This is Queensborough: June 2024 Edition

Let’s See What QUEENS

“The ingredients are already there, we’re just underutilizing them.”

Frank Casale, Founder of Intu Global

Is Capable Of INSIDE

Uniting Creativity: The Astoria Filmmakers Club

Cybersecurity 101 — Essential Actions For Business Owners

A Beacon Of Engineering Excellence And Visionary Leadership

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cement And Concrete Workers Dc Lecet

Royal Majesty Dance Company’s Buck For The Crown Dance Competition

Addictive Wine and Tapas Bar

Mohammed Faisal, Money Hub

Cybersecurity 101 — Essential Actions For Business Owners

A Beacon Of Engineering Excellence And Visionary Leadership

Frank Casale Wants Queens To Know What It Is Capable Of

Great Bear Auto Hosts Book Signing For ‘Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide’

Uniting Creativity: The Astoria Filmmakers Club

JFK’s Terminal 8 To Unveil Seasonal Artist Showcase

Ramdeen’s Electrical Contracting Corp. Sparks Celebration In The Electrical Business

$2M in Federal Funding from Congresswoman Meng Grants 60 Queens Restaurants New Outdoor Dining Structures

Beyond The Runway: The Power Of Airport And Ferry Marketing

23, 25

All Roads Converge in Queens

Walter Sanchez - Publisher - Marketing Director

John Sanchez Eli Kolins

QUEENS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

75-20 ASTORIA BOULEVARD, SUITE 140 JACKSON HEIGHTS, N.Y. 11370-1131

Entire Contents Copyright 2024 by Queensborough. All letters sent to the QUEENSBOROUGH should be brief and are subject to condensation. Writers should include a full address and home and office telephone numbers, where available, as well as affiliation, indicating special interest. Anonymous letters are not printed. Name withheld on request. No such ad or any part thereof may be reproduced without prior permission of the QUEENSBOROUGH. The publishers will not be responsible for any error in advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Errors must be reported to the QUEENSBOROUGH within five days of publication. Ad position cannot be guaranteed unless paid prior to publication. BQE Media assumes no liability for the content or reply to any ads. The advertiser assumes all liability for the content of and all replies. The advertiser agrees to hold the QUEENSBOROUGH and its employees harmless from all cost, expenses, liabilities, and damages resulting from or caused by the publication or recording placed by the advertiser or any reply to any such advertisement.

It’s been an exciting June here at the Queens Chamber. Earlier this month, we welcomed over 140 exhibitors to Citi Field for our annual Queens Business Expo. The event is always a great opportunity for businesses to network and learn about each other. We also had two really exciting panel discussions – one featuring women tech entrepreneurs from across the globe and another on how to use AI to grow your business.

At the event we were delighted to announce the formation of the Queens Innovation Foundation a nonprofit that will accelerate the growth of the tech sector in Queens and establish the borough as the epicenter of AI-fueled start ups, emerging tech and innovation. Our aim is to raise $40 million to help expand our tech incubator program, and offer capital and programmatic support to participating start-ups. These exciting developments wouldn’t be possible without your support. Thank you for being a valued member of the Chamber.

Best, Tom Grech

Queens is all about Tech Bring On The Heat

Summer is here! It’s officially the season for graduations, barbecues and vacations.

It certainly has been an exciting spring for the Chamber, with exciting events, announcements and opportunities to network and grow your business. Over the summer, we have more great networking and edu cational events scheduled, as well as our boat cruise and fireworks in Fort Totten Park. To learn more about what we’ve got going on, you can visit www.queenschamber.org/events.

On behalf of the Board of Directors thank you for all you do for the Chamber. I want to wish all the Dads out there a Happy Father’s Day, and I hope we have a chance to connect this summer!

THOMAS J. GRECH PRESIDENT & CEO

HOWARD GRAF CHAIRPERSON

Best, Howard Graf

QUEENS NEWS

Cement And Concrete Workers Dc Lecet

Our Vision Is To Be The Highest Value Provider Of Cast-In-Place Concrete

Dear Members and Friends,

It is with great enthusiasm that I write to you today from the heart of Queens, where our organization, The Cement and Concrete Workers DC LECET, is proud to call home. As the Executive Director, I am privileged to witness firsthand the incredible progress and development taking place in our vibrant borough.

Queens is experiencing a renaissance, with exciting projects on the horizon that will shape the future of our com munity and the entire city. From the redevelopment of our airports to the upcoming NYCFC

Soccer stadium, the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan, and our ongoing efforts to address housing needs, there is no shortage of opportunity in Queens.

At Cement and Concrete Workers DC LECET, we are deeply committed to supporting the growth and prosperity of Queens. Our members and contrac tors work tirelessly throughout the five boroughs, but our roots remain firmly planted in Queens, with our training center located in Astoria. Community outreach and local hiring are impor tant to us, and we are in the business of workforce development.

One of the most exciting prospects for Queens is the potential development of The $8 billion Metropolitan Park at Citifield. This transformative project has the power to not only enhance our borough’s recreational offerings but also create thousands of good jobs and stimulate economic growth. We are thrilled to collaborate with Tom Grech and the dedicated team at the Queens Chamber of Commerce to advocate for

this and many other innovative initiatives that promote visio nary development in our community.

At Cement and Concrete Workers DC LECET, we prioritize good jobs, fair wages, and access to healthcare for all workers. We firmly believe that collective bargaining is essential to su pporting solid middle-class opportunities and ensuring that wor king-class families can thrive inde pendently, without relying on taxpayer-funded government assistance.

One outstanding demonstration of our expertise is evident at the TF Corners tone - Malt Drive Development in Hunters Point. Partnering with NYC’s premier contractors, our dedicated Cement and Concrete Workers local workforce constructed a remarkable three-tower, 1.4 million square foot pouredin-place reinforced concrete superstructure in just 7 months. This significant development is set to provide New York City with 1,386 re sidential housing units, including over 350 units specifically designated for working-class families. Our collective efforts extend beyond our organization to collaborate with our elected

officials and all stakeholders to build better and build together.

By working hand in hand with our elected representatives, community leaders, and industry partners, we can overcome challenges and seize opportunities to create a more prospe rous future for Queens.

Our members and contractors are the backbone of the New York City con crete construction industry, and their hard work and dedication are a driving force behind our borough’s progress. Together, we are building a brighter future for working class families in Queens and for all New Yorkers.

As we look ahead to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, let us continue to work together to shape the future of Queens and ensure that our borough remains a vibrant and prosperous place for generations to come.

QUEENS NEWS

Royal Majesty Dance Company’s Buck For The Crown Dance Competition: Celebrating

Community And Supporting Underprivileged Students

By: Royal Majesty Dance Company

Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Jamaica, Queens, New York, Royal Majesty Dance Company (RMDC) has been a cornerstone of artistic expression and community empower ment since its inception. Founded with a vision to nurture and inspire young dancers, RMDC offers comprehensive training programs for aspiring performers between the ages of 4 to 18, specializing in dance styles that include but are not limited to hip-hop, majo rette, jazz, and modern dance. RMDC dancers train in order to travel in and out of state to perform frequently at competitions, showcases, performances and events.

Under the visionary leadership of Madison Perry, RMDC has cultivated a supportive and inclusive environment where dancers of all backgrounds can thrive. With a dedicated team of ins tructors who are not only accomplished dancers but also passionate men tors, RMDC prides itself on instilling discipline, confidence, and a love for the art of dance in its students. Beyond its commitment to dance education, RMDC is renowned for its signature dance competitions that attract teams and companies from across the state and beyond. These events serve as a platform for dancers to showcase their talent, passion, and dedication, while also fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship within the dance

community.

RMDC’s upcoming Buck for the Crown Dance Competition, slated for Saturday, August 17th, 2024, at Campus Magnet High School in Queens, NY, is a testament to RMDC’s mission of community engagement and philanthropy. More than just a dance competition, this event is a celebration of unity and support, bringing together dancers, community-based organizations, HBCU and college representatives, as well as over 100 underprivileged students and parents.

At the heart of the Buck for the Crown Dance Competition is RMDC’s com mitment to giving back. Recognizing the importance of education and em powerment, RMDC.

DINE AND DISCOVER QUEENS

Addictive Wine and Tapas Bar

It’s “Dine and Discover Queens’’ time! “Dine and Discover Queens” is a spotlight on some of the best restaurants around the borough! In this issue, we are featuring Addictive Wine and Tapas Bar, located at 32-64 87th Street in Jackson Heights. Francisco Diaz and Patrick H. Duong are the owners of the establishment. To learn more, go to https://addictivewinebar.com/.

Can you share a bit about your restaurant journey in Queens?

