This Is Queensborough - March 2020

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March 2020 . Volume 16 . Issue 3

TOP COP NYPD COMMISSIONER SITS DOWN WITH QUEENSBOROUGH TO DISCUSS POLICING NEW YORK CITY

ALSO

• ALIBABA INTRODUCES ITSELF TO CHAMBER • PETS HELP THE HEALING AT LIJ-FOREST HILLS • INFIT NUTRITION OPENS ITS DOORS IN GLENDALE

“I NEVER EVEN SAW MYSELF AS A PRECINCT COMMANDER, BUT YOU BUILD A REPUTATION ON THIS JOB AND YOU KEEP WORKING. SOMETIMES THE JOBS FIND YOU.” NYPD COMMISSIONER DERMOT SHEA

WINNING ON THE FIELD, THRIVING IN THE COMMUNITY.

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Brian O.F. Peterkin VP of Operations & Programming New York Crusaders

When the New York Crusaders needed a financial partner, they turned to their neighbor: Ridgewood Savings Bank. Just like the football-based nonprofit, Ridgewood is committed to supporting financial wellness and opportunity in our community.

Connect with our local team today. www.ridgewoodbank.com | (844) 772-4722

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March 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 3

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

SPRING GIVES US A CHANCE TO START ANEW As March arrives so comes all This is an important time in our we anticipate with the upcom- community as we take to the polls ing season. Spring to exercise our right to is a time of rebirth vote, electing individuand renewal, opporals who’ll represent our tunities for growth. needs on issues ranging Queens County, the from housing, transmost diverse commuportation, and climate nity we call home is on just to name a few of the cusp of something the top line issues. new as a many anticiAn issue that’s always pate a new leader in of essential importance our upcoming Borough for Queens Chamber President’s Special TOM SANTUCCI is the economic well Election. On the 24th CHAIRPERSON being of the County. of March, one of these Our Chamber members individuals: Donovan represent a vast majorRichards, Costa Constantinides, ity of the business community Elizabeth Crowley, Jim Quinn, small to large throughout the borAnthony Miranda or Dao Yin ough. With 90% of our memberwill fill the role until years’ end. ship being businesses of ten or They’ll guide and direct us along a fewer employees, the resources new path designed to enable com- provided by the Chamber are critimunity growth. cal to stimulate your growth and

renewal.

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT As we move into a new TIME IN OUR COMMUNITY month the Chamber is poised to educate you on a range AS WE TAKE TO THE of topics that will enable POLLS TO EXERCISE your business to grow.

OUR RIGHT TO VOTE, From City Contracting and ELECTING INDIVIDUALS Passport Information Forum WHO’LL REPRESENT on 9th to Assessing Your OUR NEEDS ON ISSUES Company’s Financial Needs on 18th all designed for you RANGING FROM HOUSING to move your organization TRANSPORTATION AND forward economically.

CLIMATE TO NAME A FEW Over the coming days OF THE TOP LINE ISSUES. and weeks, I advise you to become actively engaged with Queens Chambers and take Thank you for continually supadvantage of the dynamic pro- porting the Chamber. I’m honored gramming they’ve planned spe- to serve as Board Chair for an cifically with you in mind. As organization which is passionate business owners insight into key about effecting change within the information that will positively community it serves. impact your bottom-line is essenEmbrace the promise of spring… tial. a season of growth and renewal.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

QUEENS IS OFFICIALLY OPEN FOR BUSINESS It seems like only yesterday enforcement career in 1991 and we were flipping the calendar has continued to serve the citizens to mark the beginof our fine city in ning of a new year various capacities, and it’s March all of which he’ll already. This time share as our special of year brings about Keynote Speaker a number of things: and Public Servant change of season, Award Recipient. the days are lonDan Tubridy betger and everything ter known as spring has to offer.

“Dee”, Proprietor Here at the Queens of Bungalow Bar Chamber we’re & Good Company excited about a sev- THOMAS J. GRECH is our St. Patrick’s eral exciting things PRESIDENT & CEO Business Person happening as we of the Year recipimove towards the ent. The afternoon end of the first quarter of 2020. promises to be a wonderful time One of our signature events, spent with some of the best in our St. Patrick’s Day Annual Queens County.

Luncheon where we gather with Did somebody mention the new and old friends in celebration Mets? Just in time for opening of the holiday which embrac- day of their 2020 regular seaes the Irish culture with food son on Thursday, March 26th, and entertainment. Taking place the Queens Chamber will roll Wednesday, March 11th we’re out our latest edition of Best honored to be joined by NYPD’s of Queens Hospitality & Dining.

44th Police Commissioner This periodical will highlight the Dermot F. Shea. He began his law- best Queens County has to offer

as it relates to restaurants and available means for you as a hotels. Our community is the most member to network. All with diverse in the world and every one goal in mind…promotion of aspect of that business here diversity is in Queens DID SOMEBODY reflected by County.

MENTION THE METS? the cuisine If you’re JUST IN TIME FOR available here already a OPENING DAY OF THEIR m e m b e r , within our wonderful 2020 REGULAR SEASON my heartfelt borough.

ON THURSDAY, MARCH thanks for Throughout your con26TH, THE QUEENS this month as tinued supCHAMBER WILL ROLL usual we’re port. Perhaps OUT OUR LATEST offering a you’re a busiEDITION OF BEST OF cross-section ness owner of events and QUEENS HOSPITALITY & seeking to opportunities leverage DINING. designed to opportunities educate you for business in ways that will help grow your growth and hasn’t connected with business. Not to mention net- us. We call you “future” memworking which expands your pro- bers and we look forward to you fessional networks and becomes a engaging with us to explore all pipeline for new business transac- Queens Chamber offers. Contact tions. us at www.queenschamber.org Since 1911 Queens Chamber more details about benefits and vowed by our by-laws continues all of the exciting events I’ve to focus on three distinct things: shared with you. Queens is open advocacy, education, and make for business.

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS QUICKLY PA REACHES DEAL FOR T4 RENOVATION The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reached agreement on key terms with Delta Air Lines and JFK International Air Terminal, the operator of Terminal 4, to dramatically expand Terminal 4 and consolidate Delta operations there.

The lease amendment will allow for an expansion and renovation of the arrivals and departures hall, add 16 new gates, and include roadway upgrades to improve access.

Delta will consolidate its operations there in early 2023. Delta currently operates out of both Terminal 4 and Terminal 2 “The Terminal 4 expansion will be another milestone in the transformation of JFK Airport,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo. “Our $13 billion project to modernize JFK will solidify New York’s position as the premier entry point to our country.”

The 16-gate expansion will replace the 11 gates currently used by Delta at Terminal 2, which was built in 1962 and allow for the demolition of that 58-year-old terminal.

The consolidation will also allow for more seamless connections on many of Delta’s partner airlines.

Delta has grown its presence in New York City by over 65 percent in the last 10 years, and today operates more than 240 peak daily departures from JFK to nearly 100 destinations in more than 30 countries around the world.

At LaGuardia Airport, Delta operates more than 275 peak daily departures and began construction on the $4 billion replacement of Terminals C and D in August 2017.

POL TO KEYNOTE QC COMMENCEMENT Congressman Adriano Espaillat, a Queens College alumnus, will be the main speaker for the school’s 96th commencement ceremony, which will take place on May 28.

Espaillat, who grew up in Manhattan, graduated with a BS in Political Science in 1979. In 2016, he became the first Dominican American and formerly undocumented immigrant elected to Congress.

Queens College Interim President William Tramontano will present Espaillat with the President’s Medal, the college’s highest administrative award, at the ceremony.

The college’s Political Science Department honored Espaillat in 2017 with a Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Recognized alongside Espaillat was alumna Cristina Jiménez Moreta, founder of United We Dream and a 2017 MacArthur fellow, who, like Espaillat, had come to the United States as an undocumented immigrant.

Espaillat’s success in passing a 2002 bill that allowed undocumented immigrants to attend CUNY and SUNY schools at the same tuition rates as state residents enabled Jiménez Moreta to pursue a degree.

“The congressman’s inspiring life story and distinguished career prove what is possible with

a Queens College education,” said Tramontano.

“The success of Adriano, who entered the college through the Percy E. Sutton SEEK Program as an undocumented immigrant, speaks to how vital it is to provide equal access to higher education.”

After receiving his diploma, Espaillat began applying his knowledge at nonprofit organizations that provided legal services to indigents, counseled families of crime victims, and fought substance abuse.

He served as a member of both the Assembly and ESPAILLAT State Senate, as well as chairperson of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus. Espaillat was elected to the House of Representatives in January 2017.

“I entered public service to make a difference, and I have spent my entire career fighting for New Yorkers, immigrants and their families, and ensuring that the American Dream remains viable for all,” said Espaillat. “I am truly humble and grateful to have the support of Queens College along my journey.”

CITY TO FOCUS ON UNEMPLOYED YOUTH The city recently announced the Advance & Earn initiative, a career pathway approach to delivering education and workforce services.

The program will offer young adults ages 16 to 24 who are not enrolled in school and not working education and employment services from literacy instruction through advanced training and job placement or college enrollment.

“The young people of New York City deserve equal opportunities that prioritize career awareness, career exploration, and work-based learn-

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

Infit Nutrition Opens Its Doors in Glendale ..........................................................22

Crystal Windows Gives Panorama a New Look .....................................10

Partners & Affiliates News and Happenings ........................................................26

Embracing Pet Therapy at LIJ-Forest Hills ...............................................12

Chamber Welcomes New Members .........................................................................29

COVER STORY: NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea ........................14 EXPERT ADVICE: Getting Started with Alibaba.com .......................16 Critical Thinking with Joshua Bienstock ...................................................19 Chamber to Host Annual St. Pat’s Luncheon ..........................................21 4

PUBLISHER Walter H. Sanchez

MANAGING EDITOR Shane Miller

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

March 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 3 ing to prepare them for a constantly changing workforce,” said J. Phillip Thompson, deputy mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives. “Advance & Earn marks a major step forward in the Administration’s efforts to create a sustainable economy in which every New Yorker finds steady work and earns a wage that can support them and their families.”

The program is funded by the Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity in partnership with the NYC Young Men’s Initiative.

“Advance & Earn is an innovative program that aims to support New York City’s young adults along a career pathway to long-term success,” said Matthew Klein, executive director of the Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity.

The Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) awarded contracts to six community-based organizations to operate the program, including Commonpoint Queens and Opportunities For A Better Tomorrow in Brooklyn.

“We’re certain that Advance & Earn will transform the lives of our New York City Opportunity Youth,” said Commonpoint CEO Danielle Ellman.

“With academic instruction, professional development internship and industry certifications in digital marketing, we are focused on entry into quality jobs and higher education,” added Courtney Granger, vice president of programs at Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow.

(AISHA MARTIN)

QUEENS QUICKLY excessive noise created by an air compressor, which is a $560 fine.

The violations subject to relief include those from the Department of Buildings (DOB), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Department of Sanitation (DSNY) and the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Fines that have been added to the cure list include not having a scale in sight of customers at the supermarket or bodega, failure to disclose details about layaway plans, and failure to post clear prices at laundromats.

The city has also committed to work with the City Council to review more than 75 violations.

