This Is Queensborough January 2018

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January 2018 . Volume 14 . Issue 1

TECH TOWN BOYCE IS BETTING ON LIC & THE ENERGY OF QUEENS

THOMAS POWELL OF BOYCE TECHNOLOGIES

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January 2018 • Volume 14 • Issue 1

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR NEW YORK CITY IS RIPE TO BE THE NEXT SILICON VALLEY For example, NYCEDC proAccording to the New York grams like the International City Economic Development Innovators Initiative (IN2NYC) Corporation (NYCEDC), New partner with Queens York City’s tech ecoChamber members system accounts for Queens College and over 291,000 jobs and LaGuardia Community more than $124.7 bilCollege – two of more lion in economic outthan seven higherput. educational systems New York City’s in the borough – to 7,500-plus technology allow foreign-born firms raised in excess entrepreneurs access to of $9.6 billion in venuncapped H-1B visas ture funding in 2016, in order to expand their and New York City has MAYRA DIRICO businesses in New seen an 18 percent York and invest in local growth in tech sector CHAIRPERSON communities. jobs over the past ten Compared to Silicon years, continuing to Valley, New York City is advantastand at the forefront of entrepregeous for two primary reasons: (1) neurial growth in the tech sector. its tech sector touches a diversity There is growing support for of sectors, and (2) it marries techentrepreneurial companies in New nology with consumer goods.

As York, such as accelerators, worktechnology disruption moves into spaces, business groups, and other traditional industries, New York is government initiatives.

poised to leverage its diversity of industry.

The business revolution of the next several decades will be about transforming large industries that no longer meet their customers’ demands into something more efficient and personal. That can happen only where those industries are located.

So, although Silicon Valley dominated the first wave of technology disruption, the advantage has shifted to New York City, with its vastly greater diversity of businesses.

In addition to the diversity of business, New York City also demonstrates a blatant diversity of background, culture, and gender.

City Hall has made a concerted effort to paint New York City’s tech sector as more diverse, friendlier to women and people of color, and having representation from all economic backgrounds. Workers

here, as City Hall says, are not “siloed in tech campuses far from the communities they live.”

In fact, between 2009 and 2014, New York City had the largest number of companies with a female founder of any location in the country: 374 companies, 21 percent of all startups founded in the city during that time period, had a female founder. [Stats and analysis by Crunchbase.]

Furthermore, a study by the Center for Urban Future found confirmed the diversity of New York City’s tech sector employees, with the results being 16 percent Asian, 11 percent Hispanic, and 9 percent African American.

As the Queens Chamber of Commerce continues its efforts to support our startups and the tech sector at-large, we encourage our members to remain active and let us know of any new initiatives on the horizon.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

UTILIZING TECH TO GROW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS The Queens Chamber is makIn some cases, using technology ing a push to make our inter- is a natural progression for pronal and external operations more cesses you may already have in tech-savvy. After launching a new place in your business. You may website and member-management need to tweak current processes tool in 2017, we are doing all we to align with new technology, but can to bring useful with the increasing technologies to your amount of internet business. services catering to We are continuing the small business our efforts to undersector, the benefits stand the needs of will often outweigh our members so the short-lived chalthey can grow and lenges of the transiembrace technologitional process. cal advancements.

Here’s some recYes, some busiommendations to nesses are content THOMAS J. GRECH help you use techwith maintaining PRESIDENT & CEO nology in your small the status quo; why business to become change an already more efficient: good thing? Put simply, technology helps small business owners Money Management leverage limited capital in smarter and more effective ways.

• Use an online invoicing service

to reduce the costs of collecting payment from customers.

• File your taxes more efficiently online.

Marketing • Use software to create a marketing plan that you can edit, update and share with your team.

• Use social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, YouTube, etc., to promote your business, products and services.

• Collect email addresses through an opt-in form and start utilizing the power of email marketing.

Mobile Working • Create a “mobile office” so you can work remotely and at any time.

• Always be connected to the Cloud so you can save and share

information.

• Create a “mobile-friendly” version of your website.

Queens Chamber Technology Committee We realize the synergy between technology, small business, and the synergy between tech and traditional business services. Early in 2018, the Queens Chamber Technology Committee will be announcing a new series of “Pitch Nights” and other events designed to provide exposure to your new business.

Please continue to check our website and calendar of upcoming events.

Lastly, if you need assistance with any of the above and would like a referral to a Chamber member for their subject matter expertise, please contact us.

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QUEENS QUICKLY Number of retailers in Queens grew in 2017 The number of national retail locations in Queens increased by 0.9 percent in the past year, according to the Center for an Urban Future’s 10th Annual State of the Chains report. The study shows that the number of national retail locations in Queens rose from 1,665 stores in 2016 to 1,680 in 2017.

The number of chain stores in Queens has been steadily making gains in recently years since its 2014 high, when the borough experienced a 5.3 percent increase in chain retailers.

Last year, Queens saw a 1.6 percent growth in national chain stores.

A handful of retailers expanded in Queens this past year, including: • MetroPCS opened 34 stores in the borough, and its expansion was the largest of any retailer in the borough and city-wide. It now has 122 stores in Queens, and has the second most chain locations in Queens behind Dunkin Donuts.

• Dunkin Donuts opened eight new stores in Queens. It now has 187 locations in the borough.

• T-Mobile opened four new locations in Queens, making 76 locations total.

• Baskin-Robbins opened two new locations in Queens, giving it 77 locations.

Several national retailers, however, reduced their presence in Queens, including CVS (14 fewer locations) and Duane Reade/Walgreens (eight locations).

Spectrum launches faster internet service

Charter Communications announced the launch of Spectrum Internet Gig in its New York City market, featuring the deployment of

internet services delivering a 1 Gbps connection to the customer’s home.

Additionally, Spectrum is doubling minimum internet speeds in the New York City market to 200 Mbps at no additional cost to new and existing Spectrum Internet customers.

“Charter ’s state-of-the-art, fiber-rich network is superior in its ability to deliver fast and reliable internet to millions of consumers across the country,” said CEO Tom Rutledge. “As technology continues to evolve, the products and services of tomorrow will increasingly rely on faster broadband connections.”

With Spectrum Internet Gig, customers have access to faster and more powerful internet speeds to stream video, play online games, download music and more across multiple devices without sacrificing performance.

Queensborough opens new Welcome Center

Queensborough Community College officially opened its new Welcome Center. The newly renovated center is located on the first floor of the administration building, near the president and enrollment offices.

The welcome center aims to make enrollment for first-time students, many of whom are immigrants, a less overwhelming process.

“I am a firm believer in making the environment one that is very conducive to students to want to learn,” Call said, “and for faculty and staff to want to be here.”

Queensborough Community College senior and student government member Nazia Bonori commented on that respect she felt when entering the new center.

“When you come here, this is the first impres-

sion you get of Queensborough,” she said. “You walk in here, you get that feeling of ‘wow this is where I want to be, this is where I belong.’”

BQE bridges modified to allow bigger trucks

Large trucks are now allowed to stay on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) from the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge to the Long Island Expressway in both directions.

Previously, bigger trucks were forced to exit the BQE at three locations due to 12’-6” clearances, instead using local roads in Astoria, Woodside and Sunnyside.

On November 12, the State Department of Transportation (SDOT) began a $2.5 million project to lower the roadway at three bridges at 31st street, 69th Street and Broadway to create a new clearance of 14 feet.

According to SDOT acting commissioner Paul Karas said the change is beneficial for truckers as well, who don’t have to get off the BQE and wind their way through neighborhoods.

“They wouldn’t want to do that because it’s more time-consuming, it’s inconvenient, it’s a tougher drive and it’s slower,” he said.

In a statement, Governor Andrew Cuomo called it a “common-sense infrastructure project.”

“Working with the local community and truckers, we are correcting a long-standing inconvenience, improving safety and reducing congestion, as well as helping trucks and area residents get around safely and more efficiently,” he said.

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

Forest Hills resident to head historic nonprofit .....................................................21

COVER STORY: Boyce Technologies expanding in LIC .....................8

Upcoming Queens Chamber of Commerce events .............................................23

Chamber committee chair talks using tech to improve workflow ....10

Partners & Affiliates news and happenings ..........................................................25

Chamber and Google want to expand your online presence ...............11 Telecom industry worries city falling behind in wirless race .............11 Kotra, QCA host competition for budding graphic designers ............14 Chambers hosts Annual Building Awards Gala .....................................16 4

PUBLISHER Walter H. Sanchez

MANAGING EDITOR Shane Miller

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

January 2018 • Volume 14 • Issue 1

QUEENS QUICKLY TWA Hotel step closer to completion

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MCR, the seventh-largest hotel owner-operator in the U.S., joined hundreds of construction workers at John F. Kennedy International Airport recently to top out the TWA Hotel’s first hotel structure.

Once complete, the TWA Hotel will preserve Eero Saarinen’s iconic TWA Flight Center, adaptively reusing the terminal as a world class hotel with 505 guest rooms, 50,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and a variety of high quality food, beverage and retail options.

One of the largest construction projects in New York City, the TWA Hotel will create more than 3,700 permanent and construction union jobs, with approximately 300 union construction workers on-site daily.

The TWA Hotel is slated to open in early 2019.

“Our team has been hard at work breathing new life into Eero Saarinen’s TWA Flight Center terminal and developing one of the most iconic hotels in the world,” said Tyler Morse, CEO of MCR and Morse Development. “This topping out brings us one step closer to reviving this treasured landmark and reopening it to the public for generations to come.”

The two low-rise hotel structures

are set back on either side of the terminal, designed to defer to the historic landmark. Saarinen’s TWA Flight Center terminal building will serve as the hotel lobby; at 200,000 square feet the lobby is thought to be the largest hotel lobby in the world.

Hotel guests and passengers from every terminal will have easy access to the TWA Hotel via the AirTrain as well as through the famous Saarinen passenger tubes that connect directly to JFK’s Terminal 5.

The TWA Hotel will also house a Jet Age and mid-century modern museum that will chronicle the midcentury modern design era and the rise of the Jet Age, exhibiting midcentury furniture, TWA uniforms, David Klein destination posters, in-flight amenities and other TWA memorabilia‚ much of which has been donated by the TWA employee community.

