules.”

Intelisano also said firing or laying off employees during the pandemic will affect the amount of the loan that is forgiven.

“The design was not to make money, but to keep your employees,” Intelisano said. “If you fired someone during this time, but if you can show you reasonably tried

to hire them back, they’ll give you a break.”

He said that banks and credit unions have learned how to streamline the process of granting loans since the start of the pandemic, making it slightly easier for business owners in need of help.

“Don’t stress yourself out,” Intelisano said. “You’ve got time, they want to give you money.”

Intelisano shared a story of how NFL superstar Tom Brady worked the system to turn his PPP loan

from the government into a $2 million yacht.

“It’s unfortunate that some people that don’t need money did get some money,” Intelisano said.

“However they will make the adjustments on the next tranche of money.”

He added that if people are hesitant about applying for these loans, the Queens Chamber of Commerce is a great resource for navigating these issues.

“There is plenty of money,”

Intelisano said. “If you need a tax advisor, we have some at the chamber. If you’re not comfortable with who your banker is, feel free to reach out. There is no charge for Queens Chamber members, we’re here to help.”

The entire seminar with Robert Intelisano is posted on the Queens Chamber Facebook page for anyone interested in learning more about PPP loans.

COUNCIL PASSES BILL ON ‘JUST CAUSE’ FIRINGS

BY BENJAMIN FANG Despite the objections of business advocates, the City Council overwhelmingly passed two bills last week that prohibit fast-food restaurants from firing workers or substantially reducing their hours unless the employees failed to perform their job duties.

The “just cause” legislation requires fast food chains with more than 30 stores nationally to implement fair termination policies, according to Councilman Brad Lander, the bill’s sponsor. The employer must give written notice for terminating employees.

If signed into law, the bills, which would go into effect in six months, would only cover fast-food restaurants, Lander said.

“We should all be able to agree that no one should be fired on a whim without reason, without notice or have their hours reduced dramatically,” he said. “But for years in the fast food industry, that has been the norm.”

The councilman cited a 2019 survey that found that more than 65 percent of fast food industry workers reported having their hours reduced or being let go without a reason.

Lander, who noted that the majority of fast food workers are women of color, said these essential workers deserve job stability and the ability to speak up about health and safety issues.

“We owe it to them to end unfair firings that cause constant stress and uncertainty,” he said, “and make it harder to speak up against harassment.”

Employers can still fire workers for misconduct or failure to perform work duties, Lander noted. Layoffs for economic reasons would still be allowed, but in order of seniority to “protect arbitrary layoffs.”

The councilman and candidate for comptroller said the company values of the eight largest publicly-owned fast food companies have increased by $42 billion since December 2019, so they can “afford to treat their workers with a little more dignity.”

“They just have to give people feedback and clear policies like every good boss does and like every employee has a right to expect,” Lander said. “It makes for good businesses.”

City Council Speaker Corey Johnson added that under the bills, employers would be required not only to give employees a written reason for termination, but laid-off workers would be entitled to schedule paid premiums for shifts lost.

“These workers are vulnerable to being fired without a cause related to their work performance,” he said. “We believe that it has to stop.

“This practice prevents them from speaking out about harassment or working conditions,” Johnson added. “As we’ve seen during COVID-19, they continue to face

dangerous conditions on the job.

We need them to speak out without fear of being fired.”

Two days prior to the City Council vote, a group of business leaders denounced the legislation.

Tom Grech, president and CEO of the Queens Chamber, called the latest policies affecting restaurants, including lack of federal aid, shutting down indoor dining and the just cause legislation, the “trifecta of bad decisions.”

He noted that out of 6,000 restaurants in Queens, 1,000 are already permanently closed. He expects another 2,000 establishments to never open again.

“These are hard-working men and women who have shoe-string budgets,” Grech said. “I can’t imagine a small mom-and-pop having the wherewithal to defend themselves. There’s no way for any small business to prepare themselves for the onslaught of what’s to come.”

The Queens Chamber leader added that he “detests” when fast food places are singled out, because most of them are independently owned and operated and hire local people.

“They’re all small business people trying to make a living,” Grech said.

Councilman Eric Ulrich of south Queens, who called the legislation a “slap in the face” to small busiCONTINUED ON PAGE 15

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

COVER STORY

MEEKS SAYS COVID RELIEF ‘BETTER THAN NOTHING’ OUTLINES GOALS AS NEW CHAIR OF THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

BY BENJAMIN FANG

than what Meeks wanted. “$600 is better than no dollars,” he added. “It’s a compromise bill. I would love to have done more.”

