Queensborough Magazine May 2017

May 2017 . Volume 14 . Issue 5

INVESTORS

BANK Invested in Queens

INSIDE:

CHAMBER GEARING UP FOR BIZ EXPO

HONORING THE MWBE’S OF QUEENS QCC HEADED TO ALBANY

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May 2017 • Volume 14 • Issue 5

A Message From the President

TOP TEN HIGHLIGHTS FROM A SUCCESSFUL YEAR Last month was the Queens Chamber’s events that honor excellence in the borough in Installation of Officers and Annual Members business leadership with the Business Person Meeting. As such, I wanted to provide our top of the Year and our 91st Building Awards Gala, ten highlights from the past year. in which we recognize the architects, As the first Hispanic and builders, engineers, interior designers foreign-born woman to be and owners of buildings in Queens. elected president of the Queens 5. “The Chamber on the Go” Chamber of Commerce, it’s been Program, which will be completed in an exciting year with numerous June of this year, allowed the chamber milestones as we celebrated our to work with our legislative leaders in 105 years of existence. Highlights each of our 21 Queens neighborhoods include: to conduct surveys so we could better 1. We achieved the highest understand their specific needs. We membership growth in the past have reached over 350 individuals five years at 21 percent, crossing with these surveys. As a result, mayra dirico specific targeted programs have and the 1,100-member mark.

2. We delivered over 100 QCC President will continue to be developed that complimentary seminars to help will help the businesses succeed our members on a variety of topics throughout Queens. ranging from human resources, marketing, 6. We have expanded both the chamber staff professional skills development, finances, and the Board of Directors to reflect the great taxes, and new legislation – just to name a few. diversity of our borough.

3. We hosted over 12 networking events with 7. Over 75 projects were completed over 800 members participating. Our annual across six pillars to position the chamber to complimentary Business Expo at Citi Field continue to be the borough’s largest and most featured 130 exhibitors and 19 seminars and influential business advocacy organization. The was attended by over 1,400 people. chamber currently has 32 partner and affiliate 4. We continued our annual recognition organizations ranging from other local chambers

to economic development companies across the entire borough.

8. Our monthly This is Queensborough magazine has continued to give our members important articles pertinent to succeeding in Queens.

9. We held our very first all-day Queens Real Estate Expo attended by over 400 people. With over a dozen renowned speakers, attendees were able to learn that “Queens has arrived” – from the borough once traveled “through” to the borough now traveled “to.” Over the past several years, the amount of development has simply exploded. Real estate has seen a YOY 11 percent increase in median sales prices.

10. Executive Director Tom Grech continued to work closely with Borough President Melinda Katz and all of the Queens elected officials with one-on-one meetings on the legislative issues affecting our borough.

I will end with one of my favorite quotes: “To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.”

I invite you to believe that both our borough and the Queens Chamber are destined for greatness.

Thank you.

A Message From the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THREE MAIN ISSUES The primary reasons Queens has become a banking hotspot is because people want to work, live and play in Queens County. While this issue focuses on the banking sector, I am equally thrilled to detail what we have in store for Queens at our May 17th Business Expo at Citi Field.

This years’ breakfast Thomas J. topic focuses on Grech the intersection Executive of healthcare, transportation and Director manufacturing, entitled “Queens: The new New York Destination.” As the largest employment segment in Queens, we firmly believe that healthcare will be a driving force for not only the jobs of the future, but also the need for a greater transportation network for both patients

and employees.

Further, the resurgence in local Queens manufacturing also fuels the need for qualified employees and their employers to have access to a dependable transportation infrastructure to move raw materials, finished goods and employees.

The breakfast panel is held in the auditorium at Citi Field. This part of our day runs from 8 to 10 a.m. We are honored to have John Catsimatidis kick off the panel discussion on the importance of these three segments to Queens County. There will be Q&A, as well as questions and comments from the audience.

If you want to meet and discuss these topics and more, please register to attend the breakfast and plan to stay all day!

