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December 2023 | January 2024 . Volume 19 . Issue 12

2023 BUSINESS PERSONS OF THE YEAR AWARDS GALA Read Page 18

Port Authority’s Kevin O’Toole accepts award

INSIDE

Chamber and Tech Council Open Another Incubator NYC’s First Indoor Pickleball Club Opens in LIC “COOP RESCUE ACT” Has Been Introduced

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS Prevent Basement Water Flooding ............................................... 4

Luigi’s Pizza, Ozone Park! ............................................................................ 9

Dine and Discover Queens ......................................................... 4, 5

“COOP RESCUE ACT” Has Been Introduced ................................... 10

NYC’s First Indoor Pickleball Club in Long Island City ...... 5

Fabio Pari of SHYFT LLC .......................................................................... 11

New York Clean Energy Internship Program ......................... 6

Barry Katz of Operant Systems ................................................................. 11

Fostering Brand Loyalty ................................................................... 7

Chamber and Tech Council Open Another Incubator ....................... 12

Volunteer with AARP ....................................................................... 7

Restaurant 311 Accelerator Program ........................................................ 13

What’s Your 2024 Queens Chamber Goals? ............................. 8

Greenlion Cleans up NY .............................................................................. 13

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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State of the State Watch Party At Katch Astoria ................................. 14 Cloud Infrastructure ....................................................................................... 16 Queens goes Electric ...................................................................................... 17 Five Borough MWBE Awards ............................................................ 19, 24 Cover Story - Queens Business Persons Event.............................. 18 - 20 Women Auto Know ........................................................................................ 21 Hard Rock Vendor Event .............................................................................. 22

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December 2023 | January 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 12

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

Putting in the Work

THOMAS J. GRECH PRESIDENT & CEO

I hope you all had a joyous and relaxing holiday season. While January is a time when many of us are looking forward to the year to come, I want to take a moment to reflect on some of the great work the Chamber did in December.

Alongside Senator Jessica Ramos and Assemblywoman Jessica González-Rojas, we opened the fifth Queens Tech Incubator location, in Jackson Heights. This represents the third incubator

we opened in 2023, and the program now has five locations throughout the borough. We hope to build on this progress in 2024, and continue to support tech entrepreneurs and build a stronger tech ecosystem here in Queens.

As you do every year, our members came through big time for our annual Holiday Toy Drive, which benefits children at The Child Center of NY. Queens’ business community understands that we do well by doing good. I

couldn’t be prouder of the contributions our members make to our community. Thank you!

Everyone at the Chamber is eager to start this year off with a bang. We look forward to helping you grow your business in the new year.

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Start 2024 off right

HOWARD GRAF CHAIRPERSON

Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed the holidays, and got to spend some time with your family and loved ones. It was wonderful seeing so many of you at our annual Member Holiday Reception, which is one of my favorite events of the festive season!

Now that the calendar has turned over to 2024, many of us are setting personal and professional goals for the new

year. If your resolution is to take your business to the next level this year, the Queens Chamber is here for you. You can take advantage of educational resources and workshops offered by the Chamber, join us for networking events, and get involved in the advocacy work we do on behalf of Queens’ business community.

We have been helping businesses in Queens grow and thrive since 1911. For a full list of

events, visit queenschamber.org.

Whether you’re a new member, or someone who has been actively involved with the Chamber for years, we hope to see a lot of you in 2024.

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QUEENS NEWS

Prevent Basement Water Flooding

Many of us, myself included, have had to deal with repairs and remediation after basement flooding. This is particularly true for those of us that suffered through Hurricane Sandy, have had plumbing fail or burst inside our basements, or suffered through a

Dave Balken city sewer surcharge. What many folks do not realize is that there are 5 products or steps to take that can prevent basement water flooding from ever happening. In most cases the actual cost of installing a flood or water damage preventing product will cost less than one water or flood event in your home. In some cases (water and sewer alarms come to mind) a handy DIY person can potentially install the device

themselves. However, when it comes to actual plumbing installs to prevent basement flooding, it’s best to leave plumbing to plumbers.

With the above being said, I decided to write a 5 part series highlighting 5 products (or preventive solutions if you prefer) that many folks are not aware of. Balkan Sewer And Water Main does install all of these products, and likewise provides absolutely free and no-obligation site visits. However, the primary intent of this series is to enlighten and educate folks about preventive measures so they hopefully do not have to suffer through another water or basement flooding event again.

The first product I will highlight is the simplest and lowest cost. It is likewise the easiest to install.

Prevent Basement Water Flooding With A Water Sensor Alarm

A water sensor alarm or two should be a vital addition to anyone’s home, even if they’ve never suffered water damage.

The alarm itself is wall mountable, sounds an 85 decibel alarm, and has a low battery warning signal as well.

Note that 85 decibels is extremely loud, and would be audible anywhere inside a home. Each alarm has two sensors, with enough connecting wire to place the sensors inside a sewer or

5 Great Products To Know About

water access pit. Sensors can also be placed in a floor drain by your hot water heater or boiler, or anywhere you fear water would not be welcome.

Because the sensors are placed below your finished floor, you will be notified well in advance of a pending water flooding situation ever rising above the level of your finished floor.

integrity and honesty in all of our dealings. That solid foundation has enabled us to thrive in every economic climate. The year 2022 actually marked our 70th consecutive year in business.

As we have grown, we have become increasingly dependent upon a “Team First” approach.

A water alarm with remote sensors has obvious advantages to a surface alarm, which notifies you after water is above your floor, and damage has potentially already occurred. The water alarm with sensors highlighted in this article (part 1 of 5) only costs around $20.00 to $30.00, and Balkan does install these for a nominal labor charge. But as stated previously, a DIY’er may just opt to install these alarms themselves.

What helps ensure a continuation of our high standards, overall integrity, and high company morale, is that same team approach. Complete client satisfaction has always been the number one goal at Balkan Sewer And Water Main. That is why we are NYC’s largest and most trusted sewer and water main service in New York City. Simply put, if it’s plumbing, and it’s underground, we do it. For over 70 years, and for over 90,000 New Yorkers to date, Balkan is “The Team You Trust”.

A Little Bit About Balkan Sewer And Water Main Service

The Balkan Team provides expert sewer and water main repairs and replacements. We are experts in all types of NYC underground plumbing. Balkan Sewer And Water Main Service was founded in 1952.

Since its inception, the foundation of the company has been based upon

DINE AND DISCOVER QUEENS

Brookside Market: Wine & Kitchen in Sunnyside and Little Chef Little Cafe in Long Island City

Carrie Longo is the owner of Brookside Market.

Can you share a bit about your restaurant journey in Queens?

I have three brothers. We had all worked in hospitality for years and one day my eldest brother suggested we open our own place. In 2016, we opened Ida’s Nearabout, followed by Brookside Market. It was opened right next door to Ida’s as a coffee

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shop. After opening we have noticed a lack of places to eat in Sunnyside, especially those serving New American and bistro style food. We just transitioned our coffee shop into a wine bar and restaurant in the evening, complete with a lot of our family’s recipes and natural wines.

We have a full dinner menu and keep our kitchen open until 11 every night!

What are some menu items that have become beloved by the Queens

community?

Our oysters are fan favorites because they are great quality and on the smaller side. Some of our snacks that are popular include our soppressata served with pickled eggplant and bread, as well as our broccoli rabe and sausage, chicken liver pate, and meatball sliders. We currently have three main dishes on our evening menu, Bavette Steak & Fries, Bucatini Limone, and Vinegar Chicken with cherry peppers. All

three are very popular with diners.

What makes your restaurant unique?

We are owned and operated by four siblings who are proud that Brookside Market is a one-of-akind establishment in Sunnyside.

We focus on ambiance, aesthetics, and attention to detail. Our menu featured new American dishes, as Continue Reading on Page 5

December 2023 | January 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 12

SPORTS COMING TO QUEENS

CityPickle opens NYC’s First Indoor Pickleball Club in Long Island City

CityPickle brings pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the United States, to Long Island City, the fastest growing area in NYC. More than 36 million Americans played pickleball last year, and that number is expected to grow exponentially. To help meet the demand, CityPickle, the urban home for pickleball, has opened the doors to NYC’s first indoor pickleball club, offering four climate-controlled courts and a full bar and kitchen. The 10,110 square foot space with 21-foot-high-ceilings will keep you active and satiated with on-court fun, delicious bites and specialty cocktails, and a Pro Shop filledwith everything you need to play. CityPickle is a haven for those looking to enjoy time with friends, family, and colleagues.

CityPickle Long Island City is open 7am to 9pm Sunday through Wednesday, extending the evening hours until 11pm Thursday through Saturday, to make it a popular weekend hotspot. Players can utilize the courts via a private reservation for themselves and up to seven friends, join a Clinic or Open Play to mix and mingle with others, or take a private lesson with a certified coach. It’s the ideal location for a birthday party or team-building activity and hosted several private events their first week open. With many activations solidifying CityPickle’s presence in the world of pickleball, including operating the largest pickleball installation in the Northeast with 14 courts at Wollman Rink in Central Park,

as well as Industry City, Hudson Yards, the TWA Hotel, and Dilworth Park in Philadelphia, this is their first offering in Queens and a permanent home. Co-founded by longtime friends Mary Cannon and

Erica Desai, CityPickle is looking forward to being your home away from home. Visit city-pickle.com or follow CityPickle on Instagram and come play - smiles guaranteed!

DINE AND DISCOVER QUEENS Continued from Page 4

you to go into the food industry?

I was always working in restaurants and worked every position. It all started as an 18 year old working as a hostess and falling in love with the overall hustle and bustle of the restaurant experience. Fast forward almost 25 years and here I am working to create the food business of my dreams.

Can you share any memorable moments or experiences you’ve had

as a restaurant owner in Queens?