Meeks said the House passed the more robust HEROES Act in May, which took into consideration an array of issues like small businesses losing nearly all of their revenue, people losing jobs and health care, and tenants unable to pay the rent.

The $3.2 billion package, which was never passed in the Senate, also included aid for states and municipalities, resources for mortgage holders and money for testing sites and vaccine distribution.

The second iteration of the HEROES Act, a $2.2 trillion, trimmed down version introduced in late September, also included the RESTAURANTS Act, which would create a $120 billion stabilization grant fund to help food and drink establishments hit hard by the pandemic.

The grants would have helped bars, restaurants and caterers cover the difference between revenues from 2019 and projected revenues through 2020, including expenses like payroll, rent, maintenance and supplies. The bill also set aside $60 billion for minority and womenowned small businesses.

With President Donald Trump signing the $900 billion COVID19 relief package, Americans struggling with the pandemic and economic crisis are finally going to receive some help.

The stimulus package includes $600 in direct payments going to most people, $300 in weekly unemployment benefits, $82 billion for education resources, $70 billion for vaccines, test-and-trace and other public health programs, and $285 billion for small business aid by replenishing the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

Despite passing the relief bill, many members of the New York In September, Congressman Gregory Meeks was awarded the Congressional Delegation, includWoodrow Wilson Award for Public Service. Honored alongside him ing Congressman Gregory Meeks, were Secretary of the Treasury Steve Mnuchin, European Central have warned that this stimulus Bank President Christine Lagarde, and Chairman of the Senate package is not enough.

Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee Mike Crapo “It’s not the deal I wanted in the beginning,” he said. “But something sion of $12 billion for community the world,” he added. “It makes a is better than nothing.” development financial institutions difference for people on the ground Meeks called the end-of-the-year (CDFIs) and minority designated who understand local groups, local stimulus package a “short-meainstitutions (MDIs). organizations and local people.” sured” relief bill, something that That stimulus bill includes $9 Greater Jamaica Development should have been passed months billion for the Emergency Capi- Corporation is one of the partners ago. He noted that this version of tal Investment Program, which is involved in the $13 billion redevelthe relief package did not include administered by the Department of opment of John F. Kennedy Internaaid for cities and states, which are Treasury, and $3 billion to provide tional Airport. facing severe deficits due to the grants and other aid through a CDFI Although Meeks noted that the pandemic. fund. project overall has been delayed The result of the “conMeeks said lawmakers due to the pandemic, he praised the cerning” lack of funding learned through the first Port Authority for bringing together AMERICA HAS BEEN ABSENT will likely be furloughround of PPP that primar- organizations in southeast Queens ing municipal workers, ily big businesses had and striving to meet the 30 percent FROM THE TABLE. NOW WE CAN such as firefighters, access to the program, but minority and women-owned busiRETURN TO THE TABLE AND police officers, health not smaller businesses. ness enterprise (MWBE) and local care workers and teach“When you look at com- hiring targets.

WORK WITH OUR ALLIES TO GET ers, which Meeks said munity development, a “When you look at the jobs that BACK A SENSE OF TRUST. is a devastating problocal project,” he said, “the will be created in the long run as lem, especially during ones that could make sure a result of this development, it is a a crisis. deals are done are local very positive effect,” said Meeks, “To me, that’s a huge CDFIs and MDIs.” who co-chairs the JFK Advisory issue that’s not been For example, Meeks Council. included directly,” he said. “The “It’s something I think is badly pointed to the work of the Greater On the legislative side, the conRepublican senators did not want to needed,” Meeks said. “I will con- Jamaica Development Corpora- gressman has also advocated for include it.” tinue to push to make sure it’s in the tion, a local CDFI that is playing a his corporate diversity bill, which Unemployment insurance bene- next stimulus.” key role in developing downtown would require public companies to fits have also been reduced to $300 One positive aspect of the $900 Jamaica. publish data on the racial, ethnic per week, while the $600 stimulus billion COVID-19 relief package “If you put the money in their and gender compositions of their checks going to most people is less that Meeks fought for is the inclu- hands, it makes all the difference in board of directors and executive

“

”

12

January 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 1

COVER STORY officers.

The corporations would also have to disclose requirements on the adoption of any policy, plan or strategy to promote diversity.

