This is Queensborough June 2017

June 2017 . Volume 13 . Issue 6

‘CAPITOL’ GAINS QUEENS CHAMBER TAKES OVER ALBANY FOR THE DAY

JOHN CATSIMATIDIS GIVES KEYNOTE AT QUEENS CHAMBER BUSINESS EXPO

CHAMBER HOSTS FIRST-EVER EVENT FOR HOSPITALITY, RESTAURANT INDUSTRIES QCC WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS

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June 2017 • Volume 13 • Issue 6

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

HELP US WELCOME OUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS The vision of the Queens Chamber of Commerce is to be recognized as the premier comprehensive business resource and driver of prosperity resulting in a vibrant Queens.

We accomplish this mission by fostering connections, educating for success, implementing programs and advocating for our members’ interests.

This is no light task, and it is thanks to our Staff and Board of MAYRA DIRICO Directors to achieve QCC PRESIDENT these goals.

This June, I want to specifically thank and honor our Board Members for their time and dedication as volunteers who are passionate about the Borough of Queens. We recently added seven

new Members to the Board of Directors. Please join me in congratulating the following New Members: • Michael Billia, Senior Vice President, Investors Bank • Tamara Gavrielof, Group Director and Senior Vice President at Signature Bank • Kelly Koukou, Executive Managing Director, Lee & Associates • Henry Kuykendall, Vice President, New York for Delta Air Lines • Carl Mattone, President, Mattone Group LLC • Michelle Stoddart, Director of PR and Community Development, Resorts World Casino • Patrick Yu, Partner, Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP

Our diverse Board currently represents 22 industries in nine major categories (see chart).

Finally, I want to congratulate those who were honored at City & State’s Queens Borough Series reception on May 18. Of the 25 honorees, 10 are current or former Members of the Queens Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors: Carol Conslato, Daniel Zausner, Fran BidermanGross, Kenneth Buettner, Michael Meyer, Jeffrey Levine, Chuck Imhof, Michael Moran, and Caryn Schwab. This is an amazing accolade and an incredible representation of the Queens Chamber!

As always, we are here to advocate for your business. If there is anything we can do to be of assistance, please reach out!

A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MAY A BUSY MONTH FOR CHAMBER & ITS MEMBERS May was an action-packed month at the Queens Chamber! With three major events within three weeks, we have been amping up our agenda to get ready for the summer.

Here’s what we’ve been up to...

Queens Day in Albany

On Tuesday, May 9, the Queens Chamber organized a trip to Albany along with the Office of the Borough President, Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, Long Island City Partnership, and the Queens Economic D e v e l o p m e n t Corporation.

The point of “Queens Day in Albany” was to invite and gather our Members to see the NYS Assembly and Senate in action and host a reception THOMAS J. showcasing various GRECH local restaurateurs EXECUTIVE and food purveyors.

DIRECTOR Attendees congregated in the Chamber’s parking lot at 7:30 a.m. and boarded buses supplied by Resorts World

Casino.

Upon arriving in Albany, our Members met with the entire Queens delegation. Following the meetings, we observed sessions of both the Assembly and Senate, where proclamations were read in support of the borough. The evening culminated with the sights, sounds, and tastes of Queens. Nearly 20 restaurants, breweries, and winemakers showcased their products and services.

We look forward to an even greater event in 2018!

Director Paula Kirby, Caryn Schwab of Mt. Sinai Queens, and NYC Ferry’s Elana Ehrenberg.

As our exhibitors networked with guests, 14 pro-business seminars were held throughout the day. Thank you so much to all who participated! The day concluded with a raffle including a Major Corporate Membership from the Queens Chamber, a signed ’86 Mets World Series plaque, and many other exciting items.

Queens Chamber Business Expo at CitiField

Restaurant and Hospitality Launch and Networking Event

The 2017 Queens Chamber Business Expo was held on Wednesday, May 17, and it was a huge success! With over 1,500 guests, 110 exhibitors, and 14 breakout sessions, we are incredibly thankful and delighted for our highest attendance yet!

The day kicked-off with a Breakfast Panel (pictured) discussion featuring John Catsimatidis, CEO of Gristedes Foods. Also featured were Susan Browning of Northwell Hospital, Michael Wojnar from the Office of Governor Cuomo, Tom Powell of Boyce Technologies, Ya-Ting Liu of the Friends of the BQX, Plaxall Corporation Managing

We are proud to introduce the launch of our Restaurant and Hospitality Committee.

The goal of this group is to increase referrals, borough-wide, in an effort to synergize members of this industry.

The reception was held at Boro Hotel in Long Island City and, wow, what a view!

Twenty-five food and beverage vendors participated, ranging from Hispanic to Indian to Craft Beer and Cocktails. We are so grateful to Boro Hotel and everyone who helped make this such an amazing event!

Look for our Annual Cruise on July 18 and our Golf Outing September 28!

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QUEENS QUIPS Resorts World awards QEDC with $50,000 grant Resorts World Casino New York City gave a $50,000 grant to the Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) to help fund their annual StartUP! Business Plan Competition, which aims to help local entrepreneurs.

Participants in the competition attend training classes and submit business plans that are judged by a panel of experts. Contestants compete in one of three categories: community, food-based or innovation.

The winners can receive a grant of up to $10,000. The competition begins in August.

“The StartUP! Business Plan Competition will enable local entrepreneurs to access new tools and resources to continue to innovate in the booming Queens economy,” said Michelle Stoddart, director of PR and community development at Resorts World Casino.

Queens projects win citywide design awards City officials announced the winners of the 35th Annual Awards for Excellence in Design, and three Queens projects are among the winners.

Downtown Far Rockaway’s streetscape, a project by the Department of Design and Construction (DDC), Department of Transportation (DOT) and Department of Parks and Recreation, won for fostering a safer and more inviting pedestrian experience in the business and transportation hub.