Agencies like DOB and DOT can implement their own rule changes in the fall, officials said.

“The expansion of small business services for New York City’s community is a deeper investment in the businesses that make up the backbone of our economy,” said Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Gregg Bishop, whose agency will begin spread-

ing the word across the city.

“Businesses will now have a greater opportunity to comply with regulations prior to being fined,” he added, “which puts money back in their pockets and creates a safer and more secure city.”

Councilman Antonio Reynoso, who accompanied the mayor to The Sandwich Shop on Grand Street, said in a statement that local small businesses are the lifeblood of the neighborhood.

“In recent years, New York city has put a lot of requirements on small businesses,” he said.

“The city’s oversight has furthered workplace standards and helped to protect the public and consumers.

“However, we cannot continuously dump fines on businesses without offering them relief,” Reynoso added. “Mayor de Blasio’s reforms to small business fines are necessary measures to provide much needed support to small business owners.”

(BENJAMIN FANG)

NEW PEDIATRICS WAITING ROOM AT QHC

FINES RELIEF FOR SMALL BUSINESSES The city is rolling out a new effort to reduce fines and provide relief for local small businesses.

Last Thursday, Mayor Bill de Blasio visited The Sandwich Shop and PS 18 in Williamsburg to announce the new initiative, which includes eliminating fines for first-time violations and expanding the list of violations that have cure periods.

The mayor announced at his “State of the City” address earlier this month that his administration aims to cut small business fines by an additional 10 percent by the time he leaves office. The city has already reduced fines for small businesses by 40 percent since 2014.

“New York City is not New York City without our small businesses,” de Blasio said in a statement. “We will not be a city that gives in to corporate takeover. Instead, we’ll fight for our mom-and-pops and do all we can to help them thrive.”

First-time violations that will be forgiven include failure to clean 18 inches from the curb to the street, which carries a $100 penalty, and

Queens Hospital now has a renovated waiting area for its Pediatrics Clinic.

The improvements were made possible thanks to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation’s partnership with the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

The renovated waiting room includes a private lactation room, reading nook for younger children and a tween/teen waiting area with a new Virtual Reality Learning Center.

In 2017, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation made a three-year, $1.5 million

commitment to Starlight Children’s Foundation to support programs for hospitalized kids.

At a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony, Marissa Miglietta, an ambassador for Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, surprised director of Pediatrics Marcy Stein Albert with a $25,000 check.

“I think for years to come it will benefit our families and our staff, because we like to work in a place where everyone has a good experience,” said Dr. Albert.

(AISHA MARTIN)

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

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PROMOTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS Boyd to lead genome research at Northwell The Northwell Health Cancer Institute has recruited Dr. Jeff Boyd, a renowned expert in cancer genetics research and clinical molecular diagnostics, as vice president and chief scientific officer and director of the Cancer Institute’s Center for Genomic Medicine.

“Genomics has become an important piece to helping us understand the genetic roots of the various forms of cancer, which is why it has become an important area of investment for Northwell Health,” said Dr. Richard Barakat, physician-in-chief and director of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute. “We are extremely fortunate to have such an esteemed BOYD cancer researcher join the leadership team.”

In his new role, Boyd will develop a state-ofthe-art Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory for Northwell’s Cancer Institute to deliver pointof-care genomic testing designed to provide the best possible treatment options to cancer patients.

He will also foster academic relationships with Northwell’s scientific collaborators, including the basic cancer researchers at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Cancer Center, the oncology researchers at the health system and at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

Boyd is an innovator in his field with more than 30 years of cancer research experience, most recently serving on the executive leadership team of the Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida as associate deputy director for Translational Research and Genomic Medicine.

Boyd holds memberships in numerous scientific and medical societies, has served on the editorial boards of eight scientific and medical journals, and has participated extensively as a member of scientific review groups.

Currently, he serves on the Board of Directors of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology.

Mayor nominates Calise for MTA Board Mayor Bill de Blasio today nominated Victor Calise for appointment to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Board.

The Ozone Park native has served as

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commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities since 2012, and is a recognized expert on accessibility.

“Victor believes in his heart that it is our civic and moral duty to make our subways, buses and Access-A-Ride services more inclusive for everyone,” said de Blasio. “From his rich personal history and longtime advocacy for the disability community, Victor will make a great addition to this Board.”

As commissioner, Calise has been an advocate for people with CALISE disabilities in both the Bloomberg and de Blasio Administrations. He advises the mayor and agency partners on accessibility issues, spearheads public-private partnerships, and chairs the Accessibility Committee of the city’s Building Code.

Calise began his city service working with the Capital Projects Division of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Prior to working in New York City government, he was a disability advocate in the nonprofit sector.

A recognized expert on disability, he regularly consults with high-level public and private stakeholders about inclusive best practices. He is frequently invited to national and international conferences.

Calise received a B.S. in Sports Management from St. John’s University and an M.A. in Urban Affairs from Queens College. An avid athlete, he competed in the 1998 Paralympic Games in Japan as a member of the first U.S. national sled hockey team.

“I am honored to be nominated to the MTA Board by Mayor de Blasio,” said Victor Calise, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities.

“To be the only person with a self-disclosed disability currently on the MTA Board is an important responsibility that I will not take lightly,” Calise said. “I pledge to advocate for a transit system that works well for everyone, including the millions of New Yorkers and visitors who have intellectual/developmental, vision, hearing or physical disabilities.”

Debel tapped to join Sotheby’s LIC office Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty, one of the nation’s leading realtors, announced that Daren Debel has joined the organization as sales manager of its Astoria/Long Island City office.

“Daren Debel is a dynamic professional with a proven record of success over his years of operational and sales team management experience in New York City,” said CEO Deirdre O’Connell. “We look forward to working with Daren as we continue to expand our footprint in Queens and other markets.

Debel launched his real estate career in 2009 when a Florida-based real estate firm opened its first New York City office. From there he headed to Citi Habitat, where he became a top producing agent.

In subsequent years, Debel built upon his success, branching into sales management. He’s helped agents learn to grow their careers through strategies that include DEBEL working with for sale by owner and expired listings, empty nesters, and first-time homebuyers, as well as establishing an overall neighborhood presence.

He successfully recruited 200 agents within a two-year period and coached more than 50 agents to individual and team success.

Originally from Long Island, Debel is equally at home working New York City’s urban and suburban markets.

“His experience, along with his commitment to professionalism, integrity and customer satisfaction, will be a great asset to our team,” O’Connell added.

Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140 Jackson Heights, N.Y. 11370-1131 Entire Contents Copyright 2020 by Queensborough. All letters sent to the QUEENSBOROUGH should be brief and are subject to condensation. Writers should include a full address and home and office telephone numbers, where available, as well as affiliation, indicating special interest. Anonymous letters are not printed. Name withheld on request. No such ad or any part thereof may be reproduced without prior permission of the QUEENSBOROUGH. The publishers will not be responsible for any error in advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Errors must be reported to the QUEENSBOROUGH within five days of publication.

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March 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 3

PROMOTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS Garden announces changes to Board The Queens Botanical Garden (QBG) welcomed four new members to its Board of Trustees. They include Edward M. Ip, Raymond D. Jasen, Dr. Ari I. Jonisch, and Li Li. They will join a team of 15 talented board members who support the garden’s mission. ”I’m thrilled to welcome an outstanding group of individuals excited about helping the garden grow,” said QBG board chair Neil Fleischman.

Edward M. Ip

Ip is founder and CEO of POS.com, a financial technology startup that presents solutions for the retail, healthcare, and hospitality industries with offices in New York and Florida.

A Long Island City resident, Ip is an active member of Mensa and Entrepreneur Organization of NY, and serves as advisory board member to several private companies and nonprofit organizations.

Some of the current and past nonprofits include the American Cancer Society, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York Lions Club, and Taste of Tribeca.

“Over the years, the organization hosted millions of visitors and continues to charm and surprise them with its inspiring gardens, cultural events, and innovative community-oriented educational programs that celebrate people, plants, and cultures,” said Ip

Raymond D. Jasen

Jasen is partner-in-charge of Tax of KPMG’s New York Financial Services business unit, covering multiple offices and approximately 500 tax professionals.

Over 27 years in the financial services industry, he has led in-house teams of 15 to over 250 tax professionals and staff in the areas of tax planning, financial reporting, income tax compliance, tax controversy and litigation, regulatory relations, tax transformation, tax technology, and operational risk management.

Jasen is a graduate of Harvard Law School and currently serves as a board member at Flushing Town Hall. A Great Neck resident, he visits the garden almost every Sunday to read and relax on the bench he adopted in honor of his grandparents.

“Fueled by the blending of cultures, and the sights, sounds, and smells of the world, Flush-

Pictured with the four new board members is QBG executive director Susan Lacerte (far left) and Board president Neil Fleischman (far right). ing seems to be running at full throttle 24 hours a day,” said Jasen. “In the midst of all of this energy, Queens Botanical Garden provides the people of Flushing with a serene and beautiful haven for peaceful contemplation and a place to recharge and become reacquainted with the wonders of nature.”

Dr. Ari I. Jonisch

Jonisch is president of Main Street Radiology and CEO of Radiology Associates of Main Street. He is chairman of the Department of Radiology at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens and chief of the Musculoskeletal Section of Main Street Radiology.

Jonisch also serves as clinical assistant professor in Radiology at Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, and received his medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. He has four children and currently resides in Harrison.

“Having this botanical experience in the heart of Queens is a tremendous asset for the borough and the city,” said Jonisch. “Hopefully I can contribute in some small way.”

Li Li

Li is branch manager at Dime Community Bank on Main Street in Flushing. She has over 19 years of experience in retail and commercial banking, having worked previously at HSBC,

Sovereign Bank, JPMorgan Chase Bank, among others.

Li is a graduate of Binghamton University with Bachelor of Science degree in Management. She is fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, Fujianese, and English, and has two children and lives in College Point.

“The Garden is a true hidden gem in our community,” Li said. “Let’s make it shine.”

Board Members taking up new officer roles are Tricore regional director Neil Fleischman (board chair) and Regional Director, Tricore Michelle Stoddart, QBG Vice Chair and director of Community Development for Resorts World Casino New York City Michelle Stoddart (vice chair), Stillman Management senior property manager Edward Potter (treasurer) and Dr. Ming-der Chang (secretary of NewYorkPresbyterian Queens.

In addition to welcoming new members, QBG executive director Susan Lacerte thanked former board members who have completed their terms of service, but will continue to support the garden by joining its Advisory Council.

They include Pauline Huang, Suzanne Brienza, Michael Bronstein, and Bianca Ng. “As we look ahead in 2020, ‘more’ is the theme that drives us forward - more flowers, trees, visitors, members,” said Lacerte. “To do all that, we need passionate people helping to lead the garden.”

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

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COMMUNITY PROFILES

QUEENS BOY DOESN’T LET ILLNESS SLOW HIM

BY BENJAMIN FANG The last four years have not been easy for six-year-old King Singh and his family.

In April 2016, at just two years old, Singh was diagnosed with G6PD, a rare enzyme deficiency and blood disorder that is lifelong and incurable.