Meeks said bringing more diversity to corporate boards means better outreach and more job opportunities for people of diverse backgrounds.

“You want to make sure that the days of having people excluded are over,” he said.

He added that with public dollars going to these firms, investors have a right to know the makeup of the company’s leadership and use that as a factor.

“You can’t resolve those issues if you don’t know what the facts are,” he added. “It tells you who is doing what.”

In early December, Meeks was elected chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, becoming the first African-American member of Congress head the committee. He said he will use the position as a bully pulpit to stand up for human rights and economic justice.

Meeks said he will also have the opportunity to talk about the “failed

Congressman Gregory Meeks outside the Post Office in Jamaica in August denouncing effort to undermine the United States Postal Service. foreign policies” of Trump, including pulling the United States out of the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Accords, which

the congressman said he will focus on rejoining.

As chair, Meeks said he will assess how to move forward on bet-

Congressman Gregory Meeks accepts a $100,000 donation of PPE from Ambassador Won-Sam Chang, consulate general for the Republic of Korea, and Minsun Kim, president of the Museum of Korean American Heritage in June.

ter immigration policies and ending the “tariff wars” that Trump created, which the congressman said has driven up prices for Americans.

“America has been absent from the table,” he said. “Now, we can return to the table and work with our allies to get back a sense of trust. We need to work through diplomacy and dialogue rather than wars and bullets, which is more costly and expensive.”

Although he made history as the first African-American to hold the position, Meeks said he stands on the shoulders of pioneers like former Congressman Donald Payne Sr. from New Jersey, who served on the committee when Meeks was first elected to Congress, as well as African-American political leaders like Archie Spigner, David Dinkins and Charlie Rangel.

“When I think about all of the things happening around the world, to have someone who is a product of public housing, public schools, who happens to be African-American, who grew up after the civil rights movement and segregation,” Meeks said, “play a significant role in international policies of the United States of America, it’s an honor and a huge responsibility.”

13

this is...

The Business News of Queens & The Official Magazine of The Queens Chamber of Commerce

the Latest on the most infLuentiaL peopLe in queens Your inside scoop straight from the business community’s top leaders

Profiling Queens’ Most Dynamic People To subscribe to this monthly, glossy magazine, visit thisisqueensborough.com or call BQE Media at 718-426-7200.

To place an ad, call BQE Media at 718-426-7200.

January 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 1

‘JUST CAUSE’ FIRINGS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

nesses when they’re struggling the most, voted against both bills.

“The City Council has sold out the restaurant industry,” he said.

“There won’t be anything left to reopen when restrictions are lifted.”

Ulrich told business leaders that there are City Council members who are sympathetic to the business community, but are afraid of powerful unions driving the legislation, particularly during an election year.

He advised the groups to form their own political action committees and be active in local districts.

“Remind them there are small businesses in their districts that provide thousands of jobs,” he said, “and they have a voice and deserve a seat at the table.”

Ulrich also told the business groups to challenge the laws in court.

“I feel these laws are unconstitutional,” he added. “They’re circumventing collective bargaining agreements.”

In a statement, Melissa Fleischut, president and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, called the bills “outrageous and unacceptable,” especially at a “devastating moment” for the industry.

“We’re talking about singling out a sector and trampling on their atwill employment rights under state law,” she said. “We are incredibly disappointed that this legislation has been rushed through without appropriate consideration for the consequences.”

Randy Peers, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, said as businesses advocates rally to save restaurants and work to prevent another full-scale shutdown of the economy, the City Council is hurting the industry with this legislation.

“Imagine you fell down and somebody was offering you a hand of help, and then they sucker-punch you,” he said. “That’s what the City Council is doing. This will impact the small business community throughout our borough, which is struggling.”

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January 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 1

QUEENSBOROUGH CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY 1/5, 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. This month’s featured authors are Maria Terrone and poet Kimberly Reyes.