Another winner is a Woodside office, garage and inspection facility right off the BrooklynQueens Expressway. This project created a central inspection location for 13,500 taxis. It won for reducing wait times for drivers and increasing inspections by more than 200 cars per day.

The Cubes Administration and Education Building at Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City also took home an award. Made up of 18 shopping containers, the Cubes is the park’s first permanent structure in its 30-year history. It reflects the area’s industrial use and the organization’s emphasis on adaptive reuse.

“The best public projects are purposeful and use design to build a sense of community and civic pride,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We commend the teams behind these critical and creative projects that will help build a stronger, more equitable city and improve services and recreational activities for every New Yorker.”

First phase of QueensWay schematic design released The Trust for Public Land and the Friends of the QueensWay released a preliminary design for the proposed 3.5-mile linear park and trail earlier this month.

The first phase of the project, next to Forest Hills and Glendale, could be built and open to the public by 2020. The “Metropolitan Hub” would improve access to Forest Park, running

from Metropolitan Avenue to Union Turnpike.

This section of the park would also provide learning gardens and outdoor classrooms for local students at the Metropolitan Education Campus.

Small businesses seeing fewer fines, opening faster: city Small business owners have seen their fines slashed by 40 percent since 2014, according to a new progress report released by the city. That translates to more than $6 million of penalties avoided.

The report also touts the city’s progress in cutting red tape and allowing businesses to open faster. The process to open up a restaurant in the city has sped up by three months, according to the report. Nearly 95 percent of restaurants also earned an “A” letter grade after sanitary violations fell by 40 percent.

Roughly 500 business owners have also received free legal advice since 2015, which helped them negotiate more favorable lease terms, the city said.

“From boutiques to bodegas, small businesses are at the heart of the New York City economy,” said SBS Commissioner Gregg Bishop. “By helping these businesses to start, operate and grow, we’re building a vibrant city where economic mobility includes all New Yorkers.”

QUEENSWAY

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

Hospitality and Restaurant Industries Take Center Stage ..................................16

Chamber Hits the Road, Hosts Queens Day in Albany .........................6

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

Calendar of Chamber Events ..........................................................................8

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

LIJ Forest Hills Revolutionizing Women’s Healthcare .........................10 Financial Planning: Advisor vs. Broker .....................................................11

Cover and Albany Day Photos by Michelle Kawka

Experts Discuss Major Issues Facing Queens Economy .....................13

PUBLISHER Walter H. Sanchez

MANAGING EDITOR Shane Miller

Chamber Hosts Annual Business Expo at Citi Field .............................15

CHAMBER EDITOR Brett Swanson

MARKETING DIRECTOR John Sanchez

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June 2017 • Volume 13 • Issue 6

PROMOTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS

QUEENS CHAMBER WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS The Queens Chamber of Commerce recently welcomes six new members to its Board of Directors. They include: Carl Mattone is president of the Mattone Group LLC, a Queensbased development and construction company that manages properties in New York, Florida and Georgia. His duties include project development, retail leasing and construction coordination. Mattone has been actively involved with Holy Cross High School, the American Cancer Society and Queens Museum of Art, to name a few.

Henry Kuykendall is vice president of New York Delta Airlines and former vice president for airport customer service at John F. Kennedy Airport.

With Delta Airlines, he is charged with developing and achieving the airline’s key strategic objectives for New York State. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors

of the YMCA of Greater New York, New York Building Congress and The Business Council.

Michelle Stoddart is the director of public relations and community development for Resorts World Casino in Queens, and has served as board chair of the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) since 2014.

Previously, she was director of marketing and tourism for the Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC), where she partnered with Citi Field, Delta Air Lines and Expedia to organize QEDC’s annual “A Taste of the World” event.

Tamara Gavrielof is senior vice president and group director for Signature Bank. She joined Signature Bank in 2014, bringing 26 years of banking experience to her role. Prior to her role at Signature Bank she was a cluster branch manager at HSBC Bank and a senior branch manager with Commerce Bank. She has been involved with the Forest

NORTHWELL’S PARK TO HEAD NURSE GROUP

Kyung (Kyungwha) Park, a nurse educator of perioperative services with Northwell Health, was elected president of the Korean Nurses Association.

The New York-based organiza-

tion was formed in 1981 and helps to build awareness within the Korean nursing community through networking and support.

Park has been involved with the association for 10 years.

The Korean Nurses Association is especially supportive of newcomers to the United States. In addition, established nurses consider the association a helpful resource and connect through events such as the annual CEU Conference and Community Health Fair.

Park, who joined Northwell in 2004, has been a nurse educator of perioperative services at Syosset Hospital for the past four years. She teaches medical and nursing staff about pre-, intraand post-surgical practices.

Hills Chamber of Commerce for over a decade.

Kelly Koukou is a graduate of Boston University with over two decades of experience in commercial real estate, representing clients ranging from retail and manufacturing to the technology and education sectors.

Koukou joined Lee & Associates NYC as executive managing director and principal in 2013.

He leads the Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk County practice and manages the Lee & Associates Long Island office.

Michael Billia is senior vice president and first regional manager of retail banking at Investors Bank.

Prior to his position with Investors Bank, Billia was

interim region president and senior vice president of Santander Bank in New York and New Jersey, and former director and district manager for Capital One Bank. He also served as former senior vice president of JPMorgan Chase in Manhattan.

Patrick Yu is a partner in the nonprofit services practice group of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP. He has more than 20 years of experience in providing various audit, review, accounting, and consulting services to for-profit and notfor-profit entities.

The SUNY Buffalo graduate is also involved with American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, and serves as treasurer and Finance Committee chair of the New York State Board for Easter Seals.

NYPQ TAPS BLENDERMAN FOR COO NewYork-Presbyterian Queens in Flushing announced the appointment of a new chief operating officer and chief medical officer, who have joined the hospital’s chief nursing officer, completing the hospital’s new leadership team.