The disorder is set off by a long list of chemical, food and stress triggers, including soy, beans, artificial blue dyes and viruses.

Michael Singh, King’s father, said when his son is most stressed or agitated, his body goes into what he calls a “crisis mode.” His blood cells rapidly burst, releasing so many chemicals that his kidneys would not be able to handle it and shut down.

G6PD appears to be a genetic condition, Singh said. King’s mother, Shameeza, also has it, as does his young brother, Mesiah. King’s youngest sibling, his two-year-old sister Faith, will most likely have it as well.

“That’s something he and his brother have to live with forever,” Singh said.

When King first got sick four years ago, doctors found out it wasn’t a “common disease,” his father said. He had multiple blood transfusions before seeing a hematologist and being diagnosed with the enzyme deficiency.

To avoid the triggers, King has a restricted diet. He does not have beans or tofu, and usually sticks to organic chicken with no hormones added.

His oncologist said the goal is to keep King away from viruses, so he and Mesiah are home-schooled.

Faith, meanwhile, does not go to daycare to avoid bringing back any illnesses.

Michael, who has a nursing background, stays home to care for his three children. He said that’s easier than hiring outside help, like a babysitter, who can struggle keeping up with the dietary restrictions, triggers and medications.

Just two months after King was

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diagnosed with G6PD, he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). For threeand-a-half years, he went to daily chemotherapy treatment. He has had countless spinal taps and 75 pills of medication every month.

“We were all screaming and crying, we couldn’t believe it,” Singh said after they learned King had leukemia. “We accepted [G6PD], this is what we have to do, and then boom, here comes another one.”

Just prior to King’s cancer, Singh said, Mesiah was born premature at 27 weeks. He was also born with other medical issues, and had surgery at three months old.

“We went from one medical crisis to another,” he said. “It just got more severe.”

Shameeza said Faith also has chronic eczema. She would itch her skin “until it bled.”

Despite all of their children’s medical issues, the Singh family is counting their blessings.

“We’re just happy to open our eyes everyday,” Michael said.

“We take it minute by minute, there’s no other way,” Shameeza added. “If you think about it as a whole, it’s a lot and it’s overwhelming.

King’s chemotherapy treatment finished on October 21. His bone marrows and cells have been “suppressed” as a result of the chemo, his father said. At one point, he could not walk or talk.

“He’s basically like an infant,” Singh said. “He’s starting back over.”

The chronic, long-term side effects from the chemotherapy are considerable. King has suffered neuropathy, or brain damage, and leukoencephalopathy, which is brain swelling. He also has white brain matter loss from the toxicity of the treatment.

“Every single thing that he’s been through, he’s fought through it,” Michael said, “and made us strong in the process.”

“The pain and suffering they have to go through is heartbreaking,” Shameeza added. “There’s

King Singh (front right) with members of his family.

nothing you can do, so you try to enjoy the good times as much as you possibly can.”

The total costs of daily hospital visits, chemotherapy and medication have taken a toll on the Singh family. They had to sacrifice one income so Michael can stay home to care for the children and ensure King stays alive.

Shameeza, who works at LaGuardia Community College, spends most of her lunch breaks researching foundations and trying to figure out savvy ways to help the family keep afloat with their expenses.

She said she’s grateful that her health insurance covers roughly 70 percent of medical care costs.

The family has to pay the other 30 percent out of pocket.

“MRIs, spinal taps, chemotherapy for three and a half years, it all adds up,” Michael said.

The Singh family is now in over $80,000 of medical debt, and is struggling month to month to pay their bills, keep the lights on and put food on the table.

Shameeza noted that they don’t qualify for any government help.

King was also denied four times for Social Security, she said.

They started a GoFundMe last August to raise money to help defray some of the costs. The online fundraiser raised $7,808 from 153 donors, but fell short of their $100,000 goal.

“Even after treatment, the bills don’t go away,” she said.

King’s parents noted that G6PD is not prominent in the United States, so there’s not enough research done on the disorder. Even with the Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Michael noted, doctors are still learning about late effects on children.

He said in the past 20 years, children have lived longer with the advances in pediatric cancer treatment. But doctors never knew children would have these late side effects, he said, so King’s story will be “part of the research” that will be helpful moving forward.

King started chemotherapy at Cohen’s Children Medical Center right on the border of Queens and Nassau County, which was close to the Singh family’s home in Queens Village.

But when the cancer did not go CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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NONPROFIT NEWS

CRYSTAL CLEAR: BUSINESS UPDATES PANORAMA

BY SARA KREVOY

Since 1972, the Panorama of the City of New York has given visitors to the Queens Museum a bird’s eye view of the Big Apple in miniature.

Now, that perspective will be a little clearer, thanks to a donation of new glass flooring for the walkway surrounding the exhibit

by Crystal Window & Door Systems.

“The whole city shines through because of your gift,” said museum executive director Sally Tallant. “For the first time, you can actually see the Bronx. We can walk around the Panorama and actually have the experience of flying through the space.”

Several members of the museum Board of Directors, as well as Councilman Barry Grodenchik, joined Tallant and Crystal Window founder Thomas Chen at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Crystal Walkway on February 25.

A team of ten workers from Crystal Window worked to fit and replace more than 100 custom made tiles of special glass for the walkway in just a few weeks.

Chen has been a board member of the museum for 15 years. Over the course of that time, he has become a major sponsor of the museum’s exhibit space. Chen raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for programming, including $250,000 for the Queens Museum’s Taiwan Gallery.

When the museum approached him about restoring the glass walkway, Chen saw it as another opportunity to invest in an institution that means a lot to him.

“I couldn’t refuse,” he said.

As an expression of gratitude for Chen’s donation, the Queens Museum named one of the buildings in the 10,000-square-foot Panorama - the world’s largest architectural scale model - after Crystal Windows, presenting him with a certificate of ownership.

Commissioned by Robert Moses for the 1964 World’s Fair, the Panorama was designed as

10

a celebration of the city’s infrastructure. The original exhibit featured a continuous lighting cycle that simulated the daily transition from dawn to dusk to night.

The lighting system was recently updated to LED, and many model buildings were decorated with phosphorescent paint in order to glow under the “nighttime” black light.

The 1964 Panorama also offered a nine-minute “helicopter” ride around the model in molded plastic tracked cars. This came with a guided tour called “The City of Opportunity,” read by famed broadcaster Lowell Thomas.

SINGH AIMS TO BE AN INSPIRATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

away, they sought a second opinion at Sloan Kettering Memorial Cancer Center in Manhattan, where they were told King needed more intense chemotherapy. Michael said his son was already having trouble with the standard chemo, so they sought a third opinion.

This time, they went to Boston Children’s Hospital, which they said was the best in the region.

Their doctors agreed for more aggressive chemo, but said King could not backtrack after starting in the standard chemotherapy.

“It was a blessing in disguise because he couldn’t tolerate 100 percent of the standard therapy,” Singh said.

Despite his ordeals over the past four years, King has become an advocate, and as his father described him, a philanthropist for cancer research organizations.

He is affiliated with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer, and the American Cancer Society.

While in chemotherapy treatment, Singh raised $3 million for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, his parents said. Subsequently, he was honored as the group’s Hero

of the Year for 2020.

King has also volunteered at events, modeled during New York Fashion Week, walked to spread awareness about childhood cancer, and hosted drives to deliver toys to children like him. He recently hosted a toy drive with the St. John’s University women’s basketball team.

“I love seeing smiles on the little kid’s faces,” he said.

Shameeza also started a foundation in honor of her son.

“Many families wait until their child passes away to start it,” she said. “We didn’t want to do that.”

His family has diligently documented King’s journey battling cancer on social media and shared his story with everyone, from fellow children fighting cancer to dignitaries and the media.

As a result, King is the first child to ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange. He has met Mayor Bill de Blasio, NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea, and recognized by elected officials like Governor Andrew Cuomo, Congressman Gregory Meeks and Councilman Donovan Richards.

Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee declared January 24th as “King Singh Day” in the borough in honor of his fight

against cancer.

Some of the 5,000 followers on King’s social media pages have also shared with the Singh family their own struggles, and how King’s journey has “inspired them to keep pushing everyday,” Shameeza said.

“His journey has inspired us everyday to get up,” she said. “King is going to the hospital everyday, getting chemo. If he can do that, I can do anything.”

“Not only are we shedding a light on our journey and our story, we’re showing the need for research and why we want less toxic medication,” Michael added. “No child should go through what ours went through, and he’s been through it all.”

King is still getting infusions and going through immunotherapy. His father said he’s working on building up his son’s immune system, which can take months.

But he couldn’t help but feel that “divine intervention” has played a role in King’s life, allowing him to beat the odds. Michael said that’s why they named their daughter Faith.

“He’s a literal walking miracle,” Singh said. “We feel like God has spared him for a reason. He’s inspiring.”

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS

PETS HELP WITH HEALING AT LIJ-FOREST HILLS

BY SARA KREVOY

The healthcare industry is notoriously stressful, and the day-to-day grind inside a hospital can sometimes become overwhelming for both patients and staff alike.

At a small, community teaching hospital like Long Island Jewish Forest Hills, with nearly 1,500 in staff for 312 beds, there can often be a need for a pick-me-up.

Enter Dylan and Seamus, the faithful pet therapy dogs at LIJ-Forest Hills. Once a week, these fourlegged volunteers and their owners make the rounds at the hospital visiting patients who request it.

Though a structure for the program comes from other hospitals under the Northwell Health umbrella, the idea to begin pet therapy at the Forest Hills location was born from the collaboration of a group of employees who love animals.

Both Dylan and Seamus have experience as pet therapists at Northwell hospitals and are certified through an outside agency,

which ensures they have the proper vaccinations to keep all those involved safe.

Dylan and his owner also work with Hofstra Northwell to help students with stress-relief during exam periods.

Pet therapy, defined as a guided interaction between an individual and a trained animal, is increasingly being used to help with behavioral health issues, PTSD and depression in hospitals, nursing homes and outpatient settings.

“You can visualize how a patient will become more relaxed, happier or cheerier,” says hospital executive director Susan Browning.

“And you see employees who are busy working, and suddenly the animal enters and their eyes light up.”

Madalyn Frank-Cooper, who oversees the pet therapy program in addition to serving as stroke coordinator, has identified five critical benefits associated with the practice: improving heart health, providing a sense of purpose, fostering

Madalyn Frank-Cooper oversees the pet therapy program.

12

Pictured from left to right are Community Outreach manager Theresa Whittlesey, executive director Susan Browning and administrative assistant and volunteer coordinator Helen Ortiz a happy environment, allowing for better relationships and enhancing self-esteem.

On top of the entertainment and calming effect that pets can supply for animal lovers, especially those passing their days in the hospital who may be bored or lonely, pets also boosts a patient’s sense of independence and ability to communicate.

Studies have shown that petting an animal releases endorphins that can relieve anxiety and lower blood pressure, contributing to a decrease in risk for cardiovascular disease.

The LIJ Forest Hills pet therapy program comes as a part of the hospital’s push to establish a more expansive volunteer enterprise.

Volunteers and junior volunteers (under 18) participate in activities that extend the efforts of the facility’s staff, from clerical work to shadowing physicians.

