This Is Queensborough - October 2021

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October 2021 . Volume 17 . Issue 10

COHEN’S

COMMITMENT “YOU GIVE MONEY AND YOU DON’T ALWAYS SEE HOW IT HELPS, SO THIS MEANS A LOT.”

METS OWNER & WIFE STEP UP BIG TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES IN QUEENS WEATHER THE PANDEMIC QUEENS CHAMBER PRESIDENT & CEO THOMAS GRECH & METS OWNER STEVE COHEN

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October 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 10

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR SINCEREST FORM OF FLATTERY

Throughout my life I’ve sought the Queens business community various forms of inspiration for through our various networking motivation to keep me moving for- events and educational opportuniward in my career. One ties. that comes to mind is Don’t take these for the proverb “imitation granted. As a result of is the sincerest form of your proactive particiflattery.” pation, you’ll tap into It means someone new resources that could imitates someone else change the trajectory of because they admire your operations. the person or values The dedicated staff they bring to the table. here at the Chamber This holds true when it works tirelessly on your comes to your business TOM SANTUCCI organization’s behalf, CHAIRPERSON acumen as well. assuring opportunities What are you doing in are made possible to business that others might want to impact your growth and sustainor have imitated for the betterment ability. of the community? Where might Visit queenschamber.org to you garner such inspiration? access these resources.

Look no further than within You never know who’s seeking the membership of the Queens to imitate those impressive values Chamber. In this highly diverse you’ve established. It is indeed the group of over 1,400 members, sincerest form of flattery. you’ll find numerous business It is an honor to serve as chairowners from which you can glean men of the Board of this great a wide array of practices that have organization that impacts our brought them a great deal of suc- diverse Queens community in such cess. a meaningful way.

You’re in a unique position to Thank you for being who you interact with some of the great- are, and continuing to be the best est movers-and-shakers within part of why we do this work.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

EIGHT SIMPLE WORDS

There’s a phrase “to whom much navigate the business world. Much is given, much is required.” These is given, much is required. words are simple yet October offers powerful. We’re all numerous opportuniresponsible to manties to network with age what we have, the Queens Chamber. however, at the end of There is our fastthe day it’s what you moving speed netdo with those possesworking, an event sions that really matguaranteed to move ters. you out of your comAs business ownfort zone by giving ers of all sizes, espeyou just two minutes cially the small ones, THOMAS J. GRECH to make introductions you bear the weight PRESIDENT & CEO with new contacts. of all responsibilities You’ll easily increase associated with operating a rev- your professional network. enue-generating entity. Being an One Station Plaza in Bayside entrepreneur means wearing many will play host to our first mix-anddifferent hats. mingle networking event of the All of your expertise and knowl- fall season. Unlike speed networkedge comes together to give you a unique opportunity to successfully CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

LAW OFFICES OF

DONNA FUREY ELDER LAW WILLS and TRUSTS ESTATE PLANNING MEDICAID PLANNING PROBATE ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES SPECIAL NEEDS REAL ESTATE Donna received her law degree from St. John’s University of Law. She is currently the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Queens and was past President of the Queens County Women’s Bar Association, past President of the Astoria Kiwanis Club, past President of the East River Kiwanis Club, and past President of the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Queens.

Co-Chair of the Elder Law Section of the Queens County Bar Assn. 2012-2019

Legal Proactive Care For Your Most Sensitive Life Planning Matters 44-14 Broadway, Astoria, New York 11103 Tel: 347-448-2549 Fax: 718-721-0851 E: dfurey@fureylaw.net Web: fureylaw.net

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QUEENS QUICKLY

LIJFH EARNS NURSING DISTINCTION

Long Island Jewish Forest Hills has been designated as a Pathway to Excellence organization through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for creating a healthy work environment where nurses can flourish and feel empowered.

LIJ Forest Hills is one of 205 hospitals nationwide, and the only one in Queens and New York City, to achieve Pathway designation.

“The attainment of this prestigious designation reflects the dedication, and commitment of every nurse on every unit at LIJ Forest Hills,”

said Mary Curran, chief nursing officer and associate executive director. “Specifically, this recognition symbolizes that nurses have an active voice in organizational decision making, that they are integral members of the interprofessional team, and that their work positively influences patient outcomes.”

For example, hospital nurses in collaboration with a physician from the endocrinology department developed a diabetes teach-back form in 2000 for diabetic patients.

The form, which contains six key questions about a patient’s diabetes self-care, such as their medications, blood testing schedule, and symptom monitoring, follows the patient throughout their hospital stay and afterward, allowing

Mary Curran (center), chief nursing officer and associate executive director for LIJ Forest Hills, and hospital staff react to their Pathway to Excellence designation.

nurses to educate and empower patients in their treatment.

To date, more than 750 patients have used the teach-back form.

Earning the Pathway designation was a fiveyear endeavor for the nursing staff at LIJ Forest Hills. The hospital submitted a 750-page application detailing how it underwent a thorough review process and then implemented initiatives that were integrated into LIJ Forest Hills practices, policies and culture.

Pathway-designated hospitals must confirm and sustain six key criteria for nurses: shared decision making, leadership, safety, quality, well-being, and professional development.

MTA REACHES MWBE CONTRACT MILESTONE The MTA’s nationally celebrated program to mentor local minority and, women-owned (MWBE) and disadvantaged businesses has helped participating companies win a total of $500 million in MTA contracts since the state’s program was founded in 2010.

MTA Chief Diversity Officer Michael Garner and his team, working closely with MTA Construction & Development and the MTA’s Office of Construction Oversight, have led the Authority to an unprecedented pace of activity in recent years, with hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts awarded.

To be eligible for certification, a firm must be a small business that is at least 51 percent owned, operated, and controlled by minority group members and/or women. Firms must be authorized to do business in the state of New York.

“Our diversity is our strength, and by utilizing the special skills of women and people of color in what we do, we are making our economy more inclusive and more robust,” said Governor Kathy Hochul said. “I am more committed than ever to leveling the playing field so that womenand minority-owned businesses have increased access to state contracts.”

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

NONPROFIT NEWS: Lacerte Retiring from Post Leading QBG ..............22

Tech Spotlight: Khamzat Asabaev of SoftSmile ......................................7

Stay Connected With the Queens Chamber in September .............................25

Queens Tech Company Lands on Inc. 5000 List .....................................9

Get to Know the Chamber’s Newest Members ..................................................29

EXPERT ADVICE: Securing a Business Loan .....................................10 Chamber Works on Donation of 10,000 Bagels to Food Pantry .......12 COVER STORY: Queens Small Business Grants ...........................16-19 OPEN + ONLINE: Chamber Helps Queens Biz Go Digital .............20 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

October 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 10

JETBLUE COMMITS TO SUSTAINABLE FUEL JetBlue will speed up its transition to sustainable aviation fuel through an agreement with SG Preston, a leading bioenergy developer.

With the addition of this to its previous SAF commitments, JetBlue is well ahead of pace on its target to convert 10 percent of its total fuel usage to SAF on a blended basis by 2030.

The airline will reach nearly 8 percent SAF usage by the end of 2023, when delivery of SAF under this agreement is expected.

SAF is jet fuel produced from biological resources that can be replenished rapidly and without impacting food supply. Compared to traditional petroleum-based Jet-A fuel, renewable options can significantly reduce both greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants, such as particulate matter and sulfur oxides.

Safety is JetBlue’s number one priority, and SAF is functionally equivalent to conventional Jet-A fuel, posing no discernible difference in safety or performance.

SG Preston has made significant progress on a new facility in the Northeast to produce SAF at a large scale. SG Preston renewable jet fuel will be sustainably produced from waste fats, oils, greases, and non-food oil seeds.

JetBlue is doubling its previous SAF commitment with SG Preston, which was first announced in 2016 as one of the largest SAF purchase agreements in aviation history.

