This Is Queensborough July 2017

July 2017 . Volume 13 . Issue 7

UPWARD MOBILITY BEHIND THE SUCCESS OF VAUGHN COLLEGE

INSIDE: • FIND YOUR ‘WHY’ WITH ADVANTAGES • STARTUP TACKLES HOME IMPROVEMENT • CHAMBER TALKS SUNNYSIDE YARDS VAUGHN COLLEGE PRESIDENT SHARON B. DEVIVO

GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING AT VALLEY! Welcome to higher CD Rates

1.25

%

APY

12 MONTH CD

Other great CD rates available.

Visit one of our conveniently located branches in Brooklyn and Queens.

®

800-522-4100 valleynationalbank.com

Offer only available in Brooklyn and Queens branch locations and may be withdrawn or modified without prior notice. Minimum deposit $500. The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is effective and accurate as of 6/30/2017. Early withdrawal penalties may be imposed and the fee could reduce principal. See a Valley representative for complete terms and conditions. © 2017 Valley National Bank®. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender. All Rights Reserved. VCS-7582

8.75 x11.5_VNB Higher CD Rates Ad_Queensborough.indd 2

6/22/17 10:34 AM

July 2017 • Volume 13 • Issue 7

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Retaining Our Students After Graduation

Queens County is home to 13 universities, trade schools, and community colleges. As the most diverse borough in the country, we speak over 150 languages, with 48 percent of the students in Queens universities being foreign-born. Take a look at the ethnic composition of two CUNY schools, Queens College and York College, which illustrate that diversity.

With such profound statistics as those above, the

question beckons: Where are these students going after college graduation? As the economic engine of the borough, one of the goals and vision of the Queens Chamber is to help make sure these students not only stay in Queens after graduation, but have available jobs enabling them to use their talents near the university they graduated from.

We are excited to share that the city and state provision to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s “Excelsior Scholarship Plan” supports our vision. To those unfamiliar, this “free tuition plan” is available to college students with family incomes of less than $100,000 once they

have been accepted to any CUNY or SUNY campus. of the state which has provided them with a free eduThis is an enormous help to students seekcation. However, what if the student is ing higher education who do not come from not immediately employed in the state significant financial means. of New York following graduation?

Specifically, under Governor Cuomo’s We all know how difficult it is to get a plan, a student may be eligible for the job in New York City to begin with, so Excelsior Scholarship if he or she meets should we realistically tell a recent grad five criteria: to turn down a meaningful offer in New • Is an undergraduate who is a U.S. citiJersey if he or she is unable to secure zen or eligible noncitizen; employment in New York State? These • Resides in New York State for one year questions will undoubtedly be answered prior to enrollment; as this program is implemented.

• Has a family adjusted gross income that MAYRA DIRICO While there are certainly many condoes not exceed $100,000; QCC PRESIDENT siderations for students to consider • Completes thirty credits per year; and when making the decision to stay in • Maintains a minimum grade-point averNew York City, the city must make a age to qualify. more concerted effort to help our students get jobs.

However, this comes with an important caveat. Yes, we are arguably the most competitive city in Under a provision that was added to the tuition bill at the country, but if we are incentivizing students to the last moment, students who qualify for and receive be educated and work in the city, we need to be sure free tuition at CUNY and SUNY schools must live the jobs are available and that students know how to and work in New York State for up to four years after find them. graduation, or be forced to pay the money back.

The Queens Chamber of Commerce applauds the For policy reasons and at first glance, this provision initiatives set forth by the city and state, and will pasis solid: Students should be required, at least for a sionately be the liaison between universities and the certain duration of time, to contribute to the economy work market to bridge that gap.

A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Evolving Value of a College Education Summer is now in full-swing! School is out and vacations are on the horizon. Congratulations to all the students who have graduated and to their parents who have supported them along the way.

As this month’s theme is education, I want to discuss several initiatives the Queens Chamber is working on and has been taking part in.

ating from college was the norm. Now, a college degree alone is not sufficient to compete. Students walking the traditional path must aim to pursue higher education, whether that be a degree from graduate school, law school, or medical school.

It seems as if the tide is now turning. With the increase of automation, artificial intelligence, and diluted job From Then to Now markets, students are being forced to THOMAS J. In today’s economic landscape, espepursue the trades and more creatives GRECH cially in New York City, the traditional outlets for making a paycheck. StuEXECUTIVE route of elementary school-middle dents are turning to specialized trade school-high school-college is not what schools and community colleges to DIRECTOR it once was. While this system used to make that return on investment. be the norm, it no longer applies in the The Queens Chamber is making a same sense. concerted effort to not only acknowledge this trend, In the past century, our society has undergone but provide the options to students who wish to a massive transformation in how we view our take a non-traditional route. education policy. In the early to mid-1900s, going to college was a rarity. For those lucky enough to Workforce Development have the time and money to be admitted, a colPut simply, the term “workforce development” lege graduate’s earning potential was significantly means being “job ready”; i.e. being prepared and higher than anyone in a trade school. specifically trained for the job at hand. As I drive Then came the late 20th century, where gradu- through the borough, I inevitably catch glimpses

of the vast amount of “Help Wanted” signs. One of the primary goals of the Queens Chamber is to identify these opportunities and work with the universities, colleges, community colleges, and trade schools to be able to best gather and analyze this information.

“Job readiness” not only applies to academic and technical skills; it also applies to the intangibles such as people skills and language skills.

The Queens Chamber is rallying businesses, high schools, and all places of higher education to make sure our students are graduating as prepared as possible to deal with the ultra-competitive economic landscape.

Incubating Spaces and Entrepreneurship

As an adjunct professor of Entrepreneurship for nearly seven years, I am the first to point out that it is very difficult to be successful as a business owner and entrepreneur. Due to this realization, I have made one of the Queens Chamber’s major tenets helping these entrepreneurs.

An example of this is partnering with Queens College in setting up the Queens College Tech Incu-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

3

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS QUIPS Report: city’s commercial recycling rates dismally low

Despite new commercial recycling rules intended to make recycling easier and more transparent for New York City businesses, the commercial sanitation industry failed to meaningfully increase recycling in 2016.

New York’s commercial recycling rate remains a disappointingly low 22 percent. The low rate along with photographic evidence suggests that some private waste haulers and processors are illegally landfilling materials intended for recycling.

QC professor off to Zealandia

TREE OF LIFE CENTER

Based on a review of official reports from the approximately 30 area waste and recycling facilities primarily handling commercial waste, Transform Don’t Trash NYC finds that the industry recycles less than a quarter of the commercial waste stream.

New York City’s commercial recycling rate is significantly lower than the 35 percent national average recycling rate, and lags far behind leading cities such as San Jose and Seattle, which have reported commercial recycling rates of 77 and 62 percent in recent years, and San Francisco which has reported a 58 percent overall diversion rate.

Tree of Life project takes root in Jamaica First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica, the oldest continuously serving Presbyterian church in the United States, and First Jamaica Community & Urban Development Corporation broke ground on one of the largest development proj-

ects in Queens this month.

The $74 million Tree of Life Center in Downtown Jamaica will have 174 residential units, a 15000-square-foot health center and 9,500 square feet of community space facility.

The project is a mix of studio, one, two, and three bedrooms. Rents will be affordable to households with maximum income limits ranging from $31,750 to $66,550 for an individual and from $40,800 to $85,470 for a family of three.

“This construction of 174 units of affordable housing will complement our Jamaica NOW Action Plan currently underway for the revitalization and smart growth of Downtown Jamaica,” said Borough President Melinda Katz.

Soccer star expands youth academy to Queens Queens College Professor Stephen Pekar, a professor of earth and environmental science and resident of Forest Hills, will embark next month on a two-month-long international voyage to explore not Atlantis, but a real-life lost continent. Called Zealandia because of its location off New Zealand, this huge sunken land mass is considered “the eighth continent.” The 30 scientists from a dozen nations who will be on board hope to find clues to our current global warming. Pekar, who grew up in the Rockawayss, has traveled to Antarctica four times and visited 50 countries.

Young soccer players will soon have the Queens has a lot of people passionate about opportunity to meet and train soccer.” with an international soccer Villa came to the United States legend. David Villa, a World as the first player to sign with Cup champion from Spain and NYCFC in 2014. He holds the current captain of the New York record for most international goals City Football Club (NYCFC), scored for the Spanish National is bringing his DV7 Soccer Team and boasts 14 titles in total.

Academy to the Upper 90 Soccer He hopes his presence will help Store in Astoria. inspire the next generation of “I’m always happy when I soccer players from this country. come here to play with the kids,” “My feeling is they love soccer,” DAVID VILLA he said. “We want to bring our Villa said. “This sport is amazing culture to the most kids possible and they need to play well and in Astoria. It’s a really good location because grow day by day.”