CATSIMATIDIS

LIU

BROWNING

BREAKFAST PANEL • Healthcare

Caryn Schwab, Mt. Sinai Health System Susan Browning, Northwell Health

•Transportation

Ya Ting Liu, BQX Elana Ehrenberg, NYC Ferry

• Manufacturing

Charles Boyce, Boyce Technologies Gulriz Anil, Brooks Brothers Paula Kirby, Plaxall Corporation

BOYCE

KIRBY

SCHWAB

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QUEENS QUIPS Chamber hosts Queens SOUP The Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce organized the first Queens SOUP, a crowdfunding and micro-grant initiative, on Earth Day. The potluck dinner collects money to provide seed funding to launch local projects with community impact.

“Queens SOUP can make starting projects and finding funding easier for local artists and grassroots groups,” said SOUP coordinator Cody Herrmann.

With a $5 donation, participants ate dinner, learned about initiatives and voted for one of four projects. When all the ballots were counted, the money was awarded to the project with the most votes.

Projects included a Flushing community cook-off and food festival, a playwriting in public plazas project, a Tinker Lab class, and an initiative to give disposable cameras to Queens residents.

City unveils step-by-step guide for immigrant entrepreneurs

financial planning, and technology tools and strategies.

“As an immigrant whose grandmother supported the family through entrepreneurship, I know first-hand that owning a business has the power to change lives,” said SBS Commissioner Gregg Bishop. “By making information and resources available to immigrant New Yorkers in six languages, we’re helping all of our people, no matter their origin, pursue their dreams.”

Pol introduces bill to create financial assistance program State Senator Tony Avella introduced legislation in April that would establish a Financial Assistance to Business (FAB) program. The initiative will specifically help dry cleaning businesses and nail salons across the state upgrade equipment and meet environmental standards.

“The need for these industries to comply with clean air standards and to protect their employees and customers is obvious,” Avella said. “What isn’t obvious, however, is how these small businesses will be able to do so without being forced to cease operations.”

According to Avella, there are significant health risks to the chemicals used in both industries. However, compliance with state regulations on equipment, operation and maintenance can cost businesses up to $150,000. The bill is intended to provide a lending hand to help them remain in business.

Skanska invests $1.8 million to repair little league fields Skanska USA, part of the LaGuardia Gateway Partners team building the improved LaGuardia Airport Terminal B, donated $1.8 million to rehabilitate the Elmjack Little League fields in East Elmhurst. Improvements include an upgraded fence, resurfacing portions of the infield and grassy outfield, and relocating the pitcher’s mound and dugouts.

“We have been operating in New York for nearly a century, and Skanska is proud to make meaningful contributions to the Queens community that have a positive impact well beyond the scope of our projects,” said Skanska USA Vice President Thomas Nilsson.

Skanska, which is currently heading the design-build of the LaGuardia project, is also working on the new Kosciuszko Bridge and the reconstruction of the Rockaway Beach Boardwalk.

During Immigrant Heritage Week, the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) released a new guide offering advice for immigrant entrepreneurs who are starting or growing their own small businesses.

The guide is available in six different languages: Spanish, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Russian, Korean and Bengali.

It explains to entreGREGG BISHOP preneurs how to sign a commercial lease, navigate government services, personal and business

TABLE OF CONTENTS Promotions, Announcements & Appointments ........................................5

Chamber Honors Minority & Women-Owned Businesses ................................16

NYPQ Opens New Therapeutic Medicine Center ....................................6

It’s in Queens .....................................................................................................................18

Giving Lottery Retailers Their Fair Share ..................................................6

Partners/Affiliates ............................................................................................................20

Focus on Banking: Investors Bank ................................................................7

New Members ...................................................................................................................23

Focus on Banking: HAB Bank .......................................................................8 Calendar of Chamber Events ...........................................................................9

PUBLISHER Walter H. Sanchez

MANAGING EDITOR Shane Miller

What the Heck is a ‘HECM’? .......................................................................12

CHAMBER EDITOR Brett Swanson

MARKETING DIRECTOR John Sanchez

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May 2017 • Volume 14 • Issue 5

PROMOTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS

KEW-FOREST SCHOOL TAPS MACMULLEN AS NEW HEAD After conducting an extensive nationwide search, The Kew-Forest School has announced that Carla Jantos MacMullen, Dean of Faculty at Hopkins School in New Haven, has accepted the invitation of the Board of Trustees to be the next and first female head of The Kew-Forest School Her tenure officially starts on July 1.