Robert T. Blenderman, PA-C, MBA joined the hospital in March as the chief operating officer and is overseeing operations, strategy, emergency management, patient flow and hospital safety.

Blenderman, previously worked at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills, Northwell Health as associate executive director, hospital operations. At that institution, he led daily operations of the hospital and worked across all inpatient clinical areas and ancillary departments and managed capital infrastructure, construction and site information

services.

He has extensive experience in patient flow and efficiency and was part of the team credited with decreasing excess days and length of stay at the hospital.

Blenderman also oversaw Long Island Jewish Forest Hills ambulatory services, which includes Northwell Health System’s largest multispecialty practice.

Prior to being appointed Associate Executive Director, Hospital Operations, he was the Senior Administrative Director II of North Shore – LIJ Health System’s Cardiovascular & Thoracic Services.

“Under Jaclyn Mucaria’s leadership, it is our goal to enhance the level of care in Queens and I know that our dedicated and enthusiastic staff is up to the challenge,” said Blenderman.

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QUEENS TAKES OVER ALBANY FOR A DAY

BY ERICA FINOCCHIO Three buses loaded with business owners leaders left from the headquarters of the Queens Chamber of Commerce on May 8, headed to Albany to meet with state legislators and advocate for the borough’s economy.

“The outpouring of support from the Queens delegation in the Assembly and Senate of the Queens Chamber was incredible, along with a full contingent from Queens Borough President Melinda Katz’s office,” said Thomas Grech, executive director of the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

Over 250 people made the trip. The first stop was the Legislative Building, where attendees had a chance to meet with the Queens delegation in the Assembly.

“Queens is an exciting borough, it’s a people’s borough and it is the most diverse borough,” said Assemblywoman Stacy Pheffer Amato.

Grech said he was encouraging chamber members to get more involved in state govern-

ment. “We’re up in Albany to let the state legislators know that Queens has arrived,” said QCC executive director Thomas Grech. “We need to improve the infrastructure of Queens and we need state help.”

Attendees were then invited to the State Senate building, where state senators Toby Stavisky and Jose Peralta spoke about Queens in the Senate room.

“Queens is more than an outer borough, Queens is more than a place just to get a good meal,” Stavisky said. “It is a place where people all over the world seek refuge.”

Those who made the trip had a wide variety of reasons for doing so. Andrea Maldonado is executive assistant for EMU Health services at 83-40 Woodhaven Boulevard.

“I came today because health is a nationwide topic, and we believe that it is important for us to join the chamber’s effort to help our community understand the potential challenges in health services being delivered to Queens,” she said.

Dawn Kelly is vice president of Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning and new owner of

the Nourish Spot. She said she attended Queens Day to advocate on behalf of the center and her own business.

“As a new owner of a juice bar, I want to make sure that my small business receives attention and commitment from the state government,” Kelly said.

“It’s really important to highlight what a tremendous economical driver Queens is,” said Elizabeth Luskin, president of the Long Island City Partnership. “We’re the gateway to the world and the world’s gateway to New York City.

To conclude Queens Day, there was a tasting of the borough’s many food and beverage options, from 10 Below Ice Cream in Flushing to samples from Murray Cheese in Long Island City and strawberry banana crepes from T-Swirl Crepe in Flushing.

The Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) was giving away products made in Queens, from hot sauce to tea. “I think Queens made a mark today in Albany,” said QEDC board president Emily Lin.

Pictured from left to right (bottom row) are State Senator James Sanders, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, Assemblywoman Stacy Pheffer Amato, State Senator Toby Stavisky, Assemblyman Brian Barnwell, State Senator Leroy Comrie, (top row) Assemblyman Michael DenDekker, QCC Executive Director Thomas Grech, Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas, Assemblyman Francisco Moya, Assemblyman David Weprin, Borough President Melinda Katz, Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman, Assemblyman Ed Braunstein and Assemblyman Clyde Vanel.

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June 2017 • Volume 13 • Issue 6

ALBANY TRIP ENDS WITH A REAL ‘TASTE’ OF QUEENS

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QUEENSBOROUGH CALENDAR OF EVENTS JUNE 6/1, 5:30 - 7:30 PM Networking Event on Bourbon Street Rooftop To register, please visit www.queenschamber.org Bourbon Street 40-12 Bell Blvd Bayside, New York 11361 6/6, 8 - 10 AM Sunnyside Yard Redevelopment Discussion With NYC Economic Corporation This discussion will be on the proposed Sunnyside Yard project and long-term planning for the future of yard. Being of the busiest rail yards along with its importance for a maintenance hub, Amtrak and the MTA are putting in capital investments in its infrastructure.

To register, please visit www.queenschamber.org Bulova Corporate Center 75-20 Astoria Blvd. #140, Jackson Heights, NY 11370

Locate potential subcontracting opportunities. Learn about selling to the government and private sector through our workshop.

How to Participate: All attendees must register on Eventbrite to attend.

Once you click the green register button, please choose “individual” to then purchase your tickets.

Government agencies, prime contractors, and small businesses are invited to exhibit their organization by purchasing a table.

Small businesses can also purchase a general admission ticket if they choose not to exhibit. Workshops will be offered throughout the day to on government contracting and business development.

Register: expo2017.eventbrite.com Con Edison Learning Center 43-82 Vernon Boulevard Long Island City, NY 11101

6/9, 9 AM - 12 PM Queens ASDO’s 35th Aviation Networking Event In this “reverse” trade show, buyers and major contractors staff tables, while vendors and service suppliers visit each table, sharing information on products and services that are 6/8, 8:30 AM Wage and Hour Series, Part II available locally. It’s like making 40 sales calls in one morning! with Jackson Lewis Russo’s on the Bay This series will engage in practi162-45 Cross Bay Boulevard cal tips for handling wage and hour Howard Beach, NY 11414 under the Department of Labor (DOL).