TABLE OF CONTENTS Promotions, Announcements & Appointments ........................................5

Chamber Discusses Future of Sunnyside Yards With EDC ..............................18

A Message From Congresswoman Grace Meng .....................................6

Partners/Affiliates ............................................................................................................19

July Focus: Vaughn College ............................................................................8

New Members ...................................................................................................................23

Queens Chamber of Commerce July Events ...........................................12 Expert Branding With Advantages .............................................................15

PUBLISHER Walter H. Sanchez

MANAGING EDITOR Shane Miller

Nonprofit News: West Side Tennis Club Foundation ............................16

CHAMBER EDITOR Brett Swanson

MARKETING DIRECTOR John Sanchez

Queens Startup FixMe Shaking Up Home Improvement ...................17 4

July 2017 • Volume 13 • Issue 7

GOVERNMENT NEWS Uplifting Communities By Supporting Local Business Improvement Districts Downtown Flushing is a highly cil that would require that the city competitive commercial district and develop a plan for helping businessvibrant transportation hub that has es and owners in BIDs purchase gone through rapid change in recent solar energy systems. In general, years. We are in the midst of an eco- customers would be able to obtain nomic resurgence that better prices for solar has brought new jobs, installations if they businesses, residents seek installation coland infrastructure, and lectively. it is essential that we Use of solar power have the right services has shown long-term to handle this influx of benefits to both the people. environment and to the Over the years, bottom line of busiI have increased the nesses. As an industry, amount of funding my PETER KOO solar is growing rapidoffice has allocated to COUNCIL MEMBER ly, so we must be sure the Downtown Flushthat this in-demand ing Business Improvement District technology is obtainable by our for this precise reason. All told, mom-and-pop stores. between the BID, Department of The ability to obtain a bulk purSanitation and additional servic- chasing discount is just another way es, my office has allocated nearly we as a city can continue to push to $800,000 over the past eight years incentivize green industries, while for sanitation in Council District 20. at the same time, supporting small In congested urban locations, business. business improvement districts are In addition to our work to expand the lifeline for small businesses. the BID, I have worked closely with They provide sanitation and main- the city to push for the long-awaittenance, public safety, traffic man- ed Main Street sidewalk widenagement, beautification, streetscap- ing. This project is currently undering, business marketing, and pro- way and is expected to completely motional opportunities. reconstruct the roadways on Main The current boundary of the Street, and widen the sidewalks by Flushing BID is centered on the as much as eight feet in some areas. area’s most congested transit hub The ultimate goal of this sideat Main Street and Roosevelt Ave- walk widening is to create a friendnue – the second busiest pedes- lier business district for pedestrians trian intersection in New York City. and the businesses who rely on foot Recently, we announced a proposed traffic. It’s no secret that traffic over expansion to the outlying areas on the past several months has suffered Union Street, College Point Boule- because of this ongoing construcvard and the connecting streets. tion, but the short term pain will Giving these businesses access to pave the way for a long term gain. the BID’s sanitation and marketing We expect to cut the ribbon on our services will provide a valuable new sidewalks this summer. boost to their operations and to our Taking care of our business comcommunity. munity is of paramount importance.

With such high pedestrian vol- I will continue working to make ume from cars, buses, trains and this a priority of my office in the businesses, trash buildup is inevi- years to come. table, but by expanding the BID, we can be sure that these useful Councilman Peter Koo represent services reach even more areas of the 20th Council District. His office our community. is at 135-27 38 Ave, Suite 388, in To support the BID, I recently Flushing. Reach his staff at (718) introduced a bill in the City Coun- 888-8747.

Host Your Next Event at

Carneseca Arena Fixed Area Seating: 5,453 Perfect for: Conference Performance Expo

Little Theatre Fixed Area Seating: 411 Perfect for: Theatrics Performances Ceremonies

Faculty Club Seating for 64 Perfect for: Dinner Luncheon Social Affairs

D’Angelo Center Classrooms Capacities Varying from 40 - 144 Perfect for: Workshops Seminars Professional Development Training

Call 718.990.2027 for a quote today!

St. John’s University | 8000 Utopia Parkway Queens, NY 11439

www.stjohns.edu/conference-services

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org Email your announcement or promotion to info@thisisqueensborough.com

PROMOTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS Scacco honored by senior center St. John’s NYPQ to partner on health

NYPQ president Jaclyn Mucaria and Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw of STJ.

Lina Scacco with Michael Wang of the Nan-Shan Senior Center.

Lina Scacco, assistant vice president for Corporate Outreach and Development at Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, was honored at the Queens Nan-Shan Senior Center dinner in Flushing. Scacco received the “Community Service Award” for her continued support

of the senior center over recent years.

Scacco is responsible for all corporate communications and management of the Institute’s Community Health Service Divisions at Parker Jewish Institute, a leading provider of Short Term Rehabilitation and Long Term Care.

At a signing ceremony held at St. John’s University, the school and NewYork-Presbyterian Queens entered into an agreement to explore new opportunities to collaborate in health care services,

DeStasio elected

Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140 Jackson Heights, N.Y. 11370-1131

Northwell head a top CEO

Northwell Health’s Michael Dowling has been named one of the Highest Rated CEOs of 2017 by the job site Glassdoor. Dowling earned a Glassdoor Employees’ Choice Award and debuted at No. 67 overall, fourth among health care executives nationally and the top Long Island business leader.

The Glassdoor list highlights top leaders who employees love working for in countries throughout North America and parts of Europe. Dowling received an impressive 91 percent approval rating based on the anonymous and voluntary reviews shared by Northwell Health employees on Glassdoor’s website throughout the past year. That’s compared with an average CEO approval rating of 67

6

percent among the 700,000 companies reviewed on Glassdoor.

“I’m honored to be recognized for my leadership by Northwell employees,” said Dowling. “The truth is employees at every level are truly the lifeblood of our health system.”

community wellness, academic programs, research efforts and educational endeavors between the two long-serving metropolitan institutions.

The two institutions have already collaborated on areas of sports medicine and public health awareness, and are expanding the partnership to better serve the Queens community.

Administrator for the law firm of Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP (VMM) Theresa DeStasio, a resident of Whitestone and member of the Association of Legal Administrators, Long Island Chapter (ALA-Long Island), has been elected by the organization as 2017-2019 co-chairperson of its Public Relations/Membership committee. She will be responsible for informing the legal community about the benefits of ALA membership and promoting the chapter, with an emphasis on increasing membership.

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.

Schneps Communications assumes no liability for the content or reply to any ads.

The advertiser assumes all liability for the content of and all replies. The advertiser agrees to hold the QUEENSBOROUGH and its employees harmless from all cost, expenses, liabilities, and damages resulting from or caused by the publication or recording placed by the advertiser or any reply to any such advertisement.

Published by BQE Media 45-23 47th Street, 2nd Floor Woodside 11377• 718.426.7200 Send articles & photos to:

queensboroughmagazine@queensledger.com

July 2017 • Volume 13 • Issue 7

GOVERNMENT NEWS

“

Fighting for Small Businesses in Washington Tax Break: Allows landlords, restaurants and retailers to recover the costs of renovations to commercial buildings over 15 years, a much quicker period of time than the law previously allowed.

In addition, I’ve worked with the Queens Chamber, federal and city agencies, local development corporations and business improvement districts to sponsor several workshops and forums – from Ridgewood to Flushing – to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses, start a new one and better navigate resources available to them.

The most recent numbers of a two-year snapshot showed that over 300 small businesses in my district received $101.6 million in SBA backed (7a and 504) loans, directly contributing to the expansion of small businesses in our local economy.

I have also been privileged to meet with and visit so many exceptional small businesses in Queens.

I am proud to “shop small” and support Small Business Week and Small Business Saturday.

Previously, I brought then-SBA Administrator Maria ContrerasSweet to Queens, where we toured local small businesses. Her trip here allowed her to meet and speak with local business owners, hear their concerns and experience the vibrancy and success of our borough’s entrepreneurs.

Earlier this year, I became a member of the House Appropriations Committee, the panel responsible for funding federal agencies, programs, and projects within the United States government. This new committee assignment puts me in an even stronger position to assist small businesses, and I will work to ensure that agencies and programs designed to assist small businesses are adequately funded.

In closing, I want to thank the

“

Thank you to the Queens Cham- on. ber of Commerce for the opportuMany entrepreneurs in Queens nity to address local small business have also highlighted the need owners. for a Small Business As the daughter of Development Center Queens small business (SBDC) in the Northowners, I know firsteast section of the borhand the critical role ough, and I have been that small businesses working to secure such play here in our bora facility for the area. ough.

In the meantime howSmall businesses ever, I, in conjunction bring investment and with LaGuardia Cominnovation to community College, have munities. They create arranged for SBDC jobs, provide imporservices to be available tant services and conat the Flushing branch tribute to the local tax GRACE MENG of the Queens Library.

CONGRESS MEMBER base.

Each week, an adviAfter I was first sor is on hand to assist sworn-in to Congress, I fought small businesses with everything for and won a seat on the House from training and access to capital Small Business Committee, and I to help with marketing, advertising, used the position to make national business plan development and a small business policies relevant to host of other services. AppointQueens so that I could help make ments are required and can be owning and operating a small busi- made by calling (718) 482-5303. ness easier for entrepreneurs.