“This construction milestone for the TWA Flight Center Hotel is made possible in part by the labor of local Queens residents,” said Queens Chamber president Thomas Grech. “This visionary project is providing thousands with good jobs and ensures JFK Airport remains economically competitive for years to come.”

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PROMOTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS New Toscano to head Mr. T Mr. T Carting, one of the six largest private carting companies in New York City, announced that Thomas N. Toscano, chief financial officer and chief legal officer, has been named CEO of the company.

He succeeds his father, Peter Toscano, Sr., who led the Glendale-based company for 26 years and retired on December 31.

“Tom has TOSCANO already made a major impact on the company as a champion of integrating the on-board computing technology that is installed in our trucks with back office operations,” said the elder Toscano. “I am confident that under his leadership Mr. T will continue to tap technology as a resource to improve route efficiency, customer service and ensure that our fleet is one of the most advanced in the industry.”

Toscano, 46, previously served as chairperson of the New York City Chapter of the National Waste and Recycling Association. He joined the company in 1996, and received his law degree from St. John’s University and in 2017 his MBA from Cornell University.

“This is an auspicious moment, as we marked the 70th anniversary of the company in recent weeks,” he said. “Our future is bright indeed as we will expand our recycling and compost programs, which we launched in 2005, as leaders in the waste management industry.”

Chef Bruno joins Northwell Chef Bruno Tison has joined Northwell Health, becoming the first and only Michelin Star chef hired by a health care organization in the United States.

“I’m going to re-train and re-

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teach the culinary departments to provide not only the patients, but employees with fresh food,” said Tison, who spent 14 years as the executive chef at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. “We want to keep patients and employees healthy and we want our patients to look forward to a great meal.”

Tison plans to visit all Northwell hospitals to train TISON kitchen staffs at their individual facilities.

As part of Northwell’s Food and Nutrition Wellness transformation, kitchen staffs across the system will learn to create food that supports healing and well-being by using less salt and sugar while avoiding saturated fat.

The goal is to minimize the use of frozen and canned goods, serving foods with minimal processing and opting for baked instead of fried foods.

Under his leadership, Tison’s team at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa in California received Michelin Star recognition for three consecutive years.

Trio from Lee leasing LeFrak Executive vice president Mark Kapnick, managing director Bradley Diamond, and director Elliot Diamond of Lee & Associates have been named the exclusive agents for 15,000-plus square feet of retail space at the Promenade Shops at LeFrak City on 99th Street between 57th Avenue and the Horace Harding Expressway.

LeFrak City, a residential development with 4,600 apartments, is currently in the final phase of a six-year, $75 million master plan renovation that includes redevelopment of the retail spaces, which are available immediately.

Neighboring retail tenants currently include Bed Bath & Beyond, Century 21, Target and Shake

Shack.

“The Promenade Shops at LeFrak City has served as a retail hub and amenity for area residents for more than 50 years,” said Diamond. “The success of the stores has always been supported by a built-in client base and that will never change.”

Cawley takes helm at Con Ed A longtime Con Edison executive and electrical engineer, Timothy P. Cawley, has assumed a new role as president of the energy company serving New York City and Westchester County.

His appointment comes at a time of rapid change for the company and industry as customers seek easier access to solar energy, energy efficiency, information to help them manage their usage, and other products and services.

“We’re going to continue to innovate and use technology to give our customers more options, convenience and ability to control their costs,” Cawley said. “Con Edison wants to lead in creating a cleaner energy future in which customers have more options.”

Con Edison is a leader in the industry transition, emphasizing clean energy, installing 5.4 million smart meters, and helping customers connect solar arrays and other forms of distributed generation to the grid.

“Tim is a proven leader in safety and reliability, with expertise in our operations and an unwavering focus on customer service‚“ said John McAvoy, chairman and CEO of Con Edison. “He also maintains a strong focus on clean energy solutions, including energy efficiency and renewable power sources.”

Prior to being named president of Con Edison, Cawley was president and chief executive of Orange and Rockland Utilities, another subsidiary of Con Edison.

He also served as senior vice president of Central Operations for Con Edison. His responsibilities included the planning, design,

operation and maintenance of the electric transmission system, as well as the company’s primary control center and electric substations.

He also had responsibility for electric and steam generating plants, the steam system, and engineering and construction activities.

Cawley previously served as CAWLEY vice president of Substation Operations, vice president of Bronx and Westchester Electric Operations, general manager of Transmission Operations and director of Gas Operations at O&R. He joined Con Edison in 1987 and replaces Craig Ivey, who retired after eight years as president of Con Edison.

Cawley holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from New York University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Union College.

Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140 Jackson Heights, N.Y. 11370-1131 Entire Contents Copyright 2017 by Queensborough. All letters sent to the QUEENSBOROUGH should be brief and are subject to condensation. Writers should include a full address and home and office telephone numbers, where available, as well as affiliation, indicating special interest.

Anonymous letters are not printed. Name withheld on request. No such ad or any part thereof may be reproduced without prior permission of the QUEENSBOROUGH. The publishers will not be responsible for any error in advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Errors must be reported to the QUEENSBOROUGH within five days of publication. Ad position cannot be guaranteed unless paid prior to publication.

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DECEMBER FOCUS: TECHNOLOGY

BOYCE SEES LIC BECOMING ‘HIGH-TECH CENTER’

BY BENJAMIN FANG In just five years, Long Island City-based Boyce Technologies has grown into a manufacturing and technology leader in Queens.

The design, engineering and manufacturing company creates electromechanical software systems for emergency communications. They manufacture recognizable devices like Help Point machines at MTA subway stations, public address systems and police and fire radio communications inside tunnels.

Four years ago, Boyce moved into a small facility on 23rd Street.

According to Thomas Powell, the company’s director of business development, they quickly outgrew the space and converted it into a machine shop and fabrication center.

Boyce then bought another location on 44th Avenue, which was used as an assembly facility. The company used a downtown office in Lower Manhattan.

Fifteen months ago, the company purchased a new 100,000-squarefoot facility on Pearson Place, now used as their main production center. Powell described it as a place where the company can “very rapidly prototype and go to production” with all the technology in one location.

Last year, company president Charles Boyce announced that they are in contract talks to acquire the building next door, another 100,000-square-foot space, to take on bigger projects and challenges.

The expansion is accompanied by a growing workforce. Last year at this time, the company had about 70 employees. Today, they are near 120.

“They have a very unique skill set,” he said. “We get new technology, new equipment, and we have to really learn how to apply it as we go.”

Powell said Boyce Technologies chose Long Island City, an up-and-coming hub for technology and light manufacturing, for

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a few reasons. One is its proximity to Manhattan, where they have access to architects, engineers and other experts required to perfect its products.

Most of the company’s employees live in Queens and Brooklyn, he said. With the Pearson Place facility located just blocks from the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) and 7 train, they have transit options to get to and from work.

Another reason they chose LIC is the business climate, and more specifically the support they’ve received. Powell credited organizations like the Queens Chamber of Commerce and Long Island City Partnership for embracing companies like Boyce.

“There’s a community here that’s very positive among the businesses to help each other,” he said. “It’s big business in a small-town kind of way.”

Powell said he sees a “pentup demand for high-tech” in the neighborhood. There’s a community of entrepreneurs and makers who need more places to unleash their creativity.

Long Island City is especially desirable because of the changes in technology and what that has allowed creators to do. Rather than coming up with a prototype and traveling hundreds of miles away to offshore production, manufacturers want to go from concept to “actual creation” quickly, Powell said.

The changes in technology that speed up production reflect the changes in the neighborhood. Long Island City has quickly populated with families, with tens of thousands of units coming soon. The former industrial community is on its way to becoming a mixed-use neighborhood, where people live, work, play and create all at once.

“We see LIC becoming a hightech center because of all of the industry and people around it,” Powell said. “They want to get into work, do their thing, and go home without all of that stress. Long

Thomas Powell examines recently fabricated materials that will eventually be used for digital signs in the city’s subway system.

Island City is the ideal place to do that.”

The innovation isn’t confined to just western Queens. Powell said he sees a lot of specialty manufacturing and new businesses popping up throughout the borough. When you add the growing population and numerous colleges, it creates a ripe environment for ingenuity.

In addition to LaGuardia Community College, Queens College and other universities educating the next generation, Cornell Tech has arrived on nearby Roosevelt Island. Boyce Technologies has a partnership with LaGuardia, taking about 20 interns a year for multiple semesters.

“I see these people wanting to get as close to the action as possible in technology development all through Queens,” Powell said.

There’s even an “overflow” of talent and entrepreneurship coming from Brooklyn, where places like the Brooklyn Navy Yard are cultivating tech companies that may eventually settle in Queens.

This year may be a groundbreaking year for Boyce Technologies.

Powell said they spent a good part

of 2017 completing its renovated facility, but 2018 will be about securing new business and developing new technology.

“We see 2018 as a breakout year for us,” he said. “We’re very optimistic on several projects.”

They’re seeing a lot of business opportunity, but have to be careful to pick and choose what they want to do. Powell attributed the company’s success to the diversity and passion within the people of Queens.

“We think the key to success is being in a place where people can express their passion in their work, as opposed to going and spending and burning their passion out,” Powell said. “We feel that Long Island City specifically has this energy about it that is really positive. We hope to contribute as much as we draw from it.”

The rest of Queens is catching on to that energy. Powell said not only is it possible here, but “it has to happen here.”

“It’s not without its challenges, but we feel that it’s totally worth it,” he said. “We wouldn’t do it any other way.”

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DECEMBER FOCUS: TECHNOLOGY

USING TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE YOUR WORKFLOW

BY BENJAMIN FANG

any big events yet, Giurintano said they get involved in every other committee because “technology fits into everything.”

“We’re more in the backend of things, working with other committees because they’re all involved with technology in some way, shape or form,” he said.

In 2018, Giurintano said he expects “more of the same” from the chamber, including networking and event opportunities that helps companies expand their business.

He encouraged any company interested in joining to plug into the events.

“There are so many members, and their membership is growing crazy fast,” he said. “There are a lot of great professionals, lot of great businesses. Just continue to meet with them and find out how you can develop more opportunities.”

TGI, headquartered in Gowanus, has been in business since 1964.

