This Is Queensborough - May 2020

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May 2020 . Volume 16 . Issue 5

STEPPING UP

• QUEENS SMALL BUSINESSES SPRING INTO ACTION • BEATING COVID-19 FROM A FINANCIAL PERSPECTIVE • WHAT EMPLOYERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HEALTH INSURANCE

SEE PAGE 12

THE ‘FOOD FOR THE FEARLESS’ CAMPAIGN HAS RAISED NEARLY $100,000 TO PROVIDE MEALS FOR HOSPITAL AND OTHER FRONTLINE WORKERS. PICTURED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT IS MARK BOCCIA, JR., JULIA LJUBICICH AND EXECUTIVE CHEF FRANK LYNCH IN THE KITCHEN AT BOURBON STREET IN BAYSIDE.

US AIR FORCE THUNDERBIRD F-16 AND US NAVY BLUE ANGEL JETS FLY OVER HUNTERS POINT ON APRIL 26 IN TRIBUTE TO HEALTHCARE WORKERS AND FIRST RESPONDERS FIGHTING THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK.

PHOTO: WALTER KARLING

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May 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 5

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

THE POWER OF TECH

Like many of you, I’ve spent the Enabling all businesses within our last couple of months trying to wrap diverse community the opportunity to my mind around how difcommunicate is of utmost ferent life has become. importance to the Queens Routines have changed, Chamber. As a result, the and certainly the way team recently launched we conduct business has WeChat – known as the taken on a totally new “app of everything” - in form. support of Chinese-lanZoom, GoToMeeting guage businesses. and WebEx Events have Via the app, users have suddenly replaced the the ability to text, call, standard in-person meetvideo chat, post news, ings and events. It is hard TOM SANTUCCI and order goods. to imagine that the last CHAIRPERSON We’re all in this togethChamber event I presided er, and supporting the over was our St. Pat’s Luncheon on businesses in Queens is and always March 11. will be priority number one for the The utilization of technology Queens Chamber. affords us the opportunity to stay New Yorkers are resilient, we connected both in business and our always have been. COVID-19 is just personal lives. The Queens Cham- another challenge we’ll collectively ber knows staying connected during overcome and rebound from stronger these challenging times is of utmost than ever. importance as you strategize the next Thank you for your continued supsteps for our business. port of the Queens Chamber.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

MAKING LEMONADE

It’s odd when you think just how Addabbo, Councilman Eric Ulrich, busy we once were with normal and Assembly members Stacey Phefactivities. Rushing off to meetings, fer Amato and Mike Miller. dealing with traffic durAside from town ing the daily commute, halls, Chamber staff has doing business and trycontinued to create viring to manage it all. tual meeting opportuniA little more than ties to provide you with eight weeks has passed relevant resources to since the most diverse help navigate through area in the world went this new normal. on pause. Those things We are proactively we once pondered are planning ahead for no more.

“Day One,” when busiAs you continue to THOMAS J. GRECH ness starts to reopen, adapt to our new nor- PRESIDENT & CEO and how we as a Chammal, the Queens Chamber will strategically ber is working tirelessly on your play a role in that process. behalf during these challenging times.

Visit queenschamber.org, where Over the past month, we’ve hosted you’ll find the link “Queens Coroseveral town halls to provide you with navirus Updates.” Here we’ve listed relevant information and resources. information about Queens Businesses During these virtual sessions, we’ve of the Week, grants and loan resourcbeen joined by members of Con- es, as well as available webinars. gress, including Greg Meeks, CaroWhen life gives you lemons, I lyn Maloney, Tom Suozzi, Hakeem believe you have to make lemonade.

Jeffries, and Grace Meng, as well as Thank you for continuing to supa host of City Council and state leg- port the Chamber. Stay healthy and islators, including State Senator Joe strong!

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS QUICKLY

QUEENS COLLEGE GOES ONLINE

This summer, Queens College will offer a full roster of online courses from across its extensive liberal arts and sciences curriculum. All summer courses will be taught remotely.

The summer program will provide distance learning to degree candidates and adult learners.

Among the new courses to be introduced this summer are some notably timely subjects: • An Anthropology course on Disease in the Past will immerse students in intensive reading and writing on the origins and evolution of human disease. Students will explore topics related to environmental factors in disease, the role of inequality, economic dislocation, and global trends.

• Urban Studies is adding two new courses that explicitly concern COVID-19. Researching New York will introduce virtual and distance research methodologies useful for community-

engaged fieldwork and research in a pandemic.

• Other new courses make innovative use of digital tools to teach well-established subjects.

For instance, Linguistics and Communication Disorders has developed Introduction to American Sign Language, a course that benefits from the visual technologies available online.

Over the spring semester, Queens College switched very quickly from in-person to online classes in hundreds of courses.

Given the continued uncertainty facing the city, the college will offer fully online learning to facilitate uninterrupted academic progress and to allow adult learners to pursue their interests or work toward professional credentials from home.

Between June 1 and August 6, there will be four summer sessions at Queens College. With over 600 courses. Students may earn a total of 15 credits over all four sessions. Summer courses also count toward the 30 credits required of students eligible for Excelsior Scholarships.

Summer Session students will have virtual

Students take part in an online class. (Photo: Queens College)

library privileges as well as live technical support from the college. Registration is open at qc.cuny.edu/summer.

Meanwhile, to aid its most vulnerable students, Queens College has established an emergency relief fund in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The college is working toward providing technology, supplies, and in some cases, shelter and food for students who are in the most need.

Their residence hall is also being used to care for displaced CUNY students, at the request of the governor.

BALKAN SEWER JOINS QUEENS CHAMBER Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service recently become a member of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. Through good and bad times, through moments of division and unity, Queens and its residents continue to prosper.

For well over 65 years, the company has served over 70,000 families and businesses. Likewise, Balkan has employed many thousands of those same Queens residents.

Having a thriving business community is vital to the health of any city. While each business works, plans, and struggles to reach is its own successes, they also strive to meet the needs of their clients and employees.

With that said, often issues arise that go beyond the control of the individual business. The type of partnerships that companies develop through organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce help gain greater control over these issues.

Chamber membership also will give Balkan access to a wider diversity of job applicants, networking and training opportunities, and the ability for staff members to grow their skills.

No business can survive so many generations without a full set of business skills. From service to marketing to financial management, Balkan will be able to pass along its expertise to other growing businesses.

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

Stay Connected With the Chamber Through These May Webinars .............17

Maintaining ‘Progress’ Even Through Dark Times ................................7

Alphapointe Workers Prove They Are Essential .................................................18

No Better Time to Go Digital With Alibaba.com ....................................8

Chamber Welcomes New Members ........................................................................19

EXPERT ADVICE: Health Insurance for Furloughed Employees ....9 Chamber Honors Businesses Stepping Up During Outbreak ............10 Managing Your Finances Through COVID-19 ......................................13 Stay Connected Several April Webinars ...................................................17 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

May 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 5

MASPETH FED DONATES MASKS Maspeth Federal Savings Bank has donated over 11,000 KN95 masks to local hospitals, first responders, nursing homes, and local businesses in Queens.

Both Elmhurst Hospital and Jamaica Hospital received a shipment of 1,500 masks, and others were given to our local FDNY Houses, NYPD Precincts and Nursing Homes.

The bank partnered with Assemblyman Brian Barnwell to coordinate the deliveries.

“My office was working hard to obtain vital masks for hospitals and emergency workers fighting the virus, but we needed a community partner,” said Barnwell.

“Immediately, the team at Maspeth Federal stepped up and generously contributed the funds to make this happen.”

“Because of their generosity and contribution, over 11,000 masks were purchased and secured for hospitals, emergency workers, and

those at risk,” he added. “We truly cannot thank Maspeth Federal enough for what they did.”

To date, Maspeth Federal Savings has pledged over $50,000 to address needs arising from the pandemic, a number that is sure to grow over the coming weeks.

In addition to the mask donation, the bank has partnered with local restaurants, delicatessens, and other food service providers to offer free weekly meals to first responders.

The bank is also partnering with Splashes of Hope to donate murals to Elmhurst, Jamaica, and Flushing hospitals to honor healthcare workers.

“Three murals will be donated to hospitals at the center of the epidemic,” said Sarah Baecher, executive director of Splashes of Hope.

All Maspeth Federal Savings branches remain open, and are thoroughly cleaned daily to protect customers, as well as bank staff.

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PROMOTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS Melamed, Zarkhin join staff at Elmhurst

he was nominated for “Fellow Physician of the Year” by Labor and Delivery Department nurses.

NYC Health+Hospitals/Elmhurst has appointed Dr. Eitan Melamed as chief of Hand Surgery and Dr. Eli Zarkhin as director of Obstetric Anesthesia.

Melamed specializes in hand and upper extremity surgery and has extensive experience with taking care of children and adults with special needs, including cerebral palsy, stroke, and brain injury patients, for whom hygiene and personal care are improved through surgery.