JetBlue will convert 30 percent of its fuel buy across John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport from traditional Jet-A fuel to SAF, which is expected to reduce emissions by an estimated 80 percent per gallon compared to traditional petroleum-based fuels.

JetBlue expects to invest more than $1 billion in purchasing SAF over the term of this agreement, with no expected material impact to the airline’s total fuel costs. This marks the largestever announced near-term SAF deal for delivery in the Northeast and will be become the airline’s largest single jet fuel contract.

“We are well past the point of vague climate commitments and corporate strategies,” said JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes. “Earlier this year, we set specific, dated, and aggressive emissions targets. And now we are physically changing the fuel in our aircraft to meet these commitments.”

QUEENS FINALLY GETS 116TH PRECINCT South Queens is getting a new police precinct.

Elected and NYPD officials broke ground on the 116th Precinct last month, finally answering calls from community advocates fighting for a new precinct to alleviate the demands on the

QUEENS QUICKLY 105th Precinct.

“It’s been a long, long journey, but the real pride and the real respect goes to the community leaders who fought long and hard,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I guarantee you it will be worth the wait, and it will make the community safer.”

The new precinct, located at 244-04 North Conduit Avenue, will serve the neighborhoods of Rosedale, Laurelton, Floral Park and Spring Gardens.

The 48,410-square-foot building will feature a multipurpose community space dedicated to bolstering community and police relations, as well as a public plaza leading to the Rosedale station of the Long Island Rail Road.

Congressman Gregory Meeks said a new precinct has been a priority for southeast Queens neighborhoods since before he was in office.

“You could go back to 1977 and this community was crying for equality, justice, fair policing and for quick response to community needs,” said Meeks. “When I first thought about running for office, the first thing I was asked by the Laurelton community and Rosedale and Springdale

Gardens was the need for a precinct.”

The new 116th Precinct is the first new precinct created in the city since 2013. A 105th Precinct satellite office was opened in Rosedale in 2007 to address law enforcement needs in one of the city’s largest precincts in terms of geography.

The project is expected to be completed by January 2024 at a cost of $104 million.

“There has been a lot of tension over the course of the last year or two within the police department and communities, but one thing we know right here in southeast Queens is that there is no contradiction in asking for safe streets and also police reform at the same time,” said Borough President Donovan Richards. De Blasio said the 116th Precinct will be a model for 21st century policing.

“We couldn’t do it right without a new facility,” added de Blasio. “A new facility is actually going to help to bring the community into policing, while making policing more responsive for everyone.”

(EVAN TRIANTAFILIDIS)

SUMMER CAR SHOWS BENEFIT KIDS’ HOSPITAL

Brett Stewart, development manager at Cord Meyer Development (second from right) is joined by members of the Queens Classic Car Club in presenting St. Mary’s Hospital for Children with a $3,000 check. Pictured with him (left to right) are Sean R. Lally, vice president of Development and External Affairs at St. Mary’s, Queens Classic Car Club members James Pringle, Diane Duncan, and Jackie DeLuca, and Hugh Kelly, director of Major Gifts for St. Mary’s.

Cord Meyer hosted a series of classic car shows at its Bay Terrace Shopping Center in Bayside over the summer featuring Jackie DeLuca and the Queens Classic Car Club.

Each event included a 50/50 raffle to benefit nearby St. Mary’s Hospital for Children. Over $3,000 was raised for St. Mary’s, with Cord Meyer providing an additional $10,000 donation in the form of a sponsorship for this October’s Big Hearts Walk for St. Mary’s Kids.

“We were thrilled to partner with the Queens Classic Car Club this summer for the hugelypopular car shows and are honored to join them in presenting St. Mary’s with this donation,” said Cord Meyer CEO Matthew Whalen. “More than a shopping center, the Bay Terrace has become a true community destination and we look forward to hosting more events here that see the community come together for important local causes.”

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org Email your announcement or promotion to info@thisisqueensborough.com

PROMOTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS and the current Chief Executive Officer and our team is as prepared as ever to deliver Nicholson first to hold cilman of Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens, brings world class subway service for millions of New more than a decade of experience working Yorkers,” said Ko. “I’ve spent more than 30 new post at LGCC across the government, education and nonprofit years with New York City Transit working to

Wendy M. Nicholson was named LaGuardia Community College’s first executive director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

“With 30 years of experience advocating for and working with underrepresented communities, including in the areas of diversity, mental health, and disabilities, Wendy brings a wealth of knowledge to this new role,” said college president Kenneth Adams.

Nicholson joined LaGuardia in March 2012 as advisor for CUNY LEADS, part of the Center for Career & Professional Development.

As CUNY LEADS NICHOLSON advisor, she worked with students with disabilities, helping to prepare them for the workforce, advocating for their rights and needs, and educating the college community about serving students with disabilities.

Throughout her time at LaGuardia, Nicholson has been deeply involved in college leadership and work that is directly relevant to her new DEI role.

She has served as a co-chair for the President’s Advisory Council on DEI, was an important leader in both the Faculty and Staff of Color Collective and the Senate Subcommittee on Diversity and Inclusion, and served as a member of the Black Lives Matter Planning Committee and on the Middle States Self Study Team.

Nicholson holds a B.S. from Tufts University, an MPA from John Jay College, and is currently completing a Doctorate in Public Administration at Rutgers University, where she is a fellow in the Center for Law, Immigration, and Metropolitan Equity.

Her research interests include racism and microaggression, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as educational, criminal justice, and governmental budgeting policies.

sectors.

“Costa Constantinides is a real King of Queens, always ensuring Queens has gotten our fair share throughout his career,” said Richards.

“Costa’s track record clearly shows his devotion to Queens’ economic growth and success, which will continue as long as Costa has a seat at the table.

Constantinides succeeds Melva Miller, who will continue focusing on her role as the CEO of the Association for a Better New York.

Constantinides represented the 22nd District, which includes his native Astoria, as well CONSTANTINIDES as Rikers Island, parts of Jackson Heights, Woodside, and East Elmhurst.

In his seven years on the City Council, Constantinides passed 44 bills to combat climate change. He worked with city partners to put solar panels on every solar-ready school in the district by 2022.

In 2016, Constantinides worked with the de Blasio administration to secure a historic $30 million to reimagine Astoria Park.

Constantinides attended P.S. 84 and P.S. 122, both in Astoria, before graduating from William Cullen Bryant High School.

He attended Queens College, where he now teaches as an adjunct lecturer in both the Political Science and Urban Studies departments. In 2010, Constantinides received his Juris Doctor from Benjamin Cardozo School of Law, and was admitted to the bar in 2014.

“As our city recovers from the pandemic, fights for a more just and fair economy, battles the effects of climate change and strives to become more sustainable, EDC is a critical agency in achieving a stronger city,” said Constantinides.

Costa Constantinides has been nominated by Borough President Donovan Richard for membership on the Board of Directors of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC).

Richards said Constantinides, a former coun-

Chief Mechanical Officer of Subway Car Equipment, the division of New York City Transit responsible for maintaining and overhauling the agency’s fleet of subway cars and track maintenance vehicles.

“Riders are returning to the subway system

Ko first woman to hold Constantinides to join post at MTA board at NYCEDC Siu Ling Ko was named vice president and

6

improve maintenance and reliability and I am excited to continue that work.”

A 34-year veteran of NYC Transit’s Subway Car Equipment division, Ko is the first woman to hold the position.

In her role, Ko will provide executive oversight for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of NYC Transit’s fleet of 7,092 cars and for the 24/7 operations of the 13 maintenance, KO two overhaul and locomotive shops.

Starting her career at NYC Transit as an Associate Engineering Technician, Ko has held multiple positions since. As the Assistant Chief Mechanical Officer, Quality Assurance and New Car Warranty, Ko provided direction on all maintenance, overhaul shop and new car procurement audits, all new car contract warranty programs and technology services that report key statistics on subway car performance, maintenance and repair.