VIRTUAL Zoom Link at queenschamber.org 1/6, 11 AM

PPP LOAN UPDATES

It is important that business owners are made aware that PPP Forgiveness is not granted automatically. It is the borrowers’ responsibility to submit the correct form with the accurate calculation and information with all required documentation to PPP lenders. The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) is still open for applications. You can request for Reconsideration if you receive a declined letter. You can also request for Increase if you can prove you need more than you have received.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org 1/13, 9 AM

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION

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

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org 1/19, 2 PM

STATE OF QUEENS MEDIA

Queens is home to a diverse range of media outlets, which provide some of the best local coverage our city has. So what does the future hold for media in Queens? What coverage will ramp up, and what will disappear? Will the pandemic be the death knell for more publications here at home? How are newsrooms operating differently? Queens Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Grech will lead a panel of top media experts from Queens.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org 1/21, 2 PM

UNDERSTANDING FEDERAL SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS

Learn about funding procedures, eligibility requirements, the participating Federal Agencies, and tips for proposal writing for the SBA’s SBIR and STTR programs. The guest speaker will be Man-Li Lin, an Economic Development Specialist with the U.S. Small

Business Administration.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

FEBRUARY 2/19, 9:30 AM

MANAGING AND COACHING THE PROBLEMATIC EMPLOYEE

This program offers practical strategies for working and collaborating with people who are exhibiting difficult or disruptive behavior,a s well as instruction in coaching and effectively and constructively disciplining employees. The guest speaker is Joshua Bienstock, director of the NYIT School of Management.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org 2/24, 11 AM

BUILDING A BLOG FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Learn about why you should have blog, what functions your blog should have, and how to design and promote your blog. This event is supported by the Rockaway Business Alliance and will feature successful tips and tricks from local business owners and Queens Chamber CEO Thomas Grech.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

APRIL 4/16, 9:30 AM

CRITICAL THINKING IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Benefits of critical thinking include, improved cognitive skills, a foundation of logical decision making on which you can draw, even in stressful situations higher professional achievement, improves team playing skills, and facilitates the ability to stay calm. The guest speaker is Joshua Bienstock, director of the NYIT School of Management.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

MAY 5/21, 9:30 AM

STRATEGIES FOR MITIGATING CONFLICT BY EFFECTIVELY MANAGING RISK

This program will facilitate an understanding, methodology and best practices of risk management you will be able to reduce the risk of litigation. If you are exposed to a lawsuit you will have minimized your financial liability. The guest speaker is Joshua Bienstock, director of the NYIT School of Management.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

JUNE

MARCH 3/19, 9:30 AM

6/18, 9:30 AM

The workshop will provide participants with hands on techniques to maximize communication skills, which can translate into improved productivity and reduced friction and conflict. Effective Communication skills will also improve employee satisfaction. The guest speaker is Joshua Bienstock, director of the NYIT School of Management.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

This program covers the basic skills needed to manage time, stress and anger at work. The guest speaker is Joshua Bienstock, director of the NYIT School of Management.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION SKILLS TO MITIGATE CONFLICT IN THE WORKPLACE

3/31, 11 AM

EMPOWERING WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES

The resource panel will cover different SBA programs alongside other government programs (Federal, State, and Local), that occur incentives and perks for women owned businesses.

The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) panel will be showcased at this event and members of the panel will share their experiences with attendees.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

MANAGING CONFLICT BY UTILIZING TIME, ANGER & STRESS MANAGEMENT

CEO’S MESSAGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

for your business. As you chart your course, Queens Chamber will be here ready to support. Visit our website at queenschamber. org to get the latest updates on resources and services.

And so it begins, a fresh new start. With the old year behind us, it’s time to move forward. I can’t promise you the journey will be easy, but we’re in this together.

Queens STRONG! Thank you for your continued support of Queens Chamber.

17

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER STAFF PROFILES RAE-ANNA PERSAD RONY KALIYA How long have you been with the Chamber?

18 months Previous job: I’ve been in the hospitality industry for over six years.

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given: In life, make sure you love what you do.

What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team? Do it! The team at the Chamber is beyond amazing.

Favorite music genre? Pop What’s the most inspiring part of your job?

Helping small businesses get the resources to succeed.

Name one thing you hope to accomplish in 2021? Finally learning how to drive.

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Michelle Obama

How long have you been with the Chamber? Three-and-a-half years Previous job: Marketing Management at the New York Law School The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given: Everything has an answer, you just have to look really hard for it.

What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team? Always ask your coworkers for help whenever you need it.

Favorite music genre? Rock & Roll and Classical What’s the most inspiring part of your job?

Humanity and hospitality.

Name one thing you hope to accomplish in 2021: To maintain or improve my quality of life.

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Wolf Messing, the famous Polish Jewish psychic and telepathist.

BRENDAN LEAVY

ALEJANDRA ESPEJO

How long have you been with the Chamber? Four years and four months Previous job: Sales and Purchasing Manager at AMDUSA Restaurant Supply Warehouse The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given: Treat others like you would want them to treat you.