The 54-year-old company began as and still is a family-owned and operated enterprise that started

Bobby Giurintano is always looking for ways to help his clients, no matter how big or small.

As a key account manager for TGI Office Automation, he helps companies figure out solutions on hardware, such as copiers and printers, and software to improve document management and workflow.

Part of their work includes using the latest technology and tools to help their clients.

“As new technologies come out, we embrace them open-mindedly and use them to our advantage,” he TGI Office Automation’s Bobby Giurintano co-chairs the Chamber’s said, “to not only make our customTechnology Committee with Eugene Erichsen of Connect Me Voice. ers’ experiences better, but to help them lower costs, improve security and do things that are important to outside storage facility or digitally. is under the same roof and have all their business.”

That includes records, invoices and the documents in one place.”

Giurintano said he finds that a other important documents.

TGI’s competitors are not just topic many companies are conBut when companies need to local, but also national. Giurintano cerned with is security. He called it instantly access those documents, said they compete well with coma “never-ending” challenge that is Giurintano said many businesses panies like Xerox that make a bilconstantly changing and evolving. struggle to get the information just lion dollars in profit.

He advised businesses to find an by hitting a few buttons.

“In terms of pricing and support, expert in the field, “To be able to hit I feel we do a way better job than whether it’s harda few buttons and the bigger companies,” he said. “I ware or software, see what you paid think we give more of a personal to make sure comfor your Verizon approach.”

As new technologies come out, we panies are probill for the past six Giurintano said the bigger comembrace them open-mindedly and use them months. Being able panies often have high turnover tected. to our advantage, to not only make our cus- to see what this among sales staff, whereas TGI has He also recomtomers’ experiences better, but to help them mended adding department spent built a culture of responsiveness lower costs, improve security and do things a lot of boundarin the past year,” and attentiveness to clients’ needs. that are important to their business. ies and layers of he said. “Our soft“It’s important not only to sell security in place ware is really tak- the machines, but really to be handto make it difficult ing the legwork out in-hand with them with support,” for hackers. of organizing your he said. “It’s not over once the deal “These people are so smart, even with a $500 loan from the found- documents.’ is signed, it just begins.” the biggest banks in the world are ers’ grandmother.

Giurintano calls it a “GPS for TGI has also plugged into local getting hacked,” he said. “It’s near According to Giurintano, the documents.” All companies would networks for their business. When impossible to be fully secure.” company today has more than 500 have to do is type keywords into the Barclays Center was being built As the co-chair of the Queens employees in nearly a dozen offic- a search field and they can pull up just 1.5 miles away, TGI’s owner Chamber of Commerce’s Tech- es, and makes close to $100 million reports instantly. became not only a sponsor of the nology Committee with Eugene in revenue.

Another service that TGI offers Brooklyn Nets, but also bought a Erichsen of Connect Me Voice, Their specialty is helping com- is office workflow. Giurintano said suite to invite clients and prospects Giurintano said he understands the panies, ranging from two employ- it’s especially a challenge when a and to host events. importance of being involved in ees to thousands of workers, be business has multiple offices.

“Being close to Brooklyn is local chamber organizations. It’s more organized and efficient with “To have those offices work why he did it. We’ve always been one way he gathers feedback about their office functions. For exam- together and share documents some- Brooklyn-based,” he said. “We technology issues and needs from ple, when it comes to storing and times can be very cumbersome and sponsor other teams too, but our the chamber’s members. accessing documents, Giurintano difficult,” he said. “What we help do biggest sponsorship is definitely Though the Technology Commit- said companies either store them is create a workflow so that they can with the Brooklyn Nets because tee, formed in 2016, hasn’t hosted physically in a filing cabinet, in an operate their business as if everyone they’re the hometown team.”

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DECEMBER FOCUS: TECHNOLOGY

GET ON THE MAP: USE GOOGLE TO GROW

BY JACQUELINE DONADO STRATEGIC PROGRAMS QUEENS CHAMBER The Queens Chamber of Commerce is helping small businesses grow their presence online with a Get Your Business Online workshop, which will feature tips on growing your business online and measuring online success.

The complimentary workshop will be hosted on January 24 at The Bulova Corporate Conference Center from 2 to 4 p.m.

Get Your Business Online with Google will bring community

members, business owners, and civic leaders together to help small businesses succeed on the web.

“Four out of five consumers use search engines to find local information nearby, yet only 37 percent of businesses have claimed their listing on a search engine,” says Emily Harris, manager of Google’s Get Your Business Online program. “Small businesses are the engine of local economies, and when they flourish, their communities do as well.”

Get Your Business Online is a program that empowers commu-

nities to support their local businesses and encourage them to get on Google Search and Maps for free. Local businesses keep our communities strong; when we help them succeed on the web, they make our communities even stronger. Businesses that are online grow 40 percent faster than those that aren’t.

The Grow Your Business Online and Tips for Measuring Online Success workshop is a Google pre-

sentation hosted by the Queens Chamber of Commerce with the support of the city’s Department of Small Business Services (SBS).

In 2018 the chamber, in conjunction with SBS, is presenting a series of seminars of a variety of topics, including social media promotions, human resources, changes to municipal and state laws affecting merchants, and Merchants Business Resources Day.

TELECOM LEADERS PUSH FOR HIGH-SPEED WIRELESS

BY BENJAMIN FANG Business leaders and telecommunications companies are pushing city officials to expand highspeed, wireless service throughout the five boroughs.

Traditionally, mobile users get their high-speed Internet from macro sites that are placed on top of buildings. But lately, companies are using “small cells,” radio nodes that are placed on city infrastructure like utility poles, street lights and signs. They use small radios and antennas to provide service and are closer to the ground.

Carriers are employing this technology to meet growing consumer demand for wireless data and uses such as streaming, video conferencing, and even managing operations.

“In a crowded place like New York City, more people are doing more things on more devices,” said Verizon spokesman David Weissmann. “There’s a growing need for more capacity for networks.”

According to Verizon, the demand for wireless data services has doubled in the last year. It’s expected to grow six-fold from 2015 to 2020. The demand puts

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pressure on the mobile network, telecommunications experts say, forcing companies to come up with new ways to “densify” the network.

“In a crowded place like New York City, more people are doing more things on more devices.

There’s a growing need for more capacity for networks.”

- David Weissmann, Verizon

Small cells are usually deployed in dense, heavily-populated urban environments, similar to many neighborhoods in Queens.

By providing more capacity, networks can serve more people and provide faster service.

Businesses are reliant on fast access to the Internet. Weissmann said companies use wireless technology to upload documents, process credit card transactions, and communicate. Some companies run their entire business on a wireless connection.

“If the Internet speed and connectivity are impacted,” he said, “that would impact their businesses.”

To keep up with the demand, business leaders are pushing the city Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DoITT) to let wireless providers and carriers lease the tops of city infrastructure to install the small cell networks.

More specifically, DoITT gives permission for hundreds of lampposts to be reserved, a process that can take up to 15 months.

But according to telecommunications companies, the city agency is restricting expansion below 96th Street in Manhattan to just 25 poles, despite the fact that the need for wireless service is greatest in Midtown.

The restriction will likely push expansion to outer boroughs like Queens and Brooklyn, which are also becoming hotbeds of entrepreneurship.

Weissman said New York City is roughly one year behind to set up the framework to expand small cell network on local infrastructure. “We’ve been expecting it to happen sooner,” he said.

Carriers are currently waiting for the city to release the Request For Proposals (RFP) to apply to become a franchisee, which would allow the businesses to build their own network.

Other concerns include having a streamlined approval process and ensuring fair permitting fees.

Experts say small cells are also a stepping stone to 5G technology, the standards for which are being established now.

Weissman said if the foundation for small cells expansion is not created, the city will also fall behind getting to market with 5G. That would also negatively affect the city’s business climate, he said.

“New York City considers itself a tech and innovation hub,” he said. “It can impact the city’s ability to retain tech businesses.”

He said Verizon and other carriers and local businesses are ready for the expansion. They’re just waiting on the city to give the green light. “We’re ready to go,” Weissmann said.

January 2018 • Volume 14 • Issue 1

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QCA & KOTRA PARTNER FOR BIZ DESIGN COMP

On the evening of November 29, seven of the brightest young artists from Queens gathered in downtown Astoria to find out who would be selected as the winner of the inaugural “Queens Emerging Artists Business Prize.”

The design contest was co-hosted by the Queens Council on the Arts (QCA) and the Korea TradeInvestment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) to connect Queens emerging artists with companies seeking new design ideas for their products and services.

Artists were asked to create cover designs for the marketing materials of the sponsoring company, Alfrex, which is a prominent manufacturer of fire-rated aluminum composite panels. In return, Alfrex pledged to award a $3,000 scholarship to the artist with the best design.

The participating artists were all alumni of QCA’s “High School to Art School” (HS2AS) program, which is a portfolio development program for students entering college. While HS2AS helped lay the foundation for the artists, the new design contest serves as a stepping stone for their future professional careers.

The designs were individually presented by each artist during the event. There were several designs

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A representative of KOTRA with the seven young artists, including winner Shanjida Kibria. with striking geometric shapes, one with a highly detailed robot, and another with a unique adaptation of the current Alfrex logo.

According to the Alfrex representative, “It was a very difficult decision to choose just one winner, but we felt that the artwork designed

by Shanjida Kibria best exemplified what our company stands for,” said a representative

from Alfrex.

Kibria is a native of Jackson Heights and is currently enrolled at Parsons School of Design. Her artwork was simple, yet visually appealing.

The two co-hosts of the event are pushing for it to become a permanent platform to assist emerging artists pursue their professional careers, as well as for companies

to take advantage of local talent to grow their businesses.

The award ceremony was also filmed by Queens Public TV (QPTV) and will be airing this winter.

For more information on KOTRA, please contact Narae Lee at (646) 918-5862 or narae.kotra@gmail. com. You can also learn more at kotra.or.kr.

January 2018 • Volume 14 • Issue 1

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

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CHAMBER BUILDING AWARDS & GALA

QUEENS BUILDINGS HONORED AT ANNUAL GALA QUEENS CHAMBER MEMBERS WITH THE TEAM BEHIND THE JACKSON

BY BENJAMIN FANG In what may have been the biggest event hosted by the Queens Chamber of Commerce ever, the annual Building Awards and Gala brought together the best builders, designers and real estate executives in the borough.