Ko received her degree in electrical engineering from the New York University Polytechnic School of Engineering (now called NYU Tandon School of Engineering) in Downtown Brooklyn.

Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140 Jackson Heights, N.Y. 11370-1131 Entire Contents Copyright 2021 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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October 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 10

TECH SPOTLIGHT The Queens Tech Corner is a running segment on Chamber social media channels highlighting tech entrepreneurs doing exciting things in Queens. This month, This Is Queensborough features Khamzat Asabaev, the founder of SoftSmile, a Queensbased company that helps doctors model the most optimal treatment for their patients.

Tell us a little more about SoftSmile and how you got your start?

SoftSmile is a tech company committed to providing doctors with efficient and reliable treatment planning software that greatly improves patient outcomes.

We democratize orthodontic treatment by improving affordability and accessibility. The aligners or braces from your dentist or orthodontist will be at least two times cheaper, but way more reliable, thanks to our work at SoftSmile.

What kind of an impact has COVID had on your company and your services?

COVID did not slow our growth, but it has forced us to focus on dental enterprises as potential customers, rather than

private practitioners.

Work from home has allowed us to hire brilliant engineers from all around the world without breaking their habits or requiring them to relocate to New York City.

Why are you excited about the future of tech in Queens?

When you walk around Queens, you see many active people, working 24/7. It’s clear that technology continuously makes all of our jobs more efficient and our lives easier. I believe that Queens, as a borough undergoing a fantastic transformation, will be both a hub where state-ofart technology will find grateful users, and a welcoming home for companies and people working in the tech sector. It is certainly the home SoftSmile and I have found in the city.

#QueensTechCorner #QueensTech #TechInQueens

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CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS

METROPLUS OPENS FLAGSHIP OFFICE IN FLUSHING PART OF COMMITMENT TO SERVING DIVERSE COMMUNITY IN QUEENS Last month, Queens Chamber of Commerce member MetroPlus Health, New York City’s five-star health plan, celebrated the grand opening of a new flagship location at 136-13 Roosevelt Avenue in Flushing.

The new community office will assist Queens residents with enrollment, recertification, renewal, and customer service functions. With the support of its community partners, MetroPlus Health is looking forward to providing critical services needed by the community.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has hit everyone, every industry, and every area of our city hard,” said Dr. Talya Schwartz, president and CEO of MetroPlus Health.

“Throughout, MetroPlus Health has stood in solidarity with our communities, including the AsianAmerican communities in the borough of Queens.”

The new Flushing office reflects MetroPlus Health’s commitment to being more than a health plan to its members and communities.

This year, the plan provided low to no-cost high-quality health insurance to individuals and families; addressed food insecurity by offering free food distributions at Elmhurst Hospital; partnered with NYC Health + Hospitals and its providers to ensure everyone eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine could secure one; and hosted a town hall with Governor Kathy Hochul and other leaders to address the rise of anti-Asian bias and hate crimes in New York City.

The opening celebration included a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the morning with a Dancing lion’s performance, followed by an open house to the community.

Guests enjoyed dim sum, desserts, and fruit drinks prepared by

local Flushing small businesses, as well as an exceptional performance by Lincoln Center Viola/ Erhu musicians – and brother and sister – Wei-Yang Andy and Kelly Lin. DJ Whutever of iHeartMedia’s Power 105 was also on hand to add even more excitement to the event.

Guest speakers included Linda Sun, former deputy superintendent for International Affairs and chief diversity officer at the state Department of Financial Affairs; Franck D. Joseph II of the Queens Borough President’s Office; Ellen Young, of Assemblyman Ron Kim’s Office; Minwen Yang of State Senator Toby Stavisky’s Office; and Dr. Eric Wei, senior vice president and chief quality officer for NYC Health + Hospitals.

Since 1985, MetroPlus Health Plan has built a reputation for providing affordable, quality health care to residents across New York City. MetroPlus Health doesn’t just cover its members when they’re ill or injured, they believe in keeping them healthy, too.

The “Let’s Get Healthy Together” initiative promotes healthy activities to improve the health and lives of New Yorkers through The MetroPlus Healthy Rewards Program. MetroPlus Health is the plan of choice for over 625,000 New Yorkers and has a five-star rating based on the state’s 2020 Consumer’s Guide to Medicaid and Child Health Plus managed care plans in New York City.

It was recently ranked the top health plan among all 15 New York State Medicaid plans in overall quality. For more information about MetroPlus Health plans, benefits, and services, visit metroplus. org.

The MetroPlus Health Flushing office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. Contact Victor Lee at 718.335.8600 or Anna Li at 646.335.8638 for enrollment information.

PHOTO: PHAATS PHOTOS

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October 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 10

TECHNOLOGY

QUEENS COMPANY LANDS ON INC. 5OOO LIST SJ Innovation, which specializes in web development, mobile applications, and quality assurance and is a vendor for leading companies such as Johnson & Johnson and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, ranked #4442 on the 2021 Inc. 5000 List.

It also placed 531st among all software companies and is in the top 300 for companies based in the State of New York.

“Seventeen years ago, long before it became commonplace to work remotely from home, my wife, Shahera Choudhury, and I started this company from our bedroom office and in time converted our basement into our home office,” said SJ Innovation CEO Shahed Islam. “The beginning was hard. We sent hundreds of emails to potential clients and hardly received any response.

However, once we started getting some client projects and were able to successfully deliver them, this became the driving source for us to

continue on this journey.”

SJ Innovation now has branches in Goa, India, Ukraine, and Bangladesh, with a total of 150 employees worldwide and growing. As a team, SJ Innovation fully collaborates with and supports customers while providing high-quality work and ensuring success.

The company is also continuously working on broadening its range of services and thriving to improve performance.

“People have asked us over the years why we do not move to a bigger office, but we’ve chosen to invest in our employees instead of a fancy and expensive office in Manhattan because that’s where our strength lies,” said Islam. “Our employees are what makes SJ Innovation what it is today.”

“We are so honored to be included on this prestigious list of the successful independent small businesses in the United States,” added

See maspethfederal.com for more information.

Shahera Choudhury and Shahed Islam with members of their team at SJ Innovation.

Choudhury. “SJ Innovation has grown not just in size but also in knowledge and is so proud of our global presence. We thank our employees for their hard work and

dedication. They share in the success of this honor.”

For more information on SJ Innovation, visit sjinnovation.com.

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EXPERT ADVICE

FOUR EASY STEPS TO SECURE A BIZ LOAN

BY JOSEPH F. BURNS Whether you’re thinking about starting a business or have been running one for years, you’ll inevitably need to figure out how to fund it.

While getting a business loan may seem like the most obvious solution, the actual process of doing so can be intimidating. But rest assured, there are many lending options for small business owners and securing funding may not be as difficult as you think.

To get started, follow these four easy steps for how to get a business loan: 1. Nail down the “why.” Almost any business would benefit from an influx of capital, but it helps to have an idea how you plan to use it. In fact, your lender will need to know the purpose of the loan you’re requesting, so determining that is your first step in the process.

Startup costs, equipment financ-

Valley Bank can provide your company with the financial services and advice you need to ensure that your business recovers today and thrives tomorrow. To learn more, contact Joseph F. Burns at (516) 465-2326 or at jburns@valley.com.

10

ing, emergency spending, cash flow problems, refinancing debt, covering day-to-day expenses or planning for growth or expansion, including purchasing an existing business, are all common reasons to get a business loan.

If you have a business plan, you may have already determined some of these reasons.

2. Determine how big of a loan you can afford to take on. While you might be tempted to ask for as much funding as you can get, it’s a bad idea.

By taking on too large a loan, your business could end up drowning in debt. To figure out how much you can afford to borrow and make sure you have enough revenue coming in to cover your anticipated monthly payment, consider: • Calculating your debt service coverage ratio (DCSR) by dividing your average monthly net income by your anticipated monthly loan payment (it should at least be greater than one); and • Completing a free loan performance analysis online.