I am also constantly searching It’s imperative that federal offi- for ways to improve the playing cials in Washington listen to and field for small businesses. Late understand the needs of small busi- last year, I was pleased to pass a ness owners, which is why one measure into law that requires the of my first major initiatives while SBA to provide annual updates on serving on the committee was to regulatory changes affecting small help spearhead a rare small busi- business contracting, a move that ness subcommittee field hearing will make it easier for small busiat Queens College. The hearing nesses to apply for and receive examined why many small busi- government contracts. nesses owners struggle to make use I have been proud to advocate of federal programs. and vote for legislation that made After hearing testimony from permanent several tax breaks local entrepreneurs about the need which Congress has traditionally for more creative credit solutions, only renewed on a temporary basis. the Small Business Administra- These include: tion (SBA) implemented changes • Research and Development to expand small-business own- (R&D) Credit: Tax credit for ers’ access to SBA loans. These research and development costs improvements included making it for start-ups and established busieasier for small businesses to apply nesses that are designed to spur and be approved for SBA-backed innovation and research. loans, allowing entrepreneurs to • Small Business Expensing: combine personal and business Increases expensing limits for small credit scores for SBA loans, and businesses under section 179 of the announcing a new electronic lend- tax code by allowing entrepreneurs ing platform to make loan process- to expense up to $500,000, up from ing simpler. I was glad to see the $25,000, for equipment costs.

SBA tackle these problems head• Landlord, Restaurant, Retailer

SMALL BUSINESSES BRING INVESTMENT AND INNOVATION TO COMMUNITIES. THEY CREATE JOBS, PROVIDE IMPORTANT SERVICES AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE LOCAL TAX BASE.

Queens Chamber of Commerce for its partnership in connecting local entrepreneurs with the resources they need, and I applaud the outstanding work and advocacy that the Chamber provides on behalf of Queens small businesses.

Small businesses are the economic engine of our economy here in Queens and across the nation, and America’s prosperity is dependent on their success. It is vital that government be a strong partner in helping small businesses grow and thrive, and I look forward to championing even more initiatives to help entrepreneurs succeed.

Congresswoman Grace Meng represent the 6th Congressional District.

Her Northeast Queens office is at 40-13 159th Street, Suite A, in Flushing.

Reach the office at (718) 358-MENG (6364).

7

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

JULY FOCUS: HIGHER EDUCATION

Earning Their Wings: A Look Inside Vaughn College

BY SHANE MILLER

F

entrepreneurial, so we have a lot that have started their own companies.”

But DeVivo rankles at the thought of Vaughn College being thought of as a “trade school.”

She notes that Vaughn is a four-year university that educates its students in a broad curriculum, including history and communications. The difference is its students are focused on careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics

DeVivo said. “So we’re seeing a growing population of females on campus.”

DeVivo said many of their students discover Vaughn while researching careers in the aviation industry and word of mouth, but soon the college will start to work with area high schools and reach out to juniors and seniors who are interested in attending Vaughn, preparing them with the necessary courses to be successful once they arrive at the school.

Vaughn also recently received a grant from JetBlue to purchase a new flight simulator. It will be used by approximately 70 high school students who will be at the school over the summer in an effort to draw them into the aviation industry.

ew of the people sitting on the planes landing on LaGuardia Airport’s Runway 22 probably realize that just a few hundred feet below them the next generation of men and women who will get them safely around the globe are being trained at Vaughn College.

Those include the obvious positions, such as pilots and air-traffic controllers, but also the airport managers and plane mechanics.

Over the years, Vaughn College has also expanded its engineering and technology offerings with great success. The school’s Robotics Club won the prestigious VEX U World Robotics Competition last recent report by The Equality year, the Unmanned Aerial Vehiof Opportunity Project found cles Club placed second in an interthat Vaughn students had the national drone competition, and the highest upward mobility rate of 2,137 school added a 3-D printing lab. In colleges studied nationwide. In other fact, the robotics team used the lab words, 57 percent of Vaughn stuto make parts for its championshipdents move up two or more income winning robot. brackets upon graduation, while 47 “Composite materials are going percent of Vaughn graduates end up to change the nature of not only among the top 20 percent of the aviation, but everything,” said colhighest earners in the United States. lege president Dr. Sharon B. DeViAccording to DeVivo, the average vo. “This whole idea of just-in-time Vaughn President Sharon B. DeVivo withrecent graduate Monica Vanterpool. family income of new Vaughn stuprinting. I need a rotor blade, I go dents is just $33,000 per year. down to the shop and four hours A lot of that success can be attriblater I come back and I have a rotor blade.

– or STEM – fields. uted to the attention Vaughn College places on For example, the college’s new library has a work readiness. As soon as their third semester, n 1939, Mayor Fiorello La Guardia finally writing center on the second floor staffed by two students are being prepped for life after Vaughn opened his dream airport in north Queens. One full-time professors available to assist students through a career development course. Ninetyyear later, he convinced his World War I flying through every step of the writing process, from eight percent of Vaughn graduates are in a posicomrade Casey S. Jones to move his aeronautics developing a thesis to the finished product. Any tion within a year of graduating, 80 percent of school from Newark to a site overlooking the air- student can make an appointment for help or just them in their chosen field. port across the Grand Central Parkway, promising drop in.

“They working on their LinkedIn profiles, their Jones he would build a new school for him. resumes, their interview skills, and we want them He agreed, and the Casey Jones School of aughn’s students tend to come from the to start that early because we want them to try for Aeronautics had a new home in Queens. In five boroughs (38 percent from Queens), internships,” DeVivo said. “The career placement 2004, the name was changed to Vaughn College and 80 percent of the student body is office is intentionally next to admissions because of Aeronautics and Technology to pay hom- minority. Many come from immigrant families, we are trying to make the strong connection age to co-founder George Vaughn, who was the and are often the first person in their family to go between professional aspirations and being at second-ranked flying ace of WWI. Today, Vaughn to college.

Vaughn.” educates 1,500 students in a variety of academic DeVivo says the student body is still primarAs if on cue, graduating senior Monica Vanterprograms related to the airline and transportation ily male, but that is slowly changing. When she pool passes DeVivo in the hallway and gets a industry. arrived at the school in 1996 as a member of the big hug from her college president. Between her “What’s great about the aviation industry is Communications Department, the student body junior and senior years, Vanterpool interned with any job you can think of exists – law, insurance, was just 4 percent female. Today, it’s 14 percent. Toyota, an experience that led to a job offer before medical, manufacturing, management – I mean “What’s interesting is they’ve done studies she even had a diploma in hand. In just days, she just about anything,” DeVivo recently told This that show that boys like to get into engineering would be leaving for Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Is Queensborough in a 65-foot observation tower/ because of the toys and girls get into engineering start her new career. student lounge with a panoramic view of the because they can make a difference, they want to “It’s so gratifying to see a student succeed,” nearby airport. “And our students tends to be very be able to change the world and do it themselves,” DeVivo said. “It’s what’s kept me here so long.”

A

I

V

8

July 2017 • Volume 13 • Issue 7

JULY FOCUS: HIGHER EDUCATION

From Vaughn College to the Top of the Tower As a young girl Jessenia Diaz dreamed of seeing the world, and she figured the best way to do that would be to become a flight attendant. That is until she read an article about air traffic controllers. “I figured I could have this great career and see the world,” she said.

After a little research she found Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology. For a Brooklyn girl whose family couldn’t afford to send her away for an education, the school was a match made in heaven.

“It was close to home, and the experience was great because it’s a small college,” Diaz said.

“The teachers are more like mentors because a lot of them are also professionals. They bring the real world into the classroom.”

In 2011, she graduated with a degree in airport management and found herself at the FAA training academy in Oklahoma City.

After over three months of intense air traffic controller training, she received her placement: JFK Airport. The Brooklyn girl was returning home.

“I couldn’t believe it, I had to call three times just to make sure it wasn’t a mistake,” said Diaz, who is still in the tower guiding pilots in and out of Queens. “I love it, no day is the same.”

As for those dreams of seeing the world?

“I’ve been traveling ever since I became a certified controller,” she said. “I enjoy it every chance I get.”

An Overview of Business Progams Across the Borough Queensborough Community College As part of the QCC Business Academy, the college participates in mock trials and supports Fed Challenge Teams that allow for students to play the role of monetary policymakers. The Business Administration Associate in Science Degree (AS) provides a strong background in liberal arts and sciences and a broad overview of the business field. It is designed for students intending to transfer to a four-year college to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business.

level of instruction required, utilizing the finest, most up-to-date, training resources. Instruction is offered in the Automotive Technician Training Program, which is recognized by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. During the student’s last course at NYADI, the Placement Department will begin assisting students in a search for an auto technician career, providing an automotive technician career development seminar, letters of recommendation, assistance in resume writing and job interview techniques.

Queens College Queens College offers three majors that lead to a Bachelor of Business Administration. Students in the BBA program choose to specialize in Finance, International Business, or Actuarial Studies for Business. In addition to BBA major, students can choose to enroll in the Business and Liberal Arts (BALA) minor program, which promotes critical thinking, problem solving, and effective writing and speaking skills.

St. John’s University Business major have a wide choice in programs, including accounting, actuarial science, business, economics, finance, management, marketing, risk management and insurance.

The university gears its programs towards realworld applications through their credit internships, partnering with AXA Advisors, MSG, Pricewaterhouse Cooper, and Warner Music Group, to name a few. The Student Managed Investment Funds was created to give students experience managing a portfolio prior to entering the work force.

York College At York College, the Business Administration major consists of five concentrations: Human Resource Management, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, and International Business. Internships can be found through the Department of Career Development.

NY Automotive and Diesel Institute The Institute strives to provide the highest

Plaza College The Plaza College School of Business and Technology offers degrees in Business Administration, Associate of Applied Science, and Associate in Occupational Studies. Each program specializes in and provides real-world application and gives students the confidence to lead the way post-graduation. Regardless of

what students choose to major in, Plaza College offers aid through Student Services and Career Services to guarantee the best experience.