“I am honored to have been chosen to lead The Kew-Forest School and committed to partnering with the Board of Trustees to honor tradition while stewarding the school’s future,” said MacMullen. “I greatly look forward to getting to know the current generation of students and their families and closely working with the faculty and administration.

“I also look forward to connecting with the alumni of this esteemed school,” she added. “I’m excited to serve the school community and lead Kew-Forest into the next phase of its history.”

MacMullen brings a long and distinguished career of consistent success in education to her new role at Kew-Forest. She has spent the past 30 years at Hopkins School in Connecticut, one of the country’s oldest and finest independent day schools.

She will serve as the ninth Head of School to lead Kew-Forest—an exciting and historic moment for the school as it approaches its centennial anniversary next year.

“In our many rounds of interviews and conversations with MacMullen, we consistently saw a strong and thoughtful leader; a superior level of preparation and analysis; someone committed to our values of diversity and inclusion,” said Gregory L. Matalon, chair of the Board of Trustees, “and consideration of the balance between independent school best practices and Kew-Forest’s specific needs, all while keeping students first.”

NORTHWELL’S DOWLING HONORED

Northwell Health President and CEO Michael J. Dowling was among those honored by the homeless and domestic survivors advocacy group HELP USA at its annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon.

The group recognized Dowling for his public service and commitment to the community, along with three other civic leader.

Dowling received the inaugural Mario M. Cuomo Excelsior Award. He served under Cuomo as state director of Health, Education and Human Services and also commissioner of the state Department of Social Services.

“Mario Cuomo was my greatest mentor and a dear friend for more than 30 years,” said Dowling. “Much of the success I have achieved in my career can be attributed to the 12 years I spent working with him.”

MICHAEL DOWLING & MATILDA CUOMO

Carla Jantos MacMullen began her career at Hopkins as a chemistry teacher.

She rapidly rose to assume the duties as chair of the Science Department and then Dean of Faculty, supporting the welfare and professional activities of 125-plus faculty members.

MacMullen grew up in Pittsburgh and graduated from Denison University in Granville, Ohio, with a B.S. in Chemistry and extensive coursework in Spanish language/ literature, ballet and Afro-Caribbean dance.

In May 2017, she will receive her M.Ed. in Independent School Leadership from The Klingenstein Center at Teachers College at Columbia University. MacMullen and husband J. Alexander “Sandy” MacMullen have three children.

MOLINA NAMED NEW PRESIDENT OF RESORTS WORLD

Genting Americas announced the appointment of Scott Molina has been named president of Resorts World Casino by Genting Americas. In his new role, Molina will oversee all operations at the property including gaming, entertainment and dining.

Molina joined Resorts World Casino in 2011, serving as part of its opening team and various key leadership roles. Molina has led a number of successful initiatives,

including launching the responsible gaming program, overseeing the expansion of the gaming floor and introducing electronic blackjack to patrons.

“It is an honor to be appointed president of Resorts World Casino New York City,” said Molina.

“Resorts World has achieved unparalleled success since opening in 2011 and I have been fortunate during this time to work with an incredibly talented team,” said

Molina “The future is as bright as ever and I am eager to do my part in taking this journey to the next level.”

Molina brings more than 30 years of experience in the gaming industry to this new role. Prior to joining Resorts World Casino, Molina served as executive director of Slot Operations at Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. He has also successfully led the opening of a number of casinos across the country.

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NYPQ OPENS NEW THERAPEUTIC MEDICINE CENTER Patients who require intravenous treatments can now receive them in the new Therapeutic Medicine Center at New York PresbyterianQueens (NYPQ) in Flushing.