3. Figure out which type of business loan is right for you.

Your local bank is a good place to start, whether you’re looking to refinance debt, purchase equipment and inventory, purchase commercial real estate, grow your business or cover daily expenses.

Other options include applying for a term loan or business line of credit. Some banks also offer special rates for low- to moderateincome business owners through community lending programs.

You can also use invoice financing if you’re having a cash flow problem or apply for a merchant cash advance, but these two options can be expensive.

4. Take the time to prepare before you apply. Depending on how many years you’ve been in business, your personal credit score and/or your business credit score, your loan options might be

limited. You may need to bring those scores up before you can apply for a loan.

You should also keep an average balance of at least $5,000 in your business checking account. Lenders will also require some, or all, of the following documentation: • Income Statement • Balance Sheet • Annual Revenue • Personal Tax Returns • Business Tax Returns Now that you’ve figured out

which business loan is right for you and have your paperwork in order, you’re ready to go. Stick to applying to no more than two loans at a time, otherwise, it can hurt your credit score.

And don’t be afraid to compare loans to find the best option.

Once your application is approved, you’ll need to be patient—the underwriting process can take a while. Lastly, before you sign your loan agreement, be sure to review it for hidden or unexpected fees.

CEO’S MESSAGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

ing, you’ll have two hours to build a rapport with your fellow business owners. The wonderful open environment will be conducive to building new connections.

We wrap up the month by returning to the iconic TWA Hotel at JFK Airport as we recognize the best and brightest who have made their mark in the development of Queens.

Carlo A. Scissura, Esq., President & CEO of New York Building Congress, will serve as the evening’s keynote speaker. This is one opportunity you don’t want to miss.

Queens Chamber continues to do what we do best: serve

the business community through networking opportunities, educational programs to keep you on the cutting edge of business, and advocating on your behalf.

A gentleman who knows a great deal about “much being given, much being required” is Steve Cohen, owner of my favorite baseball team the New York Mets. As this month’s cover story, learn how selfless this amazing, kind-hearted individual really is and how he impacted the Queens small business community.

I’m grateful to you for your support of Queens Chamber and allowing me the opportunity to have the best job in the world.

We’re in this thing together.

Queens STRONG!

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QUEENS CHAMBER HAPPENINGS

GROUPS PARTNER TO DELIVER FOR PANTRY

BY EVAN TRIANTAFILIDIS A donation of 10,000 bagels arrived at La Jornada Food Pantry, courtesy of Bagels by Bell, REIL Capital and the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

At its peak during the pandemic, La Jornada Food Pantry, located in the Bland Houses Community Center in Flushing, served upwards of 10,000 families a week, about ten times the need than before the pandemic started.

The donation of bagels and bialys was welcomed by Pedro Rodriguez, executive director of La Jornada. The food pantry has been serving the Flushing community and surrounding neighbor-

hoods fighting food insecurity for 13 years, and more recently serving the thousands of families who have been impacted by both the pandemic and extreme weather.

“It’s scary,” said Rodriguez. “In the richest city in the world, the richest country in the world, people may have died of hunger.”

Public officials celebrated the donation of bagels that will be distributed out by La Jornada, while speaking to the hardships seen by the business community and the food pantry over the last year and a half.

In addition to being located in the epicenter of the pandemic, La Jornada suffered damage from Hurricane Ida earlier this month

when its ground-level pantry was flooded with two feet of water.

“We have seen the inequities that families in Queens face and how our constituents have been detrimentally affected,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng. “Our families here in Queens have gone through so much. It really means a lot that we have other small businesses in the private sector looking in and stepping up to help our community.”

Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz praised partnership between the chamber, Bagels by Bell of Oceanside, and Manhattan-based REIL Capitol.

“We would not be able to do this if it wasn’t for everyone working

together,” said Cruz. “Governing should be something that is done cooperatively.”

After touring the community room, Cruz lent some hope to a community that has seen small businesses and residents suffer due to the pandemic.

“Our beloved neighborhood saw thousands of people get sick and die, thousands of businesses closed and many didn’t reopen,” she said. “Unfortunately, many will probably close before the end of the year “It’s disheartening, because sometimes you feel like no matter how much you do, it’s never going to help,” she added. “But I’m here to tell you that you can help.”

Elected officials joined representatives from the Queens Chamber of Commerce, REIL Capital and Bagels by Bell for the delivery to La Jornada.

12

October 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 10

QUEENS CHAMBER HAPPENINGS The Queens Chamber of Commerce Foundation hosted its Annual Golf Outing and Dinner at Garden City Country Club last month after taking a year off due to the pandemic. The Chamber honored Century Development Group, Zara Charitable Trust, and Investors Bank for their contributions to the business community of Queens.

The Queen Chamber of Commerce set sail for the second time this summer on the Skyline Princess, this time with representatives from the New York Islanders and UBS Arena. They sailed to the Statue of Liberty before returning to the World’s Fair Marina to go to the Statue of Liberty National Monument. We’re excited to welcome UBS Arena, home of the NY Islanders, to neighboring Nassau County. Joining the cruise was four-time Stanley Cup champion John Tonelli.

13

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER HAPPENINGS

CHAMBER HELPS RESTORE 9/11 MURAL

BY EVAN TRIANTAFILIDIS A mural honoring three local residents killed on 9/11 has been given new life with a fresh coat of paint, marking the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

The faces of Marcello Matricciano, Edward Lehman and James Cartier can be seen on the wall of N&R Deli at the corner of 25th Avenue and 77th Street in East Elmhurst.

Originally painted in 2015 by nonprofit group Groundswell, a restoration process was started after funding was secured by the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber president and CEO Thomas Grech said he noticed the mural was in need of a touch-up during one of his many breakfast trips to the deli. The chamber’s headquarters is located not far away.

“One day in July, the phone started ringing when I was getting my eggs,” said Grech. “I went out to answer the phone and I looked up at this wall. For those of you who haven’t seen it lately, it was starting to peel.”

Soon after, local artists Benny Guerra and Carlo Nieva began scraping and peeling off the old paint that had been weathered and beaten over the past six years since the mural was created.

“We tried to save as much of the original paint as possible,” said Guerra. “By the time we peeled all of it off, about 60 percent of the mural needed attention.”

The artists referenced photographs taken from the mural’s original dedication, applying a coat of primer and color-matching the old and new paint. The 16-by-40-foot mural will soon be given another clear coat to extend its life even further.

“My favorite part is the integration of the old World Trade Center towers with the Freedom Tower,” said Nieva. “They are patriots.”

Deputy Chief Kevin Williams of the NYPD extended his thoughts to the families of the 9/11 victims

14

The mural was restored just in time for the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. who were in attendance for the rededication of the mural.

“I think this is symbolic of the American spirit and the New York spirit,” said Williams. “Over the years, this mural may have been battered and worn, but same thing as that day. We came back, made

it stronger, and made our country better.”

John Cartier, the brother of one of the victims honored in the mural, expressed his gratitude for all those involved in restoring the mural. He remembers his brother, who died at 26 years old, as full of life and

always having something funny to say.

“I think it’s important as family members to recognize all of you who have carried us through a time of darkness,” said Cartier. “All of you in this neighborhood were the light.”

John Cartier points to his brother’s likeness on the mural.

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COVER STORY

16

October 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 10

COVER STORY

COHEN HOSTS RECIPIENTS OF BIZ GRANTS GET OPPORTUNITY TO THANK METS OWNER FOR $20K LIFELINE In January, new Mets owner Steven Cohen and his wife Alexandra donated $17.5 million dollars to fund the Queens Small Business Grant Program. That money was in turn dispersed in $20,000 grants to small business owners and street vendors throughout the borough, which for many was the lifeline they needed to weather the pandemic.