The hospital is also piloting branches of volunteering, such as soothing live music, craft time and a traveling library for patients, as well as cuisine companionship, a program that sends volunteers to assist selected patients with opening packages and encouraging them to finish meals without feeding them.

All of these things are instrumen-

tal in rendering the hospital atmosphere a little lighter and making sure patients receive quality care once they are admitted, but community outreach is just as important in the role that LIJ Forest Hills plays for the neighborhood.

“We do a lot of work when patients come in, but really our end goal is to try and go further upstream to catch the patients before they need acute care,” explains Downing.

She says LIJ Forest Hills develops ambulatory care within the community so that patients have access to a physician before they need to go to the hospital, as well as holds education events on issues like opioid use and gun violence.

On March 19, Northwell Health will take part in a behavioral health symposium at Rego Park Senior Center.

Coordinators for the LIJ Forest Hills volunteer program are currently looking for new participants, particularly those with availability in the mornings, who want to give back to their community. The hospital is also accepting donations of magazines, books and disposable reading glasses.

To get involved, visit foresthills. northwell.edu/get-involved or call (718) 925-6603.

March 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 3

QUEENS CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS REALTY FIRM FUNDS OFFICE SUITE AT JAMAICA SCHOOL For the first time, high school students at the York Early College Academy in Jamaica will be able to see guidance counselors in a private office and expand their peer mediation program.

The new office suite enables students to seek critical mental health resources confidentially.

Previously, students had to go into classrooms filled with their peers to access these services.

The suite will also provide space for peer mediation, where students seek to resolve conflicts and de-escalate crises among one another cooperatively.

Zara Realty donated the funds for construction, and announced it is providing three annual $1,000 college scholarships.

“Mental health support for students is so important because it enables them to achieve their

dreams and thrive in whatever endeavor they choose,” said Jay Sobhraj, principal of Zara Realty.

“Unfortunately, some young people are reluctant to speak about this issue or to seek the help they need.

“We hope that with this new office suite, students will feel comfortable accessing these critical services,” he added.

This is just one of many partnerships Zara Realty has with schools in Queens.

“From the SAT and SSHAT prep classes we sponsor to the technology labs we have helped open throughout Queens to the scholarships we announced, helping young people prepare for their futures is one of the most valuable commitments we can make,” said financial controller Amir Sobhraj.

Members of the Sobhraj family with representatives from York Early College Academy at the office opening.

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COVER STORY

BY THE NUMBERS: REDUCING CRIME & ARRESTS

BY SHANE MILLER

est - police departments in the United States.

“I never even saw myself as a precinct commander, but you build a reputation on this job and you keep working,” Shea said, reflect-

Perhaps it was this solid upbring- trouble, and then we release them ing that inspired Shea’s devotion to their parents,” he said. “I would Dermot Shea graduated from to keeping kids out of the criminal like to slow that process down a SUNY Oneonta on a Saturday in justice system, a priority for him minute or two. I think there’s an May of 1990 with a Bachelor of in his new role. That encompasses opportunity there.”

Science in Business Economics in a number of different initiatives, Shea said the ultimate goal is to hand, but by Monfrom pro- keep kids from entering the crimiday morning he was viding safe nal justice system in the first place, working for 32BJ. places for and if they do end up there, making His boss allowed kids to go, sure they have the necessary supto leave his post o r g a n i z i n g port to ensure they never return. from time to time to movie nights “I don’t think kids that are interview for posiin local parks running around shooting people tions in the world of during the should receive a slap on the wrist, finance, but things summer, or but the whole point of this youth weren’t going as e n g a g i n g strategy is to make sure they never planned. the 5,500 enter that funnel,” he said. “Once “It wasn’t the school safety they get on that trajectory and once best time to be agents who they start getting arrested, I’m not looking for a job,” are interact- saying they can’t be saved, but it Shea recalled. “I ing with kids makes it that much harder. had taken the police on a near“But with 29 years of experitest my junior year, daily basis. It ence and intimate knowledge of the but didn’t take also involves criminal justice system, putting a it with the intenusing data to kid in jail and expecting them to be The commissioner with his family after one of his promotions. tion of coming on make sure any better 18 months or two years the job. I figured I that existing later, I think we are setting ourwould finish school services and selves up for disaster,” Shea adds. and find a different job, but I think ing on his nearly 30-year career in programs align with areas of high fate pushed me down a different the NYPD. “Sometimes the jobs crime. n December of 2011, Shea path.” find you.”

“Think back when you were that was working in the Detectives So Shea entered the Police Acadcritical age, were you on the edge Bureau when he first got the emy, and in 1991 he was sent to hea grew up one of five of potentially getting into trou- call to work at One Police Plaza. his first assignment in the Bronx. kids, the son of two Irish ble?” Shea asked. “And did you “In fact, I was very successful It’s a decision he has never once immigrants – his father have a safe place to go, whether about avoiding this building,” he regretted. came from County Laois while his it was a gym or Boys and joked. “When you are work“More and more I found myself mother grew up near the Mayo- Girls Club or PAL? All ing out in the street, you saying ‘I don’t see myself sitting Sligo border - who met in New of these things we do really don’t want to “ behind a desk,’” he told This Is York City. They settled in Sunny- already, can we do have to come down “We realized you here.”

Queensborough during a recent side, first in a one-bedroom apart- more of that?” interview in his office at One Police ment on 44th Street near Skillman Shea said the Shea spent had to convince Plaza. “From the moment I got into Avenue. When the family grew to department plans the next two 30,000 cops that the academy, there was never a five kids and a dog, they upgraded to have a youth years working there was a doubt I was going to continue with to a two-bedroom apartment on the coordinator in at CompStat, different way policing. I didn’t know that much other side of Queens Boulevard. every precinct. where he began to police” about it going in, but once I was in, His father joined the Army, part- “That is one of to see the big picI knew I was never leaving.” ly as a path to citizenship, eventu- the absolute prioriture of crime in Shea quickly rose through the ally reaching the rank of sergeant. ties in the next two New York City from ranks. Within three years he was He later worked as a bartender years,” he said. “It’s a lot a perspective he didn’t a sergeant, which due to a change and handyman, while his mother of work, but it’s probably the have when he was working on in department policy is a jump so was a devoted homemaker. All five most worthwhile investment that the street. swift it’s not even allowed today. kids attended Queen of Angels, we can make.”

“I learned a hell of a lot about He began to work in the investi- and Shea would eventually graduThe commissioner also sees an data,” he said. “For the next two gative world, holding posts in the ate from Xavier High School in opportunity to provide more ser- years I saw the interdependency Narcotics Division in the Bronx Manhattan. vices when a minor has their first of the policy side and the laws. I and Queens. By 2002, he was a “Growing up was great, it was run-in with law enforcement. knew for years what was broken captain. Today, he is commissioner solid working-class neighbor“We have kids being brought on the street because I was in the of one of the oldest – and the larg- hood,” Shea said of his childhood. into precincts when they get into fight, now I was working behind

S

14

I

March 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 3

COVER STORY quantum leap in crime reduction.”

W

Dermot Shea being sworn in as 44th commissioner of the NYPD. the scenes with an opportunity to change what was broken.”

Shea was promoted to deputy commissioner, and in January of 2014 he was tapped by former commissioner Bill Bratton to head CompStat. He quickly set about using the data to change the way the department fights crime.

“You can cut a lot of arrests, you can cut stops, but you have to concentrate on the people that are doing the most crime, and not just arrest them but make sure we get convictions,” he said. “Not just make a gun arrest and be happy with a gun off the street, but the person carrying the gun has to go to prison.

“We realized you had to convince 30,000 cops that there was a different way to police,” Shea added.

Between 2014 and 2016, the number of arrests fell from about 400,000 per year to approximately half that. At the same time, crime plummeted. Soon, the number of homicides fell under 1,000 annually, and then 800. Today, that number consistently hovers around 300.

“Every year we do a press conference, and every year we would start to see crime going down,” Shea said. “People would say ‘amazing year you had, you must

hich is what makes the bail reform laws recently enacted by lawmakers in Albany so frustrating to Shea. The commissioner believes there is a correlation between the recent uptick in crimes like burglary and auto theft and the new laws that make it harder for judges to keep criminals behind bars.

“I’ve been critical of some aspects of the bail reform, but every time I’ve spoken I’ve also said there are good aspects to the bail reform,” he said. “I understand the history, I understand what was done to try and level the playing field, making the law equal for everyone whether you have money in your bank account or not. So I agree with the spirit of the bail reform changes.

“What I’m critical of is passing sweeping law changes with little input from the people that know the most about how the criminal justice system works, who have no ideological goals other than keeping people safe,” Shea added.

The commissioner says what is often left out of the bail reform debate is that the department is already achieving many of the goals the new laws are meant to bring about. The NYPD has cut

arrests, summons are down, the city is moving forward with closing Rikers Island, and the prison population in the state is at its lowest level in years.

“All of this was true, its undeniable, before the bail reform law was enacted,” he said. “We support reform, the numbers can’t be debated. But when you are doing all of this and neighborhood policing to build up trust with communities, you now have a bail law that is resulting in crime going up significantly.”

And this all comes at a time when there have been several disturbing anti-police incidents across the city, from last summer’s water dousing of officers in Brooklyn to the rallies protesting additional cops in the subways to the shooting at a Bronx precinct.

But Shea is confident the rankand-file members of his force are up to the challenges and will conduct themselves in a professional manner.

“Am I concerned anytime there is anti-police rhetoric?” Shea said. “Absolutely I am.

“But I think the day you go into the academy, you are reminded that you better have thick skin for a lot of different reasons,” he added. “You can expect to have some verbal comments said to you literally at any point in time, and you have to be able to take it and set an example.”

be at the bottom.’ We aren’t anywhere near close to bottom, we are going to keep pushing.

“As all this is going on, we interject the neighborhood policing piece,” Shea explained. “If we don’t’ have cops flooding zones to suppress crime by throwing a wide net, if we can do it smarter, more efficiently and get better results, we are freeing up tons of cops that can now start building relationships with the community.”

But Shea says the police force can’t fight crime on its own.

He said as the number of crimes committed gets lower and lower, it becomes harder and harder to bring them down even further. Shea said that’s why the entire criminal justice system, from the cops on the beat to the district attorneys to the judges, need to work in tandem.

“The mistake that people make when talking about crime is filling the room with the police,” he said. “If you want to know about crime and the big picture, you need to look at the entire system. That is the next Dermot Shea (center) on the day he graduated from the Police Academy.

15

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

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QUEENS CHAMBER NEWS & EVENTS GLOBAL TRADE IS CHANGING, DON’T GET LEFT BEHIND Did you know the opportunity in global B2B e-commerce is six times larger than B2C? According to the US International Trade Commission, it is a $23.9 trillion market.

And global trade is only on the rise. The 2019 US B2B E-commerce Market Report outlines a consistent trend of 12 percent annual growth in B2B e-commerce sales over the past two years.

E-commerce is critical for any business to capture this demand, but it’s not always easy to get started. There are challenges that come along with learning to sell online to audiences both local and global.

Building an e-commerce site takes time, money, and technical skills. It is also difficult to learn how to find the right customers, then find a way to communicate and transact with them.