He has worked on MELAMED new and innovative treatments for peripheral nerve disorders, traumatic and non-traumatic elbow conditions, and wrist reconstruction.

Melamed received his medical degree and completed his orthopedic surgery residency in Israel. He completed a research fellowship at NYU Langone Medical Center and hand fellowships at Beth Israel/Albert Einstein School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins Medical Center.

He is a member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH), and is a reviewer for the Journal of Hand Surgery.

Zarkhin specializes in high-risk obstetric anesthesiology, which includes patients who may present with various preexisting disorders such as those of the heart, lungs, and spinal column, as well as disorders which may appear during pregnancy.

Given the multidisciplinary approach to sometimes complex deliveries, Zarkhin often collaborates with obstetricians, neonatologists, cardiologists, neurosurZARKHIN geons, and other physicians in order to ensure a safe delivery for his patients.

He has been involved in different research projects as an anesthesiology fellow, including investigating the role of acupressure during cesarean delivery and changes in the bloodclotting cascade during surgery.

Zarkhin graduated summa cum laude from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.

Zarkhin finished his medical training with an obstetric anesthesiology fellowship at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where

Sweeney tapped to lead NJ diocese

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Pope Francis announced that Queens native Reverend Kevin Sweeney, pastor of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Sunset Park, is the 8th Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Paterson, New Jersey.

Sweeney will succeed retiring Bishop Arthur Serratelli. Bishop-elect Sweeney, who is 50 years old, is expected to begin his ministry in the Diocese of Paterson later this year.

“I could not think of a better choice,” said Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio. “Bishop-elect Sweeney has served the Diocese of Brooklyn for 22 years and is an outstanding example of a parish priest.”

Sweeney was born on January 10, 1970, to the late James and Agnes Sweeney. He has a sister, Marie Shanahan, a brother-in-law Kevin, a brother, Brendan, a sister-in-law Tara, and five nieces and nephews. He grew up in St. Luke’s parish in Whitestone.

SWEENEY He attended Cathedral Prep from 1984 to 1988 and was a star on the high school seminary’s baseball team. While his dream of playing professional baseball never materialized, he was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in 2013.

After high school graduation, Sweeney entered the Cathedral Seminary House of Formation in Douglaston and studied at St. John’s University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy in 1992.

He then entered the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington and was awarded a Master of Divinity in Theology. On June 28, 1997, he was ordained a priest by the late Bishop Thomas Daily.

Sweeney’s first assignment as Parochial Vicar was to the parish of St. Nicholas of Tolentine in Jamaica from 1997 to 2003. He was then assigned to Our Lady of Sorrows in Corona from 2003 to 2004.

In 2004, Bishop DiMarzio named Sweeney the Vocations Director for the Diocese of Brooklyn, a position he held until 2010. During this time, he also served as the first director of the Pope John Paul II House of Discernment.

In January 2010, Sweeney was appointed to

his current assignment. Sweeney is fluent in Spanish, having studied the language extensively in programs in the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica.

Wu named Queens College president Queens College has a new leader at the helm.

The City University of New York’s Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Frank H. Wu as the 11th president of Queens College. His term begins on July 1.

He will succeed Interim President William Tramontano, who took over last June after Felix V. Matos Rodriguez, was appointed the chancellor of CUNY. “Queens College is indeed fortunate that Professor Wu has accepted the position of president and will lead the way forward in these very difficult times,” Tramontano said in a statement. “I am happy to extend him a warm virtual welcome to campus, and pledge my full support and cooperation WU during this transition period as he prepares to assume his new responsibilities at this wonderful institution.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 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.

Ad position cannot be guaranteed unless paid prior to publication. BQE Media assumes no liability for the content or reply to any ads. The advertiser assumes all liability for the content of and all replies. The advertiser agrees to hold the QUEENSBOROUGH and its employees harmless from all cost, expenses, liabilities, and damages resulting from or caused by the publication or recording placed by the advertiser or any reply to any such advertisement.

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May 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 5

NONPROFIT NEWS

EVEN IN DARK TIMES, THERE IS ‘PROGRESS’

BY WENDY PHAFF

activity packets to group lessons, our individuals’ goals are being I extend Queens Centers for met, and progress is carefully and Progress’ (QCPs) heartfelt wishes lovingly monitored. Working with for good health and safety at this the Borough President’s Office and unprecedented time of uncertainty Fresh Direct, we are providing groand anxiety. ceries to over Queens Centers for 100 of our I thank our Progress is committed to Queens busifamilies in the providing person-centered ness commucommunity. services and supports to nity for the In our nine children and adults who outpouring of have developmental disabilities. The goal group homes, support during is to promote independence, community we have seen this pandemic. involvement, and quality of life. our share of While the tragedy as buildings that some staff house our day programs may be have taken ill, and five of our closed, our programs are still being residents succumbed to this insidiconducted remotely and the hun- ous virus and other health-related dreds of individuals that we sup- afflictions. Our hearts go out to port are looked after in ways that their families for these unspeakwe never thought imaginable. able losses. There has never been a From online singing groups to darker time for our agency. daily phone calls, from delivery of From the darkness comes light;

stories of hope, outpouring of love from the community and the deep camaraderie among those that care for our individuals.

Our essential Direct Care Support workers have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Despite the threat of contamination, they willingly put themselves and their families in harm’s way to care for our residents. They are the epitome of selflessness and heroism.

While we cannot host events and conduct tours of our programs, QCP is committed to remaining engaged and connected to the greater Queens community through a variety of online initiatives, including a lively business networking group held on Zoom each Wednesday morning, and our QChat on Friday mornings for anyone who needs emotional support.

Though we have overcome so

PROMOTIONS & APPOINTMENTS First Asian-American president of Queens College CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 Wu is currently the William F. Prosser Distinguished Professor at University of California Hastings College of the Law. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in writing from John Hopkins University and a law degree from University of Michigan Law School.

He also completed two seminars at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education.

Wu will be the first AsianAmerican to serve as president of Queens College. He was also the first Asian-American to serve on the faculty of the law school at Howard University, a historically black institution.

Prior to joining UC Hastings as chancellor and dean, Wu spent a decade at Gallaudet University, which offers higher education to deaf and hearing-impared students, and Wayne Street University Law School in Detroit, where he was the dean.

He has authored several books, including Yellow: Race in America beyond Black and White and Race, Rights, & Reparations: Law and the Japanese American Internment.

Born to Chinese immigrants who settled in Detroit, Wu received the Asian Pacific Fund Chang-Lin Tien Award for leadership in higher education in 2008. He is also the recipient of the John Hope Franklin Award for commitment to diversity.

“Frank Wu is a trailblazer in legal education who has broken barriers for Asian-Americans,” Matos Rodriguez said at a CUNY board meeting.

In a statement, Wu said Queens College is a campus that represents education as the engine of the American dream.

“I am here because my parents were immigrants who came as students,” he said. “That opportunity must continue to be offered and expanded.

“I look forward to working with the entire Queens College com-

munity at a time when it will be vital to be resilient,” Wu added, “to come together and work together to meet the challenges ahead.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng said in a statement that she has known Wu for several years. She wished him the best in his new role.

“Queens College does extraordinary work in preparing students for their futures,” she said. “It continues to be a beacon of higher education, and I am confident that under Frank Wu’s leadership, the institution’s success will soar even higher.”

State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, who chairs the Higher Education Committee, said Wu’s resume speaks for itself.

“I look forward to meeting with Professor Wu in the coming days to discuss ways the state can help ensure Queens College continues to provide accessibility and a top quality education for its student body,” she said.

(BENJAMIN FANG)

much in these few short weeks, we cannot overlook the critical needs and challenges that our organization now faces. Our mission is one of life and death, as 74 people rely on us for their every need.

Our mission is to take care of the hundreds of homebound individuals and their families, to help them cope and emerge whole from this crisis.

We ask you to stay with us through this time. We cannot get through this without our beloved Queens community. By staying connected to QCP you will help us to remain strong.

You will help ensure that when this is over, we can continue to provide the same vital supports and services to individuals with developmental disabilities, and continue to be a thriving member of the business community and the economy here in Queens.

We look forward to the day our doors reopen, our events recommence, and we can once again be united in our strong and vibrant community.

Until then, please stay healthy and stay safe.

Wendy Phaff is the director of Development for QCP and can be reached at (646) 801-8786 or wphaff@queenscp.org. For more information visit queenscp.org, and to donate text SupportQCP to 71777.

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BUSINESS TECH

NO BETTER TIME TO GO DIGITAL

BY SELENA SINGLETON

The B2B community has been slower than B2C in adopting online buying and selling. The industry has historically been an “offline business.” Buyers and sellers like to flip through a catalog, discuss options over the phone, and meet their sales rep in person.

According to the 5,000 B2B companies in the U.S. polled by Alibaba.com’s US Small and Medium Business (SMB) Confidence Survey, 56 percent just started doing business online in the past five years.

Multinational B2C e-commerce corporations were founded in the early 90’s. That means B2B trails the B2C market by more than 20 years.