Since opening in 2015 on 87th Street and Northern Blvd., we had been doing great until COVID hit in 2020. It was the most challenging time for restaurant owners. We closed for 6 months, but then we were fortunate to cook for World Central Kitchen (WCK) during those times to distribute meals to hospitals,

clinics, fire departments, and WCK meal distribution sites. We cooked over 56,000 meals during the pandemic. This helped us keep our restaurant, keep our employees, and pay rent.

Are there any community events or initiatives in Queens that your restaurant has been part of? How do you get involved in the surrounding community?

We initiated a book exchange program in our wine shop back in 2017. Queens customers in both our restaurant and wine shop are encouraged to bring their used books in exchange for another book. We highly encourage reading. Last year, along with other participating restaurants, we traveled to Albany to cook for our State Senate. It was one of our most memorable moments.

Are there dishes or drinks that have become beloved by the Queens community, or anything on your menu you would like to highlight?

Last year, we produced two wines from Spain, Addictive CAVA and Addictive Tempranillo. Both wines are available at our wine shop and restaurants. In addition to being a chef, Francisco Diaz is also a sommelier. Both our wines have become the number-one sellers in Queens and

Manhattan. Highlighted tapas are totortilla espanola, albondigas, salmon ahumado, and chorizo al vino. We also have a happy hour menu from 4 to 6 PM everyday. We host wine tastings at our wine shop on Fridays and Saturdays.

To learn more, go to https:// addictivewinebar.com/ or visit them on Instagram @ addictivewinebar.

QUEENS TECH CORNER Mohammed Faisal, Money Hub

It’s Queens Tech Corner time! This month’s featured tech entrepreneur is Mohammed Faisal, the Founder and CEO of Money Hub, a company that creates engaging, technologydriven curriculum to teach children financial literacy. To learn more, go to https://www.moneyhubnyc.co/.

Can you tell us a little more about your company and how you got your start?

As a child, I learned the power of public schools very early on but also learned how it lacked high-quality financial education. I wanted to be part of the solution

to the problem, so I set out to learn the best way to support kids in school. In my senior year at The City College of New York in 2016, I founded the Money Hub with the mission of teaching financial literacy. I received the Colin Powell Fellowship to get started on my startup. Then, I set out to build a team, a curriculum, and partnerships to further our mission.

What connection do you and your team have to Queens?

I immigrated to Astoria in 1998 with my mom from Bangladesh at the age of four. Growing up in New York City really exposed me

to many different cultures.

What is your latest project, and why are you excited about it?

My latest project is reviving the Money Hub. We want to create games to make learning financial literacy fun and engaging. I was involved in a car accident that left me battling a Traumatic Brain Injury. I had to take some time off to focus on my recovery process. After getting back on my feet and feeling confident, I took the lessons learned, and the partnerships formed over the last seven years, to transform how financial literacy is approached and applied it to building out a

holistic program that incorporates games, group work, and projectbased learning.

Cybersecurity 101 — Essential Actions For Business Owners

By: Gary Perkins

Cybersecurity has never been as imperative as it is today. News headlines abound with stories of major retailers, healthcare providers and other organizations experiencing cyber attacks — no industry is immune. By now,

the importance of cybersecurity is widely recognized, but many companies struggle to identify specific steps needed to protect their organization. What are your industry threats? How to know what protection is adequate? Of all the questions you have, one of the most important is:

What do you have to lose?

Spending $1 million to secure an asset valued at $100k only makes sense if you estimate it will be compromised or lost ten or more times. In the case of cyber, the risks are more extensive and financial losses are only one consideration — brand and reputational damage are often

greater and far more difficult to recover from. Once you are convinced you need to improve your cybersecurity posture, the next question is:

How do you know what is enough?

First, determine if there are specific laws or regulations that apply to your industry and organization. For example, if you store, process, or transmit cardholder data then Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard (DSS) applies. In the absence of specific security regulations for your organization, the responsibility is yours to determine appropriate

security controls to safeguard your organization’s critical information and systems.

Where should I start?

If you ask security experts for the best first step and answers will vary. Some will instruct you to install a firewall, implement a policy, or lean towards a maturity assessment, and others may recommend penetration testing. Consider suggestions and determine the most suitable for your situation — if you’re at the beginning of your cybersecurity journey, without defenses in place, a pen test may be of limited

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QUEENS NEWS

A Beacon Of Engineering Excellence And Visionary Leadership

By: Edgar J. Zephyrine

Edgar J. Zephyrine stands as a distinguished leader in the engineering field, marking his territory with EJZ Engineering, a firm that embodies innovation, quality, and a commitment to community development. Born and raised in South Jamaica, Queens, Zephyrine’s journey

Continued from Page 8

value. You should assume you’re vulnerable. Implement foundational security controls, then proceed with the pen test to evaluate their effectiveness.

I recommend most organizations start with a risk register. Alone, this may not directly improve your security posture, but it will help you take a risk based approach and determine where to focus your finite resources.

You should also perform a risk assessment before introducing new systems or changes to existing systems. While new systems often provide valuable benefits, they nearly always increase the level of risk by introducing additional points

from a promising engineer to the visionary behind one of New York’s leading engineering firms is a narrative of unwavering dedication and expertise. Since its inception in 2017, EJZ Engineering has become a hallmark of excellence in metropolitan New York, under Zephyrine’s strategic direction.

Educational Foundations

Edgar’s profound understanding of engineering is rooted in a solid educational background, with a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, focusing on Power Utilities from New York University - Polytechnic School of Engineering.

His journey into the world of engineering began at Queensborough Community College, where he first

of vulnerability. The question becomes, how much has the risk increased?

Next, address one of the most challenging areas of security — humans. Develop an information security policy (including an Appropriate Use Policy) that clearly defines employee responsibilities and pair this with mandatory security training to create a comprehensive security awareness program. While some may call humans the weakest link, I disagree and suggest that employees can be your greatest strength when trained to observe and report suspicious activities.

Of course, it’s impossible to prevent all problems, therefore having an incident response plan

encountered the complexities and possibilities of the field. He is now an adjunct a professor at the same institution marks a full-circle moment in his career, allowing him to impart knowledge and inspire a new generation of engineers.

In this role, Edgar draws from his vast experience and educational background, including his time at New York University - Polytech nic School of Engineering and the New York Institute of Technology, to provide students with a practical understanding of engineering con cepts.

His teachings go beyond textbooks, incorporating realworld applications and challenges that engineers face today, thereby

and incident response team ready to respond when situations occur is a must.

On the technical side, having modern endpoints and email security solutions monitored by security professionals 24/7/365 is required to counter the majority of malicious emails and malware. Implement multi factor authentication (MFA) as (according to Microsoft) it stops over 99% of automated attacks.

Be proactive — patch systems regularly to ensure they are up to date and free of known exposures and add vulnerability scanning to identify weaknesses before the ‘bad guys’ do. Finally, your organization should maintain offline backups of sensitive data to assist your recovery in the

equipping his students with the tools and mindset needed for success in the field.

EJZ Engineering: A Legacy of Precision and Quality

Founded in 2017, EJZ Engineering reflects Zephyrine’s holistic approach to engineering solutions, emphasizing precision, safety, and superior outcomes.

His firm is built on the principle that every project, regardless of scale or complexity, deserves the highest level of scrutiny and expertise.

event of an incident. While seemingly basic, these security controls have become essential in the last few years. They are akin to washing hands and brushing teeth — basic hygiene. Implementing these basic security measures will allow you to proactively prevent many cyber attacks you might encounter. To get started, use this printable Basic Security Checklist to instantly know what items should be on your “to-do” list.

COVER STORY

Frank Casale Wants Queens To Know What It Is Capable Of

By: Alexander Bernhardt Bloom

Frank Casale has a performative method for explaining the optimal use of new technologies. It arrives in three very short acts.

“First, you have your support person,” he explained, on a recent afternoon, in an emptying seminar room at the close of the day’s events at the Queens’ Business Expo. “Do this, do that, run around for me.”

He held his hand a short measure above the ground to show the height of his little helper, closer to the mundane tasks that exist down there. Raising it to his eye level he introduced the next.

“Then you have your peer, your equal,” your technological equivalent who’s there to sound ideas off of, or put to use checking your math or spelling.

“I might say, ‘Hey, show me this report tomorrow at twelve,’ and it says, ‘You got a golf thing tomorrow at twelve.’” It’s the smarter and better organized version of oneself.