LaGuardia Community College The college’s program is ideal for students who want to receive a strong foundation in the basic areas of business. LaGuardia offers course sequences in Business Administration, Aviation Management, and Healthcare Management. Students will receive strong application in accounting, management, finance and marketing, then later complete an internship that will connect classwork to the business world. LaGuardia’s advisement team helps students explore their majors and prepare a career plan.

Vaughn College The General Management Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree is a four-year program that meets the need for qualified managers across a broad spectrum of industries. This flexible program enables students to work with their advisors to design their own concentration in nontraditional degrees, such as aeronautical engineering technology. The program includes a required internship opportunity which provides valuable hands-on experience. An internship fair is held every fall at Vaughn College and is hosted by the Office of Career Services. Other programs include the Airline Management Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree and Airport Management Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree.

9

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

JULY FOCUS: HIGHER EDUCATION

LGCC Center Focuses on Turning Grads Into Professionals

BY BENJAMIN FANG LaGuardia Community College’s Center for Career and Professional Development is focused on three pillars: career planning, exploration, and professional development and employment services.

According to director Jessica Perez, the center engages with students right away.

“We help students with their career and professional development from the moment they’re accepted at LaGuardia,” she said, “to the point that they’re alumni of the institution.”

Many students come into the school unsure about what they want to choose for their major.

Along with academic advisement, the career services team helps students with “self-discovery” and identify skills and values that best match a specific career path.

Perez said they sometimes don’t see students until their “capstone,” a seminar they take before graduation. Some walk into the center a week after graduation to begin their job search, which Perez said is not the best approach.

“We’re trying to avoid that,” she said, “and educate students to be more proactive versus reactive.”

With the professional development pillar, Perez said the center offers resume help, mock interviews and even services to improve a candidate’s LinkedIn or digital profiles.

LaGuardia recently began a “digital badging” program that teach students both soft skills to be more employable and the technical abilities. About 30 students participated in the program in its pilot year, and hope to expand it in the fall.

“The students we had in the program have moved on to get permanently hired here at the college at departments,” Perez said. “They have made large contributions, like recreating the database for inventory for all the computers.”

When students move on to the employment services phase, LaGuardia Community College hosts a job fair every semester, including a virtual job fair this past semester. Through networking and connections, the college even brings recruiters to campus to interview students for jobs.

Onika Richards, an employment relations specialist with the career center, said one challenge students face is matching the exact skills employers are looking for.

“It’s a challenge to acquire those skills right out of school,” Richards said. “Their employability goes down and the become discouraged.”

A potential solution, Richards said, is making sure students develop specific skill sets when they’re in college. The center hosts “career chats and info sessions,” bringing in employers from specific fields to talk about what it’s like to work in the industry and what students should do now to prepare for the field.

Perez estimates that roughly 80 percent of students at LaGuardia transfer to a four-year school to continue their education.

The center, however, keeps working to help students and alumni alike. Between last September and July, Perez said the center has helped 455 students find a full-time or part-time job in their fields.

Richards advised students to start the job search process early. Getting an internship while still in school is also important, she said.

“Either that can become a full-time job, or you can leverage the experience when you’re looking for a full-time job,” she said.

She also said students should network and make connections, not just with professors, but also with staff members from the center.

“A lot of students still don’t know the career center exists, you need those networks,” Richards said.

“They’re not going to find it on Monster, those days are long gone.”

Queens Startup Revolutionizes Home Improvement Industry

FixMe, a Queens-based community home improvement service, strives to connect with local people, small businesses, nonprofits and veteran organizations. According to co-founder and Marine Corps vet Christian Valencia, the motivated team is what drives this company forward.

“Five Queens College students came together and wanted to provide an honest and transparent home improvement service for our neighbors,” Christian said.

“We have a very diverse team with many different skills sets that allow us to establish relationships with home and small business owners.

“Our team of thoroughly vetted and high-quality contractors can tackle any home improvement job,” he added. “We are a product of Queens and want to leave our neighborhoods better than how we found them.”

When it comes to home improvement, many homeowners fall victims to unfair prices, dishonest contractors, and unnecessary costly disputes. These projects end up either dangerous and poor quality

10

or never performed at all.

FixMe aims to provide a solution to this problem with a rigorous vetting process for contractors and transparent estimates for projects. The FixMe team provides oversight on the project from start to finish, so homeowners can rest assured their home or business is in safe hands.

Meanwhile, FixMe partners with local hardware and supply stores to provide homeowners high quality products at an affordable price.

“I have been living in Queens almost my entire life and want to add value to the community and give back,” says CEO Abdul Rahman.

The FixMe team has built an innovative and efficient web platform at www.fixmeny.com. There, homeowners can request home improvement projects by providing contact information and details of the project with images.

Projects can range from bathroom remodeling to HVAC system maintenance and replacement.

Homeowners can also request smaller projects, like window

blind installation or painting services. Once homeowners submit a request, FixMe will match them to vetted and licensed contractors. It’s that simple.

“We believe that we are in the forefront of making home improvement services simpler, safer and

more transparent between homeowners and contractors,” says Rahman. “FixMe will become an integral part of many of our users’ daily lives.”

Reach FixMe at (347) 690-0466 or info@fixmeny.com.

Maspeth Federal Savings A Bank with a Big Heart and a Mission to Give Back

Since 1947, Maspeth Federal Savings has played a vital role in keeping Queens vibrant through community events and employee volunteerism, local and personalized banking, and smart lending practices that have helped customers and small businesses meet their financial goals. Unlike other financial institutions who bombard you with fees, Maspeth Federal focuses on the customer & their needs.

Led by President & CEO, Thomas Rudzewick, Maspeth Federal makes it their mission to continue to pilot the Rudzewick legacy at MFS – a legacy of devotion and diligence.

“We do this because we live in the communities we serve - we are your neighbors, associates, customers and friends. We believe that by giving back we’re helping our communities remain healthy and strong,” said Tom Rudzewick, President and CEO of Maspeth Federal.

in Middle Village since its inception. Community sponsorship doesn’t end there; the Bank also hosts FREE summer concerts and movie nights to bring the community together in a fun way!

Maspeth Federal is also invested in helping local small businesses grow through convenient products and services and small business loans. They take it one step further through their involvement in local civic organizations. For example, Senior Vice President & COO, David Daraio is President of the Maspeth Chamber of Commerce and helps to guide and support economic development and small business growth! “We’re not a faceless bank; we focus on the customer, and we do it well. We care about your financial future, “said Daraio. “It’s important for businesses to recognize that they’re an important piece of the community. They’re the strength of our communities, and we take pride in investing in them,” said Daraio, who grew up in Maspeth, and has been with MFS for nearly 25 years.

"We believe that by giving back we’re helping our communities remain strong” Tom Rudzewick Maspeth Federal knows their customers by name and - for many - have been there for all their financial milestones.

From first savings accounts or dream home purchases to saving for retirement - they were there and can be there for YOU too!

From its Young Savers program; which educates young children on the importance of saving through School Banking Days and class trips to the Bank to participation in the American Banker Association’s Teach Children to Save program, the Bank is committed to partnering with local schools to enrich the education of our youth. Since all kids love to have FUN, the Bank also hosts a variety of FREE events including a free carnival, named “Smile on Maspeth Day”, in their Maspeth branch parking lot every fall.

This year, they are also sponsoring a local youth basketball league called “Heroes”, consisting of kids ranging from 8-17 that play at local parks during the spring & summer.

The Bank also supports many local charities and organizations including being the main sponsor of the Maspeth Memorial Day Parade for over 30 years and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life

“Martin Luther School in Maspeth has been banking with Maspeth Federal for decades,” says Randal Gast, the Executive Director of Martin Luther School. “I need someone I can talk to who can understand the dynamics of our small business. With a big bank, you just disappear into an account number, but that isn’t the case with Maspeth” said Gast. The Bank is very focused on providing personal service and values the partnership they have built with many local schools including Martin Luther.

When asked how MFS has time to be involved in so many community events, Marketing Director, Christina Zanca replied, “It’s in the DNA of Maspeth Federal.

Giving back and bringing the community together is a commitment that dates back to our founders.,” said Zanca.

With the amount of community investment and involvement that Maspeth Federal engages in, it’s safe to say that they are raising the bar for financial institutions everywhere. MFS is investing in you. Are you investing in them?

For more information on the Bank or how your school can partner with them, visit their website or Facebook page. sponsored content

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENSBOROUGH CALENDAR OF EVENTS players in the industry on how we can better-equip our businesses in 7-12, 1 PM the current political landscape.

Summer Speakers’ Series To register, please Join us for a complimentary visit www.queenschamber.org summer speaking series in Queens! Open to the public Meet and Greet our Speakers on Complimentary admission July 12 and learn about How to use Queens Chamber of Commerce Social Media for your business 75-20 Astoria Blvd, Jackson Speakers include Monica Bennett Heights, NY 11370 (How conversations can make or break business negotiations), Rachel 7/18, 5 - 8 PM Michaelov (Important tax tips to Queens Chamber Summer save monies in business) and Naini Boat Cruise Nakagawa (How to grow a business Looking for a fun way to celebrate in NYC - Social Media Expert) the hard work of your team, a projTo register, please ect completion, or a work milevisit www.queenschamber.org stone? Show your employees how Queens Library at Steinway much you appreciate their effort 21-45 31th Street and dedication with an all-inclusive Astoria, New York 11105 3 hour boat cruise.