This is why more and more businesses are reaching their business buyers on Alibaba.com, a global e-commerce marketplace where B2B buyers and sellers all over the world connect.

Alibaba.com is an end-to-end trading platform serving businesses of every size across 190 countries and regions. Selling on Alibaba. com is akin to participating at a trade show that is open 24/7, 365 days a year, with over 10 million active buyers passing through every year.

The mission of Alibaba.com is to make it easy to do business anywhere. This means helping buyers find suppliers quickly and efficiently, and enabling sellers to access skyrocketing demand from a global community of buyers.

The platform features keyword advertising for sellers to target buyers interested in specific product categories. Live translation tools are built in to ensure buyers and sellers can communicate and transact in a trusted environment.

Each service offered on Alibaba. com is designed to help businesses

16

overcome barriers to succeeding in global trade.

Alibaba.com opened its B2B platform to U.S. businesses this summer and introduced tools designed specifically for them.

This gives the opportunity for business owners to sell their products to both buyers in the U.S. and across the globe.

These companies recognize they can become multinational companies without leaving their office.

To better serve our customers from around the country, and to more deeply understand their needs, a national “Build Up” tour was born.

These workshop and networking events feature our local partners, customers, and executives from the Alibaba.com U.S. team. We travel

to different cities across America to build community with businesses that are interested in tapping into the global B2B e-commerce opportunity.

Build Ups consist of interactive discussions geared toward helping people “build up” their businesses through Alibaba.com and the ecosystem of partnerships and services that we are continually growing.

Attendees can then partake in a Q&A session, followed by one-onone meetings for business owners interested in learning more.

Our most recent partnership with the Queens Chamber of Commerce brought the Build Up tour right to our backyard. Over 85 business owners attended, and we enjoyed meeting everyone face-to-face to discuss ways Alibaba.com can help them grow in 2020.

We’re looking forward to future events and workshops with the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

Selena Singleton is association partnership director for Alibaba.com North America. She can be reached at selena@alibaba-na.com

Make sure to stop by alibaba.com/ events if you’re ready to start growing your online B2B sales.

On February 12, BQE Media and the Queens Chamber of Commerce co-hosted a Hoops & Networking event on the campus of St. John’s University. A networking event at the Faculty Club Lounge was followed by a basketball game between the Red Storm and Providence. Pictured speaking is St. John’s athletic director Mike Cragg.

March 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 3

QUEENS CHAMBER NEWS & EVENTS

CHAMBER ORGANIZES TO SUPPORT FLUSHING BUSINESSES HURT AMID FEARS OF CORONAVIRUS

BY SARA KREVOY While no cases of novel coronavirus have been confirmed in New York City, the effects of the outbreak are still being felt.

Amplified fear of the virus has sparked, in addition to xenophobic comments and acts of discrimination against Asian-Americans, a decline in business traffic in places like Chinatown and Flushing, especially in restaurants.

“Our greatest strength as a city is our diversity,” said Speaker Corey Johnson. “And we know sadly

that there are too many restaurants and businesses that are suffering because of unfounded fears about the coronavirus. We want to say that those fears are not based on fact or science.”

Johnson was joined for dim sum

by Mayor Bill de Blasio, fellow Councilmen Peter Koo, and community leaders at Royal Queen restaurant on the third floor of New World Mall near the busy intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and Main Street in Flushing.

The event was organized by the Queens Chamber of Commerce to

dispel the stigma of the coronavirus, which has been harming small businesses in the neighborhood over the last month.

“The virus is not an excuse to attack your Asian neighbors,” said Joanne Yu, executive director of the Asian American Federation.

“All of us are here today to show support and solidarity with the Chinese community.”

All six suspected cases tested in the city, as well as one in Westchester County, came back negative.

Healthcare professionals, including Dr. Oxiris Barbot, commissioner of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, are encouraging residents to use normal precautions, such as washing their hands and covering their mouths when

coughing.

Dr. Raul Perea-Henze, deputy mayor for Health and Human Services, advised that anyone feeling ill should see a doctor. He also assured that the city is prepared for any case that may potentially come its way.

“I think the message should be very clear,” Perea-Henze said.

“New Yorkers should continue their lives until anything changes.”

“We can’t give up the incredible food, the incredible culture, the arts and everything that our Chinese communities have to offer,” added Commissioner Bitta Mostofi of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, “and we have to step up and combat any fear, misinformation, or paranoia among us.”

Mayor Bill de Blasio with members of the Chinese-American community in Downtown Flushing last month.

17

LOCAL LAW 97

ENERGY SYMPOSIUM 2020 Hosted by the Energy & Environmental Committee at the Queens Chamber

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In 2019, the New York City Council passed the Climate Mobilization Act (CMA), an ambitious legislative package aligned with the City's 1.5°C Climate Action Plan. Join the Queens Chamber, building owners, property managers, and energy subject matter experts who'll come together to discuss the impact and ramifications of this historic legislation that will affect thousands and thousands of structures in New York City.

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visit queenschamber.org or call Joanne Persad at 718.898.8500 for additional information.

March 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 3

QUEENS CHAMBER NEWS & EVENTS

THINKING CRITICALLY: CHAMBER HOSTS NYIT PROF

BY BENJAMIN FANG Business leaders throughout the borough got a lesson on critical thinking in the 21st century.

On February 21, Joshua Bienstock, an employment and labor attorney for 30 years, hosted a presentation on the importance of critical thinking at the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

A college professor for over three decades, Bienstock is now an assistant professor at New York Institute of Technology, where he teaches courses in human resources, business and conflict management.

He defined critical thinking as a “self-directed process” by which a person takes deliberate steps to think at the highest level of quality.

There are many benefits to practicing critical thinking, including

improved cognitive skills, becoming a better team player, less stress and trusting in one’s instincts.

“That is really the critical step,” Bienstock said, “trusting ourselves to assess facts and not stress out when we’re under the gun.”

Bienstock differentiated critical thinking from problem solving, which involves identifying the cause of a problem, coming up with a solution and reviewing the effectiveness of that solution.

While problem solving is also important, Bienstock noted that waiting for a problem to “come to you” can sometimes lead to a crisis.

“We don’t think well in crises,” he said. “If we look ahead, there are many crises we can avoid.”

Critical thinking requires not only persistence, but also imagination and unrelenting questioning.

Joshua Bienstock leads a session on learning to think critically for Chamber members at Bulova Corporate Center.

It requires an open and curious mind, Bienstock said, and thinking “beyond the envelope.”

He encouraged those who wish

to engage in critical thinking to take educated risks.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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IN LIKE A LION, OUT LIKE A LAMB, ALWAYS DAZZLING March is here! The year’s third month is known for melting snow, increasing sunlight, and marching Irish pride. It’s also when the Zodiac’s first fire sign Aries meets Pisces, the quintessential water sign.

In Queens 2020, it’s time for jazz, new cinema, stand-up comedy, step-dancing, and Phagwah.

March 7-8, Trinity Irish Dance Company. Celebrate an early St. Patrick’s Day with a fusion of vibrant and longstanding Irish dance mixed with elements of modern American innovation.

Shows: March 7, 2 pm and 8 pm; March 8, 3 pm. Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Ave. S., Flushing Meadows Corona Park, queenstheatre.org.

March 11-15, First Look 2020.

This ninth-annual series screens 16 new features, documentaries, and shorts from around the world.

Some directors and producers hold Q&A sessions. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria’s Kaufman Arts District, movingimage.us.

March 14, The Cave, 2:40 pm.

The Queens Historical Society presents a free screening of this National Geographic documentary on the current fighting in Syria.

The Cave is an underground hospital where female and male doctors treat locals. Kingsland Homestead, 143-35 37th Ave., Flushing, queenshistoricalsociety.org.

March 14-22, The Envelope, Please. Maggie’s Little Theater presents a musical revue of Academy-winning songs and some that almost won. Shows: Saturdays, 8 pm; Sundays, 2:30 pm; and Friday, 8 pm. St. Margaret Parish Hall, 66-05 79th Pl., Middle Village, maggieslittletheater.org.

March 21, Children’s Garden Family Day, 1 pm.

Youngsters watch worms wiggle, create trail mix, plant seedlings, and do a scavenger hunt. Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing, queensbotanical.org.

March 22, Phagwah Parade, noon. To celebrate the Hindu festival of Holi, floats with dancers and well-wishers kick off from 133rd Street and Liberty Avenue and proceed to Phil Rizutto Park

PHAGWAH

(formerly Smokey Oval Park) for a cultural program with music, chanting, dancing, incense, and food. Richmond Hill, phagwahparade.us.

March 24- May 19, Jazz 101: History & Listening. With Tuesday sessions at 7 pm, this eightweek course looks at the hisTRINITY IRISH DANCE COMPANY

tory of a purely American art form. Designed for beginners, the relaxed classes involve listening to sounds and stories. No class on April 14. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., flushingtownhall.org.

March 29, The Early Bird Comedy Special, 3 pm. Cory Kahaney, who was voted Best Comedian in NYC by Backstage and Best Female Comedian NYC by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets, does stand-up. Harrison Greenbaum, who was the warmup comic for Katie Couric’s daytime talk show on ABC, tickles the funny bone, too. St. John’s University, Marillac Hall, 80-00 Utopia Pkwy., Jamaica, visitqpac. org.

March 29, Explore the Amazon Basin (in Queens), 11 am.

Jack Eichenbaum, the official Queens historian as per the borough president, leads a walking tour of the Long Island City area where Amazon wanted to build HQ2. Meet at the northeast corner of 21st Street and 44th Drive, geognyc.com.

The monthly “It’s In Queens” column is produced by the Queens Tourism Council. More info at itsinqueens.com.

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March 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 3

QUEENSBOROUGH CALENDAR OF EVENTS MARCH 3/3, 2 PM

CONNECTIVITY IN 2020: FACILITY TOUR

Join the Manufacturing Committee for our first in a series of tours for an up close look at manufacturing in Queens.

Register at queenschamber.org Sussman-Automatic Mr. Steam 43-20 34th Street Long Island City, NY 3/4, 9 AM

FIRST WEDNESDAY: COFFEE, COMMERCE & CONNECTIONS

This forum enables our members a chance to discuss their business, share ideas, and make new connections in an intimate setting. Our presenter will discuss “Success Strategies for Family Business Succession”, if you’re a legacy company this opportunity will be a value add for you.

Register at queenschamber.org Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard Jackson Heights, NY 3/4, 10 AM

SMALL BUSINESS TAX WORKSHOP

year’s speakers are NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea and Dan Tubridy of Bungalow Bar. Register at queenschamber.org Antun’s 96-43 Springfield Boulevard Queens Village, NY

Register at queenschamber.org Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard Jackson Heights, NY

3/18, 9 AM

As we close International Women’s Month, join over six dozen other local business owners for a day of networking, showcasing, and discussions at the beautiful Queens County Farm Museum.

Register at queenschamber.org Queens County Farm Museum 73-50 Little Neck Parkway Glen Oaks, NY

ASSESSING YOUR COMPANY’S FINANCIAL NEEDS

Join the Queens Chamber of Commerce and the TD Bank Charitable Foundation for a seminar on the importance and methods of assessing your company’s financial needs with your partners and investors.