Feeding the community has always been part of the mission and we have done it in all ways imaginable thus far - from individualized meal prep, fancy private dinners, citywide meal distribution with various partners, catering for all types of events including galas and community events, as well as everyday interaction with those that stop by our takeout window.

Everyday we have the chance to feed our community is memorable.

What are the most popular menu items and anything in particular

about the menu you’d like to highlight?

Diana Manalang

Little Chef Little Cafe

Brookside Market

Carrie Longo

Many of our baked goods, including our muffins, scones, brookies, and cupcakes, are fan favorites as well as our house made lemonades and teas. Other favorite items include our egg sandwiches and rice bowls.

Each holiday we offer special menus as well, so be on the lookout for our Valentine’s Day bake sale and dinner specials!

well as French and Italian influenced dishes. We also have an amazing collection of natural wines, and a wine loyalty program. You can ask any of our staff for a punch card, and for every glass you drink, you get a stamp. When you reach nine, the tenth glass is on us!

Diana Manalang is the owner and chef of Little Chef Little Cafe.

Can you share a bit about your restaurant journey and what inspired

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QUEENS NEWS

Join the New York Clean Energy Internship Program

By Kosta Sarellis, Program Manager & Internship Coordinator

The Andromeda Community Initiative (ACI) and The Skyline Charitable Foundation (TSCF) are thrilled to introduce the New York Clean Energy Internship Program, an opportunity that benefits both employers and aspiring professionals while advancing the green revolution.

Through our collaborative programs, we provide hands-on training and certifications that prepare individuals for entry-level and beyond construction jobs in New York City.

ACI’s general and green construction trainings provide the following certifications: • NYC DOB Site Safety Training (SST) Card • 30-Hour OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Training Certification • NYC DOB 4-Hour Supported Scaffold User / Refresher Certification

• NYC DOB 16-Hour Suspended Scaffold User Certification • Andromeda Academy 2-Hour Silica Awareness Lecture • Andromeda Academy 8-Hour Fall Prevention Training Certification • Andromeda Academy 2-Hour Drug and Alcohol Awareness Certification • GPRO (Green Professionals Building Skills Training) Mechanical Certification • Solar One Certification in Green Buildings Operations and Maintenance TSCF then further supports graduates by matching them with meaningful internships with local NYC employers.

The New York Clean Energy

Internship Program is a groundbreaking initiative designed to connect trained and certified interns with forward-thinking clean energy companies. The best part? It comes at no cost to employers.

The program covers all expenses related to training, internship salaries, insurance, and ongoing support, thanks to a grant from the New York State Energy Resource and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

A Queens Local & Graduate of the Internship Program

As the Internship Coordinator who personally interviewed and recommended program graduates for internship placement, it is my honor to share a success story with our community.

Meet Justin Nelson, a shining example of the program’s success.

After graduating from ACI’s intensive two-month training

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program, Justin applied for the internship program, catching our eyes during the interview process.

Justin’s stellar performance during the interviews, his techsavvy skills, and his ability to communicate his training experiences made him a standout candidate.

He was paired with Efficient Energy Compliance (EEC), a company specializing in New York City building energy efficiency and local law compliance.

Justin’s analytical, observational, and technical mindset resonated with EEC, making him the ideal intern to invest into. Throughout his internship, Justin continued to impress, consistently demonstrating punctuality, preparedness, and a strong work ethic.

Justin’s dedication and passion didn’t go unnoticed. EEC was so thrilled with his performance that they offered him a full-time position after the internship program concluded. He’s now thriving in his role as a Junior Energy Engineer, contributing to the green revolution while aligning with his personal goal of reducing energy usage and slowing climate change.

Justin reflects on his journey, saying, “The training was very tough, but incredibly beneficial for me. I enjoyed connecting with my peers and learning new information that I would have never been aware of otherwise. The teachers and trainers were very helpful, and I’m so grateful for the internship opportunity that I got matched with, ultimately leading to my new full-time job.”

Ways to Get Involved with the Program - Now, it’s your turn to join the ranks of employers who have benefited from the Clean Energy Internship Program. To learn more and engage with our interns as a host, please contact: Kosta Sarellis, TSCF Internship Coordinator E: kosta@skylinefoundation.us M: 929-206-8335 Brandon Patterson, ACI Job Developer E:brandonpattersonandromedainiat ive.org M: 929-682-6052

December 2023 | January 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 12

QUEENS NEWS

Fostering Brand Loyalty:

How to Keep Your Holiday Shoppers Coming Back

By Isa Martinez at Elite Solutions Digital Marketing Agency

Welcome to the After-Party

Post-holiday blues? Not for your business. Now’s the time to get smart with your digital marketing tools.

Your first step is a warm welcome email. Thank them for choosing your business and give them a glimpse of what’s ahead. Remember, this isn’t a sales pitch; it’s the start of a relationship.

The hustle and bustle of the holiday shopping season can bring a flurry of new customers to your doorstep. But what happens when the decorations come down, and the sales signs switch off? I’m Isa Martinez from Elite Solutions Digital Marketing Agency, and I’m here to guide you on turning that seasonal traffic into a loyal customer base.

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Loyalty programs are like that cozy sweater gifted during the holidays—it’s comforting and keeps your customers returning. Launch a program that rewards repeat business.

Make it simple yet enticing. Think points per purchase, member-exclusive discounts, or a birthday surprise. Let them know that every transaction brings them closer to delightful perks.

Keep the Conversation Going

Out of sight, out of mind? Not on our watch. Regular, engaging emails keep you at the forefront of their thoughts.

Craft content that matters to them, be it educational pieces, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or stories that resonate.

Keep it personal, keep it genuine, and watch your bond strengthen.

Exclusivity is Key

Who doesn’t love feeling like a VIP? Offer special access to sales or new products before they hit the masses.

It’s a simple gesture that screams, “You’re special to us.” Plus, it adds that sprinkle of exclusivity that everyone craves.

Listen and Adapt

Lastly, feedback is your golden ticket to improvement. Listen to what your customers say. An overlooked comment might just be the insight you need to pivot your strategy for the better.

Remember, your post-holiday strategy shouldn’t be an afterthought. With these tips, you’re not just selling a product; you’re building a community. And a community brings loyalty, advocacy, and growth. So, dear business owners of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, let’s turn those holiday shoppers into your biggest fans!

Social Butterflies

Don’t underestimate the power of social media. Engage with your customers by asking for their holiday experiences with your products. Share their stories and make them the stars.

Social proof is powerful, and a shared post can go a long way.

QUEENS NEWS

Volunteer with us and make a Difference in your Community.

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people to choose how they live as they age.

Learn how you can put your time, knowledge, and talent to good use with AARP in New York.

AARP New York is gearing up to offer more events, activities, and programs across the state, and we need your help!

There are many volunteer opportunities for you to get involved. We’re looking for talented people who want to make a difference in the lives of others, not only people age 50 and older but all New Yorkers.

Scan the QR code to learn more

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QUEENS NEWS

Selfless or Selfish

What’s Your 2024 Queens Chamber Goals?

By Michael R. Shoule Vice President of JW Hampton Jr. & Co.

Although Tom Grech might never have an airport named after him, when it comes to leading the Queens Chamber of Commerce, he is right up there with our former president whose name has been on Idlewild Airport since 1963. One of the differences in the two men though is that Tom is more of an “Ask not what you can do for your Chamber of Commerce but what your Chamber of Commerce can do for you” guy.

There are so many different answers to that question – small business resources, panel discussions, educational webinars, networking opportunities, and job fairs to name a few - which is why your Queens Chamber of Commerce, our Chamber, truly does have something for everyone.

During this time of year when we tend to show our clients and co-workers, families and friends, the gratitude that we likely should be showing them all year long, we should not only be thankful for our Chamber, but let’s take a moment to consider what we can do to make the Chamber even better in 2024.

After all the Chamber is all about ME-mbers.

Humor me if you will as I go down that wordplay path for just a second.

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I also see ME in the Chamber of Commerce and in time which also happens to have the I that is not in team. Time, as you know, is one of our most valuable assets. As we look forward, for each of us to make the most of our Queens Chamber of Commerce membership in 2024 maybe we can find a way to give a little more of our time and choose to participate more.

There are business friends out there that we have not met yet. Some may even become personal friends. It is up to ME and YOU though because I know Tom, Joanne, Brendan, and the rest of their fantastic team are not going to come and drag us out of our offices.

Over the years I have experienced firsthand the rewards of participation as a somewhat active Chamber member and more recently as chair of the Family-Owned Business Committee. During one of our quarterly committee chairpersons calls I remember Rachel Kellner of Aigner Chocolates saying something that resonated with me so much that I wrote it down – “We can’t force people to see the value of the Chamber.”

Then she continued to share how Chamber membership is a two-way street. As Chamber members we have the almost limitless ability to connect with fellow Queens businesses who have experienced the same challenges we might be going through thus flattening our own learning curve. At the same time, we can share our wisdom with others thus helping them get further down the path a little faster than we did ourselves.

I get it if sometimes you feel worn out like we all do and that maybe your time could be better spent elsewhere after another networking event where you went home with a handful of business cards in your pocket none of which are of any use to you as far as you can see.

Even better though is the flip side and maybe you have come to realize that not every interaction or relationship has to be transactional.

Transactional approaches can be a huge turn off. We have the ability to keep humanity in our interactions. I have met many more than a handful of great people through the Chamber who I don’t do any business with but really enjoy talking with at Chamber events. I have also met some great people that I do have the pleasure of doing business with. In most cases I did not know which bucket the person was going to fall into when I first met them and for me it didn’t matter. Life is too short to live it by keeping score, unless of course you don’t mind losing.

I continue to have opportunities to introduce Chamber members to other people in my network and I am thankful for that. Who knows, maybe they have friends or family that work for importers and exporters, which is where my family’s fourth generation, 158-year-old Customs brokerage and freight forwarding firm could help.

Although I might not have felt this way at first, I now agree with other members who tell me that the more they participate the more they get out of their Chamber membership.