In total, 755 grants were awarded, 90 percent of them to minority and women-owned businesses.

Last month, some of those business owners had the chance to thank Steve Cohen during “Queens Small Business Comeback Night” at Citi Field. Business owner attended a ceremony with Cohen and were invited to stay for the game, a Tuesday night matchup with the St. Louis Cardinals.

“When you see the actual people and how they’re expressing how

much it helped, it makes it that much more meaningful,”Cohen told This Is Queensborough after spending nearly a half-hour posing for photos with many of the business owners he and his wife helped. “You give money and you don’t always see how it helps, so this means a lot.”

The Queens Chamber of Commerce was one of several organizations tasked with dispersing the grants. Chamber President and CEO Thomas Grech said the Cohen’s went above and beyond to support small businesses in Queens.

“It has been a difficult year and a half for small businesses here in Queens, but throughout the pandemic we have seen firsthand so many remarkable stories of resilience,” said Grech. “This will ensure that cherished local institutions can stay open and continue

employing Queens residents, serving our communities, and adding character to the neighborhoods we all know and love.”

Here’s three of the businesses who benefited from the generosity of Cohen and his wife and their stories.

PLAQUES BY AZRA Born and raised just two miles from Citi Field, Azra Khalfan-Kermali says she’s always had a front row seat to New York Mets games.

But it wasn’t until recently that the small business owner actually got to experience her hometown team from inside the ballpark as part of “Queens Small Business Comeback Night” at Citi Field.

A current owner of Plaques by Azra, founded in 1974 by her parents, Khalfan-Kermali is one of the hundreds of local small businesses to receive a $20,000 grant funding thanks to Mets owner Steve Cohen and his wife Alexandra.

“During that time when I was

Borough President Donovan Richards addresses the business owners as Steve Cohen looks on. (Photo: NY Mets)

kind of bootstrapped, I realized this funding helped me take one burden off of my shoulders,” said Khalfan-Kermali. “It allowed me to think outside the box and say that I got this.”

Specializing in custom awards and signs, her business took a downward turn at the start of the pandemic, she said. The scenes of nearby Elmhurst Hospital overwhelmed with patients was difficult to watch on the local news.

“To see the loss of life was absolutely heartbreaking, and to be a business owner and seeing the ups and downs, nothing really meant more to me than the lives that were being lost at that time,” said Khalfan-Kermali. “It felt like everything came to a screeching halt. It was very, very difficult to see all of that.

I was content I could isolate myself and have my family around.”

Her family ended up contracting the virus and her business faced eviction notices . Khalfan-Kermali says she started using her time to join online webinars and looking for different ways to stay afloat.

“When I was asked to leave, when I was originally planning to buy the building, it was very heartbreaking,” Khalfan-Kermali.

“I’ve had so many memories in that building.”

Looking to give back to the hospital where she and her son were born, Khalfan-Kermali kept in contact with Elmhurst Hospital to see if any emergency signage or protective gear was needed.

“I felt like that was my obligation given that I had the machinery and the ability to start creating PPE,” she said.

With the pandemic lingering, Khalfan-Kermali recently expanded her business to include “Away in a Box,” which aims to bridge different cultures through locally sourced products from other minority- and women-owned small businesses.

Inspired by her own worldly travels, Khalfan-Kermali says she CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

17

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

COVER STORY

hopes that education breeds acceptance.

“We’re sharing a way that they can actually experience the drink, taste, smell and sounds as an some educational experiences,” said Khalfan-Kermali. “We’re looking to cover the entire world. We have big dreams in that sense.”

Patrick Schmidt of HKH Hospitality said the $20,000 grant he received went toward keeping employees working and motivated through the pandemic.

At Mom’s Kitchen and Bar in Astoria, Schmidt recalls the first few months of the pandemic as unpredictable and intense. The same can be said for his other restaurant, William & Willow, located just south of Astoria Park.

“You didn’t know what to expect,” said Schmidt. “All of the businesses are only worth anything if they’re open, and we didn’t know how long this thing was going to be. We had a bunch of keys to front doors, which is pretty much all we had.”

Business temporarily shut down for about a month between March and April of last year, but Schmidt said that by taking it day-by-day and seeking different relief opportunities helped maintain a working staff and keep morale high.

“I stayed plugged in, watched a lot of webinars and kept up to

date with opportunities to request relief,” he said. “This has been a great opportunity for us, and it’s really helped to put some of those funds back into the place and to make sure we kept our staff on.”

With limited outdoor seating before the pandemic began, Schmidt says expanding outdoor dining has been a massive success for the restaurants, even in the winter months.

“We were surprised at how many people were willing to sit outside in 30 degree weather with their coats on,” said Schmidt. “We stayed open for the community and they supported us, and now here we are hopefully on the other side of it.”

Schmidt hopes to see permanent licenses granted to the roadside structures that were built for outdoor dining.

“It’s really changed the game,” said Schmidt. “It’s changed the way people dine in New York City.

Hopefully, it’s something that is here to stay.”

As the recipient of two separate grants from the New York City Economic Development Corporation, Schmidt says the relief has “lessened the blow” his businesses endured over the past year-and-a-

An employee of several years also passed away during the pandemic, Fernandez said, adding to the personal and business burdens of the past year-and-a-half.

“When you have weekly sales that cover you, as a business person, you know what’s your lower end to make ends meet,” said Fernandez. “When you’re at that point, you ask yourself, ‘Is it worth it to continue, or is it time to quit?’”

However, thanks to the Queens Small Business Grant Program, Fernandez received a $20,000 grant that helped keep his business afloat.

“I’m very grateful for the grant, there’s no words that can describe our gratitude,” Fernandez said. “It really did get us over that hump that we needed.”

Fernandez says his upcoming goals for the eatery include balancing out costs for the next few months, especially with prices of

his inventory going up, from beef to bread.

Nonetheless, Fernandez credits a positive mindset during the pandemic that kept local customers coming back and keeps his spirits

high looking towards the future.

“We don’t know if Mr. Cohen has a million dollars and wants to put an Emoji Burger right here in the stadium, you never know,” said Fernandez.

MOM’S KITCHEN & BAR/WILLIAM & WILLOW

Azra Khalfan-Kermali (second from right) of Plaques by Azra with (left to right) Jawad Khalfan, Borough President Donovan Richards and Chamber President and CEO Thomas Grech.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 hopes to bring the world to companies and educate their employees one nation at a time.

For example, in her “Discover Dubai Kit” she includes the country’s traditional welcoming food and drink, dates and coffee. She

EMOJI BURGER Jarvis Fernandez is still dreaming big.

As the owner of Emoji Burger in Jackson Heights, Fernandez has high hopes of expanding the kid-friendly burger joint to different parts of the neighborhood.

The healthy alternative to fast food has been serving sliders that are free of antibiotics and hormones, as well as several different varieties of milkshakes and fries since 2015.

But once the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, Fernandez, like many small business owners in New York City, was faced with difficult decisions.

“Where we were in Queens was like a cemetery,” said Fernandez.

“We were one of the last ones open on the street, everything else was shut down.”

18

October 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 10

COVER STORY

love WHERE YOU

Patrick Schmidt, Rob Doyle, Julian Dennison and Tony Doyle of HKH Hospitality. half.

“The whole last 18 months hasn’t been about making profit, it’s been about surviving,” said Schmidt.

“Getting to now or next year, you’re just trying to stay open, stay

relevant and keep it moving. The money that we got from the grant opportunity has been really helpful to put that back into the business and make sure we’re keeping our team going.”

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QUEENS CHAMBER HAPPENINGS

CHAMBER HELPS LAUNDROMAT GO DIGITAL

The Rosedale Laundromat is the definition of the American Dream.

A small business along 243rd street in Rosedale, it is owned and operated by brothers Garry and Sito Sannon, who emigrated to the United States from Haiti decades ago.