With COVID-19 forcing small businesses to shut their doors, it is to the advantage of both buyers and sellers to digitize. You can reach new customers online that you never would have met otherwise. New markets are accessible from across the world.

Since B2B companies are slowly accepting these changes, this is the chance for your company to beat

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

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the rush. It’s the chance to create an online presence before the rest of the industry catches up.

We’re here to help you get ahead.

Alibaba.com’s mission is to make global B2B trade an ease. As one of the world’s largest B2B e-com-

merce marketplaces, we see over 10 million active business buyers frequent the site. That means 10 million buyers passing through to see your goods.

Digitizing is the number one way to grow your global and domestic

sales. And what better way to do it than through e-commerce?

Are you ready to start mastering your online B2B sales? Schedule a seller consultation with our success team at alibaba-na.com to help you get started.

CHAMBER LAUNCHES WECHAT ACCOUNT To support Chinese-language businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Queens Chamber of Commerce has launched a new WeChat account.

Under the user name “QueensLife,” the chamber will tap into the popular Chinese multipurpose app that allows users to text, call, video chat, post news, send money and even order goods.

WeChat has over one billion monthly active users across the world.

The account will serve as a repository of information for businesses and employees, including descriptions of grants and loan programs, application guidelines, business checklists, rules and regulations and other announcements.

“We are proud to be the most prominent U.S.-based chamber to embrace WeChat,” said Tom Grech, president and CEO of the Queens Chamber. “With its impressive scope of features, WeChat promises to be an incred-

ible resource for connecting with the Chinese-language business community here in Queens, giving them the resources they need to navigate the challenges ahead.

Once the coronavirus outbreak ends, the chamber will continue using WeChat to promote and support tourism, travel and trade between the Chinese-speaking world and Queens, Grech said.

“Chinese-Americans play a critical role in Queens,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng. “They need help during this crisis, and this WeChat account will ensure that Chinese-American business owners have access to the critical resources that the Queens Chamber of Commerce provides.”

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the Queens Chamber has adapted its programs and resources, hosting online networking sessions and town hall webinars for business owners, and launching QueensBest.org, an easy-to-navigate site that identifies the best

restaurants in Queens for takeout and delivery.

Councilman Peter Koo said in a statement that Chinese businesses in Queens have long maximized the potential of WeChat to promote and grow their companies.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

To access the Queens Chamber account, sign into your personal WeChat account, and “Discover” it by scanning the QR code.

May 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 5

EXPERT ADVICE: HEALTH INSURANCE & CORONAVIRUS

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR FURLOUGHED EMPLOYEES

BY ED PROBST New York’s unemployment claims skyrocketed to over 1.4 million people in April as employers continued to furlough employees amidst the COVID-19 crisis.

With New York State still under a pause by order of Governor Andrew Cuomo, many businesses are closed and the light at the end of the tunnel seems distant at best. Many business owners are weighing how to stay afloat and hold on to their employees as they remain closed.

Employers have asked what they should consider when contemplating whether to provide Health Insurance while employees are Furloughed. This is certainly a complex issue that touches many legal requirements governed by the Affordable Care Act, ERISA, and HIPAA. First, Employers should check their ERISA plan documents and consult with their Attorney to determine what their “Actively at Work” clauses permit them to do. Most Insurance Carriers have relaxed their guidelines and will allow Employers to keep their employees on group health plans at least for the immediate future.

However, if their plan documents do not allow for employees to be covered while not actively at work, they may have to amend them in order to comply with ERISA. To add further complexity, the Affordable Care Act may require large employers (50 or more employees) to continue offering affordable coverage to furloughed employees if they are in the stability period of tracking.

Another thing to consider is that a reduction in hours could lead to a future loss of eligibility in the next stability period. Small employers (under 50 employees) are not required to offer or pay for coverage, therefore are not required to keep furloughed employee’s on health insurance.

Employers that elect to terminate their employees from their group

policies must do so in adherence with COBRA regulations if they have 20 or more employees or NY Mini COBRA, which applies to all businesses including those with less than 20 employees.

Both require that an employer provide proper notice and allow 60 days for an employee to make their elections. Many small employers have chosen to continue their employees on their group policies if allowable until they receive more clarification on how long they will have to keep these employees on furlough.

This may be a more simplified approach than the COBRA alternative due to required notices and administrative burdens.

Employers that decide to keep their employees on group coverage while on furlough will need to decide if they will pay their normal contribution and, if so, how they will collect any premiums owed from employees.

It is permissible for premiums to be billed to employees on a frequency as often as their current payroll deduction cycles. When collecting premiums employers should extend at least the same 30-day grace period as required

by COBRA before terminating policies for non-payment.

Alternatively, employers can elect to make catch-up deductions when the employees return to work, which could then preserve the pretax status under Section 125.

The Department of Financial Services recently enacted Regulation 62 requiring that health insurance carriers extend their premium grace periods to the later of the current grace period or 11:59 p.m. on June 1 for businesses that claim hardship due to COVID-19.

It is important that employers communicate this to their insurance carriers, as this is not an automatic extension in many cases. Most large group insurance plans are taking these considerations on a case-bycase basis as large group employers (100 or more employees) are not required to comply with Regulation

Ed Probst is president of Vanguard Insurance Agency and president of the Bayside Business Association.

62.

I am completely in awe of the resilience that is being exemplified by so many businesses and nonprofits. In the most challenging of times, we have seen nothing but fight and have witnessed so many that have resourcefully found creative ways to serve the community and stay in business.

In many of our conversations with clients, they have expressed

positive outlooks and a true care for their employees. Many of them are hoping that the extension of the Grace Period and the receipt of PPP Loan proceeds will allow them to keep their employees on payroll and health insurance until they are able to resume normal business operations.

I salute you all, and I’m certainly praying that comes sooner than later.

CHAMBER’S WECHAT ACCOUNT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

He said the chamber’s account will connect people from around the world to businesses in the borough.

“The chamber’s new WeChat account will be a tremendous resource to Chinese-owned businesses,” added Peter Tu, executive director of the Flushing Chinese Business Association, “linking them to resources and programs that will help our neighborhood recover.”

The WeChat initiative was made

possible thanks to support from Chatly, New York’s Empire State Development, Queens Economic Development Corporation, Flushing Chinese Business Association) and Flushing BID. “Over 90 percent of the businesses in downtown Flushing are operated by Chinese owners,” said Dian Song Yu, Executive Director of the Downtown Flushing Transit Hub Business Improvement District. “Especially in this challenging time, information and resource sharing is crucial to surviving this pandemic.”

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CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

QUEENS BUSINESSES STEP UP DURING PANDEMIC With New York State on pause, many Queens businesses have been forced to close their doors, but that doesn’t mean that aren’t still hard at work serving the borough as it deals with the coronavirus pandemic.

From restaurants preparing meals for hospital and other essential workers to printers and fabricators shifting their operations to provide much-needed personal protective equipment, numerous Queens businesses have stepped up to aid in this time of crisis.

Every week, the Queens Chamber of Commerce has been highlighting five businesses who have heeded the call to duty. Here are just some of them making a difference in this time of need: BOURBON STREET

Bourbon Street in Bayside is a go-to place for a good time and good eats. They’ve also been known to support the community and local charities, and they’ve really upped their game during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Mark Boccia (partner/proprietor at Bourbon Street) created the “Food for the Fearless” Go Fund Me Page which has raised nearly $100,000 to date, using the money to deliver hundreds of meals to Queens hospital staff. If you would like to help them, head to gofundme.com/f/food-for-the-fearless to make a donation. More info on Bourbon Street, including pick up and delivery options, can be found at bourbonstreetny.com.

QUEENSBORO FC Queensboro FC begins play in 2021 in the USL Championship, but before they play their first soc-

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cer match they’re already finding ways to help their community.

They’ve teamed up with Bourbon Street for their “Food for the Fearless” campaign and have been sponsoring meals for those working on the frontlines of the pandemic for weeks. For more info on Queensboro FC, visit queensborofc.com.

UNITED PUBLIC ADJUSTERS AND APPRAISERS United Public Adjusters and Appraisers maximizes claims by preparing, filing, documenting, appraising, estimating, negotiating and managing the payment of the claim. They work for you, not the insurance company.

They recently completed their second Community Comfort Mission by providing 56 meals and KN-95 masks to the NYPD’s 106th precinct in Southeast Queens.

If you would like to donate to their efforts, visit gofundme.com/f/ mission-covid-19-communitycomfort. More info on UPA can be found at unitedpublicadjusters. com.

BEAUTY BOUTIQUE

Gerdie Rene Gordon, owner of the Beauty Boutique in Cambria Heights, may no longer be able to see clients in person, but she’s found innovative ways to continue to serve them.

She’s now selling customized

“at-home care and maintenance kits” that include hair care products, as well as providing free online videos, called Tress Talks, to help with hairdressing technique.

Gordon’s message is “It’s more than just having the revenue, it’s being able to provide something that’s needed.” Learn more at theboutiqueNY.com.