Register at queenschamber.org Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard Jackson Heights, NY 3/19, 8 AM

DISCUSSION: JOBS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN QUEENS

Join Councilman Paul Vallone and James Patchett of NYCEDC for this informative talk.

Register at queenschamber.org Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard Jackson Heights, NY

We will cover the different types of businesses and how they function in the federal tax structure, tax deductions you can claim as business expenses (gas, tools), incoming and outgoing 1099s, how to find an accountant, and more.

Register at queenschamber.org Business Center for New Americans 78-27 37th Avenue, Suite 1 Jackson Heights, NY

3/19, 6 PM

3/6, 9 AM

BALANCING YOUR LIFE...

FINANCIAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS

KNOCK OUT NETWORKING

Building a network that works is a true science and this session is designed to provide you with the tools to adequately network to keep you in the know. Author and consultant Michael Goldberg will be the featured speaker.

Register at queenschamber.org Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard Jackson Heights, NY

A TASTE OF BREW NETWORKING

Experience a variety of beers, meet great new business contacts and unwind in a chill environment.

Register at queenschamber.org Singlecut Beersmiths 19-33 37th Street Astoria, NY 3/25, 9 AM

Join our Not For Profit Committee as they present seasoned professionals who’ll share life changing insights that will positively impact your organization.

Register at queenschamber.org American Cancer Society NE Regional Office Sky View Medical Center 131-07 40th Road, E28 Flushing, NY

3/11, 11:30 AM

3/26, 9 AM

Celebrate Celtic traditions with great food and entertainment, corned-beef and cabbage, a live band, networking, and much more. This

A fast paced event which guarantees you’ll build your professional network and increase your business bottom-line.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY LUNCHEON

BUSINESS SPEED NETWORKING

3/31, 2:30 PM

EXPLORE THE DIVERSITY OF EASTERN QUEENS

APRIL 4/2, 10 AM

QUICKBOOKS TRAINING LEVEL ONE, PART ONE

You’ll learn how to set up your company accounts, vendors, and customer accounts, as well as how to pay bills, accounts receivable, and credit and debit card entries. This is Part 1 of a series of events. Laptops are limited, please bring your own if possible.

Register at queenschamber.org Business Center for New Americans 78-27 37th Avenue, Suite 1 Jackson Heights, NY 4/3, 9 AM

TIME, STRESS & ANGER MANAGEMENT

When you manage your time you manage your stress; when you manage your stress you manage your anger; and when you manage all three you have a more effective and productive workplace. The program will feature speaker Joshua Bienstock of NYIT. Register at queenschamber.org Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard Jackson Heights, NY 4/23, 10 AM

QUICKBOOKS TRAINING LEVEL ONE, PART TWO

You’ll learn how to set up your company accounts, vendors, and customer accounts, as well as how to pay bills, accounts receivable, and credit and debit card entries. This is Part 2 of a series of events. Laptops are limited, please bring your own if possible.

Register at queenschamber.org Business Center for New Americans 78-27 37th Avenue, Suite 1 Jackson Heights, NY

21

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS

INFIT NUTRITION OPENS IN GLENDALE

BY BENJAMIN FANG Glendale’s newest health and nutrition-focused store celebrated its official grand opening over the weekend.

Infit Nutrition, located at 69-44 Cooper Avenue, offers a variety of products to help customers live a healthy lifestyle, whether their goal is to lose weight, gain weight or boost their energy.

Among the options on the menu are low-calorie, low-sugar and high-protein smoothies, teas, bowls and other specialty drinks and snacks.

Owner Jonathan Acosta, who opened Infit Nutrition in January, said the smoothies taste like ice cream and their teas taste like juice, but are all healthy. He said they put aloe in many of their products because it helps clean out the digestive system and burn fat.

“We want people to have healthier options,” he said.

Acosta said since changing his own diet, he has lost more than 100 pounds.

“I feel amazing,” he added. “I want people to feel the same.”

Acosta, who lives in Flushing, spent nine months looking for possible locations for his healthfocused business, but couldn’t find many affordable options. His aunt, a Glendale resident, suggested that he look in the neighborhood.

When he found the corner store that would become Infit Nutrition’s future home, Acosta said he liked the area because it looked like a calm space where people would gather.

He also saw that there was no nearby competition to what his new store would offer.

“I want to create that family environment where people can come, sit down and have a conversation,” he said.

The process to open the new storefront was “a little tedious” and time-consuming, Acosta said, which included figuring out the permit process and how to comply with government regulations.

22

Though it only took him a few months to open, Acosta said he had the advantage of collecting the information before really starting the process.

“If I didn’t look this up months before I planned on opening, I wouldn’t be open today,” he said.

“It was definitely a battle, but I was persistent and wanted to do it.”

Acosta also had the help of dedicated friends, some of whom came after work or worked overnight to help him renovate, decorate and prepare for the store’s opening.

He also enlisted the help of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, which he joined last March after hearing about the organization from his friend. Acosta said the chamber gave him a lot of guidance on support systems, filing taxes and finding elected officials to attend the grand opening.

“They walked me through everything,” he said.

Infit Nutrition already has a robust social media presence, including more than 1,180 followers on Instagram. Acosta said 93 percent of customers who walk in say they’ve seen the new business on Facebook or Instagram.

“Social media has been major,” he said.

Assemblyman Mike Miller (second from left) presented a proclamation to Infit Nutrition owner Jonathan Acosta (third from left) during the grand opening celebration.

The Glendale store owner said he also plans to use social media platforms as a space to solicit feedback and suggestions from customers.

That way, he said, customers will feel their voices are heard.

Acosta said he intends to make Infit Nutrition more of a community space, hosting monthly events. They’ve already planned a sip-and-paint night on February

28.

“We want the community to come in, bond and get to know who we are,” he said. “We want to be the middleman to connect people.”

Though the business just opened, Infit Nutrition hopes to be a mainstay in Glendale for years to come.

“We’re here to stay,” Acosta added.

FACTS VS. CRITICAL THINKING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 “People who are critically thinking are not afraid of failure,” he said. “Don’t be frozen in place by the fear of failure.”

Bienstock broke down the process of critical thinking into five separate steps. The first is to “inform and describe,” where a person asks questions to better understand an issue.

The next step is to “discover and explore.” The NYIT professor said that means staying focused on the issue and keeping your “eye on the ball.”

The following step is to “negoti-

ate and cooperate,” which includes considering what other people have to say and exploring “without any preconceived notions.” That’s followed by “test and review,” in which a person objectively weighs the facts and evidence.

The final step to critical thinking is to “integrate and apply” formulated ideas into new understandings.

“If we change the way we look at things, this is a process we’re going to be doing continuously in life,” he said.

Bienstock said there are ways to improve one’s critical thinking skills, including practicing, think-

ing several steps ahead and keeping one’s ego in check.

He also encouraged attendees to be in tune with their emotions, always ask questions and to even set aside time to think.

The professor noted that one problem with education today is that students are only learning facts, but not critical thinking or analyzing.

“We know we don’t know things, that’s the point,” Bienstock said. “If we know we don’t know something and try to discover the information, we can go through the process.”

“It’s a liberating way of thinking about the world,” he added.

March 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 3

QUEENS CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS

JGM ENTERS THE FIELD OF GREEN TECHNOLOGY

John M. Comack recently launched a new electric charging station company, Green Energy Technology (GET), as an extension of JGM Construction Development, which is based in New York and Long Island. The move addresses a changing economy as it pivots from fuel-based to electric supply.

GET is focused on last-mile trucking, hotels and high-end retail, with an expanding market nationwide. A turnkey solution offers direct manufacturer participation, engineering, financing, installation and day two servicing.

GET coordinate all government rebate programs, carbon credits

ASCE CENTENNIAL AWARDS

BY MICHAEL PERLMAN The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Metropolitan Section hosted its annual awards presentation at the Museum of the City of New York on February 27.

The historic setting was ideal to celebrate the ASCE Met Section’s 100th anniversary of honoring organizations that have shaped the city for generations.

ASCE was founded in 1852 to develop leadership, advance technology, advocate lifelong learning, and promote the engineering profession.

With over 5,000 members, the ASCE Met Section, founded in 1920 with 248 original members, is one of the largest and most active sections in the nation.

“It is through the hard work of thousands of engineers over the past 100 years that we have been able to provide these services and post thousands of technical lectures and training sessions for our members, making sure we’re technically savvy and have the information to build in this great city,” said John C. Deerkoski, Centennial Reception chair and ASCE Met Section past president.

The Port Authority of NY & NJ will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year, and executive director Rick Cotton was the event’s keynote speaker.

Cotton explained that the Port Authority is two years into a $37 billion, ten-year capital plan and record levels of investment. One priority is transforming the city’s two airports into 21st century aviation hubs competitive with the world’s best airports.

“We are investing $8 billion, with close to three-quarters of the funding from the private partners, and rebuilding LaGuardia Airport from the ground up,” Cotton said.

“At JFK, we will go from 6 million square feet of terminal facilities to more than 9 million square feet including 4.5 million square feet of new terminal space and roadway network,” Cotton ADDED. “At the center of the airport, we plan to develop a new ground transportation center and public plaza with the potential for retail, dining, and entertainment.”

2020 WINNERS

In the agency category, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey was awarded, while ACEC New York was awarded in the organization category.

College and university awardees were Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Columbia University–The Fu Foundation School of Engineering & Applied Science , New York City College of Technology, Manhattan College, The Cooper Union, and The City College of New York Grove School of Engineering.

Engineering firm awardees were WSP USA, Hardesty & Hanover, Lockwood, Kessler & Bartlett, Inc., AECOM, Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers PLLC, STV, Greeley and Hansen, HNTB Corporation, Gannett Fleming, and HDR. Contractor awardees were Kiewit, Tutor Perini Corporation, Skanska, E-J Electric Installation Co., Weeks Marine, Inc., Bancker Construction Corp.

and retrofit all lighting upgrades.

The company will be offering cogeneration options in the future with channel partner’s.

Comack started JGM in 2008 to provide outstanding construction services, work with a budget and schedule, and build a quality projects for its clients. JGM is a hands-on team of highly qualified construction professionals with a wide range of over 30 years of construction expertise.

They specialize in preconstruction, cost control, project management, and keeping an eye towards the quality of work in every scope and size.

JGM Construction Development has over ten years of experience working with minorities and women-owned businesses, providing mentoring and assistance in the construction management and bidding process to ensure a level

JOHN M. COMACK

playing field.They are also working with Disadvantaged Veterans (DVA) to include them in upcoming projects, helping them improve technical and business skills and project management, which helps their businesses operationally, ultimately benefitting the entire industry.

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

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

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

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

March 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 3

NONPROFIT NEWS

NY EDGE BRINGS HISTORY TO LIFE AT LGA

BY SARA KREVOY In honor of Black History Month, students from New York Edge, the largest after-school programming provider in the five boroughs, organized an exhibition of their own culturally inspired art.

Students put together a body of work that explores African American roots within a range of disciplines, from sports to arts to STEM. The pieces themselves, which are displayed in the students’ respective schools, are interpretations of the history incorporated into their curriculums.