Raising his hand upward once more, now a notch higher, Frank looked up in awe at the third of his classified helpers. He furrowed his brow and pleaded with it. “I

don’t know what to do, I just lost three people, I’m screwed…”

Only he’s not, for an expert advisor is up there, a technological ally who knows things his mere mortal could not and dispenses the calculation of them in the form of sage advice and solutions. There is much to be made of the resources and helping hands around us. Frank Casale is big on making better use of them. * * *

The Queens Chamber of Commerce used the Expo this year as a platform for the announcement of a new initiative, the Queens Innovation Foundation. The associated but not directly affiliated nonprofit entity will embark on an ambitious campaign in the coming weeks and months, to create a global tech center of the outer borough, and Frank Casale will be an important part of leading the charge.

The first stage is fundraising, lots of it, but this will make way for a multi-faceted program for recruiting international tech startups for relocation to Queens and an educational and professional

training program called Next Gen Academy. Frank has it that these are just the beginning.

The Foundation will both build upon and absorb the work of the Queens Tech Council, a project which since 2020 has promoted tech sector businesses in Queens through networking programs and policy advocacy. Beginning in 2022 the Council hosted young tech companies in office spaces and offered them mentoring and coaching support in an incubator program. The work of the Tech Council has also included government petitioning and an “Angel Network,” charged with securing investors for early stage startups as they find their legs, and all of these have been successful, by Frank’s estimation, but will account for an iceberg’s tip of what is to come next. The Foundation aims to “put these programs on steroids,” he said.

The part of the new initiative that really distinguishes it from initiatives of the past is the international element of it, manifested in what will be called Gateway USA. It’s like this: the foundation will selectively recruit companies from overseas who are ready to relocate to the United States. Terms accepted, they’ll set up shop, in Queens, in office space arranged by the Foundation and enjoy financial backing arranged by the Foundation and as the shop gets set and begins to expand they’ll hire from a labor pool and seek out the support of new and bigger investors in provided networks, also arranged by the Foundation.

If that sounds like a lot of giving as opposed to receiving it’s because it is, but there is a logic

behind all of this, Frank argues: “Jobs. Gotta come to Queens! If you’re staying in Poland, we’re not gonna back you.”

He is uniquely positioned to offer the invitation, his work for decades in tech development and business consulting, including at his most recent venture, selffounded Intu Global, has helped Frank develop a sturdy little black book of contacts here and abroad. Feeders - to use the industry terminology reminiscent of fishfarming - is what can be created of these contacts, the Foundation beginning with a strong group of candidates instead of searching in the dark.

They shouldn’t need much persuading.

“What happens, when you have a an emerging tech or an AI company and you start to raise money,” Frank explains some basics, “it’s pretty much guaranteed that wherever you are - Poland, Columbia, - the investors will say: ‘Okay, if you want more money you have to break into the biggest market’and that’s the US.”

The Foundation aims to have them do that breaking-in starting in Queens, and expects the positive ripple effects to make themselves evident in the recruitment of students among the 100,000 of them studying in the borough, local hiring as companies grow under the watchful eyes of the Foundation, and the creation of jobs in sectors precisely or not precisely related to tech.

At Frank’s request, consider the example: “The majority of people

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Queens Tech Foundation

Continued on Page 10

that are making a good living in Hollywood are not actors. There’s directors, there’s editors, there’s people that do catering, hairstyles, design. There’s this whole other ecosystem.” More fish-farming language here, but the point is a clear one - first feeding leads to more feeding.

Frank Casale is not afraid to share his excitement about an idea, and he’s certainly not bashful about his optimism and belief in his projects. He’s an animated talker; he bounces and riffs, draws out playful analogies, listens to anecdotes and weaves them into his own. The part of the plans for the Foundation which brought forward the most enthusiasm in Frank was the training and certification component, which will be deemed Next Gen Academy, and most specifically, the concentration on AI he expects to see in its offerings.

These programs intend to be the most direct way the Foundation touches the lives of working people in Queens and the New York region. They’ll do it by offering them training to get them out ahead of the dramatic curve coming to people’s working lives because of the introduction of powerful new Artificial Intelligence technologies.

“AI is going to have both a negative and a positive impact on jobs. It’s going to shrink if not eliminate certain jobs and it’s going to create new jobs.”

“The last thing you want to do is to be passive, just roll the dice and see what happens. That’s a dangerous thing to do. The smart thing to do is to learn about AI and get into the category of jobs that are rising.”

Enter the Foundation, and the training the Academy offers aims to be more far-reaching than you might think. “There are two categories: There’s typical AI training - somebody wants to be a developer or wants to learn technology - fine.”

The other will cater to people who may not have realized they needed to or even could use AI in their working lives - a real-estate agent, a small business owner who manages their own books, a former school teacher beginning a new chapter.

“Ninety percent of the AI jobs will not be for technologists. That’s the dirty little secret, people don’t realize. We’re going to train these folks in such a way that they can get all sorts of different jobs.”

Here’s where Frank becomes truly awestruck. “There’s never been anything like this in technology before. A wave this big, moving this quickly, technology this powerful.”

And it’s not just for the expert or ultra-wealthy: “You don’t need to be IBM, you don’t need to have 100 million dollars. The fact that most of it is either cheap or free means it’s grassroots, it’s bottom up.”

The Foundation’s professed principles don’t actually include language about tech or commerce: to create jobs and impact local communities. Or in Frank’s words, somewhat more acutely: “Jobs and opportunities, in Queens, for the underserved,” he proclaimed, explaining, “Everything we do, that’s the endgame.”

* * *

Tom Grech loves Queens. He loves the Mets and he tolerates the punishing treatment he and other fans receive in return for their adoration. He loves being an underdog. He loves the experience of being underestimated.

And like Frank Casale, Tom is an optimist, and expects great things to emerge in his home borough in the near future. President of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, he brought Frank in close to him on this and previous projects because Frank loves Queens too.

Tom’s confidence in him was on display at the Queens Business Expo this month, when he handed the microphone to Frank to organize and MC both of the event’s panels, both of which made the subject of their discussion, what else, AI.

Grech will serve as Executive Director of the new Foundation, a registered nonprofit with 501(c) (3), and both he and Frank, whose working title is Head of AI Initiatives, are among its founding Board Members. They are recruiting others to sit with them as a part of the project’s first phase, while pursuing an initial $40 Million fundraising goal. That’s a lot of scratch, as we might say in Queens, and a long way to go before the Foundation’s work will begin in earnest. They’ll not have their hopes dampered.

“It’s not gonna be over ten years,” Frank will claim, pointedly, anticipating naysayers.

“This isn’t an R&D project. You’re gonna see in the coming months the first wave, months after that the second wave. When something’s right and it’s ready it just happens.”

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the 1964 New York World’s Fair, the massive exposition of technology and culture and amusements that brought 50 million visitors from around the world to Flushing Meadows during the course of two extended summer time seasons that year and the next.

“When people ask me, ‘How could this happen in Queens?,’” says Frank, incredulously, he has a response ready. “I’ll tell you why: it’s happened before.”

Innovators and inventors and forward-thinking people have congregated in Queens in several famous moments in history, and Frank and his colleagues at the Foundation continue to be moved by their example.

It is their hope to replicate moments like the World’s Fair, but in a way that’s “less episodic,” with more permanence. Frank has used the word Renaissance to describe the object of their work in Queens, but it’s not so much a rebirth they’re going after but a reorganization of people and things to help them discover their greater potential.

“The ingredients are already there,” he said, “we’re just underutilizing them.”

Finally, it is a question of making the best use of the resources we hold at arm’s length.

PROMOTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS

Con Edison Announces Retirement Of Robert Hoglund; Kirkland Andrews To Succeed Hoglund As CFO

NEW YORK – Consolidated Edison, Inc. (Con Edison) (NYSE: ED) and Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (CECONY) today announced that Robert Hoglund plans to retire from the role of the Chief Financial Officer on July 8, 2024, and will continue to serve as Senior Vice President of Con Edison and CECONY to provide for a smooth transition until his retirement later in 2024. As part of the company’s succession plan, Kirkland B. Andrews will succeed Robert Hoglund as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective July 8, 2024. Mr. Andrews joins Con Edison from Evergy, Inc. (NASDAQ: EVRG), where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Andrews will report to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tim Cawley. Mr. Cawley remarked “First off, my thanks to Robert for his many contributions over the last 20 years. His deep industry knowledge, financial expertise and sound judgement have helped guide the company to strong results, including the recent increase of our company’s dividend for the 50th consecutive year. I’m very grateful for all that he has accomplished, as his work has benefited our shareholders, our customers, and our team.”

Mr. Andrews has extensive finance experience, including 13 years serving

in CFO roles at public utilities. He serves on the board of directors for RPM International Inc., a high-performance coating, sealants and specialty chemicals company.