And while our great borough of

Queens is the glue that bonds us all, there are other commonalities that link us as well, which is why the Chamber has the 13 different member committees that cover most major industries in some way.

In my effort to find a balance between being selfless and selfish I try to land somewhere in the middle – selfishless or maybe selflessish – the former seems to be the easier one to say although I do not think either are actual words. The starting point is always the willingness to help another Chamber member if I can either directly or indirectly.

That willingness is encouraged and supported by Tom and his great staff who are always willing to connect members and live the Chamber’s mission: By helping businesses foster connections, advocating for their interests, educating them for success, and implementing programs that help them grow, we bring jobs and economic opportunity to every corner of our great borough.

Thank you, fellow members, for your active participation and thank you also to the Chamber staff. I look forward to engaging together in the year ahead. More in ’24! More in ’24!

December 2023 | January 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 12

A ‘SLICE’ OF QUEENS

Luigi’s Pizza, Ozone Park!

By: Robert Intelisano The Queens Chamber of Commerce works in magical ways! I received an intro email in early November from Chris Pershad, owner of B&S Bookkeeping Service and a new member of the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

Chris reached out to introduce himself as he was referred

an emphatic YES!!!

The Romano Family is originally from Borgetto, a small mountain town on the border of Palermo, the capital city of Sicily, which is also my homeland! Borgetto is where Sal’s Father Luigi learned many family recipes passed down from previous generations. Their first family restaurant was also called Luigi’s on 54th street

with Sal majoring in Hospitality and Chris, bookkeeping.

They were looking forward to their upcoming December 3rd anniversary which commemorates their grand opening 21 years ago on 12/3/2002, as well as Sal’s son Nick’s 21st birthday! Sal’s family and pizza passion really beamed when talking about both of his sons being “ALL IN’ at the restaurant.

Being in the insurance advisory business for many years, I have seen many businesses over the years fail when being passed on to the second or third generation for a variety of reasons. Often, the next generation don’t share their parent’s work ethic or passion for the business.

This situation could be the opposite as Sal’s kids could be even more fired up than Sal about their family pizza shop! In fact, Sal decided to close for 6 weeks and do a full renovation, giving his two sons Nick & Sal Jr., ages 21 and 19 respectively, leeway to redesign the shop and walls in pop (art) culture. Everything was upgraded except their Baker’s Pride old-school deck ovens, where the magic happens!

We tried multiple slices. Their reg-

ular thin-crust New-York-Style slice was solid as was their buffalo chicken slice. It was Luigi’s Grandma Slice that was the showstopper, in my opinion and in the conversation for the best Grandma slice in Queens! They use both mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano (only raw milk made from grass or hay fed cows in Parma, Emilia, Modena, Mantua or Bologna) cheeses and the Reggiano cheese must be produced and packaged in that region as well. The Grandma slice had a fabulous crunch and aftertaste.

Open 7 days from 10:30am to 10pm, Luigi’s Pizza on Atlantic Avenue is the real deal! It sits on the corner in a small accessible parking lot. They have seating for about 40 people and it’s a cool scene with music (not too loud) and positive neighborhood vibes.

They recently partnered with nearby P.S. 254 on an anti-bullying program, as giving back to the community is important to Sal. They deliver and have a catering menu for parties. For first timers, Luigi’s is not far, nestled 4.6 miles from JFK airport. Give them a try, you will thank me later!

Left to right, Sal Romano Jr., Nick Romano. Sal Romano, Freddy and Karan to me by Shahriar Hossain, from the Chamber.

As it often does, the conversation moved towards food. Chris mentioned meeting one of his clients, Sal Romano, owner of Luigi’s Pizza.

Luigi’s Pizza is a hidden gem tucked into the corner parking lot at 104-02 Atlantic Avenue (directly across the street on Atlantic from the Mobile gas station) in Ozone Park.

I mentioned to Chris I had driven past “Luigi’s Pizza Restaurant” numerous times and Luigi’s has been on my radar to try and see if it measures up as “A SLICE of Queens” Pizza column material. The answer is

and 8th avenue in Manhattan (they have since closed during Covid-19).

This is where Sal and his younger brother Luigi learned their work ethic and how to craft delicious pizza as boys and young men. Sal’s younger brother Luigi owns Luigi’s in Bayside, where Sal resides.

We met the Wednesday morning before Thanksgiving when they were just opening. I knew I was in a good place as soon as I walked in as it was spotless, and the aroma of fresh homemade sauce was wafting throughout the air! Sal and Chris met while they were both attending BMCC (Borough of Manhattan Community College)

Left to right, Luigi’s Grandma slice, regular and buffalo chicken

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QUEENS NEWS

By: Geoffrey Mazel, Esq.

“COOP RESCUE ACT” Has Been Introduced

A major issue amongst Coop shareholders in the last several years has been the devastating potential financial impact of the requirements under Local Law 97, the so-called Climate Mobilization Act. This landmark legislation was passed to great fanfare on Earth Day 2019, but it was not thought out and illconceived by the then New York City Council.

Local Law 97 requires buildings in New York City to reduce their carbon emissions by 2024 and even more stringently by 2030. Failure to comply with these emission reductions will result in fines to a particular building.

Local Law 97, part of New York City’s Climate Mobilization Act, mandates large buildings in the city to significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by setting strict caps on these emissions, with the aim to achieve a 40% reduction by 2030 and an 80% reduction by 2050 from 2005 levels. Owners of buildings that fail to meet these caps are subject to hefty fines.

Over 90% of the covered buildings are compliant in 2024 but starting in 2030 over 80% of New York City buildings will be out of compliance and subject to exorbitant penalties.

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In some cases, the penalties for larger Coops will be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. It has been reported that these penalties are the largest ever assessed against homeowners of New York City.

There is a grassroots movement across New York City from Coop homeowners in working and middle class Coops to create a more equitable approach to carbon reduction requirements. Local Law 97 imposes the same financials burdens and penalties on all Coops, irrespective of the ability of the shareholders to pay for the expensive retrofits that are required.

Due to this groundswell of concern regarding the potentially devastating financial impact of Local Law 97 to working- and middle-class Coop homeowners there is legislation on the horizon that would be extremely helpful. Thankfully some elected officials have listened to the concern and acted.

This legislation is being dubbed the “Coop Rescue Act” due to its’ common sense and reasonable approach to Local Law 97 enforcement. On September 28, 2023, in a significant move toward a more equitable approach to the city’s environmental sustainability efforts, Council Members Linda Lee and Sandra Ung introduced a pivotal piece of legislation that seeks to recalibrate the parameters of Local Law 97. The bill is Intro 1197 Key provisions of the bill include: Taking into consideration open and green spaces as part of a building’s gross floor area when calculating greenhouse gas emissions limits, which will lower penalties and needed retrofits for Coops on campus like settings.

Offering adjustments to annual greenhouse gas emissions limits if buildings have made prior retrofits

to reduce emissions, such as oil to gas conversions or the installation of solar panels. These projects will have a significant payback and a beneficial impact on the environment and should be rewarded under local law 97; Implementing a more gradual penalty schedule for buildings with an Average Assessed Value of $65,000 or less, including no penalties from 2030 to 2036. This will give working and middle class Coops the opportunity to properly plan for their generational conversion to electrification.

Mandating courts to regard the median property value of units in a building as a mitigating factor when deciding on penalties.

The proposed amendments aim to provide relief to condominium and cooperative unit owners who currently face significant financial burdens due to the existing regulations of Local Law 97. At present, the bill has significant support in the NY City Council and its’ advocates are hopeful that it is presented for a hearing in the near future. We will keep you posted.

December 2023 | January 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 12

QUEENS TECH CORNER

Fabio Pari of SHYFT LLC

By Fabio Pari Founder and CEO of SHYFT

weather caused a dramatic spike in occupancy – from 3% to 100% within a matter of hours. The pattern persisted, and in the midst of it, I knew I would have benefited from the full strength of my original team, but also knew there wasn’t enough consistent business to recall them permanently, so the idea for Snagashyft was born.

Barry Katz of Operant Systems This month’s featured tech entrepreneur is Barry Katz, Founder and Owner of Operant Systems, a technology company that services the special needs population in developing their learning skills.

To learn more, go to https://www. operantsystems.com.

What is your latest project and what excites you about it?

This month’s featured tech entrepreneur is Fabio Pari, Founder and CEO of SHYFT, a boutique hospitality consultancy specializing in premium and luxury independent hotels and resorts. To learn more, go to https://shyftllc.com.

Can you tell us about your company and how you got your start?

SHYFT is a boutique recruiting and consulting firm specializing in the hospitality industry. The firm is further cementing its place as the premier hospitality staffing provider via Snagashyft. com, a groundbreaking staffingas-a-service platform that aims to revolutionize staffing in the hospitality industry. The idea for Snagashyft was conceived in late 2020. I was the General Manager of a hotel and had to lay off 95% of my team because of the COVID19 pandemic. One day in August,

Snagashyft is our latest project and, in addition to creating jobs for the Queens community and beyond, I’m excited about our commitment to technology excellence that lies at the core of our mission to revolutionize hospitality staffing. We’ve partnered with Builder.ai to create a unique tech stack that combines innovation, efficiency, and scalability. Our technology stack not only enables us to provide an innovative and adaptable platform but also ensures the highest levels of data security and privacy.

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

While on this journey, I’ve been able to meet so many creative and ambitious founders. The risks would only be possible with the support of the local business community and borough’s elected officials. The support and investments made by the Queens Chamber of Commerce through its Tech Incubator program to the programs and resources available through the Queens Economic Development Council show just how serious the borough is about the future of tech.

Once we began getting a handle on vision, our next project began which was teaching children between ages 3-8 to wear their eyeglasses. We gained patents on both technologies.

We are now concluding our prototype of the iSpecs Visual Training Device, which teaches young children to wear their eye glasses using mobile technology and will be looking to conduct field tests for the device.