The nine-bed center is designed to serve the adult outpatient population by providing a patient-focused, relaxed and peaceful environment for patients receiving intravenous treatment for cancer, anemia and other medical conditions. The center welcomed its first patients on April 19.

“We have all experienced the devastation of a shocking diagnosis,” said Camille Glotzbecker, the center’s administrative director at a ribboncutting ceremony last month. “The therapeutic medicine center was created to provide an environment of peace and aims to offer compassion and hope that is desperately needed during that challenging journey.”

At the center, patients receive treatment in private suites rather than a shared room with several infusion chairs. The center’s comprehensive patient care includes a multidisciplinary team skilled in spirituality, specialized nursing, nutrition, genetics, palliative care, and supportive care services for both the patient and their families.

Other features include an open snack bar, holistic therapies, genetic evaluations, cooking demonstrations and nutrition lectures that are specific to cancer care and treatment.

“Cancer care requires much more than treatment and diagnosis,” said Dr. David Fishman, director of the Cancer Program at the hospital.

Pictured (left to right) are CB7 district manager Marilyn McAndrews, Ashook Ramsaran of the NYPQ Community Advisory Council, Dr. Amir Jaffer, Councilman Peter Koo, Jaclyn Mucaria, Dr. David Fishman, Assemblyman David Weprin, Dr. Tara Pua, and Robert Blenderman.

“Cancer takes a toll on the patient and their loved ones in innumerable ways. By having our own Therapeutic Medicine Center, we can treat the patient’s acute illness and assist in every stage of recovery.”

The center is another way that NYPQ aims to become the destination hospital in the borough, said NYPQ President Jaclyn Mucaria.

“We want them to be able to come here and be able to provide screening, prevention and treatment,” she said.

The new center is part of a cancer program

that has been recognized by the American College of Surgeons as one of the best in the United States.

NYPQ in Flushing is a community teaching hospital affiliated with Weill Cornell Medicine, serving Queens and metro New York residents. The 535-bed tertiary care facility provides services in 14 clinical departments and numerous subspecialties. Annually, 15,000 surgeries and 4,000 infant deliveries are performed, and with its network of affiliated primary and multispecialty care physician practices and community-based health centers, the hospital provides approximately 162,000 ambulatory care visits and 124,000 emergency service visits annually. For more information, visit nyp.org/queens.

GIVING LOTTERY RETAILERS THEIR FAIR SHARE

BY STATE SENATOR TONY AVELLA

Imagine if you lived in a world where nothing changed over the last 50 years; a world where the same policies, procedures, or pay never changed.

That last example is exactly the world where lottery retailers—or “agents”—live.

When the New York Lottery was created 50 years ago, the state decided that stores selling tickets would receive a commission. The commission rate was set at 6 percent, meaning the “agents” made six cents on a $1 scratch-off ticket. Fifty years later, that commission on a $1 scratch ticket is still only six cents.

In the 50 years since the creation of the lottery, the minimum wage has increased 547 percent and will continue to climb over the next four years. Lottery agents’ energy, property,

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and payroll taxes have increased along with the costs of insurance, regulatory compliance, waste disposal, and other operating expenses have risen exponentially.

All of these increases in costs and yet no increase in the commission that the agents receive. This is simply unacceptable and it is appalling that the state thinks this is acceptable.

In order to try to update this archaic policy, I have introduced legislation in the New York State Senate (Bill S5108) to amend the current policy in order to increase the commission paid to lottery retailers. My legislation would increase the commission from 6 percent to 8 percent. This increase will help over 17,000 small businesses that have been and continue to be harmed by rising costs and stagnant pay.

We need to do a better job at properly compensating our small business owners. Our society is quick to point out the difficulties facing small businesses in our city, yet very few ever put forward reasonable solutions to those problems.

I will continue to push this legislation and other legislation that seeks to provide small business owners with a fair wage and encourage them to remain in business and continue to provide good jobs and great services to their communities.