Mr. Andrews was previously employed at NRG Energy, Inc., where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and at Deutsche Bank Securities and Citigroup Global Markets, where he served as a managing director. He graduated from Wake Forest University and holds an MBA from the University of Virginia.

“Con Edison is poised for significant growth in the coming years as New York continues to lead the clean energy transition, and our financial strength is a critical pillar of our strategy,” said Cawley. “Kirk brings deep experience to our company, and his thoughtful perspective and strong and stable leadership will be great assets to our team.”

Mr. Andrews stated, “I am excited to join Con Edison’s diverse, experienced and engaged workforce. I look forward to working with Tim Cawley, the leadership team and the entire organization to build on Con Edison’s strong track record and continue to deliver value for customers, employees, and shareholders.”

Consolidated Edison, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy-

delivery companies, with approximately $15 billion in annual revenues and $67 billion in assets. The company provides a wide range of energy-related products and services to its customers through the following subsidiaries: Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc., a regulated utility providing electric service in New York City and New York’s Westchester County, gas service in Manhattan, the Bronx, parts of Queens and parts of Westchester, and steam service in Manhattan; Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc., a regulated utility serving customers in a 1,300-square-mile area in southeastern New York State and northern New Jersey; and Con Edison Transmission, Inc., which falls primarily under the oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and manages, through joint ventures, both electric and gas assets while seeking to develop electric transmission projects that will bring clean, renewable electricity to customers, focusing on New York and the Northeast.

Statement required by the Act of August 12, 1970, section 3685. Title 39, United States Code, showing the ownership, management and circulation of Queensborough magazine, published 12 times per year, and owned by the Chamber of Commerce of the Borough of Queens, 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140, Jackson Heights, New York 11370. Statement filed September 1, 2019. Publisher: Chamber of Commerce of the Borough of Queens Editor: Thomas Grech Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding one percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities, none. Extent & nature of circulation: Avg. each issue, Actual single issue, Preceding 13 mos., (Nearest to filing date). Total number of copies 3,200 (3,116). Paid and/or requested circulation: Dealer, carrier sales 633 (756), Mail subscriptions, 1,688 (1,604), Total 2,321 (2,360). Free Distribution By mail 0 (0), By other means 198 (200), Total 198 (200). Total distribution 2,519 (2,560), Office Use, leftover, spoiled 681 (556), Return from news agents 0 (0), Total 3,200 (3,116), Percent paid 92.14 (92.18). I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete. Thomas J. Grech, Editor

QUEENS NEWS

Great Bear Auto Hosts Book Signing For ‘Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide’ By Chaya M. Milchtein

By: Audra Forbin

Audra Fordin and Great Bear Auto hosted a book signing event on April 15th, 2024 spotlighting TikTok influencer Chaya M. Milchtein and her new book “Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide

to Car Ownership ‘’. An auto repair shop such as Great Bear Auto located in Flushing of Northern Boulevard may seem like an unconventional spot to hold a book signing but Audra is all about the word unconventional.

Audra is a certified female automotive mechanic and educator in an industry that is male-dominated. Of course, she isn’t going to do things the normal way. She is an advocate and encourages all women in the trades.

Great Bear Auto is familyowned and operated by Audra Fordin, a powerful female

mechanic who found her niche empowering women with automotive knowledge. She took over the family business that started in 1933 and came into ownership of the auto shop in 1997. Since then, she has hosted many “Women Auto Know” workshops, educating thousands of drivers on car safety and maintenance as well as providing quality care and services to anyone who comes through her shop doors.

The book signing was an intimate event with people coming out to support a local business and Chaya’s new book while soaking up the beautiful weather. The event started out with a tour of the auto shop; then Cha ya read aloud the first few pages of the book where she goes into her early life as a resident in Brooklyn, and how she fell into the automotive industry by landing a job at Sears in the automotive department.

“I spent a lot of time in the shop instead of on the sales floor…

Starting my online educational platform, Mechanic Shop Femme, just made sense. People told me it would never work,” She read.

Chaya’s story, similar to Audra’s, is truly one of inspiration and a classic tale of fighting to get to where you are. From the start of their careers, they have

always been about educating people and offering accessible automotive knowledge to those who may not be treated the best at typical mechanic shops.

As the event continued, people from the crowd chose random pages in the book for Chaya to read aloud and pro vided inviting interactive moments for attendees. And of course, at the end there was time for questions. One person asked, “What is the most rewarding part of what you do?”.

Chaya responded along the lines of inspiring people and seeing her efforts come to life in the form of others gaining something from the education she has to offer. She recounted a comment that a supporter left on one of her TikTok videos stating how a video of hers inspired them to become a diesel mechanic.

To her, the best reward isn’t fame or money, it’s helping people.

The book signing was an event of warmth and a great way to bring attention to women in the automotive industry. Great Bear Auto was more than happy to help Chaya in her journey of showcasing diverse auto shops and the next time you need a mechanic, don’t be afraid to visit Audra!

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QUEENS NEWS

Uniting Creativity: The Astoria Filmmakers Club

By: Phillip Michael Cappadora Jr, President

In the bustling borough of Queens, New York, where artistic fervor thrives amidst cultural diversity, the Astoria Filmmakers Club stands as a bea con for aspiring filmmakers and cinemaniacs alike. Founded on the principle of fostering community, creativity, and collaboration, this dynamic organization has been instrumental in nurturing talent and showcasing the vibrant cinematic landscape of Astoria. At the heart of the Astoria Filmmakers Club is its commitment to providing a supportive platform for filmmakers at all levels of experience. Whether you’re a seasoned director, an emerging screenwriter, or simply a film enthusiast eager to learn more about the craft, there’s a place for you within the club’s welcoming embrace.

Through a diverse array of workshops, screenings, networking events, and collaborative projects, AFC INSIDERS have the opportunity to expand their skills, connect with like-minded individuals, and bring their creative visions to life. One of the club’s most notable features is its emphasis on collaboration.

Recognizing the power of teamwork in filmmaking, members are encouraged to collaborate on projects that showcase the unique talents and perspectives of each individual. From short films and documentaries to experimental projects and web series, the club’s collaborative endeavors span a wide range of genres and styles, reflecting the rich diversity of the club. In addition to fostering creativity behind the camera, the Astoria Filmmakers Club also plays a vital

role in promoting film culture within the local community. Through partnerships with neighborhood organizations, The Triborough Film Festival, and cultural institutions, the club actively engages in outreach

efforts aimed at enriching the cultural landscape of Astoria and beyond. Whether it’s hosting screenings in local venues, participating in community events, or organizing filmrelated educational initiatives, the club is dedicated to sharing the transformative power of cinema with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Central to the club’s mission is its belief in the democratizing potential of filmmaking. By providing access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration, the Astoria Filmmakers Club empowers individuals from diverse

backgrounds to tell their stories and make their voices heard. In an industry often characterized by barriers to entry and gatekeeping, the club serves as a vital counterbalance, championing inclusivity, diversity, and equity in all aspects of its programming.

As the cinematic landscape continues to evolve in the digital age, the Astoria Filmmakers Club remains steadfast in its dedication to nurturing talent, fostering community, and celebrating the art of storytelling. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or an aspiring enthusiast, there’s never been a better time to join this vibrant and dynamic community. Together, we can continue to push the boundaries of creativity, forge lasting connections, and illuminate New York City through the magic of cinema. Join us at the Astoria Filmmakers Club and be a part of something truly extraordinary.

QUEENS NEWS QUEENS NEWS

JFK’s Terminal 8 To Unveil Seasonal Artist Showcase:

Celebrating Jamaica And Queens, Curated By Vaughn Bentley Creative

By: Shenna Vaughn

The Seasonal Artist Showcase at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) will soon be unveiled celebrating the depth and vibrancy of Jamaica and Greater Queens. Through a new community artist program curated by Queens Based Vaughn Bentley Creative.

At JFK’s Terminal 8, Vaughn Bent ley Creative has used their innovative approach to art and community engagement through a collaboration with Unibail-Rodamco- Westfield (URW) Airports, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, American Airlines and R.F. Wilkins Consultants. Through the Seasonal Artist Showcase, passengers will see the terminal’s commitment to enhancing their experience through art.

In collaboration with URW, Vaughn Bentley Creative created a unique selection process

for the inaugural seasonal showcase, “The Traveling Dream” Which began by hosting an information session and subsequently received more than 130 submissions. This level of community involvement ensures that the final showcase will truly reflect the diversity and talent of local artists in Queens.

Unveiling the showcase in May 2024 will undoubtedly add vibrancy and cultural richness to the terminal, offering travelers a unique and memorable experience. It’s exciting to see art being used to elevate temporary spaces and create connections between travelers and the community.