How did you get your start in tech?

I have been a consultant in technology for Fortune 100 companies. When my grandson was diagnosed with autism I started focusing my attention to find learning solutions for disadvantaged children.

What is your latest project and what excites you about it?

Can you tell us about your company and how you got your start?

We have been servicing professionals, agencies and schools that service children and adults with autism with our Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) platform.

One area of dysfunction for those with autism is eye contact behavior.

Eye contact is fundamental to learning and demonstrates that someone is paying attention, so we began exploring how we could address this problem. We came up with a prototype using technology.

We worked with NYU’s Tandon Engineering department and published our research with them.

My latest project deals with the broad market of children who resist wearing eyeglasses. For example, children from underprivileged homes, children with ‘lazy eyes,’ and children with special needs. 60% of young children don’t wear their eye glasses. This affects their educational and cognitive development. The total market value is about 680 billion dollars.

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

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MORE TECH IN QUEENS

Chamber and Tech Council Open Another Incubator Companies at Tech Incubators are provided with complimentary office space, mentoring opportunities, and access to other resources to help develop their business and grow the tech industry in Queens

right here in Jackson Heights,” said Assemblymember Jessica GonzálezRojas. “This new location will allow two growing community-based tech companies to access the space and office resources they need to help expand Queens’ tech economy.”

The Queens Chamber of Commerce and the Queens Tech Council opened the fifth Tech Incubator program in Queens. Two tech companies will enjoy complimentary office space and other resources at the Bulova Corporate Center in Jackson Heights as part of the program. This marks the third tech incubator opened by the Queens Chamber and Queens Tech Council in the past year, following locations at Queens College and LaGuardia Community College.

The Tech Incubator program now supports 15 entrepreneurs across five locations in Queens.

Chobhar Inc. and Zeme Inc. have taken space at the Queens Tech Incubator in Jackson Heights.

“We launched the Queens Tech Incubator program because we know there is no better way to support start ups and grow our tech ecosystem,” said Tom Grech, president and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “We are delighted to open our third location this year and support the companies that will drive the expansion of the tech economy here in Queens.”

“Queens is rich in talent and ingenuity, but not always in resources. I’m thrilled to join in on the celebration of this incubator and the inevitable homegrown greatness that will spark from its presence in our community,” said State Senator Jessica Ramos, chair of the Senate Committee on Labor.

“I’d like to send my heartfelt congratulations to the Queens Chamber of Commerce and the Queens Tech Council for today’s opening of the third location of the Queens Tech Incubator Program

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The Queens Tech Incubator is a key initiative of the Queens Tech Council, which launched in February 2021. Council members include representatives from Google, Facebook, Amazon, Pursuit, LIC Partnership, Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, Crown Castle, JetBlue Ventures, Cornell Tech, and The Business Incubator Association of New York State. The Queens Tech Council focuses on building an economy that embraces innovation and promotes tech adoption. This includes supporting tech companies from existing giants in established industries to startups working doing cutting edge work.

Applications to the Queens Tech

Incubator were reviewed and selected by members of the Queens Tech Council. Companies chosen will have access to complimentary office space, mentorship opportunities from existing Tech Council members as well as resources provided by the Small Business Resource Network (SBRN).

The following companies are participating in the Queens Tech Incubator at Bulova Corporate Center in Jackson Heights: Zeme Inc. - An all-in-one platform, designed to simplify broker and agent workflows, property management, and enable renters to easily manage their current and future home.

Chobhar Inc.- A pioneering countrybased social marketplace for South Asian communities in the United States, acting as a bridge connecting traditional small businesses and freelancers to the bustling digital marketplace.

About the Queens Chamber of Commerce:

The Queens Chamber of Commerce is the oldest and largest business association in Queens, representing more than 1,400 businesses and more than 150,000 Queens-based employees. Its mission is to foster connections, educate for success, develop/implement programs and advocate for members’ interests. www.queenschamber.org About the Queens Tech Council: The Queens Tech Council focuses on building an economy that embraces innovation and promotes tech adoption, from existing giants in established industries to startups working on cutting edge applications. This means ensuring Queens is producing the talent that companies look for, that Queensbased tech companies are able to get the resources and capital they need, and that businesses in traditional industries are able to adapt to the changing economy, successfully integrate new technologies, and upskill their workforces to remain competitive and thrive in the years to come. https://www. queenstechcouncil.com/

December 2023 | January 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 12

QUEENS NEWS

Queens Chamber of Commerce Launches Restaurant311 Accelerator Program (QUEENS, NY) January 10, 2024 —Today, the Queens Chamber of Commerce, the oldest and largest business association in Queens, announced the launch of Restaurant311, a deep-dive accelerator program to provide specialized support to Queens restaurant and food business owners and operators. Under the program, small business owners will receive one-on-one business advising, coaching, and access to opportunities for business and tech support.

Empire State Development will fund the program through a grant from the New York State Senate.

“Queens is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, serving delicious cuisines from every corner of the globe,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “These food and dining establishments do more than just add to the unique flavor of our communities, they are also vital to our local economy. They create jobs for residents and drive tourism to our neighborhoods. We are delighted to be able to launch this program to support Queens’ thriving

restaurant industry, and thank Empire State Development and our Senate delegation for funding this important work.”

Under the program, restaurant and food business owners will receive one-on-one mentoring and support from the Queens Chamber’s food industry expert Laura Licona, who will assess the capacity and current needs of the food business or restaurant and create a tailored plan of action. Areas of support include: general restaurant consulting; business strategy; navigating government agencies; licensing and permits; product and brand development; food safety; menu engineering; staffing solutions; scaling; networking; collaborations; procurement; promotions and marketing; and tech solutions.

“Restaurant311 will help small businesses thrive, and in turn, support our local economy,” said Laura Licona, Executive Chef and head of Food and Culture at the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “I look forward to sharing my expertise with food businesses throughout the

borough to help them grow, and continue contributing to Queens’ vibrant food and culture scene.”

“I am pleased to see the launch of Restaurant311, a vital program that will provide much-needed support to our local restaurant and food business owners in Queens.

Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and this initiative, funded through a grant from the New York State Senate, demonstrates our commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth,” said State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. “I commend the Queens Chamber of Commerce for their dedication to providing specialized mentoring, coaching, and access to essential resources, and I am confident that this program will play a pivotal role in the success and resilience of our local food industry.”

“Queens’ restaurants and small food business owners bring extraordinary charm, culture and uniqueness to each neighborhood,” said State Senator Leroy Comrie. “The launch of the Queens Chamber’s Restaurant 311 Accelerator Program will bring a much needed lifeline to many of

these establishments as it helps them navigate various oversight entities, hopefully preventing unnecessary barriers to entry or expansion. I am grateful that I was able to work with my colleagues within the New York Senate to help fund this program’s launch and look forward to the positive results to come.”

Restaurant311 is slated to help over 100 food businesses over the next 18 months. The Chamber will conduct outreach to small businesses who otherwise may be disconnected from assistance. Business owners can also sign up directly at the link here https://shorturl.at/avL45 About the Queens Chamber of Commerce: The Queens Chamber of Commerce is the oldest and largest business association in Queens, representing more than 1,400 businesses and more than 150,000 Queens-based employees. Its mission is to foster connections, educate for success, develop/implement programs and advocate for members’ interests.

Visit queenschamber.org.

CLEANING UP QUEENS

By: Anthony Hamilton Greenlion Cleaning & Maintenance Inc. was selected to assist New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) with janitorial services.

We have worked diligently to support NYCHA’s staff in providing a clean and sanitary environment for the residences at various developments around the city.

As a certified Minority Business Enterprise , with over 10+ years

Greenlion Cleans up New York

of experience, we are elated to provide top tier janitorial services to various NYC agencies and businesses in the New York Metro area and beyond. Per their president, Anthony Hamilton, “We are honored to be given this responsibility and our front-line heroes are more than ready, as we see cleaning as more than someone with a mop and a broom.”

Greenlion’s mission is not just to clean physical space. We do our best to make the client feel safe.

The health and safety of our clients motivate our employees to continue

to raise the bar and customer satisfaction is our goal.

“We do this for Bill in sales, Susan in accounting, the receptionist, the company executives, doctors, nurses, and in this case NYCHA’s residence.”

Greenlion’s 3 principles: Clean isn’t good enough.

Our employees are our greatest asset.

We put in extra effort because we care.

About Greenlion Cleaning & Maintenance Greenlion provides a plethora of

cleaning and janitorial services: such as final & post-construction cleaning, floor maintenance, pressure washing, office cleaning and warehouse floor maintenance. We approach every job with a commitment to perfection and a desire to exceed expectations. They strive to understand and respond to the uniqueness of each customer’s situation.

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

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QUEENS NEWS

Chamber State of the State Watch Party At Katch Astoria A few dozen Chamber members gathered at Katch-Astoria on Newtown Avenue to watch Governor Kathy Hochul deliver her 2024 State of the State Address. “What a great group of new people at this place,” said Dirk McCall, executive director of Sunnyside Shines.. The January 9th event included around 50 people from all walks of business life in Queens. “Each of our events offer our members the chance to meet our friends and neighbors in settings that make it easy to get acquainted,” said Tom Grech, president and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

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WE ARE

HIRING Adjunct and Full-Time Faculty Entry and Mid-Level Administrators & more!

For projected Fall 2023 openings

SUBMIT YOUR CV : 718-779-1430 HR@plazacollege.edu 118-33 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

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QUEENS IN THE CLOUD

Cloud Infrastructure offers Maximum Protection and Optimal Performance

By: Taslim Khan CEO of Firstlight Cloud Xchange

Welcome to 2024! The new year brings new opportunities as well as new challenges.

The network infrastructure of a business is one of the areas that is always under threat. Network infrastructure is the engine a business runs on. To ensure optimal performance, this engine requires continuous maintenance and upgrade. Unfortunately, in today’s world, it has also become a prime target for malicious actors worldwide.