Hosted at Terrace on the Park, the ceremony celebrated excellence in new construction, rehabilitation or adaptive uses, interior design and open or enclosed public spaces.

Out of more than 75 applicants, a committee selected 19 of the best projects. Winners included the Gerald Caliendo Architects building, Mount Sinai Queens Pavilion and The Jackson.

Mayra DiRico, chairperson of the Queens Chamber Executive Committee, said the chamber has been celebrating excellence for decades.

“We recognize all the hard work, all the time it takes to construct the most beautiful buildings,” she said.

She applauded the building owners, who invest their money to create a better future for the borough. She also congratulated the architects, who develop the design and vision of the projects.

“You create the blueprint to success,” she said. “It’s your passion that makes the difference.”

Finally, she gave thanks to the builders, who take that vision and make it happen.

The keynote speaker of the night was Department of Buildings Commissioner Rick Chandler, who spoke about the importance of striking a balance between safety and development. He described the work the agency has done to create accountability, such as increasing penalties and fines, conducting safety sweeps and requiring more training.

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“We’re determined to build a culture of safety in New York City,” he said.

The gala honoree was Michael Viggiano, executive vice president of Skanska USA Civil Northeast. Skanska, whose office is in the Bulova headquarters in East Elmhurst, has been behind a long list of projects that have shaped New York City’s infrastructure.

They built the World Trade Center transportation hub and the Oculus, which has quickly become an iconic spot since its opening. They also worked on the Second Avenue subway line and the expansion of the 7 train to Hudson Yards in Manhattan’s west side.

In Queens, Skanska led the construction of the $1.9 billion Kennedy Airport AirTrain, which Viggiano said “fundamentally transformed access to JFK.” The monumental project created more than 4,000 construction jobs and provided $81.5 million in construction contracts to Queens businesses.

“Over the past few decades, Skanska is proud to work with and for the Queens community on many projects and partnerships that have touched the lives of the people who live here,” he said.

Skanska is currently working on building LaGuardia Airport’s $4 billion Central Terminal B and the surrounding infrastructure. To give perspective on how large that project is, Viggiano said if the company was only working on that terminal, it would still be the 22nd largest construction company alone.

The construction giant also worked on the Astoria and Rockaways landings as part of NYC Ferry’s citywide expansion. They oversaw completion of the first span of the Kosciuszko Bridge, which opened earlier this year.

Outside of transportation infrastructure, the company also reconstructed the new Rockaway boardwalk after it was badly damaged by Hurricane Sandy. They also helped modernize the Newtown Creek and Bowery Bay wastewater pollution plants.

“This may not be the sexiest part of our business, but this work is critical to city’s future growth,” Viggiano said.

What all of those projects have in common, he said, is they are all critical to the “continuous economic growth and well-being” of the city.

He said it’s not only important to fix what’s broken or rebuild after a disaster, but also build for resilience.

“Build in a way that fundamentally understands our city’s infinite growth and potential,” he said.

On nearly all of those projects, Skanska has worked with the mayor, the governor and local legislators who “understand how important these investments are.”

“They have demonstrated their commitment by making these budgetary and policy priorities,” Viggiano said. “Now we just got to figure out a way for them to talk to each other.”

On the federal level, Viggiano said New York City’s infrastructure needs must be a priority.

He said the city needs to speak with “one clear voice” to get the funding needed to continue improving the city.

“That’s my one ask for tonight: everybody here tonight becomes an advocate in supporting a fully funded federal infrastructure bill,” he said. “Our city’s future is dependent on it.

“Skanska will continue to be part of the fabric of the Queens community as it builds New York City for years to come,” Viggiano added. “We are proud and grateful for that.”

January 2018 • Volume 14 • Issue 1

CHAMBER BUILDING AWARDS & GALA

Pictured clockwise from top left are Michael Billia, Brendan Levy & Henry Kuykendall; Clay Berry & Anthony Luisi from alphapointe; Aki Todic & Michael Bivas; Suzanne Brown & Paul Drago; Robert O’Neil, Mike Kelly & Kim Hirt; Laura Manno, Alana Cantillo & Rodney Capel; the team behind Graffiti House; the team behind VIP 5th Ave Club at Resorts World Casino; the team behind The L @ 31st Drive; the team behind 162 Residence; the team behind Gerald Caliendo Architects; Joseph Dussich & Jason Castellani; and the team behind 129 Beach 136th Street.

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QUEENS LOST SEVERAL PROMINENT FIGURES IN 2017 Max Kupferberg (1919-2017) Prominent businessman and philanthropist Max Kupferberg passed away in January.

He was 97

years old.

Kupferberg was raised in Flushing and studied physics at Queens College, where he was a member of the first incoming class, graduating in 1942. The institution would always hold a special place in his heart.

He and his wife Selma funded cultural programming and refurbished performance spaces and museums at the school. The Colden Center at Queens College was renamed the Selma and Max Kupferberg Center for the Visual and Performing Arts in their honor.

“He was a dynamic presence on campus,” said Queens College President Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “His family’s transformational gift was instrumental in revitalizing the arts at Queens College, making the campus the cultural epicenter of Queens.”

The couple also lent their personal and financial support to nearly 50 organizations, including the Queens Botanical Garden, Flushing YMCA, and the Queens College Foundation.

Kupferberg worked on the Manhattan project, and following World War II founded electronic parts supply company Kepco, Inc. with his three brothers.

Helen Marshall (1929-2017) Queens lost its first and only African-American borough president this year. Helen Marshall, who led the borough from 2001 to 2013, passed away at age 87 in California in March.

Marshall was remembered for her long tenure in public service,

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including 10 years in the City Council and eight years in the Assembly. A former teacher and library director, Marshall championed education, libraries and diversity.

“Helen Marshall was a largerthan-life figure in the civic life of Queens and the State of New York,” said Borough President Melinda Katz.

Since her passing, a stream of tributes and dedications have honored her legacy of civic leadership.

Last year, Borough Hall’s cultural center was named after her.

In December, the Corona community renamed a street after Marshall.

Weeks later, local education officials voted to name an East Elmhurst school in her honor.

Her legacy will be felt for years to come. Projects that began under her leadership are now coming to fruition, and will have an impact on the next generation.

“Our borough lost one of its biggest champions, but she will continue to live on in our hearts,” said Congressman Joseph Crowley, “and her presence will continue to be felt throughout the countless communities she touched.”

Julia Harrison (1920-2017) Julia Harrison, who represented Flushing in the City Council from 1986 to 2001, passed away in August. She was 97 years old.

Active in civic life, Harrison began her political career in 1972 when she was elected district leader. She would run unsuccessfully for the State Senate in 1978, but would taste victory just five years later when she was elected to the state Assembly.

Three years later she was elected to the City Council, the first

woman to hold that post in the 19th Council District. She left office in 2001 when term limits forced her out.

Over the next few years she would mount failed runs at State Senate and Assembly seats.

Harrison will be remembered as an outspoken representative. She considered herself a maverick and often bucked party leadership.

In 2011, Harrison was elected to her former district leader post at the age of 97.

Michael Simanowitz (1971-2017) Queens lost a beloved elected official when Assemblyman Michael Simanowitz passed away suddenly on September 2 at the age of 45 after battling cancer for several years. He is survived by his wife Jennifer and their four children.

“Words are not adequate to express how heartbroken I am that he is no longer with us,” said Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie at the time.

“I will especially remember Mike for his quick wit and intelligence.

I am proud to have called him my friend.”

Simanowitz, who grew up in Forest Hills, was first elected to the Assembly in 2011. He represented the neighborhoods of College Point, Whitestone, Briarwood, Pomonok and Kew Gardens Hills.

Prior to elected office, Simanowitz served as chief of staff to his predecessor, former Assemblywoman Nettie Mayersohn, for 15 years. He was involved with the

NYPD’s auxiliary police unit in the 107th Precinct. He also worked for the city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development.

“Mike was a wonderful human being,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng. “He had a heart of gold and was among the warmest, friendliest and most down-to-earth individuals I have known.”

Paul Narson (1943-2017) Former Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 32 president Paul Narson passed away in September.

He was 74 years old.

Narson served as Chapter 32 president from 2008 to 2014. He has been a member since 1989 and became a Life Member in 1992.

After the events of 9/11, he participated as a member of the chapter honor guard in the renaming of streets in Queens to honor members of the community who perished in the terrorist attacks.

As vice president, he assisted then-president Pat Toro in establishing the chapter as an Organizational Friend of Indigent Veterans.

Chapter 32 buried 108 indigent veterans, with Narson participating in over 45 of them.

When Toro became ill due to side effects cause by exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War, Narson started a blood drive that resulted in 60 units, which allowed Toro an unlimited supply of blood Narson was installed in the State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame for his work on behalf of all veterans in New York, and has received numerous plaques and certificates for his work on behalf of veterans in Queens.

January 2018 • Volume 14 • Issue 1

FIRST-PERSON ACCOUNT TAKING CLEANING TO NEW HEIGHTS

BY DANIELLE WALTER

we have consistent crews that are background checked, bonded, and This is going to be a monumen- insured. Weekly, monthly and quartal 2018 for Sears Maid Services. terly cleanings are available with no When I started working for Sears, contracts. residential cleanings We are approved to were prevalent. While clean medical offices we take great pride in and financial instituservicing our residential tions. Our teams are also customers, our comexperienced in cleaning mercial accounts are salons, spas and other skyrocketing. beauty locations at comWe have been hired petitive prices. by restaurants, churchAt Sears, we take es, synagogues, hair pride in maintaining a salons and institutions competent, resourceful of higher learning. With staff, and we hold our the growing economy associates to the highest and thriving businesses in Queens, levels of professionalism and integit’s important to evolve. Sears Maid rity. It is our belief that a well-kept, Services is becoming a staple in the attractive office or place of busicommercial cleaning realm. ness communicates productivity and Whether it’s a private home office competence. It also makes clients or public waiting room, cleanli- and potential customers feel welness positively impacts a business. come and employees feel at home.