Rosedale Laundromat opened ten years ago and from that time it has remained a valued resource to the community, open daily 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

But when the pandemic hit and New York City shut down in March of 2020, brick-and-mortar businesses like Rosedale Laundromat that lacked a digital presence and relied on foot traffic were at a disadvantage.

Thankfully PPP loans allowed the Sannons to keep their two employees, but business came to a near halt and the brothers were

this is...

forced to reduce the laundromat’s hours of operation from 15 to four.

Rosedale Laundromat suffered a huge loss in revenue.

It was around that time that Garry learned about the Queens Chamber of Commerce and the help being offered to entrepreneurs like himself by the Small Business Resource Network. Eighteen months later, Rosedale Laundromat is getting back on its feet by establishing a digital presence.

The Chamber’s Open + Online Program, designs and builds websites for small businesses, pays for one year of website hosting, and gives its owners guidance on how to maximize their digital footprint free of charge.

“This program was created to address the digital divide that exists

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between small businesses and their customers,” said Michelle Watson, Queens Chamber of Commerce and NYC Small Business Resource Network Business Recovery Tech Specialist. “During the pandemic, we saw more consumers shift to online shopping and even searching for information about businesses on the web before leaving home.

“Small businesses who didn’t have a strong online presence suffered,” she added. “We’re giving those businesses the opportunity to show that not only are they open, but they have a strong online presence to support their customers.”

In addition to website building, the Open + Online program also provides SEO assistance to business owners who already have a website up and running.

“This website will be the future cornerstone where business will be generated,” said Garry Sannon of Rosedale Laundromat’s new online presence. “Times have changed, and the Open + Online Program will help me connect to an additional base of clients that I couldn’t reach in the past. This is the digital outreach that I’ve been looking for.”

In addition, the Sannons worked with the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Resource Network Recovery Specialists to access various resources, including applying for loans.

The NYC Small Business Resource Network is powered by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation and the Partnership for New York City.

2021 ECONOMIC GUIDE The Queens Chamber of Commerce last month released the 2021 Queens Economic Development Guide, a resource highlighting the latest trends, data and success stories from Queens business and economic development initiatives.

“The past year-and-a-half has been challenging for our borough, but the pandemic has reminded us that Queens is a place of great innovation, filled with resilient people,” said Chamber President & CEO Tom Grech. “We hope the guide will serve as a valuable resource for businesses as they consider all the opportunities Queens has to offer.”

The guide features information, insights and profiles from a range of Queens’ businesses across a number of sectors.

“The Queens Chamber of Commerce has been an important partner to the New York City Economic Development Corporation during the pandemic in our efforts to address community needs, support our small businesses, and

create jobs,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Rachel Loeb.

“From our work together on JetBlue to our efforts to expand the life sci sector in Queens, these are important success stories the business community should know about.”

Copies of the guide can be picked up at the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s office, and will be available at all Chamber events.

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NONPROFIT NEWS

LACERTE RETIRING FROM POST AT QBG LEAVES BEHIND A LEGACY THAT SPANS NEARLY THREE DECADES

BY JESSICA MEDITZ It’s the end of an era for the Queens Botanical Garden.

Susan Lacerte, who has served as executive director of the garden for the past 27 years, retired at the end of September.

Lacerte began her tenure at the Queens Botanical Garden as an intern. At the time, the garden was headed in the wrong direction: staff left, people felt demoralized, plants died and were left uncared for, and there was excessive waste.

It was during this time of crisis that she was hired as the new executive director.

Since then, Lacerte has gown the garden’s visibility in the community and overseen the creation of several new gardens within the 39-acre oasis Thanks to her leadership, the garden will open a new Education Center Building in 2024.

Lacerte also spearheaded the construction of the Visitor and Administration Building in 2007, which set a new benchmark for sustainability by being New York’s first building to receive Platinum LEED certification.

“It was new at the time,” she said.

“People weren’t doing things like geothermal and solar panels, so people came from all over the world to see it. It was absolutely thrilling to be on the leading edge of the green wave that has swept the nation.”

Lacerte’s passion for plants began when she was a young girl, living as one of six children in her parent’s ranch-style house in

22

Groton, Connecticut.

In their yard, her father tended to the vegetables and her mother to the flowers. As a family, they were always around nature.

“We used to go camping for vacations,” she said. “I never stayed in a hotel or motel until I was a senior in high school, so I was always around nature and I just became fascinated.”

Lacerte started her college career studying forestry at Penn State University, but eventually returned to her home state to study environmental horticulture at the University of Connecticut.

It was a job at a museum in New Rochelle that brought her to New York for her post-grad work.

“I realized in New York plants are more important because you don’t have as many,” she said.

“People treasure them here.”

That’s reflected in the 165,000plus people who visit the Queens Botanical Garden every year. Lacerte emphasized the importance of the word “oasis” with regard to the garden.

“When you look at a map that shows the garden in this scheme, it’s so densely populated that we’re really an oasis,” she said.

“People come here because they want to be around nature.”

During her time at the helm, Lacerte has worked hard to make sure that everyone in the diverse population of Queens felt welcome at the Queens Botanical Garden.

“We developed cultural advisory committees with the Chinese, Korean and Hispanic/Latino communities,” she said.

She said that in the Chinese cul-

Susan Lacerte served as executive director of the Queens Botanical Garden for the last 27 years. ture, peonies are quite meaningful, so some were planted at the Queens Botanical Garden as part of its Gardening Day program.

She said plants have brought together cultures and overcome language barriers.

“We had people from those communities come in and we asked what the ten most important plants were in their culture, or the ten most important holidays,” said Lacerte. “It was wonderful.”

Being in such a demanding position, fears come along with the thrills. For Lacerte, it was about money.

She said that she would worry about having enough resources to pay the staff and continue to fund all the good ideas to continued to grow the garden, even with a budget just shy of $5 million.

Authenticity and honesty was how she combatted this fear.

“I’ve communicated with elected officials for 27 years,” Lacerte said. “I’m very honest about how things are going and I always put

my best foot forward. We serve their constituents, so it’s a community service and partnership.

When you have partnerships like that, everyone sees the value,” she added.

All of these efforts will be continued by Rebecca Wolf, the garden’s assistant director, who will replace Lacerte on an interim basis. The search for the next permanent executive director is ongoing.

Lacerte’s last day at the Queens Botanical Garden is September 30. After her retirement, she plans to move to Portland, Maine, with her husband, where her two children, Gwen and Tom, also live.

Although the staff is sad to see her go, Lacerte said she will always be in touch and is confident in the direction the garden will take.

“Change is good, for the organization and for people too,” she said. “I think you learn new things and it gives opportunities to others.”

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October 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 10

QUEENSBOROUGH CALENDAR OF EVENTS OCTOBER 10/12, 9 AM

MORNING SPEED NETWORKING

You know how it works. It’s the fast paced event that takes you outside your comfort zone. It’s guaranteed to build your professional network and increase your business bottom-line. Within a matter of minutes you’ll be introduced to numerous new contacts.

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CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS: NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE

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This program covers effective strategies for family-owned businesses to improve their businesses, strengthen the family dynamic relationships, and build a great reputation and legacy that will stand the test of time. The workshop will provide participants with an overview of the attributes of the modern family business, including the shared challenges that many face to keep their business thriving in today’s market.

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BUILDING RECOGNITION COCKTAIL RECEPTION

In an effort to ensure the Rockaways are not forgotten, the Chamber worked with REMA 4 US throughout the pandemic to revitalize the commercial district, organize the distribution of resources, and speak with businesses. Last month, the Chamber joined REMA 4 US, Department of Small Business Services, and St. John’s Episcopal to unveil “Shop Local” banners.

Last year the coronavirus pandemic halted our ability to host this ceremony, but it did not halt all the development within the borough. Join the Chamber for a cocktail reception at the iconic TWA hotel as we recognize and celebrate all the development in Queens in the last two years.