6/11, 10 AM - 6 PM • Discuss Wage and Compliance The Forest Hills Festival of • What to do and not do during a The Arts DOL Audit It is a wonderful opportunity to meet • Handling Wage and Hour Issues and greet local business owners and experience all the shops, restaurants Bulova Corporate Center and businesses Forest Hills has to 75-20 Astoria Blvd. #140, offer. After all Forest Hills is small Jackson Heights, NY 11370 enough to know you and large Open to the public enough to serve you! For vendor Complimentary admission, information, visit parking and breakfast www.foresthillschamberofcommerce.org or call 718-268-6565 6/9, 8 AM - 3 PM Austin Street between 69th Road and 15th Annual Small Business & 72nd Road Procurement Expo Forest Hills, NY 11375 Please join LaGuardia Community College Business Services for the 6/14, 8:30 - 10:30 AM 15th Annual Small Business and Administrating Your Company Procurement Expo! Join us for the Retirement Plan most anticipated networking and DOL/IRS Plan Audits are coming... learning event of the year!

Network with government agencies, are you ready for them? Part of the prime contractors, and small busi- Breakfast Before Business Series. nesses. Meet with government pro- Seminar will discuss the following: 2006 Pension Protection Act, curement representatives.

Plan Fiduciary Delegation, Proper Plan Design, Recent DOL Case Settlements, Plan Integration with HR/Payroll and more.

To register, please visit www.queenschamber.org Bulova Corporate Center 75-20 Astoria Blvd. #140, Jackson Heights, NY 11370 Open to the public Complimentary admission, parking and breakfast 6/14, 4 - 6 PM Using Instagram & Twitter to Promote your Business Learn how to use Instagram and Twitter to grow your audience, promote your brand or business, and convert followers into customers.

Topics include posting techniques, how to take great photos, the science and art of hashtags, and how to target your ideal followers.

Instructor: Catherine Ventura, of Venn Diagram, Inc. Catherine is a Social Media Content Strategist with over 20 years’ experience. To register, please visit www.queenschamber.org Business Center for New Americans 78-27 37th Ave. Suite #1 Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Open to the public Complimentary admission 6/14, 6 - 9 PM Kickoff to Summer Cocktail Party & Networking Night Transitional Services for New York, Inc. (TSINY) A Non-Profit Mental Health Agency Invites you to join them for a summer kickoff networking night! $50.00 includes unlimited wine, beer, signature drink, appetizers and a sampling from Harry’s Habana Hut Cigar Lounge, complimentary valet parking and more... please sign-up to guarantee your spot...walk-ins welcome. Call 718-746-6647 x7011 to purchase your ticket or visit www.tsinykickofftosummercocktailparty.eventbrite.com Rain date June 21, 2017 Bourbon Street 40-12 Bell Blvd Bayside, New York 11361 6/22, 4 - 6 PM Board Development Event for Local Non-Profits

The goal of this meeting is to connect qualified applicants to local nonprofits in the hope of gaining Board membership.

To register, please visit www.queenschamber.org Queens Chamber of Commerce Conference Center 75-20 Astoria Blvd. Suite 140 Jackson Heights, NY 11370

JULY 7/10, 6 - 7:50 PM Free Workshop: Business Marketing Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce, The Chamber of Commerce Building, 39-01 Main St #511, Flushing, NY 11354

7/27, 5 - 7 PM Summer Networking Night at Aloft Check out one of Long Island City’s newest hotels while you mix and mingle with the LIC business community. To register, please visit www.longislandcityqueens.com/ experience-lic/ Aloft, 27-45 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101 Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140 Jackson Heights, N.Y. 11370-1131 Entire Contents Copyright 2017 by Queensborough. All letters sent to the QUEENSBOROUGH should be brief and are subject to condensation. Writers should include a full address and home and office telephone numbers, where available, as well as affiliation, indicating special interest.

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

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

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

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Save the Date

Summer Cruise on the Skyline Princess July 18, 2017 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

World’s Fair Marina, 1 Marina Rd, Flushing $60 for members $75 for non-members All inclusive For more information and tickets, please call the Queens Chamber at 718-898-8500

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LIJ FOREST HILLS: TRANSFORMING WOMEN’S HEALTHCARE The maternity unit, well-baby nursery and neonatal intensive care unit of Long Island Jewish Forest Hills are undergoing an $8.2 million expansion that’s bringing state-ofthe-art healthcare to women and infants in Queens.

“It’s an exciting time,” said Orlando Santandreu, MD, chair of obstetrics and gynecology at LIJ Forest Hills. “We’re extending services. It’s not just about maternity, it’s about women and comprehensive women’s health care.”

Those services include gynecologic oncology for cancer patients, maternal fetal medicine for high-risk pregnancies, urogynecology for pelvic floor disorders, urinary incontinence, prolapses and other related health issues.

In addition, facility upgrades are also underway allowing the hospital’s level 2 neonatal intensive care unit to build upon the care it provides for babies born at greater than 32 weeks gestation or who

are recovering from more serious conditions.

As part of this expansion, LIJ Forest Hills has begun construction to add ten private maternity beds to its post-partum unit. When complete in late fall, the maternity department will encompass the entire third floor.

Most patient rooms will contain one bed, with six large rooms set aside for two-bedded accommodations. The change will provide a greater degree of privacy for recuperating moms as they bond with their newborns, interact with health care providers, receive visitors and sleep.

Recently, LIJ Forest Hills was designated a “Baby-Friendly” hospital, an internationally recognized award highlighting the facility’s dedication to improving breastfeeding rates while encouraging mother-infant bonding.

Dr. Santandreu stressed that education about the importance of breastfeeding – with its health benefits for both mother and infant – cannot start at the hospital only.

“This has to transition through

pre-natal care; even before women get pregnant, discussions should happen with their OB/GYN doctors,” said Dr. Santandreu.