Through a collaboration with the Port Authority and LaGuardia Airport, New York Edge displays students’ creations and artistic process to the community in a special presentation at the airport’s Marine Air Terminal.

“We should celebrate it 365 days a year, because the influence of Africans in the Americas is that important and that integral to how this country was developed, and how it moves on fulfilling its prophecy,” said Assemblyman Jeff Aubry at the opening ceremony last Friday.

“You come from a rich history,” he told the kids. “It belongs to you, you’re a part of it and you should take pride in it.”

The celebration also featured powerful step performances by two all-girl teams from New York Edge. Step dance is a collection of rhythms made with dancers’ hands and feet, while at the same time mixing in chants or calls with the music.

As an art form, step derives its origins from Colonial times, when slaves used movements and sounds to communicate when speaking was prohibited. It also allowed slaves to hold on to aspects of their tribal dance traditions from home.

Each passing generation added new components to the movements and sounds, from black WWII veterans bringing a more military edge to influences from Motown and hip-hop genres.

In the late 1960s, the dance style made its way to college campuses, as historically black fraternities and sororities began to embrace step in their organizations.

For New York Edge CEO Rachael Gazdick, the exhibition is as much about honoring Black History Month as it is about acknowledging the students as the next generation of excellence.

“When we look at black history we are looking at the greats, but in this room today we also have those greats,” said Gazdick. “The exhibit that you see is the students celebrating their elders, celebrating folks from the past and folks in the present. They are our future.”

Kimorah, 9, and Isabella, 8, of Far Rockaway were part of a group that studied Brooklyn-born artist Basquiat. The girls and their classmates learned about the artist’s fearless forays into neo-expressionism and abstraction, many of which used heads and skulls as a focal point.

“Even when people shut him down, he didn’t believe in what they said,” Kimorah explained.

“He still kept his head up and did what he felt was comfortable for him.”

For the exhibition, they created

a replica of Basquiat’s head out of clay made by mixing flour and water.

“I think about how he was expressing himself in his art,” added Isabella, revealing how she feels when looking at her group’s finished piece. “And even though we know he’s dead, we will still remember him because of the work we did here.”

Both girls said they had a lot of fun with the exhibition, and with all the other activities they experience at New York Edge.

“I like everything,” “I like the fact that we get to hang out with our friends,” Kimorah said. “We don’t get into arguments, because we all share and work together, as our art shows. And we are always confident in what we do, even if we don’t achieve something. Say we lose a game for example, we will still be proud because we tried.”

New York Edge is a nonprofit that seeks to bridge the opportunity gap for more than 40,000 underserved students across 150 schools, preparing them for success through programs designed to improve academic performance, as well as health, wellness and selfconfidence.

During the ceremony, New York Edge presented interim general manager of LaGuardia Airport Tony Vero with a piece of art from the exhibition as a show of thanks for showcasing the students’ work.

With a headquarters in Woodside and a large percentage of its members residing in Queens, Gazdick says the borough is where New York Edge’s “heart and soul” is based.

She explained that partnering on this event with LGA seemed like a natural progression, a sentiment that was expressed by airport officials as well.

As a part of the ongoing $8 billion project to redevelop the entire airport, LaGuardia set up a community outreach team in order to promote simultaneous growth of surrounding neighborhoods.

Part of that includes working with local organizations and initiatives to host events like the one on Friday, in addition to educating residents on the employment and small business opportunities that arise from the project.

“We want folks to understand what’s happening here at the airport,” Vero said, “and to understand the opportunities that brings to the community.”

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

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.

There are free immigration services every Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 71-29 Roosevelt Avenue. All services are free, confidential and open to any member of the community. Some of the services include DACA, TPS and document replacement and renewal. Call (212) 6522071 with any questions.

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 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.

On March 4, BBA will be holding its First Quarter Networking and Education Event on Cybersecurity Threats at One Station Plaza at 213-10 41st Avenue. The event starts at 9:15 a.m.

BUSINESS CENTER FOR NEW AMERICANS (BCNA)

78-27 37 Avenue, Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Business Development: Tshering Gurung 347.730.6468 tgurung@nycbcna.org QUICK GLANCE: Since 1997, BCNA has been serving New York City entrepreneurs.

BCNA is an approved Small Business Administration Intermediary Lender and a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). BCNA’s Microloan pro-

26

gram is the cornerstone of its services.

They provide small business loans and microloans to business owners who are not able to obtain loans from traditional lenders.

The BCNA is hosting a Tax Worshop for Small Businesses on March 4 in partnership with the Queens Chamber of Commerce. See page 21 for more details.

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. This month’s meeting is on March 25.

GATEWAY JFK

Executive Director: Scott Grimm-Lyon info@GatewayJFK.org GatewayJFK.org QUICK GLANCE: Formerly the Greater JFK Industrial BID and founded in 2016, the group seeks to provide support to the off-airport air cargo and services district through supplemental services and improvements, technical and professional services for its members, and advocacy and administration.

GatewayJFK is seeking sponsors for banners on Rockaway Boulevard. Participating sponsors will have their logo displayed on the lower portion of the banners for one full-year.

Sponsoring the banner will cost $1,000, but sponsoring three or more banners costs $750 per banner. If interested, contact GatewayJFK at 516-730-3400 or scott@gatewayjf k.org.

GREATER FLUSHING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

39-01 Main Street, Suite 511, Flushing NY 11354 Executive Director: John Choe john@f lushingchamber.nyc 646.783.8985 flushingchamber.nyc QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 2014 and representing over 200 businesses.

GREATER JAMAICA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

90-04 161st Street, Jamaica, NY 11432 President: Hope Knight 718.291.0282 gjdc.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1967, the group has 75 members.

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

GREATER WOODHAVEN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WOODHAVEN BID

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

The BID is planning an event with an historical slant in conjunction with the Queens Chamber of Commerce on April 29 at Woodhaven Manor. More details to come.

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: Budget of over $1 million.

Founded in 1979, the Jamaica Center BID serves over 400 businesses on Jamaica Avenue between Sutphin Boulevard and 169th Street.

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.

The BID’s sanitation team is out on Jamaica Avenue 360 days a year. The BID offers marketing and promotion for the district, including a value card program, banner and rubbish bin sponsorship opportunities, and supports business owners in opening or expanding their operations.

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 jf kairportchamberofcommerce.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1978, the group has over 200 members.

The chamber was chartered in 1978 by a

March 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 3

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES 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.

They build relationships among members and maintain an open forum that fosters a cooperative and competitive business environment.

The chamber advances the general welfare of JFK Airport by pooling resources as a collective voice.

LONG ISLAND CITY PARTNERSHIP

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

The LIC Partnership operates the LIC Business Improvement District and the LIC Industrial

Business Zone.

LIC Partnership member Fisher Phillips will be the featured presenter at the MixMeetMake Event: Labor & Employment Year in REview & What Laws NYC Employers Should Expect in 2020. The event will take place at WeWrok Gotham Center at 28-07 Jackson Avenue, 5th Floor, in LIC.

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.

• The Chamber’s Monthly Meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 10, at noon It will be held at Connolly’s Corner at 71-15 Grand Avenue.

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: Roughly 600 businesses

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with 30 active members.

The Maspeth Industrial Business Association, a project of the Business Outreach Center Network, 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.

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.

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES 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. The BID will host its Spring Sidewalk Sales from March 12-15.

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. Upcoming events include:

ROCKAWAY BUSINESS ALLIANCE

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

The Rockaway Business Alliance was founded in 2012 after Hurricane Sandy. RBA’s vision is to create business corridors that are clean, safe, and welcoming, with shopping, dining, attractions, and engagement for the local community and the visitors drawn to Rockaway’s beaches and open spaces.

ROCKAWAY DEVELOPMENT & REVITALIZATION CORPORATION

1920 Mott Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691 President: Kevin Alexander 718.327.5300 www.rdrc.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1978, the group has 30 members.

Founded in 1978, the Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation (RDRC) was established to promote the revitalization of the

28

Rockaway’s economic base and neighborhoods by creating long-standing partnerships with city and state agencies.

In 2014 RDRC rejuvenated the Rockaway East Merchants Association (REMA). REMA membership meetings are held on the fourth Monday of the month at 1 p.m. at the corporation’s office at 1920 Mott Avenue in Far Rockaway.

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 Secrets, The Gap, Benetton, and Express are side by side with local family owned shops some of them fixtures on the street for some 50 years.

SUNNYSIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PO Box 4399, Sunnyside, NY 11104 President: Vanessa Ceballos 718.729.4688 sunnyside-chamber.org QUICK GLANCE: Annual budget of $55,000.

The chamber is an organization built around assisting and helping local business and professionals by providing resources to increase business, safety and historical preservation throughout the neighborhood.

SUNNYSIDE SHINES

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

The BID is still looking for sponsors for Sunnyside Street Banners along Queens Boulevard and Greenpoint Avenue.

There are still a number of locations still available, call the office for more info. Companies that are not located in Sunnyside are invited to participate as well. Sponsorships start at $350 and last for one year.

SUTPHIN BOULEVARD BID 89-00 Sutphin Boulevard, Suite 204C

Jamaica, NY 11435 Executive Director: Glen Greenridge 718.291.2110 sutphinblvdbid@verizon.net QUICK GLANCE: The BID was founded in 2004 and represents 134 businesses, 56 properties and 39 property owners along Sutphin Boulevard between Hillside Avenue and 94th Avenue.

The Air Train Jazz takes place on Sutphin Boulevard every Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Jamaica AirTrain Station.

INTRODUCTORY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

ANL Express Corp.

132-05 Roosevelt Avenue Flushing, NY 11354 alnexpress.com Granwood, Inc. 61-43 186th Street Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 granwoodinc.com Michele Benjamin, LLC. 78-14 Austin Street, 4i Forest Hills, NY 11375 michelebenejamin.com Monarch & Sparrow Enterprises, Ltd. P.O. Box 274 Maspeth, NY 11378 cecafecoffee.com Rise Brewing Co. 425 Fairfield Avenue Stamford, CT 06902 risebrewingco.com TeamNYCNetwork 8602 Forest Pkwy, Suite 2i Woodhaven, NY 11418 New York Life - Alma Sehovic 420 Lexington Avenue, 15th FL New York, NY 10170 newyorklife.com Law Offices of Joseph H. Nivin, P.C. 118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 1220 Forest Hills, NY 11375 nivinlaw.com Failte Care Corporation 10-40 Jackson Avenue Long Island City, NY 11101 newyorkirishcenter.org

March 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 3

NEW MEMBERS MAJOR CORPORATE

Two Pillars LLC

515 Clifton Avenue Lakewood, NY 08701

Alexander’s Inc.

210 Route 4East Paramus, NJ 07650 alx-inc.com Alexander’s Inc. is a real estate investment trust (REIT) engaged in leasing, managing, developing and redeveloping properties. Alexander’s activities are conducted through its manager, Vornado Realty Trust. Alexander’s has seven properties in the greater New York City metropolitan area.

CORPORATE

Safety Facility Services

5 West 37th Street New York, NY 10018 safetyfacilityservices.com Our mission is simple: Earn the trust and respect of our customers through exceptional service.