Join the Queens Chamber as we 7/13, 8 - 10 AM “Cruise” into Summer!!

Health Care Committee Meeting Leave all the details to the Queens The Queens Chamber is proud to Chamber. announce the launch of our Tickets include: Health and Wellness Committee!

• Three-Hour Open Bar and DJ At this introductory meeting, we • Passed Appetizers and Carving will hear from some of the key Stations

JULY

• Prize Giveaways, Raffles, and Networking Boarding: 5:00PM Ship Departs: 6:00PM Returns to Port: 8:00PM •Fully weather-proof & air conditioned | We sail rain or shine • Complimentary parking adjacent to Marina Sponsorship opportunities available! Contact us for more details.

World’s Fair Marina Marina Road 1 Flushing, New York 11368

for New Americans.

To sign up, please visit www.queenschamber.org Business Center For New Americans 78-27 37th Ave. Suite #1 Jackson Heights, New York Open to the public Complimentary admission

7/27, 3 PM Wine and food - Visibility of the Ecuadorian community in the United States Join us for an special Networking 7/20, 4 PM improving and enhancing the How to Access Capital for image and visibility Your Small Business of the Ecuadorian business Special Summer Workshop community Small business loans and This is a special invitation to microloans to help you get Queens Chamber of Commerce started with a new business, Members and Friends. expand an existing business, or To register, please re-finance. And ask about our new visit www.queenschamber.org Quick-Action Short-Term Working Queens Chamber of Commerce Capital Loans.

75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite Speakers include Tshering 140 Gurung, manager of Business Jackson Heights, New York Development at Business Center 11370

Does your business accept credit cards?

• • • • • • •

No contract Flat Rates 24 Hour Service Next Day Funding No Termination Fee Free Mini POS/Equipment No Tricky Pricing Structures

Call Data USA Merchant Solutions today 800-380-8220 info@reliabledatausa.com

July 2017 • Volume 13 • Issue 7

13

Financial services with a personal touch Enkofi John Senior Associate 516 338 4888, ext. 122 enkofi.john@foresters.com Foresters Financial Services, Inc. 900 Merchants Concourse Suite 406 Westbury NY 11590

Foresters Financial Services, Inc. provides everyday families and individuals with financial solutions, guidance and tools, to meet their needs across all life stages.

Areas of Specialty: • Mutual Funds • Retirement Planning • Insurance Planning • Annuities Planning

• Business Planning • Planning for Organizations • College Planning

For more information about First Investors funds or variable products from Foresters Financial Services, Inc. you may obtain a free prospectus by contacting your Representative, writing to the address below, calling 800 423 4026 or visiting our website at forestersfinancial.com. You should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information, and should be read carefully before you invest or send money. An investment in a fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency.

Foresters Financial™ and Foresters™ are the trade names and trademarks of The Independent Order of Foresters, a fraternal benefit society, 789 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Canada M3C 1T9, and its subsidiaries, including Foresters Financial Services, Inc. Securities, life insurance and annuity products are offered through Foresters Financial Services, Inc. Insurance products are issued by Foresters Life Insurance and Annuity Company or The Independent Order of Foresters.

Foresters Financial Services, Inc. | 40 Wall Street | New York, NY 10005 | 800 423 4026 | forestersfinancial.com

13-00577R

July 2017 • Volume 13 • Issue 7

Getting Noticed With Help From Advantages

BY JEN KHEDAROO How much do you really know about your own business? Do you really know why your best customer does business with you?

That’s what Fran Biderman-Gross, founder and CEO of the powerhouse branding and marketing agency Advantages, is all about.

Biderman-Gross is a cross between marketing consultant and psychologist. She helps companies achieve beyond what they originally thought possible through a communications theory called Purpose, or finding your “why.”

With her help, companies relearn and shift the way they communicate.

“If you continue to look like everyone else and talk like everyone else, there will be no reason to choose you from the pack,” Biderman-Gross told This Is Queensborough. “The only way to get picked out of a lineup is to stand out for a good reason.”

Advantages focuses on a company’s authentic stories through their purpose-based marketing.

Biderman-Gross’ own story is an interesting one.

In 1992, she started a small printing company with her husband. They built the business into a million-dollar enterprise in the first four years, even with the opening and rise of office giants like Staples and OfficeMax. But after her husband passed away in 2001, quickly followed by the attacks of September 11, the company lost about 40 percent of its finance clientele. BidermanGross was left to steer a sinking ship. And not only did she manage to keep the business afloat, she eventually discovered the passion that would drive her future endeavors with the help of marketing consultant Simon Sinek.

“He said ‘Fran, you’re stuff’s gorgeous, but you’re doing it all wrong,’” she said. “He introduced me to this communications theory, which he simplified, called the Golden Circle with a direct correlation to biology.

“When he told me what my

“YOU’RE NOT THE EXPERT. YOU HIRE AN ACCOUNTANT BECAUSE YOU WOULD NEVER DO YOUR TAXES ON YOUR OWN, SO WHY WOULD YOU DO YOUR BRANDING ON YOUR OWN?”

“ ‘why’ was, I was like great, what do I do with this information?”

Biderman-Gross continued. “He told me I was doing it my whole life, but I just didn’t see it. I just needed to think about it.”

She had become known as the “Printing Princess” with a successful reputation of delivering on time with impeccable design and quality, but contemplating Sinek’s advice she realized that she wasn’t just selling print products, she was consulting with clients about their needs for their businesses.

“I’d ask 100 questions,” she said. “Some people hung up and some people listened to me because they understood that I was focused on the experience of what they were trying to achieve.

You say you need this, and I say why do you need this. What’s its purpose?”

For example, if a client wanted to attend a trade show, BidermanGross worked with the client to determine their goals for the trade show. Rather than simply print a brochure she would work with

FRAN BIDERMAN-GROSS

ADVANTAGES them on other aspects, such as how to set up the booth and how to create a follow-up process.

“I looked at everything not as product, not as commodity, but as an experience that also built relationships,” she said.

Over the next few years, she reverse-engineered a process to help organizations and businesses uncover why they exist.

“My ‘why’ is to help others get noticed,” she said. “I like to take people through the process. When I see a company that’s growing, that I was able to guide through something, that’s where my fulfillment comes from.”

Advantages helps companies succeed by aligning communications internally and externally, as well as understanding and articulating “why your best customer loves you.”

Biderman-Gross has a few rules, including people don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.

In other words, people tend to buy from companies they have a visceral connection to. Even a

website’s design must be able to create emotional connections so customers can trust that the product is worth it.

Your best client may not be able to articulate why they enjoy doing business with you, but Advantages narrows down the winning recipe.

Advantages creates a minimal viable brand foundation for between $25,000 and $35,000 in six weeks or less. Their website also provides free tools for businesses to jumpstart the process.

“This is an investment,” Biderman-Gross explained. “You can hire a team for the cost of a good, seasoned executive.”

“You’re not the expert, you need to hire an expert to do things,” she added. “You hire an accountant because you would never do your taxes on your own, so why would you do your branding on your own?”

Advantages is located at 120-34 Queens Boulevard in Kew Gardens. Learn more about their services at advantages.net.

15

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

NONPROFIT NEWS

Club’s 125th Anniversary Continues with Player Party

BY ROLAND MEIER The West Side Tennis Club is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.

Starting on the West Side of Manhattan in 1892, moving to Forest Hills in 1913, building our Tennis Stadium in 1923, and having the privilege of hosting 60 years of memorable tennis championships, and almost 40 years of epic music performances should give us every reason to rejoice.

But what makes us especially proud is the fact that The West Side Tennis Club, after losing the U.S. Open in 1977, reinvented itself by creating a family-friendly environment, connecting to the Forest Hills neighborhood and Queens, organizing more fun events, raising club tennis to a higher level, and creating a pricing structure attracting younger tennis aficionados and families.

The revival of our historic stadium started in 2013 with the epic perfor-

16

mance of Mumford & Sons. Subsequent memorable concerts included The Who, Zac Brown, Paul Simon, Ed Sheeran, Drake & Lil Wayne, The New York Pops and the return of professional tennis with World Team Tennis in 2016, which helped the Forest Hills venue climb back into the tennis limelight.

The West Side Tennis Club Foundation wants to pay tribute to our rich history by not only bringing historic artifacts back to the Stadium, but by populating this monument-like structure with banners highlighting the names of former tennis champions, music performers and events.

As a special component of the 125th Anniversary celebrations, on August 25 we are delighted to unveil banners commemorating tennis greats Maureen (Little Mo) Connolly and Jack Kramer and the Davis Cup in Forest Hills.

As we continue our journey redis-

covering the unprecedented tennis history of Forest Hills, we hope that this inaugural event will become an annual tradition and that the Forest Hills Player Party at The West Side Tennis Club will be scheduled each Friday before the U.S. Open.

Proceeds help The West Side Tennis Foundation fulfill its missions supporting youth tennis, tennis for the physically challenged, and tennis history and archives. The foundation considers itself part of the fabric

making Queens a destination and we appreciate any support from the business community in the form of sponsorship.

For table and individual ticket prices, visit WSTCFoundation.org or call (718) 268-2300. For reservation, email 2017Events@WSTCFoundation.org.