State Senator Tony Avella represents the 11thSenatorial District in Northeast Queens.

He serves as the chair of the State Senate’s Children and Families Committee and sits on ten additional committees, including Cities, Cultural Affairs, Education, Environmental Conservation, Elections, Finance, Housing, Judiciary, Libraries, and Transportation. For more information, visit avella.nysenate.gov.

May 2017 • Volume 14 • Issue 5

May FOCUS: BANKING

INVESTORS BANK SEES VALUE IN LOCAL CONNECTIONS

BY BENJAMIN FANG Investors Bank prides itself as a communitybased institution.

With locations throughout Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island, the bank strives to create connections with local neighbors and businesses.

According to Michael Billia, senior vice president and regional manager in Queens and Long Island, branch managers are key.

“We have very capable managers, they’re well-versed in all areas of banking,” Billia said.

“They’re able to go out and find out what the company is looking for, so we can direct them to the right people and build that relationship.

“We want to develop a relationship with all our customers,” he added. “We really want to be a relationship-driven bank.”

Through sponsorships, volunteerism and other opportunities to get involved in the local community, Billia said Investors puts a large emphasis on the relationships they create.

“We’re not a transaction bank, we’re a relationship bank,” he said. “Business owners like to know who they’re banking with. They like to be able to have a contact person.”

Maria Odysseos, vice president and market manager based in their Broadway office, said

most of their branches are located in smaller neighborhoods.

“You’ll find us in small neighborhoods like Maspeth, Astoria and Bay Ridge. They’re niche communities, but they’re all full of small businesses,” she said. “There’s a lot of opportunity for us to get our name out there, network and meet the owners on a one-to-one basis.”

Investors is involved with local groups like the Long Island City Partnership and the Federation of Italian-American Organizations. With their Richmond Hill branch, Investors is connected to the local Boys and Girls Club, Kiwanis Club and Lions Club.

It’s not just the branch managers who are involved; the entire team is out at soup kitchens or other volunteering opportunities.

“It’s a branch thing, so everyone gets involved,” she said. “We’re a full force out in the neighborhood.”

Odysseos noted that not only do they know their local organizations, they also know the local businesses. If they have a function, they use local restaurants and vendors, she said.

“We want them comfortable enough where they come to us,” she said. “They know all of us by name, they feel comfortable walking in.

That’s how we do business here.”

Investors Bank is currently expanding in both Queens and Long Island. Billia said the borough is both diverse and growing, including booming neighborhoods like Long Island City.

“From a banking perspective, there’s a tremendous amount of opportunity to grow with the community,” he said. “That’s the important thing.”

Though networking is important in meeting local business owners, Billia said they get a good amount of referrals by current customers.

“It’s always good because it tells you you did something right when your customers are willing to refer you to other people,” he said.

Billia reiterated that they spend a lot of time getting to know customers to build a strong bond. Their immediate needs are lending and capital, he said, but more importantly, businesses need a bank that will support them through thick and thin.

“I’m finding most of our small business customers are looking for lending needs and a bank that will be behind them, through good and bad times,” he said. “As a small business, you go through cycles up and down. You want a bank that’s there with you.”

Mike Billia (second from right) with staff at Investors Bank’s Broadway Branch in Astoria.

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May FOCUS: BANKING

HAB BANK: A COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY

In 1989, HAB Bank New York decided to open its second full-service branch in the heart of bustling downtown Jackson Heights, a melting pot of cultures, religions and nationalities.

The bank believed in building relationships and establishing a branch in the middle of a busy commercial district, and Jackson Heights gave it the opportunity to forge long-term relationships with its customers, primarily those of South Asian heritage.

The branch has grown over the years with support from the business community and individuals living in and around Jackson Heights. The branch’s customers have grown more diverse and truly represent the essence of New York.

In 2015, the original location of the Jackson Heights Branch was destroyed in a devastating fire. With support and tremendous help from customers and the local community, the branch was back in business next day. HAB plans to move the branch back to its original location in the Bruson Building late this year.