What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team? We are like family at the chamber, so be yourself and know that it is an open-door policy with everyone. We are all here to help, listen, and learn from each other.

Favorite music genre? I love all type music, and I guess it depends on my mood. Today I am in a Tejano music type of mood, who knows what tomorrow has to offer.

What’s the most inspiring part of your job? The fact that we are making a difference and helping our small businesses. Especially this year, it has been harder than ever, but knowing we can help inspires me to work harder.

Name one thing you hope to accomplish in 2021? To be a first-time homeowner.

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Frida Kahlo

18

How long have you been with the Chamber?

Over four years Previous job: I was a licensed commercial

insurance broker for ten years, and I previously owned an Allstate Agency for 16 years.

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given: Ethics matter What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team? You’ll meet people from all walks of life from all over the world because Queens is a microcosm of the world. Be open-minded, and you’ll learn a lot about other cultures just by working in Queens.

Work hard, and you’ll make an impact helping small business owners realize their dreams and grow their businesses.

Working at the chamber you’ll meet business owners, community board members, and elected officials, and learn how the chamber collaborates with them to help support small businesses.

Favorite music genre? I grew up on classic rock like Led Zeppelin, The Who, The Beatles, and became a huge U2 & Police fan in the 80’s…oops I gave my age away!

What’s the most inspiring part of your job?

Helping small businesses connect with important resources and contacts that can help them grow their businesses! I love helping business owners.

Name one thing you hope to accomplish in 2021: I want to be grateful every day for my blessings. If COVID-19 has taught me anything, it has reminded me of what is important in my life - my family and friends and doing my part to help people in need.

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Jesus. Actually, I’m hoping to meet Him one day (trying to avoid that other guy with the horns).

January 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 1

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES 82ND STREET PARTNERSHIP

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

than 200 businesses under its umbrella. The district is on 82nd Street from 37th Avenue to Baxter Avenue. The board meets quarterly with the annual meeting in June.

ASIAN AMERICAN FEDERATION

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

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

BAYSIDE VILLAGE BID

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

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

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

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

ACCOMPANY CAPITAL (FORMERLY BCNA)

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

award-winning Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Small Business Administration (SBA) micro lender that provides small and micro business owners in New York City

with low-cost loans, access to business training & technical assistance, and one-on-one counseling.

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

BUSINESS OUTREACH CENTER NETWORK (BOC, INC.)

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

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

CHHAYA CDC

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

CHINATOWN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (CHINATOWN PARTNERSHIP)

217 Park Row, 2nd Floor, Suite 9 New York, NY 10038 chinatownpartnership.org QUICK GLANCE: Chinatown Partnership, led by Wellington Chen, was formed in 2006 as new startup from grounds up to bring residents, business owners and community groups together to rebuild Chinatown following 9/11, and to preserve the neighborhood’s unique culture while ensuring its vitality in the future through strategic positioning.

With the highly popular Weekend Walks street festive series, Mid-Autumn Festival, One Day in NYC, annual Beautification/Earth Day, East West Parade with Little Italy, Double Valentine’s Day to promote the softer side of Chinatown and the Jewelry District and all the cafes, eateries in the area. Explore

Chinatown marketing initiative, Lunar Stages outdoor film screenings, and Taste of Chinatown street events, Chinatown Partnership helps promote the area as a special destination to live, work, and visit.

FOREST HILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PO Box 751123, Forest Hills, NY 11375 President: Leslie Brown 718.268.6565 FHChamber11375@gmail.com FHChamber@aol.com QUICK GLANCE: Re-formed in 1995, the group has

over 225 members. Chamber meetings are held on the last Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m. at the West Side Tennis Club, 1 Tennis Place, in Forest Hills.

GATEWAY JFK

Executive Director: Scott Grimm-Lyon 516.730.3400 info@GatewayJFK.org GatewayJFK.org QUICK GLANCE: Formerly the Greater JFK

Industrial BID and founded in 2016, the group seeks to provide support to the off-airport air cargo and services district through supplemental services and improvements, technical and professional services for its members, and advocacy and administration.

GREATER FLUSHING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

39-01 Main Street, Suite 511, Flushing NY 11354 Executive Director: John Choe john@flushingchamber.nyc 646.783.8985 flushingchamber.nyc QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 2014 and represent-

ing over 200 businesses.