NOURISH SPOT Dawn Kelly’s Nourish Spot in Jamaica is a neighborhood juice, smoothie, and salad bar.

The last few weeks, Kelly and her team have gone the extra mile to keep supplies coming in and ensure those in her neighborhood have healthy options during this difficult time. Order from Nourish Spot at (718) 526-2099 or check them out on GrubHub. RUSSO’S ON THE BAY

A longtime staple for dining and events in south Queens, Russo’s on the Bay is working hard to help their community during these difficult times. They’re providing meals to doctors, nurses, support staff, and members of the cleaning crew at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, as well as to those in need through Catholic Charities.

For more info on Russo’s and their same day curbside pickup and no-contact delivery options, visit russosonthebay.com.

AIGNER CHOCOLATES Founded in 1930 in Forest Hills, Aigner Chocolates is one of the oldest chocolate and confectionery shops in New York City. To help

spread some cheer during this difficult time, owners Mark Libertini and Rachel Kellner decided to drop off chocolates to elderly residents and hospital workers, including donating their traditional 25-pound Easter chocolate bunny to Elmhurst hospital. Learn more at aignerchocolates.com.

PROP & SPOON

With over a million rental items, Prop & Spoon is a go-to rental spot for the film, television and event industry. They also house a full custom fabrication shop, which they’ve repurposed to manufacture hoods to help battle COVID-19.

Check out their efforts to help the community on their Facebook page or learn more about their rentals at propnspoon.com.

STYLISH PRINT & DESIGN GALLERY

When his machines were forced to stop by the coronavirus outbreak, Vinicio Guevara thought of ways to convert his card printer machines to aid in the crisis. Using his creativity, the Ecuadorian immigrant entrepreneur found a way to make 25 masks in one day and person-

May 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 5

CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK ally delivered them to Elmhurst Hospital.

After receiving orders for more, he gained permission to open as an essential business without firing his three employees. They report they now produce up to 1,500 reusable masks daily. To learn more, visit stylishgalleryprint.com.

FASTSIGNS

Fastsigns in Glendale typically specializes in the production of signage and marketing materials, but is now using its equipment and expertise to produce face shields for hospital workers. Their first 100 masks were donated to Elmhurst Hospital. For more information, visit fastsigns.com.

QUEENS WORLD FILM FESTIVAL

For ten years, the Queens World

Film Festival has brought worldclass entertainment to Queens.

They’ve continued to entertain the borough during the COVID19 Pandemic by streaming their 2020 festival and offering other online content, including family friendly films as a part of their e77 Remote Fridays. For more info, visit queensworldfilmfestival.com.

CERINI & ASSOCIATES

QCC member Cerini & Associates is a leading audit, tax, and business advisory Firm serving both nonprofit and for-profit businesses. Since the pandemic hit, their firm has provided 24/7 support by answering questions, hosting webinars, creating easy to follow guides on the CARES ACT, and daily email updates.

Senior accountant Kayla Vigorito Aceto also arranged food

donations and deliveries to four Long Island hospitals, while Ed McWilliams joined the Chamber’s “Your Finances During and After COVID” webinar. All support resources can be found at ceriniandassociates.com.

VERNON GRILLE Vernon Grille is one of the newer spots in Long Island City and offers traditional high-end Greek specialties at affordable prices. They’re currently accepting donations to prepare meals for Mt. Sinai Queens, as well as donating free meals to the community through LIC relief.

Learn more about LIC Relief at licrelief.org, and visit vernongrille. com.

THE QUEENSBORO The Queensboro in Jackson Heights is a neighborhood restaurant created by local residents and restaurant industry veterans Tony Liu, Michael Fuquay, and Dudley Stewart. They’re currently raising

funds through Queens Together to raise money to feed healthcare workers and first responders.

Learn more about their relief effort and ordering, including special care packages and family meals, at thequeensboro.com.

MENDEZ PRINTING Mendez printing in Ridgewood is known for making business cards, envelops, newsletters, posters, and more.

They’ve recently shifted gears and have temporarily re-tooled their factory to manufacture PPE protective gear for health care workers in New York.

Learn more at mendezprinting. com, and help defray the cost of PPE production by buying “New York Tough”-themed items at stores.inksoft.com.

AIGNER DONATES TO SENIORS, HOSPITAL

BY MICHAEL PERLMAN Mark Libertini and Rachel Kellner, the couple who owns Aigner Chocolates on Metropolitan Avenue in Forest Hills, made a difference for nearly 100 local seniors who live alone and are homebound by donating chocolate Easter bunnies and chocolate-covered matzah and macaroons for Passover.

“Seeing my dad smile was my best gift,” said Diane Amodeo, whose father was one of the recipients. “Aigner Chocolates is the gift that keeps on giving. Since they joined our community they have been so charitable, and that giving community spirit came to my home. My dad was so happy, he kept saying ‘how nice of them.’”

Over 10 volunteers partnered CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

Mark Libertini and Rachel Kellner with “Harvey” before his trip to Elmhurst Hospital.

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

OWNER & SON LAUNCH ‘FOOD FOR THE FEARLESS’

BY BENJAMIN FANG A campaign to donate meals to frontline health care workers is drawing support from two Queensbased organizations.

The “Food for the Fearless” campaign, launched by Mark Boccia, Jr., a physician’s assistant student, and his father Mark Sr., a restaurant owner, has already surpassed its initial fundraising goal of $50,000.

Now, the Queens Chamber of Commerce and Queensboro Football Club, the borough’s first professional men’s soccer team, are teaming up to urge supporters to contribute to the campaign to reach their new target of $100,000.

“We are thankful to the support of our neighbors, friends, family, loyal customers and especially our partners for getting behind this important cause,” said Boccia Sr., who owns Bourbon Street and One Station Plaza in Bayside and Austin’s Ale House in Kew Gardens. “We are asking everyone to continue to pitch in to support our fearless heroes on the frontlines.”

Every $1,000 raised will allow the three restaurants to provide up to 100 meals to local hospital units fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

Donations compensate for the meals provided at cost.

Hundreds of meals have already been delivered to Jamaica Hospital, North Shore University Hospital, NewYork-Presbyterian Queens and Flushing Hospital Medical Center.

The campaign is closing in on 50 deliveries.

Additionally, the initiative allows the restaurants to retain their employees during the crisis.

Tom Grech, president and CEO of the Queens Chamber, said small businesses like Bourbon Street, One Station Plaza and Austin’s Ale House are the “backbone of Queens,” and are stepping up to help the borough get through the crisis.

“We are inspired by everything Mark is doing to support the brave health care professionals putting their lives on the line to defeat this epidemic,” he said, “and are happy

12

to support his efforts.”

The chamber also connected Queensboro FC to the Food for the Fearless campaign. They are urging soccer fans to make donations through a social media campaign.

“We are dedicated to doing everything in our power to help Queens during this crisis and everyday after,” said Jonathan Krane, founding partner of Queensboro FC. “We

are inspired by how the community has rallied behind this campaign in a significant way and want to do our part.”

Grech added that he’s thrilled that the football club, one of the chamber’s newest members, is contributing to the cause.

“Before a ball has even been kicked, Jonathan and his team are proving to be an important part of

For a total of 150 meals, the 9th and 10th deliveries went to the 109th & 111th precincts in Flushing and Bayside.

Queens’ business community,” he said.

Meal deliveries are made via request. If you are a first responder or healthcare professional in New York City or Long Island, you can request meals by email at FoodForTheFearless@gmail.com.

To make a donation, see page 10 for more information.

Delivery 23 brought 150 meals to Long Island Jewish Forest Hills.

Mark Boccia, Jr. delivers meals to New York-Presbyterian Queens on April 28.

May 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 5

CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

MANAGING FINANCES DURING COVID-19 CHAMBER CONVENES PANEL OF EXPERTS TO DISCUSS

BY BENJAMIN FANG As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the economy, the Queens Chamber of Commerce organized a panel of experts to offer advice on managing finances during the crisis.

Thomas Santucci, president of Gateway Investments and chair of the Queens Chamber Board of Directors, offered his assessment of the financial market. While the first two months of the year offered strong earnings, everything took a “precipitous drop” with the onset of the coronavirus.

The last time the economy faced that kind of drop was the 2008 financial crisis, he said.

“That was caused by a systemic failure,” Santucci said. “This one is caused by a health crisis.”

While certain sectors are getting hit hard by the pandemic and economic shutdown, others are flourishing. Santucci noted that Amazon, Google and other technology companies are still thriving in the market.

Video platforms like Zoom and Cisco, given the rise of virtual communication and working from home, are also doing well.

“You’re seeing pockets of opportunity within the main structure,” he said.

However, the airline, hotel and restaurant industries will take longer to rebound, Santucci said. The “game changer” will be when a vaccine that is tested and effective is introduced. That’s when people will feel more comfortable resuming their lives, he said.

“There’s a lot of uncertainty out there,” Santucci said. “No one has a crystal ball.”