HAB’s Jackson Heights Branch, currently located at 37-20 74th Street, offers complete banking solutions for businesses as well as individuals. The challenges facing small

businesses in today’s marketplace are numerous, and HAB understands and is ready to help an entrepreneur grow his or her business.

Their one-on-one service is the hallmark of HAB’s philosophy and culture. The bank is also committed to providing inexpensive and comprehensive banking services to all of its customers.

Business banking services at the Jackson Heights Branch include business checking accounts, cash management services, remote deposit capture, and automated clearing house, to name a few. Other services include: • Merchant Processing • Domestic and International Wire Transfers • Payroll Processing • Business Sweep Account • Business Debit Cards • Online and Mobile Banking • E Statement • Asset-Based Loans • Commercial Mortgage Loans HAB’s Jackson Heights Branch also offers personalized banking services, including: • Personal Checking Accounts: HAB has a wide array of personal checking accounts to choose form. Whether you write five checks or

50 checks a month, checking account choices offer economical solutions according to your needs. Personal Checking products include Basic Banking Accounts, Freedom Checking, Smart Checking and Traditional Checking Accounts. Find out what’s best for you.

• Money Market Accounts: An Ideal compliment to your personal checking account.

Also conveniently accessible through Visa Debit Card and HAB eBanking.

• Saving Accounts: The Statement Savings Account provides an ideal place to create a nest egg while keeping the funds available to you when you require.

• CDs and IRAs: Earn higher yield with flexible terms ranging from three months to five years. HAB CDs offer safety and return that is guaranteed for the term of the CD. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are a convenient way to start saving for retirement.

• Full array of Online Banking, including Mobile Banking and Debits Cards HAB Bank incorporated in 1983. Headquartered in New York City, the bank has branches in New York, New Jersey and California.

Pictured from left to right are Jackson Heights Branch senior team members Naim Rashid, Nazneen Sultanta, Sampathy and Amir Ashraf.

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May 2017 • Volume 14 • Issue 5

queensborough Calendar of events MAY

5/8, 6:30 AM Queens Day in Albany Queens Borough President Melinda Katz and members of the Queens Chamber of Commerce and businesses in Queens to showcase the culture, tourism, and economic development of Albany.

• Tour the Capitol Building and Legislative Chambers • Meet and Greet the Queens Assembly and Senate delegation.

• Join a sampling of Queens restaurants and brewers Complimentary breakfast and transportation will be provided.

Bulova Corporate Center 75-20 Astoria Blvd. #140, Jackson Heights, NY 11370

must be a part of these changes!

CUNY School of Law 2 Court Square, Long Island City, NY 11101 5/17, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Business Expo at Citi Field Don’t miss out on hundreds of Exhibitors, Educational Seminars and highly acclaimed Keynote Speakers.

5/19, 5:30 - 9 PM STEM Expo Explore summer academic and internship opportunities in STEM, witness interactive science demonstrations, listen to music, explore the museum after dark, and enjoy a taste of Queens. Doors will open at 5:30 pm. The STEM Career Expo is free and open to students ages 12 and older and their families. Be sure to RSVP and beat the line. More than 5/10, 8:30 AM 20 community partners and colWorkshop on Proper leges will inspire, give advice, and Termination Procedures This workshop will help avoid legal provide opportunities for youth. ramifications due to the termination Participating organizations include: Hunter College Society of Hispanic of an employee of your business.

Professional Engineers Seeds Presented by Rita DiStefano, Scholars Generation Code Explainer Director of HR Consulting TV The SimpleBiologist SUNY •Discuss a successful termination Maritime College MakerState •The purpose and benefits of proCoderDojo NYC Per Scholas gressive discipline • Avoid a negative culture and how New York Hall of Science 47-01 111th St. to limit liability Corona, NY 11368 To register, please visit www.queenschamber.org 5/23, 5:30 - 8:30 pm Bulova Corporate Center Taste of Sunnyside 2017 75-20 Astoria Blvd. #140, The event showcases Sunnyside as a Jackson Heights, NY 11370 dining destination and celebrates the 5/16, 6:30 - 9:30 PM diverse and delicious cuisines found in Talk to Tish Long Island City & the neighborhood.