Businesses regardless of size, operating in the US are particularly attractive to the hackers in Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and many other countries in the world that are unfriendly to America. These threat actors exploit the Law of Averages.

They target multiple businesses with the expectation that a significant number will succumb to their attacks, resulting in substantial financial gains. Many small businesses are being subjected to millions of dollars in ransomware payments.

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Let’s fight back. Let’s secure our assets and protect our business.

While at it, it also improves performance and increases revenue.

A case for the Cloud Enter the Cloud. Cloud-based services encompassing Managed IT, Cyber Security, Back Up & Disaster Recovery and Unified Communications and Collaboration offer unparalleled protection and performance for businesses. Here are the inherent advantages/ benefits provided by Cloud based Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs): ❖ All services and devices (endpoints) are managed and monitored 24/7/365 by engineers in Security Operations Centers (SOC) ❖ Geo-redundant and diverse locations with “Active/Active” failsafe infrastructure ❖ Compliance with all government mandates such as HIPAA, PCI, NIST, CIS, CISM, and many more ❖ Multiple locations and remote workers are no longer bound by geographical boundaries.

Security: Implementing a Managed Firewall and Endpoint Protection service such as Managed Detection & Remediation (MDR) for each laptop, desktop, server, router and switches ensures maximum security. Even

if one or multiple devices are compromised due to user error (such as plugging in an affected USB drive or personal smartphone), the SOC can promptly isolate and quarantine that/those device(s) in real time preventing further spread.

Inbox Detection & Remediation or IDR service for emails will scan every email and automatically quarantine the malicious ones before they reach your inbox. However, as

we all are very painfully aware how sophisticated these threat actors are in spoofing emails to make it look like that your colleague sent you this email – if you are doubtful, you can submit the email for security check before opening it. The IDR service, within less than a minute will give you a “red”, “yellow” or “green” signal. With that you can either proceed or delete with complete confidence.

Multi Factor Authentication or MFA protocol is the standard today in all government and enterprise environments. And for good reasons – it proves you are who you say you are.

Infrastructure & Disaster Recovery: A Cloud server delivers significant advantages over a premise-based server. Such as: • Op Ex instead of Cap Ex • On demand scalability • High Level Security • Built in redundancy • Lower energy cost Also, a backup server in a completely air-gapped data center offers the maximum protection against ransomware. In the event of a ransomware attack where the primary server is held hostage and is unavailable, the Cloud provider can spin up a new server in a completely different environment as early as 30 minutes.

Please consider the value proposition

of this. In the event of the same ransomware attack on a premise based server – it will take weeks if not months to recover that server.

Your business simply cannot survive that much downtime.

Unified Communications & Collaboration: A complete UC platform combines all modes of communications such as phone, video, instant message, content sharing and SMS/MMS text messaging – all on one platform and makes them available on multiple devices such as desk phone, desktop/ laptop/tablet and smartphone.

• Work from home? No problem.

• Have staff in different time zones?

Easy.

• Need to reach out to 10,000 customers via text message? Done.

• Need to be compliant to protect patent and client information? Yup. A well-designed and professionally deployed Cloud infrastructure brings tremendous value to businesses of all sizes. Please consider a cloud migration for maximum protection and better performance.

Learn More

December 2023 | January 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 12

QUEENS GOES ELECTRIC

Revel/BEEP Open Super Fast-Charge Station in LIC

With 14 ultrafast plugs, Revel’s LIC Superhub can give an EV 100 miles of range in 10 minutes.

Revel, the Brooklyn-based EV infrastructure and rideshare provider, opened its first public electric vehicle (EV) fast charging station in Queens. The LIC Superhub is located in the accessory garage of the JACX at 28-17 Jackson Avenue.

It’s a 1.2 million square-foot mixeduse development in Long Island City.

Revel was joined by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Taxi & Limousine Commissioner David Do, Queens Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Tom Grech, and ConEdison’s Director of E-Mobility Britt Reichborn-Kjennerud at an official ribbon-cutting ceremony of the LIC Superhub at the ribbon-cutting.

Located at the intersection of Queens Boulevard and Jackson Avenue, and close to the Taxi & Limousine Commission’s main driver support center, many say the LIC Superhub will be particularly useful to New York’s taxi and rideshare drivers transitioning to electric vehicles. It is Revel’s third public Superhub in New York City.

“As Revel continues expanding our network of public fast charging, we are making it easier for all drivers — especially TLC-licensed drivers — to transition to zero-emission electric vehicles,” said Frank Reig, Co-Founder & CEO of Revel.

“I’m thrilled to celebrate the first public fast charging station in Long Island City alongside Revel, which promises to be a great addition to our borough’s sustainability progress,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. “We’re adding to our goal of building a greener and more resilient Queens by going from one of climate change’s biggest victims to becoming a hub of sustainability and carbon neutrality through programs like the Champlain Hudson Power Express, through leading the city in solar panel installations, through net-zero communities like Arverne East and

now through powering the electric vehicle revolution.”

“We’re thrilled that Revel has just opened up a fast-charging site near TLC’s main business hub,” said Taxi & Limousine Commissioner David Do. “… The Commission voted unanimously in favor of the electrification of the city’s rideshare fleet by 2030. Infrastructure like this, strategically located near areas where TLC drivers work and live, is exactly what will support our Green Rides initiative. We look forward to more superhubs, which will help power us towards a cleaner, healthier, and more accessible city.”

Revel is the leading provider of public EV fast charging in New York City. Like Revel’s other Superhubs — the flagship Superhub in Bedford-Stuyvesant and the South Williamsburg Superhub opened earlier this year — the LIC Superhub is open to the public 24/7, capable of fully charging an EV in minutes not hours, has no parking fees or other paywalls to enter, and is equipped with both CCS and NACS plug standards. The LIC Superhub has 14 fast charging plugs providing 150 kW speeds, considered “ultrafast” charging that can supply an extra EV with up to 100 miles of range in 10 minutes.

Revel is expanding its public fast charging network to more than 300 plugs across New York in the next year. The company will develop the first public fast charging stations in the Bronx and Harlem, and bring more sites to Queens, Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan. Those sites include two 60-plug Superhubs, which will be the largest public fast charging stations in the Western Hemisphere. Later this year, Revel will expand its Superhub model to the Bay Area.

This new hub is a welcome site to drivers of electric vehicles, who view Queens as a desert when it comes to adequate charge stations with enough power to charge their car in a reasonable time. The Queens Center Mall has several level-3 chargers,

but others in Queens are few and far between. “We are delighted to be here today with Revel, as they open the largest electric vehicle fast charging station in Queens.

Our borough is home to the largest number of taxi and rideshare drivers in the city, and this investment from Revel is vital to their economic well being. We look forward to Revel’s continued investment in our borough, which will help drivers reduce their environmental impact and save money on fuel costs,” said Thomas J. Grech, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

“NYLCV applauds Revel for opening their latest electric vehicle fast charging superhub in Long Island City. New York City needs a robust fast charging network so New Yorkers — most of whom can’t charge at home — know they can switch from fossil fuel powered cars and trucks to electric vehicles.

By providing fast-charging stations across the city that are accessible to any EV, Revel is helping ensure we can meet Mayor Adams’s goal to electrify the for-hire vehicle sector by 2030 and that the infrastructure is in place to support the broader EV revolution,” said Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters.

“The ready availability of ultrafast charging stations is critical to accelerating sustainable transportation,” said Tishman Speyer Managing Director, Global Head of Sustainability and Building Technologies, Jonathan Flaherty.

“We are pleased to partner with Revel to install Queen’s largest public charging hub at The JACX. In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, this initiative will further enhance the quality of life for Long Island City’s residents and businesses.”

“Con Edison believes that every New Yorker can share in the benefits of a clean energy future,” said Jen Hensley, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Con Edison. “We are thrilled to support Revel’s expansion of fast chargers through our PowerReady program.

Con Edison is making significant investments in the infrastructure needed to accommodate increased demand from electric vehicle charging and heating, and new sources of renewable energy as New Yorkers reduce their reliance on fossil-fuels. Projects like this make charging an EV fast and easy, so every New Yorker can participate in the clean energy transition.”

“Empire Clean Cities is thrilled to see Revel open its first public charging station in Queens. Hastening the transition from fossil fuel powered vehicles to electric vehicles, the LIC Charging Station will support a mode shift for rideshare drivers and others that will reduce greenhouse gasses and other toxic vehicle emissions and improve air quality and public health for all New Yorkers. Congratulations to Revel and all those who helped make this charging station possible,” said Joy Gardner, Executive Director of Empire Clean Cities.

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QUEENS BUSINESS PERSONS EVENT

2023 BUSINESS PERSONS OF THE YEAR AWARDS GALA

High-profile event honored business leaders from an array of industries On the evening of Wednesday, December 6, hundreds of business, government and community leaders from throughout Queens gathered at Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park for the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Persons of the Year Awards Dinner.

The evening recognized Kevin O’Toole, Chairman of Board of Commissioners, The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey; Jen Hensley, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Con Edison; Hon. Peter Vallone, Sr., Former Speaker and Democratic Majority Leader, New York City Council; Eden G. Egziabher, Founder and Owner,

Makina Cafe; Jennifer Walden Weprin, Executive Director, Queens County Farm; and Jackie Donado, Vice President, Strategic Programs, Queens Chamber of Commerce.

Jackie Donado for their unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with vision and entrepreneurial spirit. Each has made incredible

contributions to our thriving business landscape, and we take great pride in their accomplishments.”

Jen Hensley, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Con Edison.

serving the 10 million people of New York City, Westchester, Orange, and Rockland counties. In her role, she oversees Government and Community Relations, Regulatory Affai rs, Com munications, Marketing, and Philanthropy departments. She is a member of the company’s Corporate Leadership Team.