“Our faculty practice and clinic are actively involved in teaching women about breastfeeding.”

That’s accomplished through the Women’s New Life Center at the hospital and its satellite Women’s Health Center in Rego Park, which provides a free monthly program to women to learn about the hospital’s maternity services.

In recent years, the number of labor and delivery patients at LIJ Forest Hills has been averaging approximately 2,000 annually.

That patient volume has remained steady despite competing hospitals vying for patients by updating their maternity wings and modernizing their facilities is a testament to the hospital staff and services at LIJ Forest Hills, noted Dr. Santandreu.

“The community is realizing that LIJFH provides excellent clinical care, and also provides an excellent patient experience.”

June 2017 • Volume 13 • Issue 6

EXPERT ADVICE

FINANCIAL PLANNING 101: ADVISORS VS. BROKERS

BY JEN KHEDAROO Financial planning is a vague term that is often thrown around when people start to think about their future. But what exactly is it? Michael Terry, founder and president of MTP Advisors, explains.

“Financial planning is basically how do you get, financially, from one point to another,” said Terry, who also serves as executive vice president of the Maspeth Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a roadmap.

Involved in all of that are questions such as where are my investments, how much should I be putting aside, how should I invest it, what’s the right allocation and how do I pay for that?”

The certified financial planners of MTP Advisors manage about $70 million for various clients.

The company undertakes financial planning first, and then the investments, including mutual funds, stocks and bonds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), are done in order to fulfill those goals.

Most of their clients are

individuals, though a few are charitable groups. Each client has a different goal, whether it’s to save as much money as possible to leave behind for their loved one or retire in a certain amount of years and still have enough money to live a full life.

“First, we figure out what the goal is and then we figure out what the time frame is,” Terry said.

“All of our clients want to get as much return with as little risk as possible.”

Currently, there is a lot happening in the financial industry. What sets MTP Advisors apart is their focus on the client rather than a bigger warehouse. As registered investment advisors, MTP Advisors has a fiduciary responsibility to the client. This is contrary to being a broker in a larger corporation such as Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and J.P. Morgan Chase, “If I’m a broker working for Morgan Stanley, my fiduciary duty is to Morgan Stanley, my employer,” Terry said.

The Department of Labor’s fiduciary rule, initially created

under President Barack Obama’s administration, states that advisors have to act in the best interests of their clients and those interests above their own. That means that advisors can not conceal potential conflict of interests, and that all fees and commissions must be clearly disclosed. The rule, which was supposed to be phased in sometime in April, is currently delayed.

Another way MTP Advisors stands out from other companies is how they are paid. Financial planners are paid by commission and direct fees. MTP Advisors get paid by direct fee. As a feeonly company, MTP Advisors don’t have any products to sell customers, it’s all about the appropriate investments.

“I don’t get more in selling you this one and putting you in that one, whereas the brokerage firms they basically work on either a percentage or a commission basis,” Terry said. “It’s in his best interest to put you into the product with the highest commission.

“It makes sense because it makes

MICHAEL TERRY

more money if I sell you this than that,” he added. “For me, it doesn’t make any difference because I’m not making money. My job is to put you in the best product for you, not necessarily for me.”

MTP Advisors is located at 69-64 Grand Avenue in Maspeth. The firm specializes in financial planning and money management services.

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LYONS MORTGAGE GIVES BACK TO COMMUNITY

BY NICOS TZIAZAS From the very start, two decades ago, the co-founders of Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc., George Sophocleous, Edith O’Donnell and myself, were dedicated to making home-ownership and business dreams a reality for the communities we serve in the tristate area.

Although we have grown to serve four states now, we still have a special place in our hearts for Queens, where Lyons was founded and headquartered. Our team of experienced and dedicated Loan Experts help first-time homebuyers, investors and small business owners determine the right loan product for their needs.

Lyons not only provides the businesses and families of Queens with a large variety of loan products to help make their dreams come true, but we also are committed to doing our part to contribute to the well-being and spirit of the community.

Lyons each year continues our almost two decade-strong sponsorship of the Greek American Homeowners Association (GAHOA) Thanksgiving Day Lunch. Volunteers, including members of the Lyons team, gather at the annual luncheon to serve Thanksgiving meals with all the trimmings to hundreds of people in need, including the elderly, the homeless and those looking for good food and company. They also deliver both cooked meals and uncooked turkeys to those who cannot attend.

Lyons also supports the Eleftheria-Pancyprian Youth Soccer Club, which I am honored to have been president of for close to 20 years. The Club was founded 1981 by Queens parents so children could learn the value of sportsmanship, discipline and teamwork.

The Eleftheria-Pancyprian Youth Soccer Club also places a high value on academic excellence and has given over $50,000 in financial assistance to its’ collegebound students. Run entirely by volunteers, today the Club has

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grown from one to 10 teams and has over 200 children participating each year.

Celebrating our 20th Anniversary serving the communities of Queens, Lyons is proud to be a part of and contribute to the incredible success stories in this great borough.

Nicos Tziazas is president of Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc. To learn more about Lyons, please visit www. elyons.com or call 800-448-8101 to schedule a free consultation with a Lyons Mortgage Loan Expert.

Members of the Eleftheria-Pancyprian Youth Soccer Club at City Hall.

Lyons employees serve food at the Greek American Homeowners Association (GAHOA) Thanksgiving lunch.

June 2017 • Volume 13 • Issue 6

BREAKFAST PANEL DISCUSSES CHALLENGES FACING QUEENS

BY PATRICK KEARNS Industry experts in manufacturing, transportation and health care led a morning panel at the annual Queens Chamber of Commerce’s Business Expo at Citi Field last week. The panel featured a keynote speech by businessman and radio host John Catsimatidis.

Catsimatidis noted that Queens will soon be the fourth biggest city in the country. But to improve, the borough will need better transportation options and real visionaries, like the late Robert Moses.