According to Jay Conrad Levinson, Our commercial services include “if people see that your premises are emptying and wiping down trash neat, they assume that’s the way you receptacles, sweeping and mopping do business.” Based on a telephone tiled floors, and vacuuming carpets, survey conducted by Harris interac- upholstery and mats. In addition, tive, 94 percent of people surveyed we wipe down baseboards and dust would not return to an establishment vents and clean mirrors and door if they encountered a dirty restroom. handles.

As a businesswoman, I understand Our Sears maids spot clean walls, the indefatigable effort that it takes damp wipe doors and jams. We dust to procure a customer base. In this blinds, wipe ceiling vents, and wash global economy, every business must windows and sills. Bathrooms are deliver a great product to be suc- sanitized and disinfected as well. cessful. At Sears Maid Services, we Although, our office hours are 9 offer thorough and detailed cleanings a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through for both residential and commercial Saturday, we will make exceptions accounts. if necessary. We will work before or Our objective is to let office and after business hours and on Sunday property managers, business owners to meet the needs of our commercial and supervisors know that they can customers. We understand the daily rely on Sears to deliver great service. scheduling demands for banks, day Whether it’s pre- or post-construc- care centers and various other busition, our expertise is unparalleled. nesses.

We are also very proud to have We at Sears Maid Services aim to recently become a MWBE (minor- provide our customers with stellar ity/women-owned business enter- cleaning and customer service. We prise) certified with the city of New can be reached at (718) 527-0370, York. Our certification allows busi- or you can schedule an estimate at nesses to work with an established searsmaidservices.com. trusted brand and satisfy their diversity requirements in the process.

Danielle Walter is commercial Sears maids offer reliable com- account coordinator for Sears Maid mercial cleaning services, and Services.

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BUSINESS LEADERS SUPPORT ANABLE BASIN PROJECT

BY BENJAMIN FANG A massive proposed rezoning for the Anable Basin in Long Island City has drawn strong support from business leaders in Queens.

Thomas Grech, executive director of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, put out a statement expressing his “enthusiastic support” for the proposal. He specifically cited the creation of jobs, economic output and manufacturing space for creative production and light industrial uses.

“Maintaining and fostering the growth of that innovative environment is a top priority of the rezoning proposal at the Anable Basin,” Grech said. “This project is one that will leave a legacy of success to the state, the city of New York and Queens County.”

When fully built out over 15 years, the rezoning is expect to create an estimated 2,200 to 2,600 permanent jobs and more than

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10,000 construction-related jobs.

The developer behind the proposal, Long Island City-based company Plaxall, estimates that it would generate $450 million in annual economic output.

The project will bring 4,995 units of housing to the waterfront, 25 percent of which will be affordable under the city’s Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) program. That means 1,250 units will be affordable for a family of three making $51,540 a year.

Grech also touted the plan’s proposed 335,000 square feet of space for light manufacturing, preserving the neighborhood’s legacy of manufacturing and industrial uses.

He said it would be a “precedentsetting commitment.”

Other amenities include 40,000 square feet of space for arts and cultural institutions, and a new 700-seat public school for a growing residential neighborhood. The project would create a multi-level

waterfront esplanade on the Anable Basin.

“It has the potential to be a special place in Long Island City,” said Matthew Quigley, a managing director at Plaxall, “and a unique attraction on the Brooklyn-Queens waterfront.”

Plaxall owns 12.6 acres of the 14.7-acre site.

Elizabeth Lusskin, president of the Long Island City Partnership, testified at a public hearing in December in support of the project.

In a statement, she said the project will build on Long Island City’s unique mix as a place to live, work, design, study and play.

“We applaud the thoughtful, holistic approach into its preparation, so that this extremely piece of NYC’s waterfront can be developed in a way that advances the community and the city it serves,” she said.

Seth Bornstein, executive director of the Queens Economic

Development Corporation, also expressed his support for Plaxall and the project.

“The family’s vision for Anable Basin is clearly based on thoughtful research and design that will enhance the community with new housing – a good portion of it affordable – waterfront access and space for small businesses to expand,” he said. “These components are essential in furthering the balanced growth of the borough.”

However, some neighbors expressed skepticism about the project at the public hearing at CUNY Law School. Lisa Deller, chair of Community Board 2’s Land Use Committee, said while Plaxall has been contributed to Long Island City for decades, it’s important to be fair in the land use process.

“While the family has been good neighbors, it’s critical that good neighbors don’t get a free pass when it comes to zoning,” Deller said.

January 2018 • Volume 14 • Issue 1

NONPROFIT SECTOR FOREST HILLS RESIDENT TO HEAD HISTORIC NONPROFIT

BY JEN KHEDAROO

met with 25 of the organization’s 30 board members, as well as partners Forest Hills resident Carole and members at large. The goal Wacey Maraj is the new chief exec- is to learn more about their backutive officer of the Women’s City grounds, goals and challenges.

Club of New York (WCC).

“These are women who are leadThe multi-issue activist organi- ers in their fields, way ahead of their zation focuses on time, and I think dismantling social books can be writinequities through ten about each one public policy, analof these people,” ysis, advocacy and Wacey said, addcivic participation. ing that the women “This is the orgawork in fields such nization that’s had as healthcare, eduthe longest history cation and social than any other orgapolicy. nization I’ve been WCC has worked with,” Wacey said. in broad areas over “This is a whole the years, which new animal for allowed them to be me.” helpful in so many Wacey has been different situations, living in Forest but there is the CAROLE WACEY MIRAJ Hills since 2011 potential to narrow withe her husband down and deepen George Maraj, who runs the elec- its focus to have more of an impact, trical contracting company Maraj Wacey said.

Electric in Rego Park, and their It’s something she learned while nearly three-year-old twins Jack and Justin.

She’s long been familiar with the neighborhood, as her aunt lived on The Forest Hills Kiwanis honored 76th Street for over 50 years before Janice Autler, manager of Acosta passing at the age of 99.

Foods, and Richard Dzwlewicz, Wacey was recently brought in to regional vice president of TD move the century-old organization Bank, during its annual Christmas into a new direction. party last Tuesday.

Throughout its history, the orgaAcosta Foods has supported the nization has undergone three major Forest Hills Kiwanis in events such phases. There was the initial group as the pancake breakfasts, where of women who made immense proceeds go towards sending a impact, including leaders such as child to Kamp Kiwanis in upstate Eleanor Roosevelt and Frances New York. Furthermore, Acosta Perkins. The next phase embraced Foods has also donated to Our Lady having the organization managed in of Mercy Catholic Academy’s food a member-led manner. pantry.

Now that many women are workFor years, TD Bank worked with ing full-time, WCC is looking to Kiwanis vice president Tom Long professionalize its staff with its new to organize and run the Forest Hills executive director.

Memorial Day Parade.

“It’s always a tough transition “They’ve made sure that every when you go from being board-led year we’ve had a parade and and board-driven with very smart that our community has had the and very accomplished women to chance to come out and honor our really transitioning into having the fallen service members,” said club organization’s staff really lead all of president Jeffrey Hayes. the work,” Wacey said.

Dzwlewicz said the bank Since starting her new role, she’s aligned well with the values of the

working in education, where “everything is about measuring and demonstrating the impact you’re creating.”

It was Wacey’s commitment to children that appealed to the WCC’s Board of Directors when selecting her as the new CEO. “Ms. Wacey has devoted much of her career to helping others, in particular, underserved youth,” said board president Annette Choolfaian.

“We are impressed by her commitment to protecting and advancing the rights of all people, sentiments that have reflected our organization’s core mission for more than a century.”

In the past, Wacey served as the executive director at the startup MOUSE, a national nonprofit organization that empowers underserved youth to learn, lead and create with technology.

During her ten-year span at MOUSE, she vastly broadened the nonprofit’s reach from 32 to more than 150 Title I schools across the city. She also expanded the reach

to five other states and created a global partnership with more than 20 countries.

She also once served as the director of the Markle Foundation’s Interactive Media for Children program, which worked to help realize the potential benefits of interactive media for children by building partnerships between industry, the academy and consumers.

Prior to joining Markle, Wacey had a number of responsibilities within the Clinton Administration.

As a political appointee, she held a variety of leadership roles, including as deputy director of the Office of Education Technology and senior policy advisor at the Department of Education.

In that capacity, she led the development and implementation of the national educational technology policy, “e-Learning: Putting a World-Class Education at the Fingertips of All Children.”

In her most recent role as vice CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

KIWANIS HONORS ACOSTA FOODS, TD BANK

Pictured (left to right) are TD Banks Richard Dzwlewicz, Forest Hills

Kiwanis president Jeffrey Hayes, and Acosta Food’s Janice Autler.

Kiwanis Club. He also expressed how much dedication the bank has for giving back to community, including himself, who serves on seven boards, including the Scouts and Helen Keller Services for the Blind.

“Every single one of my people serve on boards in the community because it’s very important to us to give back,” Dzwlewicz said. “We also wanted to congratulate the Kiwanis for all of the work they’ve done.”

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SURVIVING THE 31 COLD DAYS OF JANUARY Good ol’ January. It’s the coldest month of the year, and it’s 31 days long. Tourism in Queens is usually low, and the days are short. Nevertheless, the borough hosts some hot events, including Swing Era dancing, performance art, Martin Luther King Day celebrations, a cappella music, and even some sandy storytelling.

Jan. 9-15, Figuring. In this new performance work by choreographer Moriah Evans, three females make visible and audible internal systems in order to pitch them against the external forces of space. Daily shows at 5:30 pm except Jan. 11.

SculptureCenter, 44-19 Purves St., LIC, www. sculpture-center.org.

Jan. 11, Immanuel Wilkins Quartet, 8 pm.

This American saxophonist, composer, arranger, and bandleader performs with his group as part of the 2017-2018 Thursday Night Jazz Mix Series. Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning, 161-04 Jamaica Ave., www.jcal.org.

Jan. 14, Sweet Honey in the Rock, 4 pm.

An MLK Day celebration with an all-female, African-American, a cappella ensemble that won a Grammy for its unique expression of history through song and dance. Colden Auditorium, Queens College, 153-49 Reeves Ave., Flushing, www.kupferbergcenter.org.

Jan. 14, Savoy! Dancing through the Swing Era, 2 pm. Swing with Lillian Carlyle, an inspiring dancer from Hollywood. Tap your feet

to authentic jazz by Big Band greats such as Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman and enjoy the high-energy Lindy Hop that began during this time. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., www.flushingtownhall.org.