About Vaughn Bentley Creative

Vaughn Bentley Creative was conceived on a dream: The dream of building a foundation to nurture the creative spirit; The dream of illuminating discovery through hypothetical vision: The dream of art not serving as an artificial imitation of life, but a medium of expression, serving what life can be.

NYC-born artists, Shenna Vaughn and William Bentley both shared these dreams and have dedicated their partnership to the support of the creative spirit within each other and the magnificent work for their

communities that they can achieve as a team. Upon first meeting as art teachers working at the same school, they developed a symbiotic relationship that consisted of admiration and responsibility. The visual arts were not to be limited to pretty pictures, but to be treated as a process of dedication. The children which they worked with were relying on them to provide art education that not only explored their gifts, but also manifested their confidence in their own power to create. Through the challenge of messy paint to say the least, Vaughn Bentley Creative’s experiences as

art teachers together led them both to an understanding of their own power as well. This understanding would expand their inspirational work outside of the classroom as they both started to build the foundation needed to preserve such magic.

Taking on task art projects together became more than just commissions; they were opportunities to express statements of the heart, mind and soul. Painted murals could reveal the grace they both achieved within their own circumstantial struggles, achieving their success despite the grit of their environments. They continuously applied their amazing talents.

QUEENS NEWS QUEENS NEWS

40 Years Of Illuminating Excellence: Ramdeen’s Electrical Contracting Corp. Sparks Celebration In The Electrical Business

By: Radha Ramdeen

As we proudly celebrate four decades of success with Ramdeen’s Electrical Contracting Corp, we reflect on our journey at the forefront of the electrical business for 40 years. Our dedica tion has not only powered innovation but also illuminated the path forward for small minority-owned businesses in the industry. Through genuine and humble hard work, we’ve not only maintained our position but also nurtured a legacy of excellence, resilien ce, and inclusivity.

In 1984, Baldath Ramdeen, hailing from Trinidad, established Ramdeen’s Electrical in New York to amplify his

already established resilience and ambition, elevating the certified MBE family business to new industry heights. Transitioning to 2016, his eldest son Mark Ramesh Ramdeen took control of the company implementing his own expertise and vision, taking the family brand to unprecedented success.

Since its inception, REC has stood as a beacon of excellence in the electrical industry, continuously evolving and staying abreast of advanced technology. Despite our commitment to innovation, we also cherish tradition and uphold the values of old-school hard work. This balance has been instrumental in

our growth, allowing us to forge strong relationships with clients and partners alike. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to maintaining this delicate equilibrium, ensuring that we continue to lead with integrity, expertise, and a forward-thinking mindset.

Throughout these 40 years, REC has provided top-notch electrical services, whether it’s installations, maintenance, or cutting-edge technological solutions. The company has increasingly worked with small to large scale projects from residential, commercial, industria, and institutional clientele including various NY state and city agencies such as DASNY, PANYNJ, NYCHA, HPD, among others. Services include solar systems, fire alarm systems, back-up generators, and many more. The team of skilled professionals is committed to delivering quality workmanship, ensuring the safety and efficiency of every project. We are grateful to have a strong support system within the boroughs of New York.

At REC, we are unwavering in our commitment to diversity, unity, and inclusion within our workspace. This principle has been at the core of our

values throughout the years, remaining steadfast even amidst societal shifts. We take pride in our inclusive environment, where individuals from diverse backgrounds, races, and ethnicities come together to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. We believe that embracing this diversity enriches our team and enhances our ability to innovate and excel in serving our clients and community.

As we mark this significant milestone, we express our heartfelt gratitude to our clients, employees, and stakehol ders who have been an integral part of our journey. Your trust and support have been the driving force behind our success, and we look forward to many more years of collaboration and shared accomplishments. We would also like to thank the Queens Chamber of Commerce as well as the other chambers for the support conveyed to our organizations. We will continue to support our partners, and we greatly appreciate the support we receive in return for any upcoming initiatives. We look forward to continuing to serve our community, empower diverse talent, and light the way for generations to come.

QUEENS NEWS

$2M in Federal Funding from Congresswoman Meng Grants 60 Queens Restaurants New Outdoor Dining Structures

By Celia Bernhardt cbernhardt@queensledger.com

Thanks to $2 million in federal funding secured by Congresswoman Grace Meng, 60 restaurants in Queens are getting an outdoor dining makeover to bring them into compliance with new city rules.

Adams administration to show off a real-life example of the kind outdoor dining structures they hope businesses will adopt as they crack down on the sheds that were built during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“For the city of New York, we are going to take over from Paris and become the global destination for outdoor dining because of this.” Small Business Services commissioner Kevin Kim said.

The Congresswoman celebrated the funding at a press conference with other local representatives and officials from the Adams administration in front of Mojitos Restaurant Bar in Jackson Heights, one of the establishments to receive the funding.

“I believe that we must provide our restaurants with the tools that they need to succeed, and that’s why I’m thrilled to have fought for and secured this vital funding totaling $2 million,” Meng said to the crowd. “These free dining setups will help dozens of restaurants in my congressional district here in Queens grow and thrive, and just in time for summer.”

The event was also an opportunity for officials from the

The outdoor dining sheds that popped up throughout the city during the COVID-19 pandemic have been a subject of hot debate. Some call them “eyesores,” arguing that they attract rats and aren’t worth the lost parking; others emphasize that they have served as an economic boost to restaurants and are a positive example of street space being used for dining and socializing.

The city released a final set of rules for a permanent, standardized outdoor dining program in

February. Among those rules: the structures must be completely open-air and include a drainage system; they must close down by midnight and cannot take up metered parking spots (but can use loading zones); and they can only stand between April and November. Restaurant owners must put them in storage during the winter months.

comparable in cost.

Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi told the crowd that the structure set up for Mojitos and other establishments included water-filled barriers in order to ward away rats.

“This is a real advancement. Don’t sleep on this detail. The other ones were soil-filled. So, you know who likes to live in soil? They don’t like to live in water, so it makes a big difference in terms of hygiene and making sure that these are sanitary,” Joshi said.

Though Mojitos and other restaurants in Meng’s district may be lucky to receive the assistance, most restaurant owners will have to pay their own way to implement the changes. A spokesperson for SBS said that restaurant owners would likely need to spend about as much on the new structures as they did to set up their original sheds, as the city aims to make them

“The Dining Out NYC website is a marketplace that has a whole list of different kinds of setups,” SBS representative Joseph Jordan said. “Some cheaper, some are more expensive.”

“In general we’re saying $15,000 to $25,000 that these business owners are getting in benefit by having a setup like this,” another representative for the agency said.

When asked whether she was concerned for other restaurants throughout the city that might not get the same support as the 60 she sponsored in her district, Meng said her “solution is not necessarily a long term one.”

“It was just a way to get these kits for free for my restaurants. Obviously, I wish I could leave a magic wand and the city could provide them for free for all the restaurants,” Meng said.

Restaurant owners must apply online by August 3 to participate in the city’s outdoor dining program — otherwise, they forfeit their outdoor spaces entirely.

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2024!

Our graduates have been accepted to many top colleges and universities over the last three years, including:

Amherst College

Barnard College

Binghamton University (SUNY)

Boston University

Brandeis University

Carnegie Mellon University

Case Western Reserve University

Colgate University

Columbia University

Cornell University

Davidson College

Fordham University

Georgetown University

Middlebury College

Northwestern University

New York University

Rutgers University

Smith College

Stony Brook University (SUNY)

The George Washington University

The Pennsylvania State University

United States Military Academy (West Point)

University of Connecticut

University of Michigan

University of Notre Dame

University of Pennsylvania

University of Rochester

University of Southern California

Wesleyan University

Williams College

QUEENS NEWS Beyond The Runway: The Power Of Airport And Ferry Marketing

By: Teresa Rampulla

I once had a flight to catch, and while I was waiting to board amidst the chaos of airport life, I caught this colorful ad showcasing a postgraduate scholarship on a plasma panel out of the corner of my eye. Usually, when I see promotions, I ignore them, but like every other passenger, I came over an hour early to check in, so I had much time. I watched that ad like a blockbuster movie; I had nothing else to do.

At that moment, I realized that airports and other means of transportation like ferries are not just transit hubs but marketplaces brimming with untapped potential. Moreover, the next time someone mentioned needing a postgraduate sponsorship, I immediately had a name in mind or someone who they could check out.

Overview of Transportation Hubs Across the New York and New Jersey region, the symbols

of global mobility are the Port Authority Airports, amongst other ports. According to Simpleflying, Blade, and Wikipedia, as of 2022, JFK airport had 55.2 million annual travelers, LaGuardia had 30 million in 2019, and Newark had 43.4 million passengers in 2022.