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October 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 10

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The district is on 82nd Street from 37th Avenue to Baxter Avenue. The board meets quarterly with the annual meeting in June.

ASIAN AMERICAN FEDERATION

120 Wall Street, 9th Fl., New York, NY 10005 aafederation.org QUICK GLANCE: The Asian American Federation’s mission is to raise the influence and well-being of the pan-Asian American community through research, policy advocacy, public awareness and organizational development.

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

BAYSIDE VILLAGE BID

213-33 39th Avenue, Bayside, NY 11361 Executive Director: Christine Siletti 718.423.2434 info@baysidevillagebid.com QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $218,000 and

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

BAYSIDE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION 41-16 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, NY 11361 President: Ed Probst Vice President: Judith Limpert 718.229.2277 info@baysideba.com baysideba.com QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 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.

ACCOMPANY CAPITAL (FORMERLY BCNA)

78-27 37 Ave., Ste. 1 Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Business Development: Tshering Gurung 347.730.6468 tgurung@accompanycapital.org QUICK GLANCE: Accompany Capital is an

award-winning Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Small Business

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

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

BUSINESS OUTREACH CENTER NETWORK (BOC, INC.)

85 S. Oxford Street #2 Brooklyn, NY 11217 718.624.9115 bocnet.org QUICK GLANCE: Business Outreach Center Network’s mission is to improve the economic prospects of traditionally underserved groups, with a focus on low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs and their communities, and thereby create genuinely brighter futures.

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

CHHAYA CDC

37-43 77th Street, #2 Jackson Heights, NY 11372 718.478.3848 chhayacdc.org QUICK GLANCE: Core to our strategy is organizing and advocating for systemic changes that remove the barriers to well-being, housing stability, and economic mobility for our communities. For over 20 years, Chhaya has served tens of thousands of individuals and led the charge on key policy issues for immigrants, such as basement legalization, language access, tenants’ rights, and more.

CHINATOWN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (CHINATOWN PARTNERSHIP)

217 Park Row, 2nd Floor, Suite 9 New York, NY 10038 chinatownpartnership.org QUICK GLANCE: Chinatown Partnership, led

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

strategic positioning.

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

FOREST HILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PO Box 751123, Forest Hills, NY 11375 President: Leslie Brown 718.268.6565 FHChamber11375@gmail.com FHChamber@aol.com QUICK GLANCE: Re-formed in 1995, the group

has over 225 members. Chamber meetings are held on the last Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m. at the West Side Tennis Club, 1 Tennis Place, in Forest Hills.

GATEWAY JFK

Executive Director: Scott Grimm-Lyon 516.730.3400 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.

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 repre-

senting over 200 businesses.

GREATER JAMAICA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

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

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

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES GREATER WOODHAVEN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WOODHAVEN BID

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

more than 350 businesses under its umbrella on Jamaica Avenue from Dexter Court to 100th Street. They are providing free benches for store owners along Jamaica Avenue. They also provide 2.5 and 5 percent home improvement loans.

JAMAICA CENTER BID

161-10 Jamaica Avenue, Suite 419 Jamaica, NY 11432 Executive Director: Jennifer Furioli 718.526.2422 jamaica.nyc @JamCenterBID (Twitter) @jamcenterbid (Instagram) @Jamaica Center BID (Facebook) QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1979, the Jamaica

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

JFK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

P.O. Box 300687, Jamaica, NY 11430 Executive Director: Clorinda Antonucci President: Al DePhillips Vice President: Joseph Morra JFKCoCExec@gmail.com jfkairportchamberofcommerce.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1978, the group

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

LONG ISLAND CITY PARTNERSHIP

President: Elizabeth Lusskin 718.786.5300 longislandcityqueens.com QUICK GLANCE: 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

28

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

eastward to the East River and from 42nd Street down to 26th Street (encompassing the 10016 postal code).

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

120 members and a budget of $115,000.

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.

MASPETH INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (MIBA)

QUEENS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

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

a resource for over 2,000 businesses in the borough of Queens. Register online for upcoming virtual events, including:

P.O. Box 780265, Maspeth, NY 11378 President: David Daraio 718.335.1300 maspethchamberofcommerce.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1953, they have

BOC: 96-11 40th Road, Corona, NY 11368 Coordinator: Quincy Ely-Cate 718.205.3773 qelycate@bocnet.org mibanyc.org QUICK GLANCE: Covering roughly 600 busi-

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

MURRAY HILL MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION OF NY

P.O. Box 1897 New York, NY 10156 212.886.5867 murrayhillnyc.org QUICK GLANCE: Murray Hill is a unique residential neighborhood in midtown Manhattan.

While there is no formal boundary for the neighborhood, the area served by The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association and its sister organization the Manhattan East Community Association (MECA) extends from Fifth Avenue

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

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

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

ROCKAWAY EAST MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION (REMA4US)

1032 Beach 20th Street Far Rockaway, NY 11691 rema4us.org REMA 4 US, Inc. seeks to engage in economic development and revitalization in the Rockaway Peninsula. To strengthen our community revitalization programs and community development

October 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 10

NEW MEMBERS MAJOR CORPORATE

HE2PD, Inc.

MetroPlus Health Plan

50 Water Street, 9th Floor New York, NY 10004 metroplus.org Since 1985, MetroPlus Health Plan has built a reputation for providing access to affordable, quality health care to the people of New York City. A wholly owned subsidiary of NYC Health + Hospitals, the largest municipal health system in the United States, MetroPlus is the plan of choice for over 600k New Yorkers. As MetroPlus has grown, so has our commitment to offering medical, psychological, and well-being services.

CORPORATE

Colonial Voluntary Benefits 1225 Franklin Avenue Garden City, NY 11530 colonialbenefits.com

10 Grand Avenue Rockville Centre, NY 11570 he2pdinc.com The foundation of any capital project is Integrity, Efficiency and Experience. HE2PD, Inc was founded on the premise that successful owner’s representation requires more to TOTAL PROJECT LEADERSHIP than just construction management. It requires. Our attention to detail and appreciation for the special needs of projects in certain industries positions our firm to better assist our clients.

ForestDale, Inc.) 61-35 112th Street Forest Hills, NY 11375 forestdaleinc.org Pinwear SportsWear, Inc. 2156 Linden Boulevard, 13B Brooklyn, NY 11207 pinwear.com Quadrum Global 261 5th Avenue, Suite 1801 New York, NY 10016 quadrumglobal.com

INTRODUCTORY Beautiful Minds Child Care, Inc. 62-02 Myrtle Avenue Ridgewood, NY 11385 beautifulmindsnyc.com

Carben Construction, Inc. 7 Rye Ridge Plaza, #1003 Rye Brook, NY 10573

Smylen 10 Hubert Street #2 New York, NY 10013

PARTNERS & AFFILIATES efforts in the Rockaway Peninsula REMA works alongside businesses, civic groups, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. REMA works to inform the public about opportunities that exist to strengthen the community, and to create a welcoming and safe environment to help expand economic opportunity in the Rockaway Peninsula.

vation throughout the neighborhood.

safe and dynamic commercial district.

SUNNYSIDE SHINES

SUTPHIN BOULEVARD BID

STEINWAY ASTORIA PARTNERSHIP BID

approximately $480,000 with more than 250 businesses under its umbrella. The mission of Sunnyside Shines is to invigorate and enrich the economic life of the neighborhood by creating a

2004 and represents 134 businesses, 56 properties and 39 property owners along Sutphin Boulevard between Hillside Avenue and 94th Avenue in Jamaica.

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

45-56 43rd Street, Sunnyside, NY 11104 Executive Director: Jaime-Faye Beam 718.606.1800 director@sunnysideshines.org sunnysideshines.org QUICK GLANCE: The BID has a budget of

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

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.

SUNNYSIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PO Box 4399, Sunnyside, NY 11104 President: Vanessa Ceballos 718.729.4688 sunnyside-chamber.org QUICK GLANCE: With an annual budget of

$55,000, the chamber is an organization built around assisting and helping local business and professionals by providing resources to increase business, safety and historical preser-

The LIC Partnership held its 32nd Annual Awards Gala at the JACX building in Long Island City last month. This year’s honorees were The Floating Hospital and Plaxall, which has been located in Long Island City for 75 years.

29

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH EXECUTIVE COMMMITEE

queenschamber.org

Thomas Santucci

Nash Roe

Thomas J. Grech

Brendan Leavy

Susan Browning

Richard Dzwlewicz

Joanne M. Persad

Jacqueline Donado

Chairperson

Associate Treasurer

Vice Chairperson

Associate Secretary

Patricia Mezeul Treasurer

President & CEO

Business Development Manager

Chief of Operations

Strategic Program Coordinator

Alejandra Espejo

Jef Gross

Financial Controller

Patrick Yu

Neil Wagner

Secretary

SENIOR ADVISORY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE STAFF

Business Service Program Manager

Manager of Committee Development

William Blake Vincent L. Petraro, Esq. Dominick Ciampa George Rozansky Joseph Farber Gerard Thornton Louis D. Laurino Jeff Levine Joseph M. Mattone, Sr

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 Susan Browning Kenneth J. Buettner Charles E. Callahan Ali Chaudhry

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

Tamara Gavrielof Howard Graf Dr. Cameron Hernandez Raymond Irrera Kenneth Koenig Neil Levin

Bert Lurch Carl Mattone Patricia Mezeul Melinda Murray-Nyack Maria Odysseus Stephen Preuss

Nash Roe Jeffrey Rosenstock Juan Santiago Thomas Santucci Mark Scheinberg Sher Sparano

Michelle Stoddart Terri Thomson Henry Wan Mark Weprin Patrick Yu Daniel Zausner

CORPORATE MEMBERS 365 Data Centers A&L Cesspool Services Corp AARP Above All Pressure Cleaning Abrams Fensterman Aeroterm Andromeda Aora Development Approved General Contracting Inc., ARK Development LLC Aurora Contractors, Inc. Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service Bank of America BedRock Real Estate Partners, LLC BJ’s Wholesale Club Blumenfeld Development Group, Ltd. Capital One Bank

Carter Milchman and Frank CBRE Center for Automotive Education and Training Cerini and Associates, LLP. Champion Elevator Corp.

Cine Magic LIC Studios, LLC Cipico Construction, Inc. Citibank CitizensRx City National Bank Clearcell Power Complete Supply Cord Meyer Development LLC Cornell NYC Tech Corporate Development Systems, Inc. Cort CPower Energy Management Crescent Properties, Inc

Crown Castle Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. Dedline AV DG Construction East Coast Energy Group EDGE AUTO INC Einbinder & Dunn LLP Enterprise Fleet Management EOS Electrical Corp Evolve IP EW Howell Construction Group Farrell Fritz, P.C. Fastsigns South Ozone Park First Central Savings Bank Fluid Mechanic’s Corp.

Gatsons Electric, Inc. Gil-Bar Industries, Inc. GoPuff Graf & Lewent Architects Greater NY Automobiles

COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Leonard Jacobs Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning leonard@jcal.org Adrienne Whaley Queens Underground Black & Brown Film Festivals queensunderground718@gmail.com

BANKING & LAW

Paul Harrison Chase paul.harrison@chase.com Jackie Harounian Wisselman, Harounian & Associates jackie@lawjaw.com

COMMUNICATIONS HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS

Bert Lurch E Central Medical Management bertl@ecmmgt.com Prabhleen S. Virk Citrin Cooperman pvirk@citrincooperman.com

ENERGY

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

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INNOVATION Bill Staniford bill@staniford.com

FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES Chad Callahan Plaza College cec4@plazacollege.edu Michael Shoule JW Hampton mikes@jwhampton.com

FOOD, BEVERAGE & HOSPITALITY

Jim Quent Statewide Public Affairs jquent@statewidepublicaffairs.com Vincent Gentile Vassilaros & Sons Coffee vincent@vassilaroscoffee.com

MANUFACTURING Lina DeLaCruz Control Electropolishing Corp. lina@controlpublishing.com

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NOT FOR PROFIT

Larry Grubler Transitional Services of NY lgrubler@tsiny.org Maria Odysseus Investors Bank modysseus@myinvestorsbank.com Wendy Phaff Gennaro Queens Center for Progress wphaff@queenscp.com

REAL ESTATE

Martin Cottingham Avison Young martin.cottingham@avisonyoung.com Kevin Louie RIPCO klouie@ripcony.com Michael Wang Project Queens michael@projectqueens.com

TECHNOLOGY Bobby Giurintano TGI Office Automation bgiurintano@tgioa.com Fred Canone fc1281@gmail.com

TRANSPORTATION Marlon Taylor NY & Atlantic Railway mtaylor@anacostia.com Phil Jones LIME philip@li.me

Dealers Association HANAC, Inc. Healthy Corner Pharmacy Heatherwood Communities Himmel + Meringoff Properties Holt Construction Corp.

Horticultural Creations Inc IKEA Queens INDA, Association of Nonwoven Fabric Industry INF Associates, LLC Innovo Property Group J.W. Hampton Jr. & Co., Inc. JGM Construction Development, LLC Kasirer Consulting Kaufman Astoria Studios, Inc. Laffey Real Estate Littler Mendelson, P.C. Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc. M & T Bank Madison International Realty Madison Realty Capital McBride Consulting & Business Mega Contracting Group LLC Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Bank of America Corporation Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade Molloy College Mondial Automotive Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens Mr. T Carting Corp.

My Benefit Advisor, LLC NBCUniversal New York + Atlantic Railway New York Crystal Cleaning New York Islanders Hockey Club New York Life Insurance Company New York State Energy Coalition, Inc. Nonprofit Sector Strategies, PBC Nuvo Solutions NYC Cooling Tower Inspections and Services, LLC NYC Ferry Operated by Hornblower Owareco, LLC Patrick B. Jenkins & Associates

PGA Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Pi Capital Partners Priority 1 Security LLC ProCleanings Co QSIDE Federal Credit Union Queens College Reef Technology Related Retail Corporation Safety Facility Services Samaritan Daytop Village Securitech Group, Inc. Signature Bank SL Green Realty Corp.

Solve Together LLC Soter Technologies, LLC. Spectrum Reach Squad Security Inc. St. Francis Preparatory School St. John’s University Starbucks Corporation Sterling National Bank Sterling Sanitary Supply Corp Structural Engineering Technologies, P.C. Sullivan Engineering LLC Target TC Electric TGI Office Automation The Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders The First National Bank of Long Island Transmission Developers, Inc. TSC Training Academy, LLC Ultrasound Solutions Corp.

United Airlines 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 Verus Commercial Real Estate Finance Watch Guard 24/7 WellLife Network White Coffee Corp Xin Development Group International York College - CUNY Zara Realty

October 2021 • Volume 17 • Issue 10 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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+24

%

That’s how much our tristate mental health provider network grew in the last year1

Access to more mental health providers? We have that.

Mental health care from the comfort of home is now more accessible than ever to help employees stay healthier and more productive. With Oxford, employees have access to more than 7,1002 mental health providers virtually and over 19,0001 offering in-person care throughout the tristate area. Just one more way health plans from Oxford may help your employees and your bottom line stay healthier.

Contact your broker or learn more at uhc.com/oxfordnow

Oxford insurance products are underwritten by Oxford Health Insurance, Inc. Optum Behavioral Health Solutions Provider Network Summary Report, May 14, 2021. Tristate behavioral provider network grew 24% since 2020.

2 Optum Health Specialty Networks, Telehealth Report, as of May 13, 2021.

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