Ronald Fatoullah, principal and founder of Ronald Fatoullah & Associates, a Long Island and Queens-based firm that practices elder law, estate planning, trusts, wills and more, said while these

times are unprecedented, people also have unprecedented opportunities to plan like they never have before, especially for the long-term.

He noted that everything can be done virtually, from signing wills to witnessing and notarization.

“Now is the time,” he said. “It can be done in the comfort of your living room. We’re getting calls like crazy right now.”

Edward McWilliams, director at Cerini and Associates, a fullservice accounting firm, noted that they were in the middle of tax season when “everything changed.”

Quickly after shifting to a remote work model, the tax deadline changed, followed by the passage and implementation of the fed-

eral Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. McWilliams said he had to teach himself the laws of Small Business Administration (SBA) lending in a week.

“It forced us as a firm to basically put everything on pause since last month,” he said. “There’s anticipation among tax professionals that there will be more changes between now and the end of the year.”

Santucci’s advice for any investor during this crisis is to step back and review their finances and portfolio. He said investors should look at their objectives, portfolio construction and time horizon.

“It’s not time to pull out of the market,” he said. “It is, however, an opportunity to move some assets around and review with your accountant.”

From an accounting perspective,

McWilliams added that everything has a tax impact and implications for the future.

“Taxes still exist,” he said.

“Unemployment is taxable income.”

Something else that McWilliams has been preaching to his clients, while they have the time, is to start updating essential documents.

“This is a golden opportunity,” he said. “If you’re not in a triage, this is the time to start doing some of those tasks that you may have put off.”

Santucci advised employers to start guiding their employees through this period of uncertainty.

“Employers have an obligation on a legal level and as a person to help those who work for them,” he said. “Help people in a time when there’s a lot of soul-searching and doubt.”

HARVEY HEADS TO ELMHURST HOSPITAL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 with Aigner Chocolates, including some from the recently launched Coronavirus Relief Initiative.

“It was great to find an opportunity to volunteer, especially at this time,” said Danielle Tommaso.

“It definitely brought a smile to people’s faces when there wasn’t much else to smile about.”

A note placed in each gift bag read, “We hope this chocolate treat finds you safe and healthy. There are many people who are thinking about you and praying for you.

If you are in distress or need any assistance, do not hesitate to call us at 718-544-1850. We wish you the best!”

“To see firsthand the smiles on so many faces is priceless,” said Jen Curti. “When I heard about Aigner’s project, I had to be involved. During a crisis, the best of the best rise to the top. It is a blessing to have such a generous business in our community.”

Aigner Chocolates was founded in 1930. It was owned by the Aigner family for three genera-

tions, and bought by Libertini and Kellner in 2015, along with the recipes and traditions.

One of those traditions is raffling off a chocolate Easter bunny, which started in the 1980s. This year, the raffle of the 25-pound bunny, better known as Harvey, was canceled. It was instead donated to Elmhurst Hospital.

“Queens has become the epicenter of the outbreak, and Elmhurst Hospital has been ground zero,” said Kellner. “If anyone needs positive energy and good spirits, it’s the medical professionals. If we can brighten their day by just having a moment of pleasure with chocolate, it will mean something.

“We feel grateful that we’re able to contribute in a small way,” she added. “This effort was a nobrainer for Mark and I.” Michael Arcati, post advocate of American Legion Continental Post 1424, delivered the treat to the hospital.

“The owners of Aigner Chocolates know what it means to be part of a community,” he said.

“Walking into their store makes

you feel like a kid again.”

For Kellner and Libertini, community has always been important.

In the past, the shop has partnered with and donated to the LI Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Forestdale, Women Helping Women, Queens Center For Progress, and local senior centers.

“We are very much inspired by the number of creative ways that our community has been helping,” Kellner said. “As small business owners, we believe in supporting other local organizations.

We made giving back part of the thread of Aigner Chocolates.”

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, Aigner’s business model has been modified. For now, the shop offer curbside pickup from noon to 2 p.m. daily for orders placed at aignerchocolates.com or by phone or email.

“We have shut down our chocolate production and showroom, shortened our hours, and offer discounts for online orders,” Kellner said. “Despite not having staff here, we have been overwhelmed by the business that we have.”

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

CORONAVIRUS: FRONTLINES

NORTHWELL HEALTH TO REWARD STAFF Northwell Health announced that it is acknowledging the bravery of its front-line staff in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by awarding them a $2,500 lump sum payment and one week of paid time off (PTO) that can be used at any time during their employment with the health system.

“Our dedicated staff’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been nothing short of heroic,” said Northwell president and CEO Michael Dowling. “Thanks to the courage and commitment of our front-line caregivers, we answered the call in service to the patients and communities who entrust us with their care.”

Nurses, physicians, respiratory therapists and other direct patient caregivers – including both union and non-union – are eligible for the recognition program, as are environmental services workers, housekeepers and other unsung heroes, including those in outpatient and corporate roles who went above and beyond in working behind the scenes to maintain effective operations during an unprecedented surge in patient volume.

It is estimated that about 45,000 team members are eligible for the payments and one-week of supplemental PTO. Since the coronavirus crisis began in early March, Northwell hospitals treated and discharged more than 6,100 patients. More than 2,600 are still hospitalized.

Throughout the response efforts to COVID-19, Northwell has made the needs of its staff members a top priority, maintaining an adequate supply of personal protective equipment to keep them safe.

In addition, the health system expanded the benefits and services available to team members, including backup child care and temporary housing for front-line caregivers fearful of going home and potentially exposing family members to the virus.

Northwell also expanded programs to care for the staff’s mental, emotional, physical and spiritual

14

well-being, including greater access to timely, on-site support sessions for those grappling with feelings of grief and struggling to cope.

In addition, Northwell launched an Employee Emotional Resource Center, to support employees and their loved ones who are experiencing stress and anxiety due to their experience over the past six weeks.

Accessible by phone 24 hours, seven days per week, the resource center is staffed by Northwell experts.

Resources may include referrals to a number of Northwell support services, including digital tools to help assess/address emotional and well-being needs, licensed social workers and behavioral health experts and certified well-being coaches specializing in nutrition and exercise.

“The battle against COVID-19 has been grueling and no one knows that more than those who put them-

Northwell Health staff at a COVID-19 drive-in testing site. selves in harm’s way to meet the physical and emotional needs of our patients, who were without the support of family members because of hospital visitation restrictions,” said senior vice president and

chief people officer Joseph Moscola. “Great people shine brightly in times of crisis, and thousands of our team members rose to confront the worst public health crisis of a lifetime.”

PARKER JEWISH CONNECTS FAMILIES

Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation has implemented a new Family Call Center Service to help family members connect with loved ones who are residents or patients of the skilled nursing facility.

The new service enables families to stay in touch and informed at a time when visitation is largely prohibited, based on state and federal guidelines to protect against the spread of COVID-19.

Members of Parker’s Admissions Department, as well as employees from the Institute’s Social Adult Day Health Program, were redeployed to staff the new center.

They speak with callers about non-emergency matters, and direct family members to the correct resource. The Concierge CallLine Service had already been in the planning stages, but Parker’s Administration moved the service forward as an immediate way to help the Institute’s community navigate coronavirus.

The team can be reached at

Parker Jewish Institute is helping families visit with loved ones.

(718)289-2888 seven-days-aweek. Staff members walk family members through the process of accessing the technology so that they can visit virtually with loved ones.

And through the help of Parker’s

Therapeutic Recreation leaders and other team members, patients and residents are ensuring the virtual visits and conversations take place.

For example, one hospice CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

May 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 5

CORONAVIRUS: FRONTLINES

FUNERAL HOMES STRUGGLE WITH LOSS

BY SARA KREVOY With daily figures on deaths and hospitalizations related to COVID-19 continuing a downward trend, Governor Andrew Cuomo is suggesting the worst of the outbreak may be behind the Big Apple.

“If the data holds, and if this trend holds, we are past the high point,” he said at a recent press briefing.

Though this recent news is promising, Cuomo warned that New York is only at “halftime” when it comes to the coronavirus crisis and avoiding a second wave.

For New Yorkers mourning the individuals behind those daily stats, however, the battle is just beginning.

Faced with an unprecedented

PARKER JEWISH CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

patient was able to speak with her daughter, thanks to the assistance of a Parker Therapeutic Recreation employee who brought the phone to the bedside of the patient, who otherwise would have had difficulty lifting it.

“During this time of social distancing to ward against the spread of coronavirus, it is more important than ever for families to see and speak with each other to stay in touch and overcome feelings of isolation,” said Michael N. Rosenblut, Parker’s president and CEO. “The ability to connect family members through virtual technology fosters family connections, which are so vital during this stressful time.”

Parker’s administration continues to evaluate and refine policies and services to meet the needs of patients, residents and their families. Visit parkerinstitute.org and click on the COVID-19 tab for updates.

reality of restricted gatherings and physical contact, families are grappling with loss and learning to grieve in a landscape where traditional forms of consolation are no longer accessible.