“What’s the next step for Queens?” he asked.

“Because somebody has to have an expanded mind that’s going to visualize something.”

Much of the morning discussion was centered around the transportation issues Catsimatidis referenced. Ya-Ting Liu, executive director of the Friends of the BQX, and Elana Ehrenberg, ‎community development supervisor at NYC Ferry, discussed their solutions.

“I come to this work really believing that public transportation is the foundation and lifeblood for the city,” Liu said. “It is how New York City became what it is today, and it’s absolutely critical that we get a handle on how we continue to maintain and upgrade our existing public transit infrastructure and expand for the future to make our city more sustainable and more equitable.”

She said the Brooklyn-Queens Connector (BQX), a proposed streetcar that would run from Astoria to Sunset Park along the East River, is an exciting opportunity that could be realized relatively soon, unlike the vast majority of capital transit projects.

It’s also part of a new focus on inter-borough, not Manhattan-centric, transportation that will help growing neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens.

Ehrenberg said Queens is interesting because of all the hubs popping up along the waterfront, which NYC Ferry is aiming to connect.

“We see that as being a viable form of getting around,” she said. “If you talk to people in Astoria, they are excited for their new route because they can go their family in Rockaway.

Prior to the ferry, that was an enormous trek.”

Another issue on the mind of business owners and residents is health care. With the federal government looking to change the way resident access health care, there’s a lot of uncertainty.

Caryn Schwab, executive director of Mt. Sinai Queens, discussed the House-approved American Health Care Act. “What it means for New York and what it means for the country is that millions of people will lose coverage under the bill that’s currently incorporated and passed by the House,” she said. “Estimates that I’ve heard are up to 15 million will lose coverage.”

Schwab said that the bill will give states the right to request waivers and make changes to provisions that were created under Obamacare, like providing protections for those with preexisting conditions.

In the context of New York, hundreds of millions of dollars in Medicaid aid will be lost with the federal government looking to shift costs to states.

States will then have a choice: weaken coverage, raise taxes or pass the costs onto hospitals.

“Probably in some combination, all of these things will happen,” she said.

Schwab said many hospitals in Queens, particularly community hospitals, operate on razor-thin margins, sometimes even deficits.

“It’s taking a system that’s already very fragile and putting us at even greater risk,” she said.

Susan Browning of Northwell Health explained that the subsidies created by Obamacare to help people afford coverage were challenged in court and have a natural expiration date.

So if nothing at all happens, those subsidies will expire.

“What we’re seeing from those that are insured under the exchanges is a level of uncertainty,” she said. “We are hearing that insurance companies are starting to pull out of those exchanges.”

Pictured from left to right are Susan Browning of Northwell Hospital, Queens Chamber Executive Director Thomas Grech, Michael Wojnar from Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office, Red Apple Group CEO John Catsimatidis, Tom Powell, Friends of the BQX Executive Director Ya-Ting Liu, Plaxall Corporation Managing Director Paula Kirby, Caryn Schwab of Mt. Sinai Queens, and NYC Ferry’s Elana Ehrenberg.

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

NEARLY 2,000 ATTEND QUEENS CHAMBER EXPO

BY ERICA FINOCCHIO Over 1,800 attendees and 150 vendors were part of the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s Business Expo at Citi Field last Wednesday.

Tamara Lajara, director of sales, marketing and business development at St. Johns University, said the expo was an opportunity to get the college exposure.

“The expo presented networking opportunities to develop further relationships and to get our finger on the pulse of the business community,” she said.

Breakout sessions included speaker Carlota Zimmerman, a success strategist who discussed social media and how it opens up opportunities for entrepreneurs, and Ellis Henican, a best-

selling author and columnist.

Jerald Jackson of Comcast Spotlight was networking with other businesses to educate them on the services his company offers.

“I was pleased to see there are more consumerfacing and local businesses at the expo, because that is Comcast Spotlight’s target approach,” Jackson said.

Metropolitan Hospitality works with Citi Field and helps organize over 300 events per year, from concerts to weddings to trade shows.

“It was great talking to people about what we do at the ballpark and how to host their events,” said John Diaz. “A lot of people expressed interest in what we offer.

“We want people to know Citi Field isn’t just for baseball games, but for all different kinds of

Pictured clockwise are John Diaz of Metropolitan Hospitality, an attendee trying out the USTA’s mini-tennis court, Queens Chamber Executive Director Tom Grech and Specialty Insurance Brokerage owner Martin K. Ridgers, and Jerald Johnson from Comcast Spotlight.

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events,” he added.

Rego Park-based dentist James Kouzoukian has been attending the expo and other chamber events for eight years. Three years ago at the expo, he made a connection with United Health Care, which started referring new patients.

“Making personal appearances is best to reach out to the community,” Kouzoukian said. “This expo is very beneficial in terms of business-tobusiness networking.”

Neil Levin is the owner of Webline Designs, and has been a member of the Queens Chamber of Commerce for 17 years.

“The expo is a positive experience,” Levin said.

“Vendors are a good opportunity for me, because I can speak to the people at the companies to make Google ads for them and develop their websites.”

June 2017 • Volume 13 • Issue 6

Pictured clockwise from top left are Tamara A. Lajara, director of Sales, Marketing and Business Development, and event manager Cheryl O’Hara manning the St. John’s booth; Mark Jamison, Michael Riley, Michael Maldonado and Jeff Lambert from the Queens Library’s ‘Tiebrary’ project; speaker Ellis Henican; and past-president of the Chamber Albert Pennisi, Bill Driscoll and Sal Crifasi.