Jan. 14, MLK Day Film, 2:30 pm. A free screening of Dear White People, a 2014 satire about racial tension at an Ivy League college from the perspective of several African American students.

Lewis Latimer House Museum, 34-41 137th St., Flushing, www.latimernow.org.

Jan. 15, MLK Day Chat, 1:30 pm. Patricia Bernstein discusses Ten Dollars to Hate, her new book about the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s and a prosecutor who became the first in the nation to fight the hate group with success.

Central Queens Y, 67-09 108th St., Forest Hills, www.cqy.org.

Jan. 17, Machu Picchu, 8 pm. Queens County Bird Club member Ian Resnick lectures on the birds of Peru with a beautiful slideshow.

Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston, www.qcbirdclub. org.

Jan. 18, Blockchain Technology Seminar for Businesses & Entrepreneurs, 6 pm. Take a deep dive into blockchain and distributed ledger technology. LaGuardia Community College, 31-10 Thomson Ave. Poolside Café, LIC. Jan. 19, Green Space Rocks, Jan. 21. Julian

DREAMS OF SAND

Barnett presents Subject to Change twice (Jan. 19-20, 8 pm). Part opera, part confessional, the performance acts as an ontological study of connection, commitment, and resilience. Fertile Ground (Jan. 21, 7 pm) presents new works by emerging artists. Green Space, 37-24 24th St., LIC, www.GreenSpaceStudio.org.

Jan. 20, Dreams of Sand, 2:15 pm. With a little bit of sand and his hands, Borja González tells the story of two people’s lives. This nonverbal tale is accompanied by live music. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., www.flushingtownhall.org.

Jan. 21, El Paquete Download, 2 pm.

American artist Julia Weist and Cuban artist Nestor Siré explore and intervene in El Paquete Semanal or “the weekly package,” a cultural and economic phenomenon that developed in Cuba in place of internet connectivity. A 1-terabyte digital media collection is aggregated weekly and circulated across the country via in-person file sharing. Queens Museum, NYC Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, www.queensmuseum.com.

Jan. 25, MoMA P.S. 1, 7 pm. Lorraine Passero lectures and signs her new history and coloring book, P.S.1 – A School for the Centuries, which informs on the history of MoMA PS1. Greater Astoria Historical Society, Quinn Building, 35-20 Broadway, LIC, NY www.astorialic.org.

Jan. 26, Solo Exhibitions, 8 pm. Random Access Music’s Maya Bennardo (violin), Nadav Lev (guitar), and Tristan McKay (pianist) perform virtuosic and poignant solo works. Sage Music, 44-02 23rd St., LIC, www.ram-nyc.org.

Jan. 27, Walk with a Doctor: Post Holiday Weight Management, 11 am. Dr. Guangdong Liu, an internist at NYC Health + Hospitals/ Elmhurst, gives a presentation on weight loss and exercise routines to maintain a healthy weight. Plus, a light, 30-minute walk. Al Oerter Recreation Center, 131- 40 Fowler Ave., Flushing, www.nychealthandhospitals.org.

Jan. 28, E-Waste Recycling, 10 am to 4 pm.

Electronic waste is responsible for roughly 70 percent of the toxins in landfills, while making up only about 1 percent of their volume, according to the EPA. Plus, e-waste often contains lead, cadmium, mercury, phosphors, and flame-retardants. Dispose of unwanted e-waste free of charge in a way that keeps them out of the waste stream. Computers, printers, scanners, keyboards, TVs, DVD players, and phones are among the acceptable materials. Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing, www.queensbotanical.org.

This monthly column is produced by the Queens Tourism Council. Find more at itsinqueens.com.

22

January 2018 • Volume 14 • Issue 1

QUEENSBOROUGH CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY 1/23, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Start-UP NY

An economic development initiative of the Empire State Development Corporation offer tech and advanced manufacturing businesses the opportunity to operate tax-free for 10 years on or near eligible college campuses.

York College Bassin Performing Arts Center 94-95 Guy R. Brewer Blvd.

Jamaica

Representatives from Queensbased nonprofits will interact with experts at the following “working stations”: Board Development, CostEffective Recruiting, Foundation Development, Fundraising, General Financial Information, and Human Resource Management.

Free & open to the public Complimentary parking Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard Jackson Heights, NY 11370

FEBRUARY

1/23, 3 PM

TRANSPORTATION 2/8, 8:30 to 10 AM COMMITTEE MEETING BREAKFAST WITH A discussion of the Department of Design and Construction infrastructure improvement in Eastern Queens.

Free & open to the public Complimentary parking Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard Jackson Heights, NY 11370

BOROUGH PRESIDENT MELINDA KATZ AND HER CABINET

Discuss local issues pertinent to the business community with the Queens Borough President’s Office and members of her staff over breakfast.

Antun’s 96-43 Springfield Boulevard Queens Village, NY 11429

MARCH

Free & open to the public Complimentary parking Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard Jackson Heights, NY 11370

APRIL

3/9, 8:30 AM

WORKSHOP #3: EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN THE WORKPLACE

4/6, 8:30 AM

WORKSHOP #4: CONFLICT RESOLUTION SKILLS This program covers how HR pro- FOR THE WORKPLACE: fessionals and managers devel- CULTURAL op effective communications CONSIDERATIONS skills for greater performance.

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 and promote loyalty.

Register at queenschamber.org

You’ll gain a better understanding of the dynamics of conflict and negotiation, the impact of cultural differences and, how to manage yourself and your employees during tense moments.

Free & open to the public Complimentary parking Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard Jackson Heights, NY 11370

1/24, 2 to 4 PM

GET YOUR BUSINESS ONLINE WITH GOOGLE

Grow Your Business: Learn how customers find your business online and how to promote your online presence with search engine optimization (SEO) and online advertising. We also introduce tools to help you run your business online, including Google Analytics and G Suite.

Tips for Measuring Success: You invest time, effort, and resources into being online, but do you know how much it’s worth to your bottom line? This workshop introduces ways to track and measure progress, so you can find out.

Register at queenschamber.org Free & open to the public Complimentary parking Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard Jackson Heights, NY 11370 1/23, 3 PM

NONPROFIT WORKSHOP AND OPEN HOUSE

Queens Day in Albany, the chamber’s annual visit to the seat of state government, will take place in March.

Check our website regularly as details become available.

For any registration or more information on these events or any other events please call us at 718.898.8500 or visit us on the web queenschamber.org

23

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

CHAMBER HOSTS MEMBERS-ONLY HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE As 2017 wound down to its final days, the Queens Chamber of Commerce celebrated its accomplishments with members and supporters at a holiday party.

The gathering featured hot food, drinks and Christmas music. Even Santa Claus paid a visit, taking photos and chatting with attendees at the celebration,

which took place at the Bulova Corporate Center.

The festivities didn’t stop there. Brendan Leavy, the chamber’s business development manager, even broke out a guitar while others sang along.

It was a picture perfect way to end the year and welcome 2018 for Queens businesses.

GLORIA MEDINA & TAMMY RIVERA

BRETT SWANSON (SANTA CLAUS) & KYLE GRIFFITH

TOMMY DIMISA & THOMAS GRECH

DAVE SUNGHOON, BRENDAN LEAVY & YONG HWA HA

ANTHONY LOPEZ 24

BRETT SWANSON & CHERYL MILLER

January 2018 • Volume 14 • 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.

The 82nd Street Partnership has a robust schedule of events throughout the year, including Viva La Comida, Halloween parade, holiday tree lighting, back-to-school activities, the “A Walk With A Doctor” event. The latter takes place in October through a partnership with Elmhurst Hospital.

Doctors demonstrate life-saving tips in cases of disasters and everyday accidents.

BAYSIDE VILLAGE BID

213-33 39th Avenue, Bayside, NY 11361 Interim Executive Director: James Ellis 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.

Executive Director: John Choe john@flushingchamber.nyc 646.783.8985 flushingchamber.nyc QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 2014 and representing over 200 businesses.

The poster child for hyper-local chambers around the city, GFCC created the Night Market, a lending circle for businesses, and is paving a new path forward for Flushing’s growing population of new immigrants.

Litter in the area is rampant, and the chamber is making it a priority. The chamber is partnering with the city for locations for up to 50 new garbage cans in Downtown Flushing. They will be purchased by the city and maintained by the Department of Sanitation. The chamber is inviting local business owners and residents to provide suggestions for the placement of these heavy-duty garbage cans.

The Greater Flushing Chamber partnered with

member Danny Lye, owner of Danny’s Steakhouse and Oyster Bar and Kakurega Sushi, in organizing this year’s 3rd Annual Holiday Community Meal.

On Christmas Eve, they served more than 300 meals to the less fortunate in Flushing at the historic St. George’s Church, working with volunteers from a number of civic groups, including La Jornada, which organizes a weekly food pantry.

The Chamber will march in the annual Lunar New Year Parda in Downtown Flushing. The parade will take place this year on February 17 at 11 a.m.

GREATER JAMAICA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

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

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.

The chamber is currently planning a new event, the “Forest Hills American Music Festival,” an all-day event highlighting American music from jazz to country. Forest Hills has a rich history in music tied to the concerts at the Forest Hills Stadium going back to the 1960’s.

The Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce hosted its fourth annual Celebrate Winter event on November 27. As part of the chamber’s campaign to “Eat, Shop, Love Forest Hills,” local businesses and organizations gathered under a tent at 71st Road between Austin Street and Queens Boulevard to celebrate the community and promote local businesses.

GREATER FLUSHING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 135-32 38th Ave., Suite 25, Flushing NY 11354

The Greater Jamaica Development Corporation kicked off it’s 50th year with a gala on November 30. GJDC president and CEO Hope Knight (center) honored Thomas Wright, president of the Regional Plan Association, and Tracey Gaven-Bridgman, vice president of operations at Starbucks, for their organization’s work in the revitalization of Jamaica.

25

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES 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, wellplanned, and sustainable metropolitan growth. The chamber just held its 2017 gala on November 30th at the Ritz Carlton, where it celebrated its 50th year.

They honored Starbucks and the Regional Plan Association.