Roland Meier is president of the West Side Tennis Club Foundation

July 2017 • Volume 13 • Issue 7

17

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

EDC discusses Sunnyside Yards wtih Queens Chamber

BY BENJAMIN FANG Officials from the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) recently discussed the Sunnyside Yards feasibility study with members of the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

Nate Bliss, senior vice president at EDC, described the 180-acre tract in western Queens as “a piece of transit infrastructure that is critical to the region.” Amtrak owns large parts of the rail yard, but the MTA also owns parts of the site, with air rights above 22 feet belonging to the city.

It’s used as midday storage, servicing and commissary for Amtrak, New Jersey Transit and the Long Island Rail Road.

The railyard is six times the size of Hudson Yards and larger than Battery Park City and Roosevelt Island.

Bliss discussed some challenges the longIn February, EDC released a feasibility study term project could potentially face. The study that examined if it was technically possible to tested off-site and on-site power and sewer sysdeck over the rail yard to build housing. Bliss tems, and concluded that utilities would need to said Amtrak had previously invited city officials be upgraded to “support a development of this to look at the opportunities at Sunnyside Yards scale.” after they finished their master plan.

Another challenge would be the area’s trans“As all this construction work happens and portation network. Although Sunnyside Yards is plans are made for the future, both for the well-served by mass transit, including subways Amtrak and MTA, and bus lines, these are pieces of “We see this as a generational opportunity to leverthose modes infrastructure that are at capacity, age a unique asset that’s in a unique moment in once put in place time and to plan for the future and the growth of Bliss said. this city. The stage is set. are fairly immovHe said a able,” Bliss said. more detailed NATE BLISS, EDC SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT “This is an opporstudy is required tunity, if one ever to conduct a full wanted to consider overbuild development, to analysis of the impact on the local transportation move those tracks in such a way that they could infrastructure. accommodate future development.”

The study also considered the land value, any Bliss said any potential development could be extenuating circumstances that would decrease “determined and informed” by what’s happen- its value and tested it against the potential future ing within the busy yard system. The site has tax revenues for the city. Bliss said EDC found different levels of conditions. Some areas have that the project “has potential for long-term clear and free foundation space for taller build- returns.” ings, while other parts are only conducive for However, the city would need to study in open space or parks. more detail the financing behind the project, The study found that developers could only including how they would raise money to build deck 80 to 85 percent of the site. The rest is it, he said. “severely constrained” for vertical developDespite these challenges, Bliss pitched Sunment, Bliss said. nyside Yards as an opportunity to unify the vari“Mediating that grade change will be a design ous interests and uses within Long Island City. challenge for anyone,” he said.

While the waterfront community has changed The feasibility study came up with three dramatically, he said, the footprint of Sunnyside scenarios that consider different priorities for Yards has not since it was first built in 1929. economic development, urban design and policy “For Long Island City, it’s an opportunity to implications. With the scenario that prioritizes bring mixed-use developments and open space residential uses, Sunnyside Yards could poten- to a neighborhood where there are few opportutially build 24,000 units of housing over 30 mil- nities to establish it today,” Bliss said. “It could lion square feet. help make the case for transportation improveThe scenario would also accommodate up to ments that we all know are needed in the area.”

20 local schools, municipal services and infraHe also described its potential for the borstructure. ough and the city. Bliss said local stakeholders

18

shouldn’t lose sight of the opportunity to build more housing for the growing city population, which is steadily rising toward 9 million people.

“We see this as a generational opportunity to leverage a unique asset that’s in a unique moment in time and to plan for the future and the growth of this city,” Bliss said. “The stage is set.

The EDC’s next step is seeking comment from the public and explaining the study. It has already hosted 50 briefings to the community.

At the same time, EDC and Amtrak have begun to work on the scope of what future planning would look like at the railyard.

Community members raised an array of concerns, including the enormous deck heights over Long Island City. One part of the deck would be 109 feet over street grade, while another portion would create an eight-story staircase ascending from Steinway Street and Northern Boulevard, according to Astoria resident Mitch Waxman.

Waxman also asked Bliss how the EDC plans to transfer the material and how they would power the potentially new neighborhood.

Bliss said they’re still testing feasibility, so it’s “hard to anticipate” changes in freight distribution or construction material delivery over the next few decades.

“There’s no doubt that construction of this scale would be disruptive in some way,” he said. “If you lived around the yards for the past 20 years, you’ve been disrupted by East Side Access.”

Other audience members pitched a park and even a stadium at the railyard.

Local elected officials have remained skeptical and cautious about the development. Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan said she opposed “this level of large-scale development,” while State Senator Michael Gianaris said future development must ensure adequate infrastructure to handle the population growth.

July 2017 • Volume 13 • Issue 7

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 St. from 37th Ave. and Baxter Avenue. The board meets quarterly with the annual meeting in June. They depend on corporate sponsorship to do banner sponsorships. A number of their stores have seen up to a 30 percent decrease in shopping due to ongoing immigration issues.

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 district includes commercial property owners and residents on Bell Boulevard between 35th Avenue and Northern Boulevard, as well as a block east and west of 41st Avenue. The Bayside Village BID is working on streetscape improvements such as new lighting for the corridor, as well as landscaping improvements near the LIRR train station. Starting June 1, the BID will be hosting “Music at the Station” every Thursday night from 6 to 8 p.m. until the end of the summer. The performance will be held at the entrance to the Bayside Village LIRR train station on 41st Avenue. Each week the BID will be focusing on different restaurants and bars on Bell Boulevard, offering specials at the featured spot following each performance.

development. The chamber also offers discounts at member businesses for other chamber members. For more information, visit membergiveback.com. They are looking for cultural arts grants and neighborhood development grants.

GREATER FLUSHING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

39-01 Main Street, 5th Floor, Flushing NY 11354 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. On Wednesday, July 5, at 11 a.m. the chamber will be hosting a free event called “Cinderella Samba,” a contemporary twist on the classic Cinderella fairy tale by the CityParks Puppet Mobile at Maple Playground, located at 136-50 Maple Avenue. On Thursday, July 13, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., the chamber will organize a free business workshop and networking session sponsored by the Department of Small Business Services to learn more about marketing fundamentals and improve current marketing strategies.

The workshop will take place at 144-61 Northern Boulevard and RSVP is required.

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 has 75 members.

The Greater Jamaica Development Corporation is a community-building organization that plans, promotes, coordinates and advances responsible development to revitalize Jamaica and strengthen the region. Their most recent initiatives focus on programs that aid the revitalization of Downtown Jamaica, including encouraging the creation of co-working space, promoting arts-led development, providing loan and technical assistance to small businesses, and forming a hospitality skills program to connect residents to area jobs in the hotel industry. GJDC is constantly applying for grants from banks, foundations, corporations and governmental entities to aid our revitalization mission. In 2016, Downtown Jamaica was awarded a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant by New York State. These funds will be targeted to a variety of community supported initiatives designed to promote responsible growth and improve the quality of life.

GREATER WOODHAVEN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WOODHAVEN BID

84-01 Jamaica Avenue, Woodhaven NY 11421 Executive Director: Maria Thomson 718.805.0202 gwdcbid@hotmail.com woodhavenbid.com QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $257,000 with more than 350 businesses under its umbrella.

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.

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. There are no meetings in July & August. The group’s mission is the Three C’s: Commerce Community and Culture.

Commerce makes the community thrive and culture brings the community together. They are planning to produce a new festival called 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.

They have received grants for Jazz Thursdays Free Outdoor Concerts (August 10 & 17), The Forest Hills Festival of The Arts, Celebrate Winter, and website

The Greater Jamaica Development Corporation held its 3rd Annual Brew N Chew, an after-hours get-together and networking event at the Harvest Room in downtown Jamaica for graduate students, residents and local workers. Pictured from left to right toasting the event are Phyllis Knight, Theresa Mazzarelli, Andrew McKessey, Carol Perez and Jasmin Vega. (Photo: Walter Karling)

19

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES On Jamaica Avenue from Dexter Court to 100th St., the BID features six supermarkets. They are providing free benches for store owners along Jamaica Avenue who want benches in front of their business.

They also provides 2.5 and 5 percent home improvement loans.

JAMAICA CENTER BID

90-50 Parsons Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11432 Executive Director: Rhonda Binda 718.526.2422 QUICK GLANCE: Budget of over $1 million.

Founded in 1979, the district is on Jamaica Ave. between 170th St. and Sutphin Blvd. for the purposes of having the local business get together and make a thriving business hub and enjoyable destination. They offer a “value card” for discounts at stores and have employment services, as well as sanitation services.

JFK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

45-10 Court Square, Long Island City, NY 11101 Executive Director: Mercedes Altman 516.492.0513 www.jfkairportchamberofcommerce.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1978, the group has over 200 members.

On July 12 at 8:30 a.m., the chamber will hold its monthly Board of Directors meeting in Conference Room A of Building 14 at the airport. Guests are welcome, but must RSVP. On July 20 at 6 p.m., State Seantor James Sanders will detail a recent humanitarian trip to Nigeria for the chamber at Prestige Lounge, 157-13 Jamaica Avenue.

JUNCTION BOULEVARD MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION

President: John Ferreira 718.899.6563 The association includes merchants between Roosevelt Avenue and 35th Avenue, and assists primarily with sanitation and legal issues. Every Sunday, the association closes the strip to traffic, allowing shoppers to explore the businesses. The association is currently raising funds for Christmas lights and holiday decorations.

