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QUEENS CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS
CLOSING OUT 2020 ON A HIGH NOTE BY KATIE WELNHOFER Production and entertainment have arguably been two of the hardest hit industries from the coronavirus pandemic. To that end, the many vendors who rely on the performance of those sectors have been directly impacted, including Queens Chamber member Edge Auto Rental. Edge is one of the largest independently owned car rental companies on the east coast for entertainment and production. The company saw dramatic declines in utilization when the city implemented its first set of quarantine regulations in mid-March, and like many other small businesses, was forced to furlough staff members, develop new COVID-friendly processes, and rethink its model in order to gain business from customers outside of its typical core. During the early months of the pandemic, Edge supplied its vehicles to nonprofit organizations who transported necessary supplies to hospitals and meals to the elderly.
Edge co-owner William Harris, who was recently elected treasurer of the American Car Rental Association (ACRA) board, worked closely with car rental company leaders to develop a set of protocols for the transportation industry that met state and CDC guidelines, as well as other mandatory requirements. These protocols kept the health and safety of customers at the forefront and set the standard for the transportation industry. Using those protocols as a basis, Edge developed its own unique procedures to clean its vehicles and to maintain safe, sanitary conditions in and around its two locations in Brooklyn and Queens. The company has increased its cleaning procedures to its office and surrounding facilities. Every vehicle is now thoroughly wiped down with a high-grade disinfectant and multi-purpose cleaner upon return from rental, and once again prior to its next rental. Lot attendants and cleaning staff
have been instructed to pay extra provide a safe and sanitary experiattention to armrests, door handles, ence for its customers. The comsteering wheels, dashboards, rear- pany recently implemented a new view mirrors, seats, and consoles. software program that allows for Upon request, Edge will even touchless check-in and check-out. install plastic dividers between This process has so far been wellseats to ensure the comreceived by customers, as fort and safety of its cusit allows for a quicker tomers. and more seamless rental Additionally, Edge is experience, while allowensuring its employees ing for social distancing have the hygiene prodprotocols to be followed ucts, personal protective with ease. equipment, and resources In the past several necessary to stay healthy. months, most significantThe company encourages Katie Welnhofer ly after the Labor Day frequent handwashing is vice president holiday, Edge has seen an and maintains abundant uptick in utilization, sugof Operations cleaning supplies and for Edge Auto gesting a strong recovery Rental. sanitary drying towels at is in store for the car and all times. truck rental business, and All staff members wear face potentially also for the entertaincoverings, gloves, and maintain ment and production industries to proper distance from coworkers which it caters. and customers. Frontline staff use As studios, production compaalcohol-based hand sanitizer, sani- nies, and filmmakers of all sizes tizing wipes and disinfectants, and resume filming in this “new norhave been instructed to frequently mal” environment, Edge will conwipe down high-touch areas such tinue to adapt its business model as computers, phones, iPads, desks, to serve its customers’ needs while and countertops. ensuring compliance with safety Edge has longer-term plans to regulations as they are implementensure the company continues to ed
LOOKING TO BUILD CLUB THROUGH QUEENS YOUTH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
proved that it’s not working to find talent and to develop players in the country,” said Gutierrez. “This is a way to show that we’re committed to the community and local talent in Queens and with the players that haven’t had the opportunities to reach academies because they don’t have resources,” he added. “We feel we have to open that door to everyone in Queens.” With an extra year to prepare, the Queensboro FC front office feels like they have ample time to create something special in the borough. “I go every weekend to Flushing Meadows Park and I can see young talented kids playing there,” said Gutierrez. “You can see that Queens has a lot of potential in soc-
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cer that we have to take advantage of. Providing an opportunity for them is a win-win for the players and our club,” Head coach Josep Gombau has experience building academies, helping build FC Barça Escola and spending time with youth teams. “I like this kind of job, I like to work with young players and to know every single player in the academy,” said Gombau. “I think it’s part of our job as coaches and it will help me learn about New York, Queens, and USL soccer.” Both Gombau and Gutierrez have seen promise in youth soccer in the US, as well as what some of the brightest young USMNT stars are doing abroad in Europe. “A lot of people are watching how young players from the US are
doing well in Europe and playing in the top leagues and against the best competition in the world,” said Gombau. “Ten years ago, young players saw this possibility as very far, but now they’re watching the games and they want to achieve the same themselves.” There is plenty of work to do, especially in a constantly changing situation. The pandemic has made soccer difficult on a youth and amateur level, but many clubs and leagues are returning to play. “We’re in a situation where it’s impossible to predict what’s going to happen, but we feel we’re doing things in the right way,” said Gutierrez. “Everybody is very excited because we know what we’re creating is something very nice and
something different,” added Gombau. “I hope the people in Queens will love what we are doing.”