A joint venture has been formed between BRP Companies and Wharton Properties to purchase and develop a site located at 90-02 168th Street. The open-air parking lot north of Jamaica Avenue will become a 500,000-square-foot development with 300 mixed-income residential units.

In addition, the team will develop more than 70,000 square feet of retail space. The project is slated to break ground in the second half of 2018.

President & CEO Hope Knight says it will create jobs and fill a need in Jamaica.

On February 2 at 7:30 p.m., explore the music of Frank Loesser, Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen, Maury Yeston with cabaret artist Jackie Schiffer at the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning, 161-04 Jamaica Avenue.

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

QCA TO WORK WITH BIDS ON ART PROJECTS

Queens Council on the Arts (QCA) received a $75,000 New York State Regional Economic Development Council award, to further economic and community development in Jamaica and Jackson Heights.

QCA’s winning project is the Artist Commissioning in Public Places program, an extension of the existing Artist Commissioning Program (ACP).

With the grant, QCA will implement neighborhood-specific cultural programming in collaboration with the Jamaica Center BID, 82nd Street Partnership and the Queens World Film Festival.

ACP works cement the presence of untold stories that contribute to the American canon.

The works are interpretive creations of dance, music and theater.

Area participants will have the opportunity to gain skills and experience working alongside professionals from the local arts industry in Queens.

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more than 350 businesses under its umbrella.

On Jamaica Avenue from Dexter Court to 100th Street, the BID features six supermarkets. They are providing free benches for store owners along Jamaica Avenue. They also provide 2.5 and 5 percent home improvement loans. The BID again this year hosted a number of holiday events, including a Tree & Menorah Lighting Ceremony and the Welcome Santa to Woodhaven Parade.

JAMAICA CENTER BID

161-10 Jamaica Avenue, Suite 419 Jamaica, NY 11432 718.526.2422 jamaica.nyc @JamaicaAvenue QUICK GLANCE: Budget of over $1 million.

Founded in 1979, the district includes 300 stores on Jamaica Avenue between Sutphin Boulevard and 160th Street in Jamaica. They offer a value card and support business owners in their expansions and openings.

Valerie Stevens is director of Business Services and Operations, supporting member businesses in their marketing efforts. Stevens has been focusing on social media to assist with branding and expansion. The BID is currently looking for a sponsor for their banners and trash can program along Jamaica Avenue.

JFK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

616 Duke Street, Westbury, NY 11590 Executive Director: Mercedes Altman 516.492.0513 www.jfkairportchamberofcommerce.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1978, the group has over 200 members.

JFK Airport is the only airport in the country to have its own chamber of commerce wholly dedicated to the airport business community, which employs 35,000 people. The airport handles more than 50 million passengers a year, using almost a half-million square feet of warehouse space to handle more than a million tons of air freight cargo a year.

On January 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Russo’s on the Bay, the chamber will host a luncheon featuring guest speaker Tyler Morse, CEO and Managing Partner at MCR, the developers of the new TWA Hotel at the airport. The cost is $85.

LONG ISLAND CITY PARTNERSHIP

President: Elizabeth Lusskin 718.786.5300 www.longislandcityqueens.com 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.

The partnership just received a $100,000 grant from Governor Andrew Cuomo to put together a business plan for the development of a Life Sciences and Research Innovation Cluster in LIC. The Partnership is also currently conducting a survey for their general comprehensive plan for LIC. See the plan or complete the survey on their website. People who fill out the survey will be entered in a raffle to win airline tickets courtesy of JetBlue.

On Thursday, January 11, the partnership will hold its 3rd Annual Members Celebration at Manducatis Rustica on Vernon Boulevard. It is only open to partnership members.

MASPETH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

P.O. Box 780265, Maspeth, NY 11378 President: David Dario 718.335.1300 maspethchamberofcommerce.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1953, they have 120 members and a budget of $115,000.

The Chamber meets the second Tuesday of each month at noon at Connolly’s Corner on Grand Avenue. The majority of their budget is spent on holiday lights, banners, beautification and festivals, including replacing the street banners on Grand Avenue. There has recently been a push to form a BID on Grand Avenue.

MIDDLE VILLAGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

Formed in 1929. MVCC meets annually and focuses on the Metropolitan Avenue shopping district between 69 and 80 th streets. Annual membership fee is $150, and they are looking to gain momentum through attracting new members. The mission is to improve the area and assist local businesses if they have any concerns or needs.

Their new initiative is cleaning Metropolitan Avenue and organizing the holiday lights in December to create a festive atmosphere for the community. The MVCC has received grants for street cleaning and are looking for grants for the holiday lights, since some businesses do not support them.

January 2018 • Volume 14 • Issue 1

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES 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.

Funded by Department of Small Business Services, they strive to create and retain jobs via programs that grow neighborhoods and assist small businesses.

QEDC assists by providing one-on-one consultations, hosting workshops, operating training courses and networking events.

The Queens Economic Development Corporation is currently considering applicants for its Made in Queens (MiQ) program. MiQ is a brand and certification promoting local makers and manufacturers, while also sharing their stories and providing growth and networking opportunities.

Currently, MiQ has a website and organizes popup markets around the borough. Small businesses that enjoy the MiQ label include Milene Jardine (chocolate), Queens Thread (apparel), Pepplish Provisions (hot sauce), Sterling Silver Bee (jewelry), and Widad Franco (greeting cards). More can be found at madeinqueens.nyc.

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. Myrtle Avenue pulled out all the stops for Small Business Saturday, with Santa in Town Square and carolers strolling along Myrtle Avenue throughout the day. Executive Director Ted Renz says Myrtle Avenue is a special place during December, when most stores remain open late and music, holiday lights and decorations are up all season long. The Myrtle Avenue Sales Days Guides are out and the sales last all month.

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. RBA seeks to create and curate an inviting atmosphere for all to enjoy year round.

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 group has 30 members.

The RDRC offers employment assistance and improves public spaces with commercial development projects such as the Downtown Far Rockaway Storefront Improvement Act.

STEINWAY STREET BID

25-69 38th Street, Suite 1C, Astoria 11103 Executive Director: Tony Barsamian 718.728.7820 info@steinwaystreet.nyc steinwaystreet.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1991, the BID has over 300 members.

Board meetings are held seven times a year.

The BID’s vision is to make Steinway Street user

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Aigner Chocolates offers a special pricing structure for large and corporate orders. Special pricing is only applicable towards gift boxes and baskets.

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES friendly, while highlighting the local businesses on the street and bringing together the Astoria community in a positive way. The BID works to improve sanitation, marketing, security, holiday lighting, beautification and Internet access along this famous street in Queens.

Melissa Orlando and Sherilyn Jo Sabba. The event is in conjunction with Sunnyside Artists and takes place at Tangra Ballroom at 39-23 Queens Boulevard starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $55.

Eventbrite – Blue Moon Ball Luke Adams.

SUNNYSIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

45-56 43rd Street, Sunnyside, NY 11104 Executive Director: Jaime-Faye Beam 718.606.1800 director@sunnysideshines.org sunnysideshines.org QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $480,000 with more than 250 businesses under its umbrella.

• Workshop: Digital Marketing for Small Business - January 17, 4 p.m.

Sunnyside Community Services 43-31 39th Street This two-hour session will equip you with actionable strategies to start on right away! When you attend this event, you will learn how to optimize your website for SEO, increase sales organi-

PO Box 4399, Sunnyside, NY 11104 President: Patricia Dorfman 718.729.4688 www.sunnyside-chamber.org QUICK GLANCE: 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.

On Tuesday, January 9, the chamber will honor Tony Tang as the Sunnysider of the Year.

They are also giving Impact Awards to Manny Gomez, Meredith Maskara, Ramiro Mendez,

SUNNYSIDE SHINES

cally, obtain new customers and keep existing customers coming back, increase your findability online. Learn how to use social media to engage your customers and attract new customers. Leave with a 38-page digital marketing guide.

The workshop will be conducted by Steven Matt, Director of Digital Marketing at First Data and owner of Digital Marketing agency TellMeYourGoal.com.

• Workshop: Financial Planning for Small Businesses January 24, 2:30 p.m.

Sunnyside Shines Office 45-56 43rd St. Free workshop on financial planning for your business. This one-hour session will help businesses identify and prioritize their risk management, employee benefits, exit planning and personal financial security needs.

The workshop will be conducted by Dimitrios Skretas and Ervin Ileshi of Northwestern Mutual.

LIGHTS, HOLIDAY CHEER RETURN TO AUSTIN STREET

BY JEN KHEDAROO The Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce hosted its fourth annual Celebrate Winter event last month.

As part of the chamber’s campaign to “Eat, Shop, Love Forest Hills,” local businesses and organizations gathered under a tent at 71st Road between Austin Street and Queens Boulevard to celebrate the community and promote local businesses.

In addition to a winter fashion show and live music, attendees sampled food from local restaurants and learned more about the various businesses. The Forest Hills Reindeer also made an appearance, taking photos with families and handing out goodies to children.

This year, the chamber chose the Queens Community House to benefit from the raffle proceeds raised at the event.

“They help everyone, from children to seniors, to people in need to the LGBTQ community,” said chamber president Leslie Brown.

“They look out for everyone in Forest Hills and it spreads throughout Queens.”

Earlier in the day, Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz and Forest Hills Stadium promoters Madison House Presents were honored by the Forest Hills Chamber on Austin Street for bringing the holiday lights back.

“I love the holiday season, it’s a happy time to come and see the lights,” she said. “It’s just wonderful.”

Madison House assists with street cleaning efforts in Forest Hills and Kew Gardens, but

28

last year’s budget was miscalculated and there was a $9,000 surplus. Koslowitz asked Madison House if they were able to donate $9,000 and they agreed to do so.

“They were willing to give us even more

money for more lights,” Koslowitz said, adding that Madison House eventually donated money to provide lights in other communities as well. “Next year, we’re going to have a lot of lights.”

January 2018 • Volume 14 • Issue 1

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WACEY TO LEAD NEXT PHASE OF WCC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

president of Education at WNET, she led a team that produced educational television such as “Ted Talks Education,” and PBS Learning Media, an online educational media for teachers.

As someone who’s been involved in politics and policy, many of the same areas that the WCC has been involved in, Wacey wants to get the word out about the work they’ve been doing that is often behind the scenes.