LONG ISLAND CITY PARTNERSHIP

President: Elizabeth Lusskin 718.786.5300 www.longislandcityqueens.ccom Founded in 1979, the Long Island City Partnership advocates for economic development that benefits LIC’s industrial, commercial, cultural and residential sectors. The goal is to attract new businesses to the neighborhood, retain those already here, welcome new residents and visitors, and promote a vibrant and authentic mixed-use community. The LIC Partnership operates the LIC Business Improvement District and the LIC Industrial Business Zone. On

20

Wednesday, July 12, from 8 to 10:30 a.m., the partnership will be hosting a business breakfast focusing on incentives programs and financing as well as networking with business owners from LIC at the Long Island City Conference Center, located at 41-21 27th Street. On Thursday, July 27, from 5 to 7 p.m., the group will be holding a summer networking night at one of LIC’s newest hotels, the Aloft Hotel at 27-45 Jackson Avenue.

businesses. QEDC assists by providing one-on-one consultations, hosting workshops, operating training courses and networking events. QEDC assists with minority/woman owned business certification and refers business professionals. They are known for their operation of a culinary incubator at 36-46 37th Street in Long Island City. Their commercial kitchen for rent is used 24/7/365.

MASPETH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

62-14 Myrtle Avenue, Ridgewood, NY 11385 Executive Director: Ted Renz 718.366.3806 QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $500,000 with 345 businesses under its umbrella.

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. The organization provides, marketing, street cleaning, holiday lighting and is heavily involved in making sure the historic flavor of Ridgewood stays in tact. The Youthmarket, the most successful in the city based on produce sold and revenue collected, operates from July 8 to November 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Myrtle Avenue, weather permitting. On July 4 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., merchants in BID will hold a sidewalk sale. On Sunday, July 23, the BID will be hosting the Glendale Kiwanis Street Festival on Myrtle Avenue from Forest Avenue to Fresh Pond Road from noon to 6 p.m.

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. The chamber is also focused on creating a BID. The Grand Avenue Street Festival this year is October 8, as opposed to June in previous years.

MIDDLE VILLAGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

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

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 of over 2,000 businesses.

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

RIDGEWOOD LDC

ROCKAWAY BUSINESS ALLIANCE

info@rockawaybusinessalliance.org QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $40,000 and a resource for over 200 businesses.

Formally known as the Beach 116th Partnership, 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. By engaging businesses that see this vision, RBA expects to contribute to the economic and social impact of the Rockaways. RBA is looking for grants to assist with the several yearly events they produce, along with general operational costs.

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.

Funded by Department of Small Business Services and the Economic Development

July 2017 • Volume 13 • Issue 7

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES Corporation, the RDRC offers employment assistance and improves public spaces with commercial development projects such as the Downtown Far Rockaway Storefront Improvement Act. Through the program, the group received approximately $180,000 in funding from Councilman Donovan Richards that improved storefronts with new doors, gates, awnings and lights. Their newest project is the Downtown Rockaway Wireless Network. By fall, the RDRC will install network routers that are not dependent on cell towers and will be operational in the event of a natural disaster. On Friday, July 7, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., the corporation will be hosting the RDRC Computer Learning Lab Graduation Ceremony in the Beach 20th Street Plaza, located at 1033 Beach 20th Street. On Mondays from July 10 to August 28, RDRC will be hosting Midday Dining at The Plaza, also at Beach 20th Street Plaza. Bring your lunch, enjoy the outdoor dining area and listen to relaxing music.

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 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.

SUNNYSIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PO Box 4399, Sunnyside, NY 11104 President: Rigoberto Cardoso 516.492.0513 www.sunnyside-chamber.org QUICK GLANCE: Annula 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.

Some accomplishments include the Sunnyside Post Office, formation of the Sunnyside Shines

Business Development District, parking under the elevated train, sidewalk cafe rezoning on Skillman Avenue, and holiday lights on Queens Boulevard and Greenpoint and Skillman avenues.

SUNNYSIDE SHINES

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

Sunnyside Shines is hosting its “Summer Thursdays in Bliss Plaza” from 3 to 7 p.m. at 46th Street under the 7 train. There will be family friendly games and activities, and from 5 to 7 p.m. there will be live music and performances. Sunnyside Shines will be “celebrating summer” every Thursday until September 7. Sunnyside Shines will be hosting “Healthy Saturdays” in partnership with the LIC YMCA every Saturday in July from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Lowery Plaza, located at 40th Street and Queens Plaza. Suryaside Yoga will be hosting classes, and the LIC YMCA will hold Buti yoga and “move to improve” classes.

Immigration Attorney New York Employment & Labor Law Attorneys Queens’ top legal firm for solving labor problems for businesses.

(718) 275-6700 45-18 Ct Square W Suite 403, Long Island City, NY 11101

www.hansassociates.com

WATCH GUARD 24/7 is a leader in providing security and private investigation services

Add a custom elegance by

calling ‘The Chocolatier of

U.S. Immigration & Nationality Law Consultations by Appointment

Queens’ to your next event

(718) 544-1850

103-02 Metropolitan Ave, Forest Hills, NY 11375

Restoration Serving Long Island & Queens

516-209-9516 strippingmaintenanceservice.com

Stripping Maintenance Service, Inc. We restore all types of natural stone, counter tops, walls, table tops, vanity tops and in essentially any area there is natural stone. We restore natural stone floors in all different size spaces.

800.247.0622 WATCH GUARD 24/7 was formed in 2009 by John Rafferty, a retired lieutenant from the NYPD.

Stone Floor & Countertop

Banad Law Offices, PC Dev Banad Viswanath 718.361.5999 banadlaw.com

Queens Business Marketplace Directory - your business to business guide for Queens!

WERE YOU OR A LOVED ONE A VICTIM OF MEDICAL MALPRACTICE?

MK Vision Center We Supply and Install an array of exterior home improvements such as Windows, Doors, Siding, Roofing, Stone Work, Attic Insulation, Awnings, Carports and Porticos.

Call us at (888) 631-2131 to schedule a FREE inhome estimate!

Call Now (888) 631-2131

With its diverse selection of both kids frames and adult frames and superior 5-star customer service, MK Vision Center strives to create the most satisfying experience for customers and build a long-term relationship with local residents and communities.

(718) 575-8288

107-29 71st Avenue Forest Hills, NY 11375

We offer low rates & next day funding!

We guarantee to beat your current rates & we will give you better service.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR ANSWERS? Robert A. Miklos Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. Medical Malpractice Attorney

1.800.380.8220 reliabledatausa.com

516.417.0744

Call For a Free Consultation

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

EXECUTIVE COMMMITEE Mayra DiRico

Fran Biderman-Gross

Thomas J. Grech

Brendan Leavy

Howard Graf

Richard Dzwlewicz

Sophia Ganosis

Cathy Berger

President

Associate Treasurer

Vice President

Associate Secretary

Treasurer

Immediate Past President

Henry Wan Nash Roe Secretary

Albert F. Pennisi

SENIOR COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE STAFF Executive Director

Business Development Manager Development Director

Chief of Operations

Jacqueline Donado

Dorothy Owermohle Bookkeeper

Strategic Program Coordinator

Financial Controller

Membership Outreach Coordinator & Member Engagement

Dominick Ciampa Louis D. Laurino Franklin F. Regan,Jr. John E. Roe,Sr John H. Weaver

Brett Swanson

Alejandra Espejo

Layout Design By advantages.net Published by BQE Media

QueensBorough (issn 0033-6068) is published 12 times times a year, January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, and the Buyers Guide June/July, for $12.50 annually by the Chamber of Commerce of the Borough of Queens.

75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140, Jackson Heights, NY 11370-1131.

Periodicals postage paid at Flushing, NY and additional mailing offices. 718-898-8500 Fax 718-898-8599, http://www.queenschamber.org POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140 Jackson Heights, NY 11370-1131 Produced by: Queens Ledger 45-23 47th Street Woodside, NY 11377

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

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 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 Gerard Thornton Henry Wan Swain Weiner Patrick Yu Daniel Zausner

CORPORATE MEMBERS 1st Equity Title Closing Services AARP Advantage Payroll Services Acousticon of Flushing Inc Advanced Cardiovascular Diagnostics Age Well New York AKI Development Allegria Hotel 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. Amazing Destinations Ltd. 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 Blue Ocean Wealth Solutions Borchert & LaSpina, PC Boro Hotel Boyce Technologies Inc. Bridge Career Centers LLC Broadway Stages Brown Paper Tickets 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 Charles Schwab Ciampa Organization City MD CoAdvantage Cleaning Systems Co. Clickable Constant Contact Cord Meyer Development LLC Cornell NYC Tech Corporate Development Systems, Inc. Costco Wholesale Courtyard Long Island City CPEX Real Estate Crown Container Cumming Corporation Cyracom International, Inc. D&B Engineers & Architects, PC Daniels Norelli Cecere & Tavel PC DY Reality Services, LLC Dera Restaurants, Inc. Dignity Memorial Funeral Provides of Queens Douglas Elliman E. Gluck Corporations East Coast Energy Group Edible Arrangements