These numbers could be easily turned into leads for businesses if they implemented well-tailored marketing campaigns. As airports and ferry environments allow businesses to engage with a wide range of travelers, these businesses can have conversions, drive engagement, and boost their brand visibility.

Why You Need Airport Marketing

Advertising in airport and ferry environments offers brands many advantages: a captive audience, long ad exposure time, and financial stability of the demographic, among others that will be discussed below. So, without further ado, let us get into it.

1. Captive Audience and Length of Exposure: With the annual number of commuters passing through NY and NJ airports, over 70% of them arrive at the airport an hour or two earlier due to the check-in and boarding processes. The wait could be extended,

and travelers often eagerly seek outlets or distractions to help pass the time. As airports and ferry terminals serve as temporary holding zones for travelers, they are confined to these spaces and have very limited options for diversion. That is why they are called a “captive audience”.

From terminals and waiting at gates to lounging in departure areas and passing security checkpoints; these extended waiting times allow businesses to make a subtle but lasting impression. For example, suppose you have three variations of a 30-second or 1-minute ad played over an hour. In that case, this campaign will im print itself in your target audience’s mind, influencing their perceptions, attitudes, and even future purchasing behaviors

2. Target Audiences and Financial Stability of the Demographic Whether you are selling cars, curated vacations, or beauty products, with airports like JFK raking in 55.2 million annual travelers with diverse demographics, you are bound to hit your target audience. According to Zippa, in 2023, the traveler’s average salary is $49,000, above the average of the general population, and over 60% of travelers had a bachelor’s degree. This means the average traveler is both educated and financially stable. Most travelers are professionals, executives, and tourists with disposable income, allowing them to spend on luxury goods, services, and experiences.

3. Potential Return on Investment (ROI): Due to these hubs’ unmatched high visibility and engagement opportunities, there is tremendous potential ROI. From local commuters to international tourists, these airports and ferry terminals have uncluttered communication channels, which help brands command attention easily through various media like digital screens, billboards, or immersive installations. Also, there is continuous exposure and costeffective brand visibility. Airports are open 24/7, with people arriving and departing throughout the day. This perpetual activity is an ample opportunity for businesses to engage with their audience any day, any time, thereby maximizing exposure, brand awareness, and brand recall.

4. Organic Traffic through UGC UGC or user-generated content are texts, pictures, and videos created by users, target audiences, or just people rather than the brands. Maybelline once made a fake máscara themed ad for the subway, and it went viral when the marketing team shared this video.

All Roads Converge in Queens

by Alexander Bernhardt Bloom

All roads lead to Rome but they didn’t June 4th, when panel speakers and honorees for the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Expo arrived from far flung corners of the world to address the some 2000 attendees at the event hosted at Citi Field.

Some 140 local partners participated in this year’s edition, - including our very own BQE media, also a sponsor of the event - and the vendor’s tables they set out were there for the perusing of the expo’s estimated 2000 attendees. (The event is free and

open to any interested members of the public by way of a simple web registration form).

A communal event with a generally local feel and neighborly vibe, this year’s Expo did also have an edgy, cosmopolitan and international character. The invited guests who arrived from abroad had come to discuss Artificial Intelligence, until then perhaps not the first preoccupation for the entities that make up the Chamber’s members - credit unions, sandwich shops, and local real estate and law firms.

Continued on Page 25

Yasmin Topia, in from across the pond, fields a question from moderator Frank Casale.

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES

82ND STREET PARTNERSHIP

37-06 82nd Street, Jackson Heights, NY 11372

Executive Director: Leslie Ramos

718.335.9421

82ndstreet.org

QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $224,000 with more than 200 businesses under its umbrella. The district is on 82nd Street from 37th Avenue to Baxter Avenue. The board meets quarterly with the annual meeting in June.

ASIAN AMERICAN FEDERATION

120 Wall Street, 9th Fl., New York, NY 10005 aafederation.org

QUICK GLANCE: The Asian American Federation’s mission is to raise the influence and well-being of the pan-Asian American community through research, policy advocacy, public awareness and organizational development.

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

BAYSIDE VILLAGE BID

213-33 39th Avenue, Bayside, NY 11361

Executive Director: Christine Siletti 718.423.2434

info@baysidevillagebid.com

QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $218,000 and over 350 members. Founded in 2007, the BID includes commercial property owners and residents on Bell Boulevard between 35th Avenue and Northern Boulevard, as well as a block east and west on 41st Avenue.

BAYSIDE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

41-16 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, NY 11361

President: Ed Probst

Vice President: Judith Limpert 718.229.2277

info@baysideba.com baysideba.com

QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1997, the Bayside Business Association services all of Bayside business to address issues and concerns those businesses have with regards to running their businesses.

ACCOMPANY CAPITAL (FORMERLY BCNA)

78-27 37 Ave., Ste. 1 Jackson Heights, NY 11372

Business Development: Tshering Gurung 347.730.6468

tgurung@accompanycapital.org

QUICK GLANCE: Accompany Capital is an award-winning Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Small Business Administration

(SBA) micro lender that provides small and micro business owners in New York City with low-cost loans, access to business training & technical assistance, and one-on-one counseling.

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

BUSINESS OUTREACH CENTER NETWORK (BOC, INC.)

85 S. Oxford Street #2 Brooklyn, NY 11217 718.624.9115

bocnet.org Continued on Page 26

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

US OPEN JOB FAIR

July 9th | 03:00 PM - 07:00 PM

USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

2024 QUEENS CHAMBER SUMMER NETWORKING CRUISE!

July 11, 2024 6:00 - 10:00 PM

SMALL BUSINESS SUMMER SERIES: NYS INTERAGENCY SMALL BUSINESS TOUR: QUEENS

July 17, 2024

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

A NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK NY METS VS MINNESOTA TWINS: COME TAILGATE WITH US!

July 30, 2024 4:30 - 7:00 PM

QUEENS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & QCC FOUNDATION ANNUAL GOLF OUTING AND DINNER

16 Sep 2024 | 10:00 AM09:00 PM

Garden City Country Club

Continued from Page 23

Nevertheless, they’d hear things to pique their interest in the subject, including a panel discussion on the effective use of AI tools for small businesses, and later the announcement of a new initiative with the Queens Innovation Foundation, a major

QUEENS NEWS

Women entrepreneurs were in the seats of honor during the Expo’s prime time luncheon event, there to discuss the AI companies they’d come to represent from outside the city and US, the work they’d done on behalf of which had earned each of them an accolade handed out

part of which will be tech and AI training and certification for everyday Queens residents in a program called Next Gen Academy.

Back in the main pavilion, participating Chamber members

chewed the rag, exchanged business cards, ate finger food and played raffle. But this year’s handouts and takeaways amounted to much more than fish tacos and branded ballpoint pens. Attendees spilled out into the parking lots outside Citi Field in the late afternoon in good spirits from good company and emboldened.

Point.

the day of the Expo, a Global Innovation Award.

All roads lead to Willets

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES

QUICK GLANCE: Business Outreach Center Network’s mission is to improve the economic prospects of traditionally underserved groups, with a focus on low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs and their communities, and thereby create genuinely brighter futures.

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

CHHAYA CDC

37-43 77th Street, #2 Jackson Heights, NY 11372

718.478.3848

chhayacdc.org

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

CHINATOWN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (CHINATOWN PARTNERSHIP)

217 Park Row, 2nd Floor, Suite 9 New York, NY 10038 chinatownpartnership.org

QUICK GLANCE: Chinatown Partnership, led by Wellington Chen, was formed in 2006 as new start-up from grounds up to bring residents, business owners and community groups together to rebuild Chinatown following 9/11, and to preserve the neighborhood’s unique culture while ensuring its vitality in the future through strategic positioning.

With the highly popular Weekend Walks street festive series, Mid-Autumn Festival, One Day in NYC, annual Beautification/ Earth Day, East West Parade with Little Italy, Double Valentine’s Day to promote the softer side of Chinatown and the Jewelry District and all the cafes, eateries in the area. Explore Chinatown marketing initiative, Lunar Stages outdoor film screenings, and Taste of Chinatown street events, Chinatown Partnership helps promote the area as a special destination to live, work, and visit.

FOREST HILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PO Box 751123, Forest Hills, NY 11375

President: Leslie Brown

718.268.6565

FHChamber11375@gmail.com

FHChamber@aol.com

QUICK GLANCE: Re-formed in 1995, the group has over 225 members. Chamber meetings are held on the last Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m. at the West Side Tennis Club, 1 Tennis Place, in Forest Hills.