“It’s really going to be a challenge for us,” she added, noting that the upcoming Women’s March will be an opportunity to broaden their reach.

WCC and its website recently underwent rebranding efforts, but Wacey would still like to increase their online presence more to use technology as a tool to communicate and engage with people and discuss issues online.

She hopes to add a community engagement focus to the WCC website where people can share issues they care about.

“Women’s issues are everyone’s issues, and it’s important to be thinking about how to really present these issues and talk about them in a smart way,” Wacey said. “The need for the WCC is so much greater than ever with so many rights under threat from immigration to healthcare to education to reproductive rights.”

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Statement required by the Act of August 12, 1970, section 3685. Title 39, United States Code, showing the ownership, management and circulation of QueensBorough magazine, published 12 times per year, and owned by the Chamber of Commerce of the Borough of Queens, 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140, Jackson Heights, New York 11370. Statement filed September 1, 2017. Publisher: Chamber of Commerce of the Borough of Queens Editor: Thomas Grech Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding one percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities, none. Extent & nature of circulation: Avg. each issue, Actual single issue, Preceding 13 mos., (Nearest to filing date). Total number of copies 3,712 (3,500). Paid and/or requested circulation: Dealer, carrier sales 1,785 (532), Mail subscriptions, 611 (1,937), Total 2,396 (2,469). Free Distribution By mail 187 (400), By other means 0 (0), Total 187 (400). Total distribution 2,583 (2,869), Office Use, leftover, spoiled 1,129 ( 6 3 1 ) , Return from news agents 0 (0), Total 3,712 (3,500), Percent paid 92.76 (86.05).

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

29

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

EXECUTIVE COMMMITEE Mayra DiRico

Fran Biderman-Gross

Howard Graf

Richard Dzwlewicz

Chairperson

Associate Treasurer

Vice Chairperson

Associate Secretary

Treasurer

Immediate Past President

Henry Wan Nash Roe

Albert F. Pennisi

Thomas J. Grech

Brendan Leavy

President & CEO

Business Development Manager

Sophia Ganosis

Cathy Berger

Development Director

Chief of Operations

Jacqueline Donado

Dorothy Owermohle Bookkeeper

Strategic Program Coordinator

Financial Controller

Membership Outreach Coordinator & Member Engagement

Brett Swanson

Alejandra Espejo

Secretary

CHAIRPERSON’S ADVISORY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE STAFF

William Blake Dominick Ciampa Joseph Farber Louis D. Laurino Joseph M. Mattone, Sr

Franklin F. Regan, Jr. John E. Roe, Sr. George Rozansky Gerard Thornton

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 Andrew Barnes Fran Biderman-Gross Joshua E. Bienstock Michael Billia Willa Brody Kenneth J. Buettner Charles J. Callahan

KY Chow Carol Conslato Sal Crifasi Mayra DiRico Richard Dzwlewicz Thomas Eagar Joseph R. Ficalora

Tamara Gavrielof Howard Graf Raymond Irrera Kenneth Koenig Kelly Koukou Henry Kuykendall Neil Levin

Jeffery E. Levine Carl Mattone Patricia Mezeul Michael Moran Michael Onghai Jeffrey Owens Albert F. Pennisi

Vincent L. Petraro Esq Adam Reece-Cohen Nash Roe Jeffrey Rosenstock Thomas Santucci Mark Scheinberg Caryn Schwab

Sher Sparano Michelle Stoddart Terri Thomson Henry Wan Swain Weiner Patrick Yu Daniel Zausner

CORPORATE MEMBERS AARP Advanced Cardiovascular Diagnostics Age Well New York AKI Development Allied Barton Security Services Alma Bank Alma Realty Corp.

Aloft Long Island City Manhattan View Hotel Aloft Hotel New York LaGuardia Airport Alphapointe Altria Client Services Inc. American Food Basket Amna Construction Corp.

Anchin, Block & Anchin ATCO Properties & Management Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP Bank of America Berkeley College Berkman, Henoch, Peterson, Peddy & Fenchel, PC Bethpage Federal Credit Union Better Home Health Care Blue Ocean Wealth Solutions Borchert & LaSpina, PC Boro Hotel Boyce Technologies Inc. Broadway Stages Building Maintenance Corp.

Capital One Bank Cathay Bank Care Connect Insurance Co. Inc. Carmel Car & Limo Service CDS Mestel Construction

Center for Automotive Education & Training Cerini & Associates Certilman Balin Champion Elevators Chaney Construction & Development Charles Schwab Ciampa Organization City MD City Scrap Metal Cleaning Systems Co. Clickable CoAdvantage Constant Contact Construction Safety Network Inc. Cord Meyer Development LLC Cornell NYC Tech Corporate Development Systems, Inc. Costco Wholesale Court 16, Inc. Courtyard Long Island City CPEX Real Estate Crown Container Cumming Corporation Cushman & Wakefield FedCap D&B Engineers & Architects, PC Daniels Norelli Cecere & Tavel PC DY Reality Services, LLC Dera Restaurants, Inc. Dignity Memorial Funeral Provides of Queens E. Gluck Corporations

East Coast Energy Group Edible Arrangements Elite Palace Elmhurst Hospital Center Emigrant Mortgage Co. Empire Merchants Exit Realty Lewis & Murphy Farrell Fritz, PC Fedcap Fidelis Care New York Financial Resources Brup Investment Services LLC Firecom, Inc. First American International Bank First Central Savings Bank First in Service Staffing Flushing Bank Forest Hills Financial Galaxy Music Productions Inc. Gerard T Dolan Agency Farmers Grand Rehabilitation & Nursing at Queens Greater New York Auto Dealers Association Inc. Greencrown Energy Greenwald Doherty LLP Greiner-Maltz of NY H&R Block HF Management Services Haks Hanover Community Bank Healthplex, Inc. Health Republic Insurance Healthy Corner Pharmacy, Inc. Hilton Garden Inn/ LIC Manhattan View

Holiday Inn LaGuardia Airport Home2Suite LIC Hyatt Place Flushing Ibis Styles New York LaGuardia Airport Hotel INDA Association of Nonwoven Fabric Industry International Asbestos Removal Inc. J.F.A. Insurance Brokerage JRT Realty Group, Inc. James F. Capalino & Associates Jaros Baum & Bolles Jetro Resataurant Depot Kasirer Consulting Inc Kaufman Astoria Studios Inc. Knockout Pest Control LaGuardia Plaza Hotel La Technology Group Lee & Associates Levine Builders Lessing’s Inc. Long Island City Volkswagon Luna Park in Coney Island Lyft Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc. M&T Bank M&V Provisions Co, Inc. MCR Development LLC MTA-Long Island Rail Road Madeline Chocolate Novelties Marriott NYC Airport Hotels Mazars USA LLP Merritt Engineering Consulting PC Metroplus Health Plan Metropolitan Taxi Cab Board

of Trade Melrose Credit Union Metro Franchising Commissary Molloy College Mortgage Depot Moses & Singer LLP Motiva Networks Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens Mr. T Carting Corporation Muss Development Company National Supermarket Association Newtown Creek Trusted PRI USD New York Building Congress New York Business Corp.

New York Life New York Oil Heaing Association Inc. New York Racing Association Northfield Bank Northwell Health Norhstar Mitsubishi NRG Energy Inc. NY Building Congress NY Families for Autistic Children, Inc. NYG/DE Green Partners, LLC Office Depot, Inc. OnForce Solar Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care & Rehab Paper Factory Hotel Patrick B. Jenkins & Associates People’s United Bank Petro Energy Solutions

Portnoy, Messinger, Pearl & Associations, Inc. Prager Metis CPAs, LLC PMBA, Inc. Progressive Waste Solutions Qside Federal Credit Union Quadlogic Controls Corp.

Queens Center Queens Ledger Queensborough Community College Quontic Bank Radisson Hotel JFK Airport Radson Development LLC Register Abstract Co. Inc. Related Retail LP Rent A Throne Rochdale Village Inc. Royal Waste Services Inc. Russo’s On The Bay SL Green Realty Corp.

Sahn Ward Coshchignano PLLC Sandrine Capital LLC Sears Maid Service Sholom & Zuckerbrot Realty LLC Signature Bank Silvercup Studios Simon Baron Development Sleep Numbers Solomon Agency Staples, Inc. St. John’s University Steiner Sports Sterling Risk Strat X IT Solutions Structural Engineering Tech-

nologies PC Suffolk County National Bank Suation Solar Systems Super-Tek, Products, Inc. Terrace on the Park The New York Times The Parc Hotel The Parking Spot Trinity Solar TSC Training Academy LLC Tully Construction Co. Inc. United Airlines United Health Care United Nations Federal Credit Union United Public, Adjusters & Appraisers, Inc. US Security Care USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Valley National Bank Van Guard Insurance Agency Verizon VHB Engineering Surveying & Landscape Architecture Victory Pharmacy Villa Russo Venture House Vornado Realty Trust Waste Management of NY LLC Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Welllife Network WeWork York College Zwanger Pesiri Radiology LLP

COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATIONS Joshua Bienstock NYIT bienlaw@aol.com ENERGY Marshall Haimson E-Capital Development marshall@e-capitaldevelopment.com James Sheuchenko PM Advisors js@pmadvisors.com HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS Susan Browning Long Island Jewish Forest Hills sbrowning1@northwell.edu Evangeline Rosado-Tripp Queens County Medical Society ertripp@queensmedicalsociety.org

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HOSPITALITY Jim Quent Statewide Public Affairs jquent@statewidepublicaffairs.com Michael Zayas Real Hospitality Group michael.zayas@rhgcorp.com MANUFACTURING Geoffrey Smith NY Grant Company Geoffrey@nygrants.com Thomas Powell Boyce Technologies tpowell@boycetechnologies.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 Michael Wang G8 Real Estate / Flushing Chamber mwang121@gmail.com TECHNOLOGY Bobby Giurintano TGI Office Automation bgiurintano@tgioa.com Eugene Erichsen Connect Me Voice Eugene@connectmevoice.com

TRANSPORTATION Kris Amato TD Bank Kristin.amato@td.com Tammy Petsios VHB tpetsios@vhb.com 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.

January 2018 • Volume 14 • Issue 1 MAJOR CORPORATE MEMBERS

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