Jennifer Hensley is the senior vice president of Corporate Affairs at Con Edison, the energy company

Hon. Peter Vallone, Sr., Former Speaker and Democratic Majority Leader, New York City Council.

Peter Vallone is “Astoria” through and through. At a young age, Peter Vallone was well aware of the public service legacy he would carry on.

The Vallone family not only carves an indelible mark in Astoria, but also in New York City. His dad, Judge Charles Vallone, would build a Boys Club in Astoria that remains a pillar in the community, and Peter, himself, would become a fabric of the city council, rising to its majority

“Each year, we have the privilege of recognizing outstanding individuals who have left a mark on the Queens community and demonstrated leadership, innovation, and dedication in their chosen fields,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “This year, it is our honor to recognize Kevin O’Toole, Jen Hensley, the Honorable Peter Vallone, Sr., Eden G. Egziabher, Jennifer Walden Weprin, and

This year’s Business Persons of the Year honorees include: Kevin O’Toole, Chairman of Board of Commissioners, The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey.

Kevin J. O’Toole was nominated to the Port Authority Board of Commissioners by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and joined the Board on July 2, 2017.

He was elected Chairman of the Board on August 3, 2017. As the founding and managing partner of O’Toole Scrivo, Kevin O’Toole’s law practice encompasses toxic tort,

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environmental law, risk management, class actions, complex litigation, and corporate investigations.

He is routinely called upon by Fortune 500 companies to obtain cost-effective, early resolution of complex matters and sought out to provide detailed analyses of sophisticated matters, evaluate case preparation, predict outcomes, and assist in the development of strategic risk management planning.

Kevin has served as both National Coordinating Counsel for corporate clients and as the operational leader of multi-jurisdictional litigation teams responsible for trying dozens of high-profile multi-million-dollar matters.

Continue Reading on Page 19

December 2023 | January 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 12

QUEENS NEWS

Queens Small Business Leaders Honored at Five Borough MWBE Awards

Owners of Rincon Salvadoreno and The Broadway Silk Store are recognized by the Five Chamber Alliance and TD Bank at annual event celebrating Minority and Women-Owned Business Leaders.

NEW YORK, NY (January 10, 2024) – Today, two Queens small businesses were honored by the Five Chamber Alliance and TD Bank at a ceremony recognizing outstanding Minority and Women OwnedBusiness Leaders. Elena Barcenes, owner of Rincon Salvadoreno, and Sarah-Beth White, owner of The Broadway Silk Store, each received a Five Borough MWBE Award from the five boroughwide chambers of commerce for their contributions to New York City’s small business community.

“The Queens Chamber of Commerce proudly congratulates Elena Barcenes of Rincon Salvadoreno and Sarah-Beth White of The Broadway Silk Store for their welldeserved recognition at the Five Borough MWBE Awards,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

“Their dedication, resilience, and contributions exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship thriving in our borough. We’re immensely proud to support these remarkable small business leaders and salute their commitment to both their enterprises and our community. This recognition not only honors them but also highlights the pivotal role played by minority and womenowned enterprises in our local

economy, and we remain steadfast in our support for all entrepreneurs through our work at the Queens Chamber and through initiatives like the Small Business Resource Network.”

The event, hosted at One Vanderbilt in Midtown Manhattan, also highlighted the importance of the Small Business Resource Network and its commitment to supporting MWBEs, which represent 76% of the businesses it serves. SBRN is a comprehensive approach to small business resiliency that offers free, personalized guidance and support to help businesses grow and thrive.

Originally launched as a pandemic recovery effort, the SBRN continues to support small businesses via a collaborative partnership between

the five boroughwide chambers of commerce, with generous support from the City of New York.

“Today we recognize the extraordinary achievements of 10 businesses and entrepreneurs that not only contribute to the economic vibrancy of New York City but also embody the spirit of equity and diversity,” said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in a recorded statement.

“I also want to recognize the importance and success of the Small Business Resource Network. This collaboration of public and private partners provides key financial and entrepreneurial assistance to the over 230,000 small businesses in New York City.”

“NYCEDC is proud to congratulate Continue Reading on Page 24

QUEENS BUSINESS PERSONS EVENT of new partners and funders to support growth and public service.

She has led the organization through its most robust DEIA initiative since its inception. In May 2023, Jennifer was named to the Queens Power 100 List by “City & State New York.”

Continued From Page 20 leader and speaker for nearly three decades. He helped build The Vallone Senior Residence on 21st St., which provides supportive housing to 100 seniors. But most remarkable, in the eyes of the Queen Chamber of Commerce, awarding Pete with this distinction is the mark he made shaping the city council’s influence, and governing the city.

Twenty years after leaving public office, Mr. Vallone’s lobbying efforts have kept Queens at the forefront of receiving its due attention as a bustling borough. As a partner and governmental strategist for the Constantinople & Vallone Consulting LLC, Peter helps represent a number of firms and organizations, gaining grants and funding in order to better serve the community. “Service first” is a hallmark for Peter.

About the Queens Chamber of Commerce:

Eden G. Egziabher, Founder and Owner, Makina Cafe.

of the Ethiopian-Eritrean food truck Makina Cafe is the personification of her business. Though ethnically Eritrean, Egziabher was raised in Ethiopia until a war broke out between the two countries and her family had to move to the United States. In the United States, Egziabher said she felt there was a lack of representation of the food from her two homes and wanted to change that. Makina Cafe was born out of that goal to be at the forefront of expanding Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine.

Eden Egziabher, owner and founder

Jennifer Walden Weprin, Executive

Director, Queens County Farm.

Jennifer Walden Weprin is the Executive Director of the Queens County Farm Museum - one of the longest continually farmed sites in New York State, dating back to 1697 - and the most visited cultural institution in Queens. Jennifer has led the largest agricultural expansion and operational plan in the organization’s 50-year history.

She expanded food production and farmstand operations, increased public programming by 58% despite pandemic business interruptions, and built an unprecedented network

The Queens Chamber of Commerce is the oldest and largest business association in Queens, representing more than 1,400 businesses and more than 150,000 Queens-based employees. Its mission is to foster connections, educate for success, develop/implement programs and advocate for members’ interests. www.queenschamber.org

Pictures and Video on page 20

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QUEENS BUSINESS PERSONS EVENT Photo Credit: Emma Leavy

Scan the QR code to watch our recap video 20

December 2023 | January 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 12

QUEENS NEWS

‘Women Auto Know’ & St Marys Hospital for Children In the heart of Bayside, New York, there exists a place that stands as a beacon of hope for children, young adults, and families facing complex medical challenges. St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children is dedicated to enhancing the health and quality of life for those who need it most. However, the commitment of St. Mary’s extends beyond the young patients it serves; it also embraces its dedicated employees who care for these children. In a heartwarming collaboration, St. Mary’s recently hosted a special “auto Know” vehicle maintenance and safety workshop, with the generous involvement of Audra Fordin, the founder of Women Auto Know and owner of Great Bear Auto. This event brought together individuals with big hearts to ensure that little patients are cared for, even beyond the hospital walls.

St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children understands that true care extends beyond the hospital room.

It encompasses the entire well-being of patients and their families. Hence, the institution has always aimed to provide holistic support, and part of that extends to the well-being of their dedicated staff. St. Mary’s believes that taking care of those who take care of the children is of utmost importance. The recent collaboration with Audra Fordin and Women Auto Know exemplifies this belief. Workshops are great for team building

Audra Fordin, the founder of Women Auto Know, is not only a successful businesswoman but also a passionate advocate for vehicle maintenance and safety. Her initiative, Women Auto Know, empowers women of all ages to take charge of their vehicle’s maintenance and safety, breaking down stereotypes and ensuring that everyone has the knowledge to stay safe on the road. Her collaboration with St. Mary’s was a testament to her commitment to extending the importance of auto care to all walks of life.

The hands-on workshop, hosted over 2 days at St. Mary’s Bayside, and New Hyde Park, NY location, was an experience like no other. Audra Fordin and her team from Women Auto Know were on hand to share their knowledge and expertise with the St. Mary’s staff. This wasn’t just a dry, technical presentation; it was a lively and interactive event where

learning about vehicle maintenance was fun.

The participants delved into the nittygritty details of auto care, learning about vital aspects about motor oil, tire maintenance, and brakes. The workshop aimed to equip the staff with the skills and knowledge to ensure that their vehicles are not only reliable but also safe. It’s a crucial step, considering that an alarming 13% of all accidents on the road are attributed to poor vehicle maintenance.

The impact of this collaboration workshop was profound. St. Mary’s staff members not only gained essential knowledge about vehicle maintenance and safety but also had an incredible time doing so. The event fostered camaraderie and a sense of empowerment, allowing the team to take control of their own vehicle maintenance, which ultimately ensures their safety on the road.

Moreover, the collaboration with Audra Fordin and Women Auto Know resonated with the ethos of St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children. It showcased how a commitment to the well-being of patients extends to the well-being of the team members who care for them. St. Mary’s, Great Bear Auto, and Women Auto Know came together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the dedicated healthcare professionals

who, in turn, provide exceptional care to the children in need.

The collaboration workshop between St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children, Audra Fordin, and Women Auto Know was a heartwarming example of how institutions can come together to support and empower their employees. In this case, it wasn’t just about improving vehicle maintenance skills; it was about fostering a sense of community and care among those who have big hearts for little patients. It is a reminder that when we work together and share knowledge, we can make a positive impact on the world, one step at a time, and one well-maintained vehicle at a time.

21

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

QUEENS NEWS

Chamber Hosts Hard Rock Vendor Event On Thursday, January 11th nearly 200 vendors from various industries gathered at The Queens Hall of Science to hear from the Hard Rock leadership team to learn about opportunities to partner at the future Citifield Casino location. After a presentation, representatives from Hard Rock met with representatives from Queens companies. The Queens Women’s Chamber and McKissack also sponsored the event.