Elmhurst Hospital Center Emigrant Mortgage Co. Empire Merchants Exit Realty Lewis & Murphy Fairfield Inn Fairway Market Farrell Fritz, PC Fidelis Care New York Financial Resources Brup Investment Services LLC Firecom, Inc. First Central Savings Bank First in Service Staffing Franklin First Financial Group Inc. Forest Hills Financial Gaijin Galaxy Music Productions Inc. Genesys Engineering, PC Gerard T Dolan Agency Farmers Global Bank Mortgage Center Grand Rehabilitation & Nursing at Queens Go Health Ugent Care Greater New York Auto Dealers Association Inc. Greencrown Energy Greenwald Doherty LLP Greiner-Maltz of NY H&R Block HF Management Services Haks Healthplex, Inc. Health Republic Insurance Healthy Corner Pharmacy, Inc. Highstreet IT Solution Hilo Materials Handing Group 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 Jaspan Schlesinger LLP Joe’s Crab Shack JP Morgan Chase Kasirer Consulting Inc Kaufman Astoria Studios Inc. Kensington Company King of Queens Laundromat Knockout Pest Control LaGuardia Plaza Hotel La Technology Group Lee & Associates Levine Builders Lerner Agency Lessing’s Inc. Longhorn Steak House Long Island Business Institute Long Island City Volkswagon Luna Park in Coney Island Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc. M&T Bank M&V Provisions Co, Inc. MCR Development LLC MTA-Long Island Rail Road Madeline Chocolate Novelties Marks Paneth Marriott NYC Airport Hotels Merritt Engineering Consult-

ing PC Metroplus Health Plan Metropolitan Taxi Cab Board of Trade Micro Center Melrose Credit Union Mind Realty Group LLC Moses & Singer LLP Motiva Networks Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens Muss Development Company Nathan’s Famous, Inc. National Supermarket Association Newtown Creek Trusted PRI USD New York Building Congress New York Business Corp.

New York Irish Association New York Oil Heaing Association Inc. New York Racing Association Northfield Bank Northwell Health Norhstar Mitsubishi NRG Energy Inc. 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 People’s United Bank Petro Energy Solutions Pivotal Payments Portnoy, Messinger, Pearl &

Associations, Inc. Prager Metis CPAs, LLC PMBA, Inc. Progressive Waste Solutions PSEG Long Island Qside Federal Credit Union Quadlogic Controls Corp.

Queens Center Queens Courier Queens Ledger Queensborough Community College Raich Ende Malter & Co LLP Radisson Hotel JFK Airport Radson Development LLC Real Hospitality Group Register Abstract Co. Inc. Rego Center Related Retail LP Renaissance Home Health Care Rochdale Village Inc. Royal Waste Services Inc. Russo’s On The Bay SL Green Realty Corp.

Sage Educational International Group Sahn Ward Coshchignano PLLC Sandrine Capital LLC Sears Maid Service Shine Electronics Co. Inc. 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 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 Venture House Vornado Realty Trust Waste Management of NY LLC Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Welllife Network WeWork York College Zwanger Pesiri Radiology LLP

MAJOR CORPORATE MEMBERS

We hope you are enjoying the newly designed, expanded Queensborough, the monthly publication of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. We, the Chamber, direct and approve all content deciding what stories are covered in each issue, editing all copy and forwarding information that is contained in the publication. BQE Media produces it for the Chamber. We look forward to continuing to highlight the outstanding business persons, services and activities that make our borough unique. We welcome all your letters, manuscripts, etc. Please send all materials to the Queens Chamber of Commerce at 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140, Jackson Heights, NY 11370 or call 718.898.8500 for more information.

We reserve the right to edit for space limitations.

Your support of the magazine is critical to its success. We encourage you to include Queensborough in your advertising plans. To place your ad, please call BQE Media at 718.426.7200.

22

July 2017 • Volume 13 • Issue 7

NEW MEMBERS

CORPORATE

Aloft New York LGA Alphapointe Empire Merchant LLC Healthy Corner Pharmacy, Inc. IBIS Sytles LGA New York Building Congress Sahn WArd Coshignano, PLLC Soloman Agnecy Corporation Aloft New York Laguardia Airport

100-15 Ditmars Boulevard East Elmhurst, NY 11369 (718) 512-0248 www.aloftnewyorklaguardiaairport.com Aloft New York Laguardia Airport is a newly opened hotel located close to Laguardia Airport and other major Queens attractions, including Citi Field and Queens Museum. It is also located only 9 miles away from New York City, making this hotel and location a great place to stay while exploring and touring around Queens and Manhattan. Free shuttle bus service to Laguardia Airport and free WiFi is provided for all their guests to make sure that their service and accommodations will be the best that they can provide.

Executive Director’s Message CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 bator (TIQC). The available office space includes one, four, six, eight, and ten-person private work spaces, as well as one co-working space that could accommodate up to 12 private work tables. TIQC also consistently holds events, panel discussions, networking mixers, classroom style presentations, and conference meetings for its members.

Further, the TIQC possesses a reliable computing and networking infrastructure that will give members a competitive advantage and help grow a business. We also have worked with York College, the home of the only Queens Start-Up NY location, as well as LaGuardia Community College. It is the intention of the Queens Chamber to develop this model throughout the borough.

Further, the Queens Chamber is planning to roll out an Entrepreneurial Committee which will assist those who wish to pursue their individual endeavors. Similar to the mini “Shark Tank” event we hosted last winter, we plan to hold many more of these type of meetings and roundtables so likeminded individuals have an environment in which to thrive.

Alphapointe

3611 14th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11218 (718) 854-7300 www.alphapointe.org Alphapointe started off in one woman’s living room in Kansas City and has evolved into a large multi-faceted company with an array of divisions, products, and services. Today, they are the region’s leading company for vision rehabilitation, education, and advocacy and strive to help those with vision impairment and loss. They provided direct services to nearly a thousand people with vision loss through rehabilitation and education, and has also reached out to nearly five thousand through community outreach programs.

Empire Merchants LLC

19-50 48th Street, Astoria, NY 11105 (718) 383-5500 www.empiremerchants.com Empire Merchants LLC is one of the leading wine and spirits distributors of the Metropolitan New York area starting from the end of the Prohibition Era. Since then, they have expanded to serving over 10,000 area restaurants, bars, hotels, nightclubs, and retail outlets while still delivering excellent quality services and products. Their offices and warehouse are located in Queens and Brooklyn, but their reach spread throughout all five borough, including other counties such as Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester.

Healthy Corner Pharmacy, Inc.

116-65 Queens Boulevard Forest Hills, NY 11375 (718) 261-6699 Healthy Corner Pharmacy is well-organized and neatly laid out pharmacy found on the corner of Queens Boulevard. In addition to filling prescriptions, they also sell MetroCards, make copies, process Western Union payments and even have a notary on site. All prescriptions and over the counter items can also be delivered for free. This establishment is a clean and friendly place to go to all while making sure all their customers leave satisfied and with the urge to come back.

IBIS Styles New York Laguardia Airport

100-33 Ditmars Boulevard East Elmhurst, NY 11369 (718) 396-4234 www.ibis.com Ibis Styles New York LaGuardia Airport is a newly opened hotel located in East Elmhurst.

They are equipped with 93 air conditioned rooms with their exclusive design. All of their prices include breakfast and unlimited WiFi. Their hotel is located very close to the heart of New York for family vacations or business trips, always at a low cost rate. There is also easy and quick access to

Citi Field, USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Facility, Midtown Manhattan, vibrant Times Square, the worldwide famous 5th Avenue and so much more.

Enjoy everything the City That Never Sleeps can offer!

New York Building Congress

44 West 28th Street, New York, NY 10001 (212) 481-9230 www.buildingcongress.com The New York Building Congress is a broadbased membership association committed to promoting the grown and success of the construction industry in New York City and the surrounding areas. They have recently celebrated their 96th year in the association and plan to continue to focus on economic and infrastructure investment, job creation, and professional exchange. These goals require involvement and cooperation with the contractors, architects, engineers, unions, real estate managers, developers, and owners who comprise the building community. In the end, they plan to build a vibrant prosperous New York City for everyone to enjoy.

Sahn Ward Coschignano, PLLC

333 Earle Ovington Boulevard, Suite 601 Uniondale, NY 11553 (516) 228-1300 www.swc-law.com Sahn Ward Coschignano is a committed and dedicated law firm in providing their clients with the highest quality legal representation, counsel, and advice. They have a wide range of expertise and experience in the different areas of law, including but not limited to real estate law, corporate practice, zoning and land use, labor law, environmental law, and much more.

The firm’s attorneys are very well-respected in their field with a broad legal background as well as from their dedication to the community and civic services.

Solomon Agency Corporation

217-04 Northern Boulevard Bayside, NY 11361 (718) 461-8300 www.solomonus.com Solomon Agency Corporation is an insurance agency providing their services across the country in over 36 states to a wide variety of businesses across numerous industries. Their mission is to create and maintain a professional environment where our employees, clients, brokers, and affiliates can mutually benefit and succeed, in a dynamic and fast-changing industry, through innovations in business. To constantly offer the best quality service to our clients by making full use of our knowledge, resources, experience, and market position.

23

Banking on the Go!

My

1

is

(877) 786-6560 • myNYCB.com Over 35 convenient branch locations throughout Queens!

Equal Opportunity Lender

All services not available at all locations. 1Standard messaging and data rates may apply.

Š New York Community Bank - Member FDIC