“In this new ‘normal’ of having to be distant from each other, there are ways we can connect,” says Barbara Kemmis, executive director of the Cremation Association of North America (CANA).

“And funeral directors are facilitating that.”

A trade association for primarily crematories, cemeteries and funeral homes, CANA has been compiling resources and guidance for its members, as well as holding weekly open forums amid the rapidly progressing pandemic.

In New York, which remains a hotspot of the global health crisis, Kemmis explains the transition for members has been especially difficult.

As the industry is turned upside down due to overwhelmed mortality rates and social distancing regulations, death care professionals are using creative problem solving in order to facilitate preparations and help families tread through the grieving process.

“The process has transformed to the 21st Century, where most of the arrangements are being conducted digitally,” says Queens funeral director Jerry Megiel.

At his operation in Maspeth, Megiel Funeral Home, Inc, the undertaker says most of that communication takes place through phone and email. During an initial call with the family, Megiel gathers preliminary information on the deceased, including a contact for the next of kin.

He then corresponds with the next of kin over email, discussing possible services and estimated costs to be encountered. An exemption granted by the governor waives the requirement for original signed documents authorizing funeral homes to act on behalf of the family.

So, once an email confirma-

tion or e-signature is received, documents can be prepared for arrangements to proceed.

Megiel says he offers the option for families to sit in an isolated room at the funeral home and review/sign documents. Alternatively, the funeral home can video chat with families while documents are being signed.

Scanned copies are returned to the funeral home immediately, along with a photo of the next of kin’s driver’s license, and the originals are overnighted.

When it comes to services, funeral homes find themselves doing the best they can to interpret sometimes conflicting recommendations from authorities like the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In New York City, in-person funeral gatherings and wakes are permitted, so long as attendees remain six feet apart and refrain from physical contact.

City guidance also states that guests should be limited to immediate family, the definition of which is left largely up to the discretion of funeral directors.

Similar restrictions are being placed on burials by cemeteries, and local crematories are not allowing family members to attend at all, says Megiel.

“I am profoundly upset I can’t do more for my families,” relates the licensed funeral director of nearly 45 years.

“It’s a calling, not a job,” he continues. “People are usually in the funeral business because there is a part of their soul that wants to help people. And to not be able to do that is heartbreaking.”

In many ways, the pandemic is robbing people of their ability to mourn properly, unable to satisfy natural urges to unite and support during times of loss with simple gestures such as a kiss, handshake or embrace.

Some families are finding a kind of comfort in a virtual format, using video conferencing

technologies like Zoom to rally around each other remotely while saying goodbye.

Many funeral directors, including Megiel, are suggesting larger memorial services honoring loved ones when the pandemic has finally cleared.

“What I hope we see is that when we can gather again that those funerals will happen,” says Kemmis. “We’ve had to press pause on our grief, but it’s not forever.”

For families of the deceased who have tested positive for COVID-19, the situation is even more devastating, as many relatives haven’t seen their loved ones since they were admitted to the hospital.

Even open-casket services are not guaranteed, since funeral homes are currently receiving conflicting messaging from the WHO and CDC as to whether or not embalming is safe.

With visiting hours suspended, hospitals are going above and beyond to make sure that nobody is alone as they pass.

Dr. Teresa Amato, chief of emergency medicine at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills, says that at her hospital, staff is holding hands with patients at the end of life. The hospital is also using FaceTime to allow families to see their dying loved ones and say goodbye.

“You can really just feel the love coming through the iPad,” says Amato.

After death, funeral directors are relying on something called the chain of custody - a longstanding recording procedure used by hospitals, funeral homes and cemeteries/crematories to track bodies - to provide a sense of closure to families.

“There is a sense of very deep uncertainty that family members are experiencing,” Megiel reveals.

“Where there was once a way to make a visual connection that this is their loved one, they now need to trust us and the system.”

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS COUNTERS QUARANTINE ONLINE Migrating birds will fly over Queens, and flowers will pop up all over the borough in May, but other annual rituals, such as the borough’s numerous Memorial Day parades, will be cancelled due to COVID-19. Shelterin-place orders have forced Queens agencies to share enrichment and entertainment activities online.

Here’s a program list for local residents and anybody around the world who has Wi-Fi.

active subway map where each stop corresponds to a different poem.

Users simply press on a station to hear recited verses. For example, hit the 7 train’s 82nd Street button for Vikas K. Menon’s “Queens Communion.” Try the E Train’s Jamaica Center for Sherese Francis’s “Liberty Ashes.”

For Meera Nair’s “In These Streets,” go to Jackson Heights/Roosevelt Avenue on the R Train. (queensbound.com)

Flushing Town Hall

Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning

FTH is streaming past concerts during Watch Parties every Friday at 7 pm. Here’s what on in May: The Gustavo Casenave Quartet plays South American Jazz on May 8; Modern Day violinist Joe Kye shares the stage with Chinese-American hip-hop artist Jason Chu on May 15; Acclaimed pianist Roberta Piket’s sextet project shines a loving light on compositions by legendary jazz pianist Marian McPartland on May 22; and the Korean Music Foundation co-presents a chamber concert with music from Bach to Piazzolla on May 29. (flushingtownhall.org)

QUEENSBOUND

QUEENSBOUND hosts an inter-

QUEENS NIGHT MARKET

JCAL was presenting a back-bypopular-demand Thursday Night Jazz series before COVID hit. The agency re-grouped to offer the monthly series via Youtube. Chris Dingman, a celebrated composer and vibraphonist, performs on May 14. Thana Alexa, a Croatian-American vocalist whose sound can be lyrical and experimental, puts on a show on June 11. She mixes atmospheric sounds, electronics, loops, and vocal textures. (jcal.org)

Queens County Farm

QCFM offers the Great Outdoors while staying indoors. Via #BarnCam, viewers get glimpses of the urban farm every weekday

QUEENSBOUND at 4 p.m. via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. So far, topics have included butter-churning, gardening, goats, and insects. Spring has sprung so followers can watch the season unfold as seeds germinate in the greenhouse and the fields are tilled, plowed, and planted. (queensfarm.org)

Louis Armstrong House

The new “That’s My Home” exhibition features audio, essays, photographs, and videos related to the jazz legend’s time in Corona, where he lived with his wife, Lucille. The material is from Armstrong’s collection. Virtual tours and live-streamed panel discussions are in the works. (louisarmstronghouse.org)

Queens Symphony Orchestra

QSO has postponed upcoming concerts, but the borough’s oldest professional arts organization is still sharing beautiful music via the new “What Goes through the Conductor’s Head” series on Youtube. Music director Martin Majkut looks at selections that QSO had planned to perform this season and offers insight into the conducting process. So far, he has posted an episode on Antonin Dvořák’s “Symphony No. 8, Second Movement” and another one on British composer Gustav Holst’s “Mars, the Bringer of War.” More episodes

16

are on the way. (queenssymphony.org)

Queens Night Market

QNM usually operates near the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Saturdays from April to October. Vendors sell dishes as diverse as lamb hawawshi from Egypt, shan tofu from Myanmar, fish amok from Cambodia, huaraches from Mexico, and rice pizza from Vietnam.

Right now, everything is on hold due to COVID, but a related cookbook will be published on May 12.

“The World Eats Here: Amazing Food and the Inspiring People Who Make It at New York’s Queens Night Market” (The Experiment; $19.95; 978-1-61519-663-0) showcases several dozen recipes. Many are documented for the first time ever. Some evolved from family traditions and hold cherished personal memories or pay tribute to deceased loved ones, others are cultural staples, and still more were originally for special occasions only. Each recipe is paired with a narrative based on interviews with the chefs. (queensnightmarket.com) The monthly “It’s In Queens” column is produced by the Queens Tourism Council. More info at itsinqueens.com.

May 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 5

QUEENSBOROUGH CALENDAR OF EVENTS MAY 5/6, 9 AM

FIRST WEDNESDAY: COFFEE, COMMERCE & CONNECTIONS

This forum enables our members a chance to discuss their business, share ideas, and make new connections. Join Queens Chamber for “How Does Leadership Look?” Best practices, guidance and insight to aid managing during challenging times.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org 5/6, 9 AM

GOOGLE LIVESTREAM: MANAGE YOUR BUSINESS REMOTELY IN TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY

As a Grow with Google Partner, the Queens Chamber of Commerce would like to invite you to tune in to a special livestream for small businesses. The COVID-19 crisis has had a profound impact on small businesses. They may have had to rethink their business model, and if they didn’t work from home before, they’re probably adjusting to the realities of remote work..