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

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QUEENS NEWS Continued from Page 19 the 10 exceptional businesses that have been recognized for their outstanding Minority and Women Owned-Businesses Leaders and their contributions to New York City’s economy,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President & CEO Andrew Kimball.

“Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises are essential to ensuring that we are building a vibrant and inclusive economy for all New Yorkers, and we are proud to support the NYC Small Business Resource Network in providing small businesses across all boroughs with the tools and resources they need to succeed.”

“Congratulations to this year’s honorees at the annual Five Borough M/WBE Awards,” said New York City Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin D. Kim. “These businesses reflect the diversity and excellence in entrepreneurship that make New York City’s commercial corridors the best in the world. It is their hard

work and dedication that are the essence of what it means to be the City of Yes.” “This award is very important to me.

As a five borough MWBE recipient, I am able to represent small minority business owners in New York City,” said Elena Barcenes, owner of Rincon Salvadoreno. “This award represents resilience, hard work, and dedication to my business and community. It represents the importance to work with community organizations, and local businesses, and to have a voice in the community.”

“Now in our 4th generation, our 85-year old woman-owned business is honored to be recognized by the Five Chamber Alliance,” said SarahBeth White, owner of The Broadway Silk Store. “The Queens Chamber provided incredible support during the pandemic and we were able to take advantage of its many valuable resources and work with really caring, knowledgeable professionals.

We are very grateful for all the help the chamber offered during an incredibly difficult time.”

The winners of the 2024 Five

Borough MWBE Awards are: Kenia Gomez, K & G Upright Consulting, Inc, Bronx Telloyd Richards, SolTech Energy Inc, Bronx Celene Davis and Kawana Jefferson, Sweet Brooklyn, Sweet Catch, Brooklyn Jamila and Alfonso Wright, Brooklyn Tea, Brooklyn Arnaldo Silva, Sweet Isla Bakery, Manhattan Evetta Petty, Harlem’s Heaven Hats, Manhattan Elena Barcenes, Rincon Salvadoreno, Queens Sarah-Beth White, The Broadway Silk Store, Queens Deya Encarnacion Felici, Vinum, Don Cheech, Belvedere Hospitality Group, Staten Island Shaw-naé M. Dixon, Shaw-naé’s House, Staten Island About the Queens Chamber of Commerce: The Queens Chamber of Commerce is the oldest and largest business association in Queens, representing more than 1,400 businesses and more than 150,000 Queens-based

employees. Its mission is to foster connections, educate for success, develop/implement programs and advocate for members’ interests. www.queenschamber.org About the NYC Small Business Resource Network: The NYC Small Business Resource Network (SBRN) is a comprehensive approach to small business resiliency that offers free, personalized guidance and support to help businesses grow and thrive.

Originally launched as a pandemic recovery effort, the SBRN continues to support small businesses today via a collaborative partnership between the five borough chambers of commerce, with generous support from the City of New York. Our unique service-delivery model places Business Support Specialists on the ground in neighborhoods across the city, helping businesses get connected to free resources offered by both the public and private sectors.

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.

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

24

organizational development.

Established in 1989, the Federation is a pan-Asian non-profit o rg a n i z a t i o n 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

1997, the Bayside Business Association services all of Bayside business to address issues and concerns those businesses have with regards to running their businesses.

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 C om mu n it y D evelopme nt 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 one-on-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

Continued on Page 26

December 2023 | January 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 12

QUEENSBOROUGH CALENDAR OF EVENTS QUEENS CHAMBER & QCC FOUNDATION ANNUAL GOLF OUTING AND DINNER Oct. 23 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

You are invited to the 2023 Queens Chamber & Queens Chamber Foundation Golf Outing and Dinner!

This is a fun event filled with food, drink, and professional networking.

You are welcome to attend the full day of golf or simply join us for the dinner/awards ceremony. You do not want to miss out on this once-a-year opportunity, so register now.

For Sponsorship Opportunities or questions, please contact Joanne Persad at 718.898.8500 x 123.

GARDEN CITY COUNTRY CLUB 206 STEWART AVENUE GARDEN CITY, NY 11530

LEGAL ESSENTIALS FOR SMALL BUSINESS - PART 1

Oct 25, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

This three-part webinar series will cover the essential legal issues that small business owners need to know.

Each webinar will focus on a different topic. Part 1 includes: Start Ups & Early Stage Businesses Legal Considerations for HomeBased Businesses When to incorporate & how to choose the right business entity for your business The legal requirements for forming and maintaining a business entity Regulatory Approvals Basic Contracts including Shareholder & Partnership Agreements Intro to Intellectual Property Financing basics including an introduction to secured transaction This webinar series is designed to be informative and interactive.

Participants will have the opportunity to ask general questions and get answers from an experienced lawyer.

Who Should Attend?

This webinar series is ideal for small business owners who want to learn more about the essential legal issues that they need to be aware of.

It is also a good resource for entrepreneurs who are just starting out and need to learn about the legal requirements for forming and operating a business. This course will help small business owners identify potential legal issues with their small business.

Don’t miss this valuable event!

Online Event. Visit https://queenschamber.org/events for event registration

FLUSHING BUSINESS RESOURCES DAY

Oct. 26 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Queens Chamber of Commerce, the NYC Small Business Administration, and the Queens Public Library are hosting a multilingual small business resource fair.

Business owners will have the opportunity to meet and greet representatives from city agencies and local organizations.

Meet and greet representatives from: SBS - NYC Small Business Administration DSNY - Department of Sanitation NYPD - Community Affairs NYC Police Department DCWP - Department of Consumer Affair and Worker Protection Accompany Capital Pursuit Fidelis Care TD Bank Queens Chamber of Commerce South Asian Women Project and more Event opens to the public at 2:00 pm. Complimentary admission to all. private foundations for funding.

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES

GLANCE: Business Outreach Center Network’s mission is to improve the economic prospects of traditionally underserved groups, with a focus on lowand 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. QUICK

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 wellbeing, 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 26

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.

GANYC – GUIDES ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK CITY

115 Broadway, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10006 Associate Director: Harvey Davidson 908-499-3735 info@ganyc.org Ganyc.org QUICK GLANCE: GANYC was founded in

1974 by licensed tour guides for licensed tour guides. We are one of the oldest and most active tour guides associations in America. Founded originally as an association of multilingual guides, GANYC has grown greatly since, encompassing a wide variety of guides that ref lect the diversity of NYC’s tourism industry. We provide a number of services for locals and the visiting public as well as for our members including tour guide education, familiarization tours (FAM Tours), professional advice and workshops.

GATEWAYJFK

Interim Executive Director: Barbara J. Cohen 718.304.0119 info@GatewayJFK.org GatewayJFK.org QUICK GLANCE: GatewayJFK is a pub-

lic-private partnership providing neighborhood services, improvements and advocacy for the District’s off-airport cargo community and all who live, work or visit the area. A vital link in the global supply chain, GatewayJFK is a distinct and unique NYC neighborhood of major economic significance to the region, the nation, and the world.”

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 oppor t unit y and improves quality of life for the ethnically and economically diverse residents of Jamaica and for the region at large, which

benefits from rational, well-planned, and sustainable metropolitan growth.

GREATER WOODHAVEN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION - WOODHAVEN BID

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

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

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 jf kairportchamberofcommerce.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

718.786.5300 longislandcityqueens.com QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1979, the

Long Island City Partnership advocates

December 2023 | January 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 12

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES

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: Covering roughly 600

businesses 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.

MIDDLE VILLAGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

79-47 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village, NY 11379 President: Salvatore Crifasi 718.894.8700 Sal@Crifasi.com QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $8,000 with

35 businesses under its umbrella. Formed in 1929. MVCC meets annually and focuses on the Metropolitan Avenue shopping district between 69 and 80 th streets. 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.

es all 300 business located on Steinway Street from 28th Avenue to 35th Avenue.

National chain stores such as Victoria’s Secret, The Gap, Benetton, and Express are side by side with local family-owned shops.

QUEENS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

SU NN YSIDE COMMERCE

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. Register online for upcoming virtual events, including:

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 QUICK GLANCE: 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 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.

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 encompass-

CH AMBER

OF

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

get 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: The BID has a bud-

get of 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 safe and dynamic commercial district.

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 Ave. and 94th Ave.

URBAN UPBOUND

40th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101 CEO & Co-Founder: Bishop Mitchell G. Taylor QUICK GLANCE: Urban Upbound, origi-

nally known as East River Development Alliance (ERDA), was co-founded in 2002

by Debra-Ellen Glickstein, a strong advocate of economic development inclusion, and Bishop Mitchell Taylor, a lifelong resident of Queensbridge Houses, with the intention to develop high-quality services that address resident-identified needs.

Since then, the organization has grown to serve thousands of youth and adults living in public housing and other low-and moderate-income neighborhoods annually

27

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH CORPORATE

queenschamber.org

NEW MEMBERS SMALL BUSINESS PARTNERS

Santander Bank 437 Madison Avenue 10th Floor New York NY 10022 Contact Anthony J. Wilkens anthony.wilkens@santander.us

Rocco's of Roc Beach 115-10 Rockaway Beach Blvd.