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

WELCOME TO QUEENS: CHAMBER HIGHLIGHTS HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY The Queens Chamber of Commerce held its inaugural Restaurant and Hospitality Committee Networking Reception at the Boro Hotel in Long Island City on May 23. There were 25 vendors and 150 attendees at the two-hour event that featured food and drinks from local Queens restaurants. “We felt it was important to start a Restaurant and Hospitality Committee because there is a lot going on in the food scene in Queens, and we felt it was time to recognize that and advocate for restaurants and hotels in Queens County,” said executive director Thomas Grech.

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(Clockwise from top) Nick Belmezas and Andy Loka from Brothers Taverna in Astoria; Chef Winston Kissoon, owner Dave Kadarnauth, Faheem Mohammed and Kevin Esau with Nest Restaurant in South Richmond Hill; Ana Yanez and Debbie Yanez from Ira’s Cake; Mark Christie, vice president of Hunters Point Parks Conservancy, with a friend and his SingleCut Beer; Vin Taylor and Andrew Walcott of Fusion East; Jon and Jinelle Batista of Your Panadas in Whitestone; Zuly Rodriguez and Virginia Jimenez with Laguardia Plaza Hotel; owner Roopi Wahala and Parimal Gomes and Raj Srivastava from Golden Terrace in Richmond Hill; Ria Zouroudis and Paola Herdandez from Bareburger; and Rachael Robbins with VDKA1600.

Queens Chamber of Commerce

Annual Golf Outing Monday, September 18, 2017

Annual Golf Outing at North Hills; featuring breakfast, lunch and dinner. Join us as we salute and honor Queens DA Richard Brown with our Public Service Award.

Sponsorship Opportinities are Still Available

For more information, contact The Queens Chamber of Commerce 718-898-8500

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13-00577R

June 2017 • Volume 13 • Issue 6

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. On May 16, the 82nd Street Partnership will host the annual seasonal planting for spring and summer as part of its Beautification Strategy campaign, as well as feature special sales at businesses and restaurants on 82nd Street a week before Mother’s Day for people to shop and support the local businesses. 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 BUSINESS ASSOCIATION 41-16 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, NY 11361 President: Judith Limpert 718.229.2277 info@BaysideBA.org

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.

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 (June 11), Celebrate Winter, and website 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 Monday, June 12, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., the chamber will offer a free marketing workshop at its office, located at 39-01 Main Street, Suite 511. The workshop will explain marketing fundamentals and strategies, while offering the chance to network with local entrepreneurs. On Thursday, June 22, from 6 to 9 p.m., the chamber will host a networking event featuring a Malaysian buffet from Aunt Ooi’s Kitchen at the Flushing YMCA, located at 138-46 Northern Boulevard. The cost is $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

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.

On Jamaica Avenue from Dexter Court to 100th St., the BID features six supermarkets. Saturday, April 8, is their annual Spring Promotion along Jamaica Avenue. There will be clowns, music and free pictures with the Easter Bunny in Forest Parkway Plaza from 1-4 p.m. Staffers from the BID will walk along Jamaica Avenue distributing quarters for motorists to pay for their first 15 minutes of parking. 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. The annual Jamaica Just My Style (JJMS) Fashion Event will be on Friday, June 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. This event is part of the BID’s ongoing effort to promote Downtown Jamaica as a hub for fashion, arts and culture in addition to a shopping destination. This year’s special guest will be host Ralph McDaniels, hip-hop icon and a recent inductee to the Smithsonian African American Museum for his groundbreaking show the Video Music Box. There will also be a special musical performance from Grammy-winner and Queens resident Terrance Kelley (a.k.a. Mr. Cheeks).

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES 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 Thursday, June 8, the chamber will be hosting the Long Island Import Export Association 16th Annual Golf Outing at the Lido Gold Club, located at 225 Lido Boulevard in Lido Beach. On Friday, June 9, from 9 a.m. to noon, the Queens Air Services Development Office (ASDO) will be hosting a “reverse” trade show where buyers and major contractors staff tables. Vendors and service suppliers will visit each table, sharing information on products and services that are available locally. The event is free of charge. On June 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the chamber will award a $1,000 college scholarship at an event at Russo’s on the Bay, 162-45 Cross Bay Boulevard in Howard Beach.

JUNCTION BOULEVARD MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION President: John Ferreira 718.899.6563

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 attractnew 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 Tuesday, June 20, the LIC Partnership will be hosting a summit integrating Long Island City’s economic, cultural, physical and networking assets from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Museum of Moving Image.

Featured speakers will include James Patchett from the Economic Development Corporation, Kathryn Wylde from the Partnership for New York City, Carlo Scissura from the New York Building Congress, Alan Suna from Silvercup Studios, and more.

MASPETH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

The Chamber meets the second Tuesday of each

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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.

New street banners will arrive this spring, and they are looking for grants for beautification projects.

The chamber is hosting a Beer Festival at Maspeth’s Knockdown Center on June 23 at 6 p.m. The $50 admission includes live music, food and drinks.

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 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. On Monday, June 5, from 6 to 7 p.m., QEDC is hosting the “New idea to New Venture” workshop at Borough Hall, located at 120-55 Queens Boulevard. This workshop will help people looking to start a business with financing, business registration, permits and licenses. On Wednesday, June 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., QEDC

is hosting a legal clinic for participants that need free legal help for their businesses. To sign up, call (718) 263-0546. The clinic will be at the Entrepreneur Space, located at 36-46 37th Street in Long Island City. QEDC is also hosting an event to help business owners learn about getting certified as a Minority or Woman-Owned Business Enterprise with both the city and state on June 29 from 10 a.m. to noon, also at the Entrepreneur Space.

RIDGEWOOD LDC

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. From June 15-18, the BID is hosting a Father’s Day Sidewalk Sale from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Wednesday, June 21, “Make Music New York” will feature free performances from noon to 8 p.m. at Venditti Square, located between Myrtle and St. Nicholas avenues, and at the Ridgewood Veteran’s Triangle, located between Myrtle and Cypress avenues.