GANYC – GUIDES ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK CITY

115 Broadway, 5th Floor, New York, NY

10006

Associate Director: Harvey Davidson

908-499-3735

info@ganyc.org

Ganyc.org

QUICK GLANCE: GANYC was founded in 1974 by licensed tour guides for licensed tour guides. We are one of the oldest and most active tour guides associations in America. Founded originally as an association of multilingual guides, GANYC has grown greatly since, encompassing a wide variety of guides that reflect the diversity of NYC’s tourism industry. We provide a number of services for locals and the visiting public as well as for our members including tour guide education, familiarization tours (FAM Tours), professional advice and workshops.

GATEWAYJFK

Interim Executive Director: Barbara J. Cohen

718.304.0119

info@GatewayJFK.org GatewayJFK.org

QUICK GLANCE: GatewayJFK is a publicprivate partnership providing neighborhood services, improvements and advocacy for the District’s off-airport cargo community and all who live, work or visit the area. A vital link in the global supply chain, GatewayJFK is a distinct and unique NYC neighborhood of major economic significance to the region, the nation, and the world.”

GREATER JAMAICA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

90-04 161st Street, Jamaica, NY 11432

President: Hope Knight

718.291.0282

gjdc.org

QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1967, the group has 75 members. GJDC’s work expands economic opportunity and improves quality of life for the ethnically and economically diverse residents of Jamaica and for the region at large, which benefits from rational, well-planned, and sustainable metropolitan growth.

GREATER WOODHAVEN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONWOODHAVEN BID

84-01 Jamaica Avenue, Woodhaven NY 11421

718.805.0202

gwdcbid@hotmail.com

woodhavenbid.com

QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $257,000 with more than 350 businesses under its umbrella on Jamaica Avenue from Dexter Court to 100th Street. They are providing free benches for store owners along Jamaica Avenue. They also provide 2.5 and 5 percent home improvement loans.

JAMAICA CENTER BID

161-10 Jamaica Avenue, Suite 419

Jamaica, NY 11432

Executive Director: Jennifer Furioli

718.526.2422

jamaica.nyc

@JamCenterBID (Twitter)

@jamcenterbid (Instagram)

@Jamaica Center BID (Facebook)

QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1979, the Jamaica Center BID serves over 400 businesses on Jamaica Avenue between Sutphin Boulevard and 169th Street. With a budget of over $1 million, the BID’s goal is to promote and maintain Downtown Jamaica as a thriving business hub and an enjoyable destination to shop, work, live and visit.

JFK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

P.O. Box 300687, Jamaica, NY 11430

Executive Director: Clorinda Antonucci

President: Al DePhillips

Vice President: Joseph Morra

JFKCoCExec@gmail.com

jfkairportchamberofcommerce.org

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

LONG ISLAND CITY PARTNERSHIP

718.786.5300

longislandcityqueens.com

QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1979, the Long Island City Partnership advocates

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES

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.

MASPETH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

P.O. Box 780265, Maspeth, NY 11378

President: David Daraio 718.335.1300

maspethchamberofcommerce.org

QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1953, they have 120 members and a budget of $115,000.

MASPETH INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (MIBA)

BOC: 96-11 40th Road, Corona, NY 11368

Coordinator: Quincy Ely-Cate

718.205.3773

qelycate@bocnet.org mibanyc.org

QUICK GLANCE: Covering roughly 600 businesses with 30 active members, the Maspeth Industrial Business Association provides a collective voice in advocating the needs and interests of industrial and manufacturing businesses in Maspeth. They help companies in the Maspeth Industrial District in developing workforce, accessing tax credits, obtaining financing, navigating government regulations and, in some cases, finding real estate.

MIDDLE VILLAGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

79-47 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village, NY 11379

President: Salvatore Crifasi

718.894.8700

Sal@Crifasi.com

QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $8,000 with 35 businesses under its umbrella. Formed in 1929. MVCC meets annually and focuses on the Metropolitan Avenue shopping district between 69 and 80 th streets. The mission is to improve the area and assist local businesses if they have any concerns or needs.

MYRTLE AVENUE BID

62-14 Myrtle Avenue, Ridgewood, NY 11385

Executive Director: Ted Renz

718.366.3806

QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $500,000 with over 300 retail and service businesses under its purview. Board meetings are held four times a year with the annual meeting in June.

The district includes Myrtle Avenue in Ridgewood between Fresh Pond Road and Wyckoff Avenue. Program support is provided by the Ridgewood LDC.

QUEENS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

12-55 Queens Boulevard, Room 309 Kew Gardens, NY 11424

Executive Director: Seth Bornstein

718.263.0546

queensny.org

QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $1.5 million and a resource for over 2,000 businesses in the borough of Queens. Register online for upcoming virtual events, including:

ROCKAWAY DEVELOPMENT & REVITALIZATION CORPORATION

1920 Mott Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691

President: Kevin Alexander 718.327.5300 www.rdrc.org

QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1978, the Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation (RDRC) was established to promote the revitalization of the Rockaway’s economic base and neighborhoods by creating long-standing partnerships with city and state agencies.

ROCKAWAY EAST MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION (REMA4US)

1032 Beach 20th Street Far Rockaway, NY 11691

rema4us.org

QUICK GLANCE: REMA 4 US, Inc. seeks to engage in economic development and revitalization in the Rockaway Peninsula. To strengthen our community revitalization programs and community development efforts in the Rockaway Peninsula REMA works alongside businesses, civic groups, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. REMA works to inform the public about opportunities that exist to strengthen the community, and to create a welcoming and safe environment to help expand economic opportunity in the Rockaway Peninsula.

STEINWAY ASTORIA PARTNERSHIP BID

25-69 38th Street, Suite 1C, Astoria 11103

Executive Director: Marie Torniali 718.728.7820 info@steinwaystreet.nyc steinwaystreet.org

QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1991, the BID has over 300 members. The Steinway Street Business Improvement District encompasses

all 300 business located on Steinway Street from 28th Avenue to 35th Avenue. National chain stores such as Victoria’s Secret, The Gap, Benetton, and Express are side by side with local family-owned shops.

SUNNYSIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PO Box 4399, Sunnyside, NY 11104

President: Vanessa Ceballos 718.729.4688 sunnyside-chamber.org

QUICK GLANCE: With an annual budget of $55,000, t he chamber is an organization built around assisting and helping local business and professionals by providing resources to increase business, safety and historical preservation throughout the neighborhood.

SUNNYSIDE SHINES

45-56 43rd Street, Sunnyside, NY 11104

Executive Director: Jaime-Faye Beam 718.606.1800 director@sunnysideshines.org sunnysideshines.org

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

SUTPHIN BOULEVARD BID

89-00 Sutphin Boulevard, Suite 204C Jamaica, NY 11435

Executive Director: Glen Greenridge 71 8.291.2110

sutphinblvdbid@verizon.net

QUICK GLANCE: The BID was founded in 2004 and represents 134 businesses, 56 properties and 39 property owners along Sutphin Boulevard between Hillside Ave. and 94th Ave.

URBAN UPBOUND

40th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101

CEO & Co-Founder: Bishop Mitchell G. Taylor

QUICK GLANCE: Urban Upbound, originally known as East River Development Alliance (ERDA), was co-founded in 2002 by Debra-Ellen Glickstein, a strong advocate of economic development inclusion, and Bishop Mitchell Taylor, a lifelong resident of Queensbridge Houses, with the intention to develop high-quality services that address resident-identified needs. Since then, the organization has grown to serve thousands of youth and adults living in public housing and other low-and moderate-income neighborhoods annually

CORPORATE

EAC Network

Neela Mukherjee neela.lockel@eac-network.org

Mr. T Carting Corp.

Mohammed Uddin ap@mrtcarting.com

Compu-Phone Voice & Data, Inc. Rebecca Lemmer rebecca@compu-phone.net

Carver Federal Savings Bank

Tony Holmes tony.holmes@carverbank.com

NEW MEMBERS

SMALL BUSINESS PARTNERS

Ladaska M Foundations La’Daska Powell ladaska@lmfoundations.org

Circle Academy Erin Burmester erinb@nss123.org

Visiting Nurse & Homecare Referral Services of Bayshore Inc Muhammad Kader allcountyhc@gmail.com

Triboro Property Solutions Jonathan Ettricks tony.holmes@carverbank.com

Jetway Heating Cooling and Refrigeration

SylviaCothia jetwayhvacservices@gmail.com

Rha Kim Grossman & McIlwain, LLP

Megan Rha mrha@rhakimlaw.com

Mo’s Stitches Inc.