Rockaway NY 11694 Contact JoAnne Cotrone roccosco@lovenpizza.com

Healthy NYRX Inc. 3261 85th Street East Elmhurst, NY 11370 Contact: Violeta Khaimova, healthynyrx@ gmail.com

Salz Group 1188 Alberston Ave. #707 Alberston NY 11507 Contact Suhail Sitaf ssitaf@salzgroup.com

Empanadas Cafe 56-27 Van Doren Street Corona NY 11368 Contact Patricia Bernard patriciabernard9@gmail.com

LandSkyAI, LLC 43-01 21st St Ste. 318A Long Island City New York 11101 Contact Jake Shild jake@landsky.ai

O & S Associates, Inc. 520 8th Avenue Suite 2004 New York New York 10018 Contact Charles Bilodeau cbilodeau@oandsassociates.com

Moves and Motions Dance Inc. 70-20 88th Street Glendale New York 11385 Contact Jodi Fera jodifera@gmail.com

Fresh Fast Foods dbq Burgers, Tacos, Wings + Seafood 110-46 Merrick Blvd. Jamaica NY 11433 Contact Philip Armstrong power@btwnyc.com

Work Better Now 1120 Avenue of the Americas #4114 New York New York 10036 Contact Robert Levin rlevin@workbetternow.com

Hankin & Mazel, PLLC 60 Cutter Mill Road 505 Great Neck NY 11021 Contact Geoffrey Mazel gmazel@hankinmazel.com

SpeakEasy Services 263 Lincoln Blvd Merrick NY 11566 Contact Maria Goldberg mgoldberg@speakeasyservices.com

Fluid Mechanics Corp 170-36 Douglas Ave Jamaica NY 11433 Contact George Kiouzellis george@fluidmcorp.com

MKC Threads 127 Albertson Avenue Albertson New York 11507 Contact Kai Shum kai@mkcthreads.com

Hart Leo Balloons 4-75 48th ave LIC NY 11109 Contact Eliana Zambrano hi@hartleo.com

Doha bar Lounge 3834 31st Street Long Island City NY 11101 Contact Andria Caceres dohabarlounge@gmail.com

MAJOR CORPORATE DO & CO New York Catering, Inc. 149-32 132 Street Jamaica NY 11430 Contact Tino Wohlfahrt tino.wohlfahrt@doco.com

28

Citi Bank 388 Greenwich St. New York City NY 10013 Contact Shimonah Israel shimonah.israel@citi.com

LaGuardia Gateway Partners LaGuardia Airport, Central Terminal B, RM 3595 Flushing NY 11371 Contact Tracy Sandford tracy.sandford@laguardiacentral.com

December 2023 | January 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 12 EXECUTIVE COMMMITEE Howard Graf

Patrick Yu

Thomas J. Grech

Brendan Leavy

Richard Dzwlewicz

Michelle Stoddart

Joanne M. Persad

Jacqueline Donado

Chairperson

Associate Treasurer

Vice Chair

Associate Secretary

Treasurer

Immediate Past Chair

Patricia Mezeul Nash Roe

Thomas J. Santucci

Secretary

Kenneth J. Buettner Patricia Ornst Charles E. Callahan, III Salvatore Crifasi David Diraio Steven DeClara Richard Dzwlewicz

SENIOR ADVISORY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE STAFF President & CEO

Business Development Manager

Chief of Operations

Strategic Program Coordinator

Arlene Diangkinay

Jef Gross

Financial Controller

Neil Wagner

Manager of Media Relations

Business Service Program Manager

Charles Everett, Jr. Joseph R. Ficalora Tamara Gavrielof Howard Graf Fran Gross Raymond Irrera Kenneth Koenig

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lorraine Chambers Lewis Bert Lurch Meredith Marshall Carl Mattone Patricia Mezeul Melinda Murray-Nyack Maria Odysseos

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

CORPORATE MEMBERS

Michelle Stoddart Terri Thomson Henry Wan Patrick Yu Daniel Zausner Patrick Jenkins John Mascialino

ConnectOne Bank Forest Hills Financial Group, Inc. Consigli Construction Co Inc Gatsons Electric Cornell Tech Giant Industrial Installations Cornerstone Land Abstract Gil-Bar Industries, Inc. Cort GOLDEN AGE HOME CARE INC CPower Energy Management Goodman Crescent Properties, Inc Goodwill Industries NYNJ Crown Castle Graf & Lewent Architects Crystal Window & Door Systems, Ltd Greater NY Automobiles Dealers AsDack Consulting Solutions sociation Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP Grubb Properties Dedline AV H2M architects + engineers Diehl & Sons Inc. D.b.a New York HANAC, Inc. Freightliner HE2PD, Inc. Direct Clean Service Solutions Healthy Corner Pharmacy Edward Jones Heatherwood Communities E-J Electric Installation Co. HOK EJ Stevens Group Hugh O’Kane Electric Co., Inc. Elite Builders and Management Hyatt Place Flushing EMCOR NY/NJ Hydro-Quebec Energy Services EMU Health IKEA Queens Exquisite Construction corp INDA, Association of Nonwoven Fabric Fenagh Engineering & Testing Industry First Central Savings Bank Inggroups First Choice Vending Innovo Property Group First National Bank of LI J Strategies, Inc Firstlight Cloud Xchange J.W. Hampton Jr. & Co., Inc. Flushing Bank Jamaica Multiplex Cinemas / Showcase Cinemas James E Fitzgerald COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP Jason Office Products JGM Construction Development, LLC ARTS & ENERGY FOOD, BEVERAGE & JME Group LLC ENTERTAINMENT HOSPITALITY Kasirer, LLC Marshall Haimson Kaufman Astoria Studios, Inc. Kelsey Brow Kelair Inc. E-Capital Development Jim Quent King Manor Museum K-Four Construction Corp. marshall@e-capitaldevelopment.com Statewide Public Affairs director@kingmanormuseum.org Koeppel Auto Group Jay Solly jquent@statewidepublicaffairs.com Laffey Real Estate Sol Strategies Rachel Kellner BANKING & LAW Legacy Contractors NYC LLC jaypsolly@gmail.com Aigner Chocolates Lenoblelumber Co rachel@aignerchocolates.com John Renda Liberty Ashes Inc. Edward Jones Loconsolo Paints John.Renda@edwardjones.com Macerich Madison International Realty COMMUNICATIONS NOT FOR PROFIT ENTREPRENEURSHIP & Mayer Malbin Company, Inc. Mc Gowan INNOVATION Jake Oliver Larry Grubler MD Squared Property Group LLC Anat Gerstein Media X Partners Inc. Transitional Services of NY Bill Staniford jake@anatgerstein.com MedRite lgrubler@tsiny.org Rentigo Henry Ramos Mega Contracting Group LLC Christine Deska bill@staniford.com Dedline AV Molloy College BellesBoard/Nonprofit Sector Ryan Letts henry@dedlineav.com Mr. T Carting Corp.

Strategies Cleonmaye Corporation MSN Air Service Inc christine@nonprofitsectorstrategies.org HEALTHCARE & rletts@cleonmaye.com Netwolf Cyber Intelligence Advisers WELLNESS Neutron Holdings, Inc New York & Atlantic Railway FAMILY-OWNED Prabhleen S. Virk New York State Energy Coalition, Inc. BUSINESSES REAL ESTATE Citrin Cooperman Nonprofit Sector Strategies, PBC pvirk@citrincooperman.com Northwell Go Health Urgent Care Chad Callahan Kevin Louie Northwell Health Plaza College RIPCO Notionwide Financial cec4@plazacollege.edu klouie@ripcony.com TRANSPORTATION Omni Funding Corp. of America Michael Shoule Michael Wang Phil Jones On-trac Construction Associates JW Hampton Project Queens LIME Oxford Harriman & Company/Haddad mikes@jwhampton.com michael@projectqueens.com & Co. philip@li.me Patrick B. Jenkins & Associates

A&L Cesspool Services Corp A+ Technology & Security AARP Abrams Fensterman ADS Engineers, DPC Advanced Technology Alliance AES Aetna Better Health of New York AFGO Mechanical Services, Inc Allegiant Home Care Allied Risk Management, Inc Andromeda Antun’s of Queens Village Approved General Contracting Inc., ARK Import Export Center, LLC At Your Side Home Care Service Avison Young Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service Barasch & McGarry Barn Truck Rental Barone Management LLC Bayside CJ LLC BedRock Real Estate Partners, LLC Berkshire HathawayHomeservices Laffey International Realty Bethpage Federal Credit Union Blumenfeld Development Group,

Ltd. Bonanza Contracting LLC Brooklyn Tile and Design BRP Companies BTX Global Logistics Bulovas Restorations Inc Capital One Bank Capitol Fire Sprinkler Carben Construction Inc. Carter Milchman and Frank Carter, DeLuca & Farrell LLP Catholic Charities Brooklyn & Queens Catholic Health CBIZ Marks Paneth CBRE CDS-Mestel Construction Center for Automotive Education and Training Century Development Group Cerini and Associates, LLP. Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP Cine Magic LIC Studios, LLC Cipico Construction, Inc. CitiQuiet Coastal Flooring Solutions Colliers Securities

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.

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Paycor PBIPayroll & Workforce Technologies Perch Advisors LLC PGA Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Ponce Bank Praxis Public Relations Priority 1 Security LLC QSIDE Federal Credit Union Queens College CUNY Queens Garden Florist Inc Queensborough Community College Regal Heights Ripco Investment Sales Rock Brokerage Ronald Fatoullah & Associates Rosco Inc. Royal Waste Services Russo’s on the Bay Samaritan Daytop Village Securitech Group, Inc. Signature Bank SkyTrac Access Group, LLC SL Green Realty Corp.

SourceBlue Spectrum Reach Spoton Squad Security Inc. St. Francis Preparatory School St. John’s Episcopal Hospital St. John’s University Starbucks Corporation STARS Northwell Health Storm Marking LLC Structural Engineering Technologies, P.C. SUNation Solar Systems Superior Office Solutions Target The Astoria World Manor The Ideal Supply Company The L Grp The Liquidity Source The Sandhu Group Tristate Plumbing Services Corp Tristate Safety Triumvirate Environmental United Airlines United American Title Agency United Construction and Development Group Corp United Public Adjusters & Appraisers, Inc. Universal Healthcare USTA National Tennis Center, Inc. Valley National Bank Vassilaros & Sons Coffee Vensure HR Walsh Patel Group Consulting VOREA Waste Management of New York LLC Watch Guard 24/7 Waymo White Coffee Corp Wildlife Conservation Society XPOexpress Zara Realty

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December 2023 | January 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 12 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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