Trust is not something one can expect off the bat, it must be earned. At Safety we are committed to earning the trust of our customers every day by approaching each job as an opportunity to exceed expectations.

JDP Mechanical

24-39 44th Street Astoria, NY 11103 jdpmechanical.com Since 1962, four generations of the Manos Family have made the New York Metropolitan Area a more comfortable place.

Working closely with developers, architects, general contractors, financial institutions, and management companies, we’ve designed and installed HVAC systems for some of New York’s most iconic buildings.

JW Hampton Jr. & Co. Inc.

16115 Rockaway Blvd, Suite 109 Jamaica, NY 11434 jwhampton.com J.W. Hampton is a C-TPAT Certified and Validated Customs Broker, International Freight Forwarder and Logistics Coordinator. We have been in business since 1865, our longevity is a testimony to our attention to personal service

United Construction & Development Group Corp.

112-15 Northern Blvd, CF2

Corona, NY 11368 unitedgroupny.com With over 20 years of dedication and excellence, United Construction and Development Group has grown to become one of the largest developers in Queens, NY.

Young Nian Group, LLC 369 Lexington Avenue, 15A New York, NY 10017

My Benefit Advisor, LLC

Empire State Building 350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3700 New York, NY 10018 mybenefitadvisor.com My Benefit Advisor is an employee benefits consulting firm designed to guide employers through the complexity of planning, communicating, and managing a successful employee benefit program.

PGA Mechanical Contractors, Inc. 104 Marshall Avenue Floral Park, NY 11001

Gil-Bar Industries, Inc. 5 W. 19th Street New York, NY 10011

Dedline AV

1453 Nepperhan Avenue Yonkers, NY 10703 westchesterlivevideo.com Formed by an industry veteran, Dedline AV is ready to put 20+ years of live production experience behind each service we offer. Combining state-of-the-art technology and a focus on compelling storytelling, Dedline AV has the expertise and experience to turn your message into a winning campaign.

INTRODUCTORY Michael Paul Criminal Defense Attorney 35-07 90th Street, Lower Level Left Jackson Heights, NY 11372 crimnyc.com Textile Restoration Solutions, Inc. 149-03 Guy R. Brewer Blvd.

Jamaica, NY 11434 textilerestorationsolutions.com Brown & Weinraub, PLLC 50 State Street Albany, NY 12207 BrownWeinraub.com

Prudential Advisors - Ken Marable 118-35 Queens Blvd, Suite 1530 Forest Hills, NY 11375 prudential.com Minuteman Press of Forest Hills 66-17 Woodhaven Blvd Rego Park, NY 11374 foresthills.minutemanpressfh.com Excelsior Child Care, Inc. 133-16 Springfield Boulevard Springfield Gardens, NY 11413 excelsiorchildcare.com The Stitch N Print Store 16-32 Cross Bay Blvd Broad Channel, NY 11693 thestitchNprintstore.com Home Helpers Home Care of Valley Stream 89-36 Sutphin Blvd, Suite 302 Jamaica, NY 11435 homehelpershomecare.com/valley-stream-ny The Cuban IV 39-17 Bell Blvd Bayside, NY 11361 thecubanny.com Grant Associates 39 Broadway, 31 Floor New York, NY 10006 AM Design Studio 3626 Main Street, 3A Flushing, NY 11354 amstudio.nyc CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 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 ( 5 5 6 ) , 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

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

EXECUTIVE COMMMITEE Thomas Santucci

Richard Dzwlewicz

Thomas J. Grech

Brendan Leavy

Nash Roe

Fran Biderman-Gross

Joanne M. Persad

Jacqueline Donado

Chairperson

Associate Treasurer

Vice Chairperson

Associate Secretary

Treasurer

Immediate Past Chair

Patrick Yu

Susan Browning

Mayra DiRico

Secretary

CHAIRPERSON’S ADVISORY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE STAFF President & CEO

Business Development Manager

Chief of Operations

Strategic Program Coordinator

Alejandra Espejo

Jef Gross

Financial Controller

Neil Wagner

Business Service Program Manager

Manager of Committee Development

William Blake Dominick Ciampa Joseph Farber Louis D. Laurino

Joseph M. Mattone, Sr George Rozansky Gerard Thornton

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

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

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

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

Howard Graf Raymond Irrera Kenneth Koenig Neil Levin Jeffery E. Levine Carl Mattone Patricia Mezeul

Maria Odysseus Jeffrey Owens Albert F. Pennisi Vincent L. Petraro Esq Nash Roe Jeffrey Rosenstock Juan Santiago

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

Patrick Yu Daniel Zausner

CORPORATE MEMBERS A&E Real Estate A&L Cesspool Services Corp A. Giannopoulos Architects AAA Northeast AARP Ackman-Ziff ADP Major Accounts Adria Hotel and Conference Center Aeroterm AFC Urgent Care - Howard Beach Alma Bank Amna Construction Corp AmTrust Title Andromeda Antun’s of Queens Village Apple Bank for Savings Apple-Metro, Inc. Ashnu International, Inc. Assured Environments Atco Properties Accounts Payable Aurora Contractors, Inc. AYC Properties LLC Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP Bank of America Merrill Lynch Bank of Hope BankUnited, N.A Bellozino Bethpage Federal Credit Union Blink Fitness BNB Boyce Technologies Inc. Broadway Stages Capital One Bank Center for Automotive Education and Training Cerini and Associates, LLP. Ciampa Organization Cipico Construction, Inc.

CityMD ClearCell Power Conference Associates, Inc Cord Meyer Development LLC Corporate Development Systems, Inc. Courtyard by Marriott CPEX Real Estate Crescent Properties, Inc Crown Castle Crunch - Rosedale Cushman & Wakefield Daroga Power, LLC E Central Medical Management East Coast Energy Group Ecosave Inc. Edge Auto Inc. Elmhurst Hospital Center Emigrant Mortgage Company EMU Health Enterprise Fleet Management eXp Realty: Andrew Wu Exquisite Construction Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) Farrell Fritz, P.C. First Central Savings Bank Flushing Bank Flushing Council On Culture & The Arts Forest Hills Financial Group Inc. GF55 Partners Global Industrial Goldenwood Property Advisors Goodwill Industries of New York & Northern New Jersey, Inc. Graf & Lewent Architects Greater NY Automobiles Dealers Association

Greenberg Traurig Greenpoint Manufacturing & Design Center (GMDC) Greiner Maltz Company of NY Gum Studios Hampton Inn by Hilton JFK Airport Hilton Garden Inn Long Island City New York HK Capital Manhattan View Hyatt Place Flushing INDA, Association of Nonwoven Fabric Industry Innovo Property Group International Asbestos Removal Inc. iRCM, Inc. James F. Capalino & Assoc.

Jaros, Baum & Bolles Jason Office Products JetBlue Airways Corporation JFA Insurance Brokerage & Associates Inc. JGM Construction Development, LLC Jones Lang LaSalle Kasirer Consulting Kaufman Astoria Studios Inc. Kimco Realty Corporation Klein Weath Management/Hightower Advisors Laffey Real Estate Laser Bounce of Brooklyn Inc. Lessing’s Food Service Management Levine Builders Lime Luxury Office Suites LLC Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc.

M&V Provision Company Madison Realty Capital Main Street Radiology Manpower Marriott International, Inc McBride Consulting & Business Medisys Health Network Mega Contracting Group LLC MetroPlus Health Plan Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade MicroGrid Neworks, LLC Molloy College Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens Mr. T Carting Corp.

Muss Development LLC NEOLEDGE Neuman’s Kitchen Newtown Creek Superfund Site New York + Atlantic Railway New York Health Plan Association New York Oil Heating Association New York Restaurant Association New York Safety and Training NYC Ferry Operated by Hornblower Northwell Health OneGroup Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation Patrick B. Jenkins & Associates Patrizia’s Italian Restaurant Petro Home Services Plastic Surgery of New York Portnoy, Messinger, Pearl & Assoc., Inc. Premier Paint Roller Co LLC Premier Payroll Solutions Prime Storage

COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ENERGY

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

Marshall Haimson E-Capital Development marshall@e-capitaldevelopment.com Jay Solly Sol Strategies jaypsolly@gmail.com

BANKING & LAW

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INNOVATION

Margaret T. Ling, Esq. Big Apple Abstract Corp. mling@bigappleabstract.com

COMMUNICATIONS Cody Fisher Blue Ox Marketing, LLC cody@blueoxmarketing.com Dayana Cabeza Be Growth Consulting contact@begrowthconsulting.com

30

Bill Staniford bill@staniford.com Michael Grella Grella Partnership Services mike@socialquityventures.com

HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS

Susan Browning Long Island Jewish Forest Hills sbrowning1@northwell.edu Bert Lurch E Central Medical Management bertl@ecmmgt.com

HOSPITALITY

Jim Quent Statewide Public Affairs jquent@statewidepublicaffairs.com Laura Altimari Fine Taste NYC finetastenyc@gmail.com

MANUFACTURING Geoffrey Smith NY Grant Company Geoffrey@nygrants.com

NONPROFIT

Larry Grubler Transitional Services of NY lgrubler@tsiny.org Maria Odysseus Investors Bank modysseus@myinvestorsbank.com

REAL ESTATE

Martin Cottingham Avison Young martin.cottingham@avisonyoung.com

REAL ESTATE

(con’t.)

Kevin Louie Cushman & Wakefield kevin.louie@cushwake.com Michael Wang Politan Real Estate mwang121@gmail.com

TECHNOLOGY Bobby Giurintano TGI Office Automation bgiurintano@tgioa.com Fred Canone Telehouse mwang121@gmail.com

TRANSPORTATION Kris Amato TD Bank Kristin.amato@td.com William Harris Edge Auto Rental william@edgeautorental.com

Priority 1 Security LLC QSIDE Federal Credit Union Quadlogic Controls Corporation Queens Center Mall Queens Public Communications Corp.

Radisson Hotel JFK RCG Mortgage Related Retail Corporation Rochdale Village Community Center Royal Waste Services, Inc. Russo’s On The Bay Safeguard Global Samuel Goldstein & Co PC Seagis Property Group, LP Signature Bank Silvercup Studios Simon Baron Development Sive, Paget & Riesel P.C. Skyline Risk Management, Inc. SL Green Realty Corp.

Solomon Agency Corp.

Spring Hill Suites New York Jamaica/JFK Airport Squad Security Inc. St. Francis Preparatory School St. John’s University Structural Engineering Technologies, P.C. Sussman-Automatic Corporation Target TC Electric Terrace On The Park TFCU TGI Office Automation Thales USA Inc. The Andy Li Team at Compass The Botanist The Durst Organization The First National Bank of Long Island The Heskel Group The Lovett Group The Marcal Group The Sweet Construction Group T-Mobile Treasure Island Storage TSC Traning Academy, LLC Ultrasound Solutions Corp.

United Airlines USTA National Tennis Center, Inc. Valley National Bank Vanguard Insurance Agency Vassilaros & Sons Coffee Vic Kessler Signs LTD Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP Waste Management of New York LLC Watch Guard 24/7 LLC WellLife Network Wells Fargo WeWork White Coffee Corp Windstream Enterprise York College - CUNY Zara Realty

March 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 3 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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