Johnny Yip info@mostitches.com

JKD HVAC R. Corp.

AntonioGutama jkdhvac@gmail.com

Belfor Property Restoration

WayneWoods wayne.woods@us.belfor.com

National Life Group

Howard Fried fried_howard@nlgroupmail.com

KEH Consulting

Kara Hughes kara@kauffmann.nyc

RAAD Engineering

Sebastian Ramirez sebastian.ramirez@raadny.com

YouShopOn LLC

Mohammad Ahsan salestugsoftware@gmail.com

Law Office of Michael Benenati, PC

Michael Benenati mbenenati@mbenenatilaw.com

AyiboBooks

Jenna Chrisphonte jenna.chrisphonte@gmail.com

Little Laser Clinic

Christine Chen info@littlelaserclinic.com

Ahad&Co Ahad Ali aali@ahadandco.com

Nur Thai Sazzad Hossain nurthaiag@gmail.com

Island Provisions

Abbie Taylor oh2bprovisions@gmail.com

The Estate Planning and Elder Law Group/Andrew L. Jaloza & Associates LLC

Andrew Jaloza ajaloza@gmail.com

Healthier Life Medicine PLLC

Andres Jimenez aj@healthier.clinic

EXECUTIVE COMMMITEE

Kenneth

A&L Cesspool Services Corp

A+ Technology & Security

AARP

Abrams Fensterman

ADS Engineers, DPC

Advanced Technology Alliance

AES

Aetna Better Health of New York

AFGO Mechanical Services, Inc

Allegiant Home Care

Allied Risk Management, Inc

Andromeda

Antun’s of Queens Village

Approved General Contracting Inc.,

ARK Import Export Center, LLC

At Your Side Home Care Service

Avison Young

Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service

Barasch & McGarry

Barn Truck Rental

Barone Management LLC

Bayside CJ LLC

BedRock Real Estate Partners, LLC

Berkshire HathawayHomeservices

Laffey International Realty

Bethpage Federal Credit Union

Blumenfeld Development Group

Bonanza Contracting LLC

Brooklyn Tile and Design

BRP Companies

BTX Global Logistics

Bulovas Restorations Inc

Capital One Bank

Capitol Fire Sprinkler

Carben Construction Inc.

Carter Milchman and Frank Carter, DeLuca & Farrell LLP

Catholic Charities Brooklyn & Queens

Catholic Health

CBIZ Marks Paneth

CBRE

CDS-Mestel Construction

Center for Automotive Education and Training

Century Development Group

Cerini and Associates, LLP.

Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP

Cine Magic LIC Studios, LLC

Cipico Construction, Inc.

CitiQuiet

Coastal Flooring Solutions

Colliers Securities

ConnectOne Bank

BANKING & LAW

John Renda

Edward Jones

John.Renda@edwardjones.com

Edwin Wong EWong@flushingbank.com

COMMUNICATIONS

Jake Oliver Anat Gerstein jake@anatgerstein.com

Henry Ramos Dedline AV henry@dedlineav.com

HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS

Prabhleen S. Virk

Citrin Cooperman pvirk@citrincooperman.com

TRANSPORTATION

Phil Jones

LIME philip@li.me

ENERGY

Marshall Haimson E-Capital Development marshall@e-capitaldevelopment.com

EXECUTIVE STAFF

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CORPORATE MEMBERS

Consigli Construction Co Inc

Cornell Tech

Cornerstone Land Abstract

Cort

CPower Energy Management

Crescent Properties, Inc

Crown Castle

Crystal Window & Door Systems, Ltd

Dack Consulting Solutions

Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP

Dedline AV

Diehl & Sons Inc. D.b.a New York

Freightliner

Direct Clean Service Solutions

Edward Jones

E-J Electric Installation Co.

EJ Stevens Group

Elite Builders and Management

EMCOR NY/NJ

EMU Health

Exquisite Construction corp

Fenagh Engineering & Testing

First Central Savings Bank

First Choice Vending

First National Bank of LI

Firstlight Cloud Xchange

Flushing Bank

Forest Hills Financial Group, Inc.

COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP

Jay Solly Sol Strategies jaypsolly@gmail.com

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INNOVATION

Ryan Letts Cleonmaye Corporation rletts@cleonmaye.com

FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES

Michael Shoule JW Hampton mikes@jwhampton.com

FOOD, BEVERAGE & HOSPITALITY

Jim Quent Statewide Public Affairs jquent@statewidepublicaffairs.com

Rachel Kellner Aigner Chocolates rachel@aignerchocolates.com

NOT FOR PROFIT

Larry Grubler

Transitional Services of NY lgrubler@tsiny.org

Christine Deska BellesBoard/Nonprofit Sector Strategies christine@nonprofitsectorstrategies.org

REAL ESTATE

Kevin Louie RIPCO klouie@ripcony.com

Michael Wang Project Queens michael@projectqueens.com

MANUFACTURING

Lina DeLaCruz lina@controlelectropolishing.com

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Shahriar Hossain Shossain@queenschamber.org

Gatsons Electric

Giant Industrial Installations

Gil-Bar Industries, Inc.

GOLDEN AGE HOME CARE INC

Goodman

Goodwill Industries NYNJ

Graf & Lewent Architects

Greater NY Automobiles Dealers Association

Grubb Properties

H2M architects + engineers

HANAC, Inc.

HE2PD, Inc.

Healthy Corner Pharmacy

Heatherwood Communities

HOK

Hugh O’Kane Electric Co., Inc.

Hyatt Place Flushing

Hydro-Quebec Energy Services

IKEA Queens

INDA, Association of Nonwoven Fabric

Industry

Inggroups

Innovo Property Group

J Strategies, Inc

J.W. Hampton Jr. & Co., Inc.

Jamaica Multiplex Cinemas / Showcase

Cinemas

James E Fitzgerald

Jason Office Products

JGM Construction Development, LLC

JME Group LLC

Kasirer, LLC

Kaufman Astoria Studios, Inc.

Kelair Inc.

K-Four Construction Corp.

Koeppel Auto Group

Laffey Real Estate

Legacy Contractors NYC LLC

Lenoblelumber Co

Liberty Ashes Inc.

Loconsolo Paints

Macerich

Madison International Realty

Mayer Malbin Company, Inc.

Mc Gowan

MD Squared Property Group LLC

Media X Partners Inc.

MedRite

Mega Contracting Group LLC

Molloy College

Mr. T Carting Corp.

MSN Air Service Inc

Netwolf Cyber Intelligence Advisers

Neutron Holdings, Inc

New York & Atlantic Railway

New York State Energy Coalition, Inc.

Nonprofit Sector Strategies, PBC

Northwell Go Health Urgent Care

Northwell Health

Notionwide Financial

Omni Funding Corp. of America

On-trac Construction Associates

Oxford Harriman & Company/Haddad

& Co.

Patrick B. Jenkins & Associates

Paycor

PBIPayroll & Workforce Technologies

Perch Advisors LLC

PGA Mechanical Contractors, Inc.

Ponce Bank

Praxis Public Relations

Priority 1 Security LLC

QSIDE Federal Credit Union

Queens College CUNY

Queens Garden Florist Inc

Queensborough Community College

Regal Heights

Ripco Investment Sales

Rock Brokerage

Ronald Fatoullah & Associates

Rosco Inc.

Royal Waste Services

Russo’s on the Bay

Sacco & Fillas, LLP

Samaritan Daytop Village

Securitech Group, Inc.

Signature Bank

SkyTrac Access Group, LLC

SL Green Realty Corp.

SourceBlue

Spectrum Reach

Spoton

Squad Security Inc.

St. Francis Preparatory School

St. John’s Episcopal Hospital

St. John’s University

Starbucks Corporation

STARS Northwell Health

Storm Marking LLC

Structural Engineering Technologies, P.C.

SUNation Solar Systems

Superior Office Solutions

Target

The Astoria World Manor

The Ideal Supply Company

The L Grp

The Liquidity Source

The Sandhu Group

Tristate Plumbing Services Corp

Tristate Safety

Triumvirate Environmental

United Airlines

United American Title Agency

United Construction and Development

Group Corp

United Public Adjusters & Appraisers, Inc.

Universal Healthcare

USTA National Tennis Center, Inc.

Valley National Bank

Vassilaros & Sons Coffee

Vensure HR

Walsh Patel Group Consulting

VOREA

Waste Management of New York

LLC

Watch Guard 24/7

Waymo

White Coffee Corp

Wildlife Conservation Society

XPOexpress

Zara Realty

Vincent L. Petraro, Esq. George Rozansky Gerard Thornton

MAJOR CORPORATE MEMBERS

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.