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 Corporation, the RDRC offers employ-

June 2017 • Volume 13 • Issue 6

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES ment 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.

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: Manny Gomez 516.492.0513 www.sunnyside-chamber.org

ing on June 1, 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.

A TASTE OF SUNNYSIDE

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 the Business Improvement District for properties and businesses along Queens Blvd. from 38th to 50th streets, as well as Greenpoint Ave. from Queens Blvd. to 43 St. Although their two signature events center around food (Taste of Sunnyside & Restaurant Week), there a great deal more to the Sunnyside business environment. They have a “Shop Sunnyside” discount card and a “Holiday Passport.” Every Thursday start-

21

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

Albert F. Pennisi

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

Secretary

SENIOR COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE STAFF

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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

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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 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. 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 Highline Residential Highstreet IT Solution Hilo Materials Handing Group Hilton Garden Inn/ LIC Manhattan View Holiday Inn LaGuardia Airport

Home2Suite LIC Hyatt Place Flushing 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 Consulting 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 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 Sandrine Capital LLC Sears Maid Service Shine Electronics Co. Inc. Sholom & Zuckerbrot Realty LLC Signature Bank Silvercup Studios Simon Baron Development Sleep Numbers 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.

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June 2017 • Volume 13 • Issue 6 MAJOR CORPORATE

Coca-Cola Refreshments Emblem Health CORPORATE

Mazars USA, LLP OneGroup INTRODUCTORY

Animal Clinic of Queens AERUS Electrolux EAC Network For Kidney’s Sake, Inc. Golden Terrace Nest Restaurant Square Wine & Spirits Tierney & Courtney OHD Sales Co.

Top Brass Distillers, LLC Young Professional Staffing Solutions, LLC

Mazars USA LLP

NEW MEMBERS

135 W 50th St, New York, NY 10020 (212) 812-7000 | www.mazarsusa.com Since 1921, Mazars USA LLP has provided a unique combination of foresight and experience when fulfilling client needs in accounting, tax and advisory services. Whether on the local level or internationally, the firm guides clients through their day-to-day operations and works with them to ensure they have the right financial structure in place to meet their business goals. Mazars represents clients of all types, including ownermanaged businesses, complex, multi-national organizations and high net worth individuals in a multitude of industries.

Aerus/ Electrolux

Aerus L.L.C. is a manufacturer and distributor of Healthy Home Products in over 500 locations in North America. From state-of-the-art floor care systems to air and water purification systems, Aerus creates clean, safe and healthy indoor environments for over 50 million businesses and homes in the U.S. and Canada. As America’s Healthy Home Experts for over 90 years, Aerus strives to develop innovative products with forward-thinking technology for millions of homes and businesses across North America.

EAC Network

50 Clinton Street, Suite 107 Hempstead, NY 11550 (516) 539-0150 | www.eac-network.org/ EAC Network is a not-for-profit human service agency that empowers, assists, and cares for over 70,000 people across Long Island and New York City. Our mission is to respond to human needs with programs and services that protect children, promote healthy families and communities, help seniors, and empower individuals to take control of their lives. Among those we serve through over 70 programs at 20 office locations are people struggling with substance abuse and/or mental illness, children who have been physically or sexually abused, youth in foster care, vulnerable seniors needing support, the under- or unemployed seeking financial independence, and families in crisis.

Tierney & Courtney OHD Sales Co. 5842 Maspeth Ave, Maspeth, NY 11378 (718) 894-6184 | www.tcdoors.com Tierney & Courtney Overhead Door Sales Co., Inc. was established in 1958 with the motto “First In Quality ~~ First In Service.” Tierney & Courtney is expert in the installation and repair of commercial and industrial garage doors and related products serving the business to business market. They specialize in Emergency Repairs, New Installations and Retrofits, Preventive Maintenance, Service Contracts and more!

Nest Restaurant 125-17 101st Ave, South Richmond Hill, NY 11419 (718) 847-4035 | www.nestny.com Eclectic bar & eatery providing Caribbean-Chinese eats & some American options in festive surrounds.

OneGroup

70-20 108th St, Forest Hills, NY 10020 (718) 897-3903 | www.onegroup.com/bas Benefits Advisory Service, Inc. (BAS) is now a member of OneGroup. Our new association with OneGroup will significantly enhance the employee benefits solutions and expertise we offer to our clients.

Square Wine & Spirits 24-20 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101 (718) 707-9911 | www.squarewine.com We pride ourselves on knowing our customers’ tastes as well as our own, so we constantly keep our store stocked with the latest, the greatest, the most economical, and the most delicious. We can accommodate any budget or palate, and with free delivery, we can accommodate you anywhere in New York City.

Top Brass Distillers LLC

The founder of Top Brass Vodka, a flavorist, has devoted himself to flavoring the foods and beverages that are a part of our daily lives. His high fidelity flavors range from the sun dried tomato in your hummus to the chocolate in your organic milk. Top Brass White Chocolate Almond Flavored Vodka is the first and only flavored spirits brand created by a flavor expert. Top Brass Vodka will surprise and delight you with its exceptional complexity, heady aroma and velvety texture.

Golden Terrace

120-23 Atlantic Ave, Richmond Hill, NY 11418 (718) 554-0405 | www.goldenterracenyc.com Fine Dining Restaurant. Authentic Indian Cuisine.

Catering Available in the Tristate Area.

For Kidney’s Sake Inc.

229-19 Merrick Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11413 (877) 275-8770 | www.4kidneyssake.org For Kidney’s Sake’s mission is dedicated to help increase the patients level of socialization and physical activities leading to a better quality lifestyle. Angela L. Davis, our Founder/President, is currently a dialysis patient and has a keen understanding of the needs of this community. Our mission allows us to provide exciting adventures that offer social and physical experiences. For Kidney’s Sake was developed to provide balance and positivity in their lives. Improving the Lives of Dialysis Patients One Day a Time!

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