GREATER JAMAICA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

90-04 161st Street, Jamaica, NY 11432 President: Hope Knight 718.291.0282 gjdc.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1967, the group

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

GREATER WOODHAVEN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WOODHAVEN BID

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

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES 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.

maspethchamberofcommerce.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1953, they have 120

JAMAICA CENTER BID

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 business-

161-10 Jamaica Avenue, Suite 419 Jamaica, NY 11432 Executive Director: Jennifer Furioli 718.526.2422 jamaica.nyc @JamCenterBID (Twitter) @jamcenterbid (Instagram) @Jamaica Center BID (Facebook) QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1979, the Jamaica

Center BID serves over 400 businesses on Jamaica Avenue between Sutphin Boulevard and 169th Street. With a budget of over $1 million, the BID’s goal is to promote and maintain Downtown Jamaica as a thriving business hub and an enjoyable destination to shop, work, live and visit.

JFK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

over 200 members. The chamber was chartered in 1978 by a group of business people in and around JFK Airport. It is the only airport in the nation to have its own Chamber of Commerce. The chamber seeks to create an environment in which members of the business community can work together to enhance the growth, well being and economic development of the airport community and its aviation industry.

LONG ISLAND CITY PARTNERSHIP

President: Elizabeth Lusskin 718.786.5300 longislandcityqueens.com QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1979, the Long Island

City Partnership advocates for economic development that benefits LIC’s industrial, commercial, cultural and residential sectors. The goal is to attract new businesses to the neighborhood, retain those already here, welcome new residents and visitors, and promote a vibrant and authentic mixeduse community. The LIC Partnership operates the LIC Business Improvement District and the LIC Industrial Business Zone.

MASPETH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

P.O. Box 780265, Maspeth, NY 11378 President: David Daraio 718.335.1300

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members and a budget of $115,000.

MASPETH INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (MIBA)

es with 30 active members, the Maspeth Industrial Business Association provides a collective voice in advocating the needs and interests of industrial and manufacturing businesses in Maspeth. They help companies in the Maspeth Industrial District in developing workforce, accessing tax credits, obtaining financing, navigating government regulations and, in some cases, finding real estate.

MIDDLE VILLAGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

nesses under its umbrella. Formed in 1929. MVCC meets annually and focuses on the Metropolitan Avenue shopping district between 69 and 80th streets.

The mission is to improve the area and assist local businesses if they have any concerns or needs.

MURRAY HILL MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION OF NY

P.O. Box 1897 New York, NY 10156 212.886.5867 murrayhillnyc.org QUICK GLANCE: Murray Hill is a unique residential neighborhood in midtown Manhattan. While there is no formal boundary for the neighborhood, the area served by The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association and its sister organization the Manhattan East Community Association (MECA) extends from Fifth Avenue eastward to the East River and from 42nd Street down to 26th Street (encompassing the 10016 postal code).

MYRTLE AVENUE BID

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

300 retail and service businesses under its purview.

Board meetings are held four times a year with the annual meeting in June. The district includes Myrtle Avenue in Ridgewood between Fresh Pond Road and Wyckoff Avenue. Program support is provided by the Ridgewood LDC.

QUEENS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

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

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

ROCKAWAY BUSINESS ALLIANCE

info@rockawaybusinessalliance.org QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $40,000 and a resource

for over 200 businesses. The Rockaway Business Alliance was founded in 2012 after Hurricane Sandy.

RBA’s vision is to create business corridors that are clean, safe, and welcoming, with shopping, dining, attractions, and engagement for the local community and the visitors drawn to Rockaway’s beaches and open spaces.

ROCKAWAY DEVELOPMENT & REVITALIZATION CORPORATION

1920 Mott Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691 President: Kevin Alexander 718.327.5300 www.rdrc.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1978, the Rockaway

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

ROCKAWAY EAST MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION (REMA4US)

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

January 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 1

NEW MEMBERS MAJOR CORPORATE

Association for a Better New York

115 Broadway, 5th Floor New York, NY 10006 abny.org ABNY is a non-profit organization dedicated to the constant growth and renewal of New York City’s people, businesses and communities. We are a coalition of business, labor, non-profit and political leaders focused on exploring and implementing ideas that keep the city moving forward. With more than 300 member organizations, ABNY incorporates a comprehensive and diverse view of the issues and challenges facing New York City.