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org 5/6, 1 TO 2 PM

PANEL: COVID & INSURANCE COVERAGE

5/15, 2 PM

MANAGING CREDIT IN TIMES OF CRISIS

In this webinar you will learn about Insurance on credit card if you are having financial hardship, Talking to your bank/lender for an arrangement, and positive reporting to your credit reports. The presenters are Juan Gonzalez, senior loan officer at Business Center for New Americans, and Dahiana R. Genao, community mortgage loan officer at TD Bank.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org 5/19, 2 PM

COVID-19 COMMERCIAL LEASE ASSISTANCE FAQ

Due to COVID-19 small businesses are encountering issues related to your commercial lease or paying rent. In this webinar, presented by New York City’s Commercial Lease Assistance Program, we will address questions related to commercial leases.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org 5/22, 9:30 AM

FUTURE OF TELECOMMUTING & OTHER FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS

Please join the Queens Chamber and our panel of insurance experts for a video discussion and Q&A on the impact COVID-19 has had on small businesses.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

This workshop will explore strategies to effectively cope with and balance demands utilizing flexible work initiatives to promote more effective use of time at and away from work. Presented by Joshua Bienstock of NYIT. VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

5/12, 2 TO 3 PM

5/22, 2 PM

With most of the country under stay-at-home orders, small businesses are now more reliant on eCommerce than ever. This webinar is for small business owners and the people in charge of your company’s eCommerce website.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

With the combination of resources used at the right time, entrepreneurs can be empowered to better navigate in uncertainties. We will assist you in developing a plan for your business to adapt to the changing business environment. We will discuss actions you can take today and how to prepare for the next phase.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

5/13, 10 AM

5/26, 10 AM

The Queens Chamber of Commerce is committed to maximizing your Membership. If you’re a new member and have yet participated in an orientation please register to join us.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

During the time that many businesses are on pause, or just getting back to business, it’s a good time to make sure your bookkeeping is done in a way to not trigger an audit. Speakers include Tshering Gurung of Business Center for New Americans and Paul

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: HOW TO SPICE UP YOUR E-COMMERCE

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

BUSINESS PLANNING DURING & AFTER COVID-19

TOP THINGS THAT COULD TRIGGER AN IRS AUDIT

Rosenblum, a QuickBooks certified pro advisor at Numerex Services.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

JUNE 6/26, 9:30 AM

REMOTE INTERVIEWING SKILLS IN THE COVID-19 WORLD

We go over all the ins and outs of preparing for and shining at the interview. There will be an emphasis on honing remote interview skills (since many job interviews will in all probability be conducted remotely for the foreseeable future). Presented by Joshua Bienstock of NYIT. VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

JULY 7/17, 9:30 AM

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: NAVIGATING THE FINE LINE

This workshop will help you understand which interview questions are legal and appropriate and which questions cross the line and are illegal and inappropriate. Presented by Joshua Bienstock of NYIT. VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

EN ESPANOL 5/8, 2 PM

IMPORTANCIA DEL CREDITO EN TIEMPOS DE CRISIS

Este evento para traer información importante relacionada con sus finanzas y su crédito bancario, ya sea para aplicar por tarjetas de crédito, préstamos hipotecarios, comerciales o educativos. Participe de esta importante session y conozca a los expertos Juan Gonzalez, senior loan officer at Business Center for New Americans, and Dahiana R. Genao, community mortgage loan officer at TD Bank.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org 5/20, 2 PM

PLANEACION DEL NEGOCIO DURANTE Y DESPUES DE COVID-19

En este taller, reevaluaremos sus planes comerciales para determinar sus posibles acciones hoy y, en la fase de recuperación, lo guiaremos con hojas de cálculo de finanzas personales y proyecciones financieras comerciales.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

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love WHERE YOU

live LETS BEAUTIFY JAMAICA TOGETHER ZARA'S PHILANTHROPY Involvement on community boards richmond hill hs computer lab Voices of Jamaica features community events Fundraising

Luxury Apartments in Jamaica, Queens 166-07 Hillside Avenue Jamaica, NY 11432 718.291.3331 • application@zararealty.com

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS

BLIND PROVE ESSENTIAL

Alphapointe, in Richmond Hill has been deemed an “essential business” by the Department of Defense and Homeland Security.

Not surprising, since Alphapointe manufactures and produces military uniforms, life-saving tourniquets, litter beds and janitorial and cleaning supplies used by federal, state and city government agencies to assist in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alphapointe also provides warehouse and distribution operations for the New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS).

What might surprise you, is that most of the people performing this critical work are blind or visually impaired.

As part of the national AbilityOne program and the New York State Preferred Source Program, Alphapointe empowers people who are blind through employment, job placement and rehabilitation serMABRY vices.

With 200 employees in Queens, 130 of them legally blind, the “essential” designation meant operations needed to continue despite the challenges brought on

by COVID-19.

“I’m extremely proud of our employees who have persevered through this crisis,” said president and CEO Reinhard Mabry.

“Employees take great pride in the work they do for our communities, our city and federal government.

They are supplying products used daily to help us fight this terrible virus.”

Assistant shipping supervisor Brittany Long is one of those talented employees with vision loss.

Throughout the crisis, she faces a two-hour commute with multiple transfers. Prior to the emergency, her commute was 45 minutes.

It is her responsibility to ensure essential products reach their intended destinations. She also supports ACS warehousing that’s providing clothing, shoes, and blankets to families in need during this difficult time.

LONG Brittany has maintained exceptional attendance despite the hardships of her commute.

Cornell Williams joined Alphapointe in 2008 as an electrician in maintenance. He has never let blindness define him. Cornell also provides sign language for our deaf employees when needed. He is always the first to arrive and one of the last to leave. He’s an active volunteer chaplain with the NYPD, FDNY, and American Red Cross.

“With a 70 percent unemployment rate of people who are blind when times are good, we know those with vision loss will need jobs and technical skills when this crisis ends,” said Mabry. “To meet that need, Alphapointe is creating a technology training center and creating more jobs.”

Alphapointe is currently seeking funding support for renovations and equipment to add production capacity on upper floors of its building. To donate or learn more about Alphapointe visit alphapointe.org.

WILLIAMS

May 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 5

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) 652-2071 with any questions.

Administration Intermediary Lender and a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). BCNA’s Microloan program 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.

and economically diverse residents of Jamaica and for the region at large, which benefits from rational, well-planned, and sustainable metropolitan growth.

FOREST HILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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.

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.

GATEWAY JFK

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.

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

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@gatewayjfk.org.

GREATER FLUSHING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

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

GREATER WOODHAVEN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WOODHAVEN BID

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

The chamber was chartered in 1978 by a group of business people in and around JFK Airport. It is the only airport in the nation to have its own Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber seeks to create an environment in which members of the business community can work together to enhance the growth, well being

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES and economic development of the airport community and its aviation industry.

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.

MASPETH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

MASPETH INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (MIBA)

BOC: 96-11 40th Road, Corona, NY 11368 Coordinator: Quincy Ely-Cate 718.205.3773 qelycate@bocnet.org mibanyc.org QUICK GLANCE: Roughly 600 businesses 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 80th streets.

Annual membership fee is $150, and they are looking to gain momentum through attracting

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new members. The mission is to improve the area and assist local businesses if they have any concerns or needs.

MYRTLE AVENUE BID

62-14 Myrtle Avenue, Ridgewood, NY 11385 Executive Director: Ted Renz 718.366.3806 QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $500,000 with over 300 retail and service businesses under its purview.

Board meetings are held four times a year with the annual meeting in June. The district includes Myrtle Avenue in Ridgewood between Fresh Pond Road and Wyckoff Avenue. Program support is provided by the Ridgewood LDC.

QUEENS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

12-55 Queens Boulevard, Room 309 Kew Gardens, NY 11424 Executive Director: Seth Bornstein 718.263.0546 queensny.org QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $1.5 million and a resource for over 2,000 businesses in the borough of Queens. 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 Rockaway’s economic base and neighborhoods by creating long-standing partnerships with city and state agencies.

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. It is now available on Youtube. Chris Dingman, a celebrated composer and vibraphonist, performs on May 14. Thana Alexa, a Croatian-American vocalist whose sound can be lyrical and experimental, puts on a show on June 11. She mixes atmospheric sounds, electronics, loops, and vocal textures.

May 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 5

NEW MEMBERS MAJOR CORPORATE

Queensboro FC

35-37 36th Street Astoria, NY 11416 queensborofc.com Queensboro FC (QBFC) is the first professional men’s soccer team in Queens, New York.

The club will kick off in 2021 and play in the USL Championship, the top tier of the USL. QBFC’s ownership group is led by international soccer star David Villa and New York entrepreneur Jonathan Krane.

Alibab Group

Alibaba Group 860 Washington Street, 7th Floor New York, NY 10014 alibaba.com We enable businesses to transform the way they market, sell and operate and improve their efficiencies. We provide the technology infrastructure and marketing reach to help merchants, brands and other businesses to leverage the power of new technology to engage with their users and customers and operate in a more efficient way.

CORPORATE

Hook & Reel, LLC

161-21 Jamaica Avenue Jamaica, NY 11432 hookreel.com Born in the South where a feast means getting messy with friends, the seafood boil has been bringing people together for ages. At Hook & Reel our signature boil forks over bold flavors with a genuine, down-home feel.