CORPORATE

Aora Development

461 St. Marks Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11238 aoradev.com AORA Development was established as a one stop real estate acquisition company, designed to purchase problem or unwanted properties. We consider multi-family residential, commercial, or mixed used properties. We focus on the ease of the real estate transaction, guiding you in every step of the process. Our solution-oriented experts are knowledgeable in various scenarios and use applicable strategies to achieve your real estate goals. Our investments are currently concentrated in the Brooklyn and surrounding areas.

BJ’s Wholesale Club

34-60 48th Street Long Island City, NY 11101 www.bjs.com BJ’s Wholesale Club is a leading warehouse club operator on the East Coast of the United States. We deliver significant value to our members, consistently offering 25% or more savings on a representative basket of manufacturer-branded groceries compared to traditional supermarket competitors. We provide a curated assortment focused on perishable products, continuously refreshed general merchandise, gas and other ancillary services to deliver a differentiated shopping experience that is further enhanced by our omnichannel capabilities.

Complete Supply

1200 Shames Drive Westbury, NY 11591 completesupplyusa.com Complete Supply (Complete Packaging and Shipping Supplies, Inc) is a leading provider of integrated supply, procurement, and logistics solutions through the distribution of a diverse range of products and services worldwide. With our 29-year success record, Complete Supply

has obtained and maintained seven Multiple Award Schedules (MAS Contracts) and multiple Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) with the federal government.

Heatherwood Communities

58 Vanderbilt Motor Pkwy, Suite 100 Commack, NY 11725 heatherwood.com For more than 60 years, Heatherwood has been committed to building upscale residential rental communities, commercial property and luxury urban spaces. Heatherwood is a privately owned, family run company founded on the principles of exemplary service, striking design, quality construction and appreciation for natural beauty. It is our commitment to these principles that has made Heatherwood one of the most highly regarded leaders in the industry.

Transmission Developers, Inc.

1301 Avenue of the Americas, 26th Floor New York, NY 10019 chpexpress.com Transmission Developers Inc. (TDI) develops unique clean energy transmission projects in an environmentally responsible manner. Our projects use proven high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable technology to link trapped generation resources such as wind, hydro and other renewables with markets that are seeking new sources of clean power. By installing our projects underground or underwater we avoid the negative impacts of overhead transmission.

These buried lines increase the electric grid’s safety and reliability, while providing hardened infrastructure that is less susceptible to damage from natural disasters.

365 Data Centers

200 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 5A Norwalk, CT 06854 365datacenters.com 365 Data Centers is a leading provider of hybrid data center solutions in 13 strategic, primarily edge, markets. With network-centric Data Centers in Boca Raton, Bridgewater (New Jersey), Buffalo, Chicago, Commack (Long Island), Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Herndon, Indianapolis, Nashville, Philadelphia, New York City, and Tampa, the Company operates facilities aggregating 242,000 square feet and 23 MW of power, along with an interconnected, resilient, low latency, nationwide fiber network.

365 serves more than 1,300 customers.

INTRODUCTORY

AYC Properties LLC 1045 Park Avenue New York, NY 10028 aycproperties.com

Connect 360, LLC

Connect 360, LLC 252 West 123rd Street, Suite 1 New York, NY 10027 bizcon360.com

Hebrew Free Loan Society, Inc. 675 Third Avenue, Suite 1905 New York, NY 10017 hfls.org

JD Capital Solutions 462 3rd Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11215 jdcapitalsolutions.com

CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES 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.

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 approx-

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

SUTPHIN BOULEVARD BID

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

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

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

EXECUTIVE COMMMITEE Thomas Santucci

Richard Dzwlewicz

Thomas J. Grech

Brendan Leavy

Nash Roe

Fran Biderman-Gross

Joanne M. Persad

Jacqueline Donado

Chairperson

Associate Treasurer

Vice Chairperson

Associate Secretary

Treasurer

Immediate Past Chair

Patrick Yu

Susan Browning

Mayra DiRico

Secretary

SENIOR ADVISORY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE STAFF President & CEO

Business Development Manager

Chief of Operations

Strategic Program Coordinator

Alejandra Espejo

Jef Gross

Financial Controller

Neil Wagner

Business Service Program Manager

Manager of Committee Development

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patrick Yu Daniel Zausner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BANKING & LAW

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 Securitech Group, Inc. Signature Bank Sive, Paget & Riesel P.C. Skyline Risk Management, Inc. SL Green Realty Corp.

Solomon Agency Corp.

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

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

January 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 1 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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