Intercontinental Capital Group

265 Broadhollow Road, Suite 220 Melville, NY 11747 intercontinentalcapital.com Intercontinental Capital Group, Inc. is a direct lending mortgage bank specializing in home financing for one to four family residential properties. ICG is licensed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as a Title II Mortgagee to be able to offer government insured Federal Housing Administration Home Loans as well as standard Conventional Financing for its clients.

JC Elite Construction

270 Lafayette Street, Suite 1200 New York, NY 10012 jceliteco.com JC Elite Construction Services was founded with a commitment to become New York’s premier construction services provider and to excel where other have fallen short. At JC Elite Construction Services, we strive to acquire and

maintain an unparalleled and unique position within the construction space…implementing and developing exceptional execution on every project we take on!

Vulcan Business Solutions, LLC

Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade Association, Inc.

The Shops at Atlas Park

242-17 Church Street, Suite 1 East Douglaston, NY 11363 lndmemorialday.org The Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization committed to honoring those who died during service and supporting veterans, active military and their families. Founded in 1927, we are a non-partisan, non-political organization that strives to remind and educate young people and others of American history and the selfless contributions of veterans to that history by organizing an annual Memorial Day Parade.

Prudential Advisors

118-35 Queens Blvd, #1530 Forest Hills, NY 11375 prudential.com For more than 140 years, Prudential Financial has helped individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth. We are known for delivering on our promises to our customers, and are recognized as a trusted brand and one of the world’s most admired companies.

Gatsons Electric, Inc.

35-37 36th Street, 2nd Floor Astoria, NY 11106 gatsonselectric.com We provide high levels of service and workmanship for all of your electrical projects.

Whatever the size of the job, Gatsons Electric Inc., designs, installations and testing services come with an uncompromising quality approach, while we ensure that our work fully meets all current electrical code and safety standards.

Spectrum Reach

1633 Broadway, Floor 39 New York, NY 10019 spectrumreach.com Spectrum Reach is dedicated to helping you find and reach your ideal audience by utilizing the power of TV and digital advertising. We offer the solutions you need in order to engage the right customers and grow your business

INTRODUCTORY

Georgia Chronas-Sfirogianakis Farmers Insurance Agency 42–10 Ditmars Blvd Astoria, NY 11105 farmers.com

10 Bond Street, Suite 427 Great Neck, NY 11021 vbsbiz.com 7119 80th Street, #8038 Glendale, NY 1385 shopatlaspark.com

We Clean Right Professional Services, LLC P.O. Box 220097 Rosedale, NY 11422 wecleanright.org

Regency Party Hall

110-54 Springfield Blvd Queens Village, NY 11427 regencypartyhall.com

COTS Travel

135-27 40th Road, Suite 202 Flushing, NY 11354 cotsny.us.com

Worldwide Veteran & Family Services 2501 Grand Concourse, 3rd Floor, Suite 333 Bronx, NY 10468 worldwideveteransfs.com

Segura Executive Transportation 23-23 Steinway Street Long Island, NY 11105 seguraexecutive.com

Law Office of Donna Furey 44-14 Broadway Astoria, NY 11103 fureylaw.net

Rockawy East Merchant Association for United Synergy (REMA4US) 1032 Beach 20th Street, Far Rockaway, NY 11691 rema4us.org

Displays & Beyond, Inc. DBA Fastsigns 88-16 77th Avenue Glendale, NY 11385 fastsigns.com/2317

The Wine Room of Forest Hills 96-09 69th Avenue Forest Hills, NY 11375 thewineroomfh.com

Gateway JFK

167-43 148th Avenue, #203 Jamaica, NY 11434 gatewayjfk.org

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

EXECUTIVE COMMMITEE

EXECUTIVE STAFF

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

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

CHAIRPERSON’S ADVISORY COUNCIL 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 AARP Adria Hotel and Conference Center Aeroterm AFC Urgent Care - Howard Beach Amaracon Testing & Inspections, LLC American Lions LLC Amna Construction Corp AmTrust Title Andromeda Antun’s of Queens Village Apple Bank for Savings Apple-Metro, Inc. ARK Development LLC Ashnu International, Inc. Assured Environments Astoria Sports Complex Atco Properties Accounts Payable Aurora Contractors, Inc. Avison Young AYC Properties LLC Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP Balkan Sewer And Water Main Service Bank of America Merrill Lynch Bank of Hope Bellozino Bethpage Federal Credit Union Bijal Hospitality - Hyatt Place LIC & Fairfield Marriott LGA Blink Fitness Boyce Technologies Inc. Bridgehampton National Bank Broadway Stages Cactus Holdings Inc Capital One Bank Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens CBRE

Center for Automotive Education and Training Cerini and Associates, LLP. Ciampa Organization Cipico Construction, Inc. Citibank CityMD Clearcell Power Conference Associates, Inc Cord Meyer Development LLC Corporate Development Systems, Inc. Courtyard by Marriott Crescent Properties, Inc Crown Castle Crunch - Rochdale (Please correct spelling in magazine) Cushman & Wakefield Damian Family Care Centers, Inc. Daniels, Norelli, Scully & Cecere P.C. Daroga Power, LLC Dedline AV East Coast Energy Group Ecosave Inc. Emigrant Mortgage Company Enterprise Fleet Management eXp Realty: Andrew Wu Exquisite Construction F & T Group Farrell Fritz, P.C. First Central Savings Bank Flushing Council On Culture & The Arts Forest Hills Financial Group Inc. GF55 Partners Gil-Bar Industries, Inc. Glenwood Infinity LLC (Hello Panda Festival) Global Industrial Goodwill Industries of New York & North-

ern New Jersey, Inc. Graf & Lewent Architects Greater NY Automobiles Dealers Association Greenpoint Manufacturing & Design Center (GMDC) Gum Studios Hampton Inn by Hilton JFK Airport Healthy Corner Pharmacy Hilton Garden Inn Long Island City New York Hook & Reel LLC Hyatt Place Flushing IBIS Styles New York La Guardia Airport INDA, Association of Nonwoven Fabric Industry Innovo Property Group Instacart Intercontinental Capital Group iRCM, Inc. J.W. Hampton Jr. & Co., Inc. James F. Capalino & Assoc.

Jaros, Baum & Bolles Jason Office Products JC Elite Construction JDP Mechanical 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 Laguardia Plaza Hotel Laser Bounce of Brooklyn Inc.

Levine Builders Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade Association, Inc. Luxury Office Suites LLC Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc. Madison Realty Capital Manpower McBride Consulting & Business MCT Fine Wine & Spirits, LLC Medisys Health Network Mega Contracting Group LLC MetroPlus Health Plan Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade MicroGrid Neworks, LLC Millennium Dae Dong, Inc. Molloy College Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens Mr. T Carting Corp.

Muss Development LLC My Benefit Advisor, LLC NEOLEDGE Neuman’s Kitchen Newtown Creek New York + Atlantic Railway New York Health Plan Association New York Oil Heating Association Northwell Health NYC Ferry Operated by Hornblower Olympia Court Real Estate OneGroup Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation Patrick B. Jenkins & Associates Patrizia’s Italian Restaurant Petro PGA Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Piermont Bank Premier Paint Roller Co LLC

COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 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 Paul Harrison Chase paul.harrison@chase.com

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

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ENERGY

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 John Moore Vassilaros & Sons Coffee johnm@vassilaroscoffee.com Lina DeLaCruz Control Electropolishing Corp. lina@controlpublishing.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 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

Premier Payroll Solutions Prime Storage Priority 1 Security LLC ProHEALTH Care QSIDE Federal Credit Union Queens Center Mall Queens Public Communications Corp.

Quontic Bank RCG Mortgage Receivable Collection Services, LLC Rego Park Seniors Club LLC Related Retail Corporation Rochdale Village Community Center Royal Waste Services, Inc. Safeguard Global Safety Facility Services Samaritan Daytop Village Santander Bank SBT Advantage Bank Seagis Property Group, LP Signature Bank 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 Episcopal Hospital St. John’s University Sterling Risk Structural Engineering Technologies, P.C. Suffolk Sussman-Automatic Corporation Target TC Electric TGI Office Automation Thales The Andy Li Team at Compass The Botanist The Durst Organization The First National Bank of Long Island The Flying Locksmiths -Queens NY The Heskel Group The Liquidity Source The Lovett Group The Marcal Group T-Mobile TSC Traning Academy, LLC Ultrasound Solutions Corp.

United Airlines United American Title Agency United Construction & Development Group Corp United Public Adjusters & Appraisers, Inc. USTA National Tennis Center, Inc. Valley National Bank Vanguard Building Solutions, LLC Vassilaros & Sons Coffee Vic Kessler Signs LTD Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP Watch Guard 24/7 LLC White Coffee Corp Wisselman, Harounian & Associates, P.C. YMCA of Greater New York / Queens Branches York College - CUNY Young Nian Group, LLC Zara Realty

May 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 5 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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