NW Queens Visit tasteofsunnyside.com for tickets.

Letitia James, our current Public 46th Street and Queens Boulevard, Advocate and the first woman of Sunnyside, NY, 11104 color to serve in citywide office, wants to hear from you about june what issues you find most pressing locally!

6/1, 5:30 - 7:30 PM Bring your ideas about issues you Networking Event on Bourbon find important related to how LIC Street Rooftop has emerged as the gateway of To register, please New York’s changing geography in visit www.queenschamber.org Queens. Up zoning and accommo- Bourbon Street dating a growing population with 40-12 Bell Blvd adequate infrastructure BQX and improved access to transportation Bayside, New York 11361 The Small Business Jobs Survival Act Affordable housing Racial and 6/8, 8:30 AM economic equity for NYCHA resi- Wage and Hour Series, Part II with Jackson Lewis dents Queens’ role in #resistance efforts & more! Community input This series will engage in practical

tips for handling wage and hour under the Department of Labor (DOL).

• Discuss Wage and Compliance • What to do and not do during a DOL Audit • Handling Wage and Hour Issues Bulova Corporate Center 75-20 Astoria Blvd. #140, Jackson Heights, NY 11370 Open to the public Complimentary admission, parking and breakfast 6/9, 8 AM - 3 PM 15th Annual Small Business & Procurement Expo Please join LaGuardia Community College Business Services for the 15th Annual Small Business and Procurement Expo! Join us for the most anticipated networking and learning event of the year!

Network with government agencies, prime contractors, and small businesses. Meet with government procurement representatives.

Locate potential subcontracting opportunities. Learn about selling to the government and private sector through our workshop.

How to Participate: All attendees must register on Eventbrite to attend. Once you click the green register button, please choose “individual” to then purchase your tickets. Government agencies, prime contractors, and small businesses are invited to exhibit their organization by purchasing a table.

Small businesses can also purchase a general admission ticket if they choose not to exhibit. Workshops will be offered throughout the day to on government contracting and business development.

Register: expo2017.eventbrite.com Con Edison Learning Center 43-82 Vernon Boulevard Long Island City, NY 11101 6/9, 9 AM - 12 PM Queens ASDO’s 35th Aviation Networking Event In this “reverse” trade show, buyers and major contractors staff tables, while vendors and service suppliers visit each table, sharing information on products and services that are available locally. It’s like making 40 sales calls in one morning!

Russo’s on the Bay 162-45 Cross Bay Boulevard

Howard Beach, NY 11414 6/11, 10 AM - 6 PM The Forest Hills Festival of The Arts It is a wonderful opportunity to meet and greet local business owners and experience all the shops, restaurants and businesses Forest Hills has to offer. After all Forest Hills is small enough to know you and large enough to serve you! For vendor information, visit www.foresthillschamberofcommerce.org or call 718-268-6565 Austin Street between 69th Road and 72nd Road Forest Hills. NY 11375 6/22, 4 - 6 PM Board Development Event for Local Non-Profits The goal of this meeting is to connect qualified applicants to local nonprofits in the hope of gaining Board membership.

To register, please visit www.queenschamber.org Queens Chamber of Commerce Conference Center 75-20 Astoria Blvd. Suite 140 Jackson Heights, NY 11370 Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140 Jackson Heights, N.Y. 11370-1131 Entire Contents Copyright 2017 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.

Schneps Communications 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.

Published by BQE Media 45-23 47th Street, 2nd Floor Woodside 11377• 718.426.7200 Send articles & photos to:

queensboroughmagazine@queensledger.com

For any registration or more information on these events or any other events please call us at 718.898.8500 or visit us on the web queenschamber.org

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May FOCUS: BANKING

ASTORIA BANK’S ‘GO RED’ CAMPAIGN HAS BEST YEAR YET

Astoria Bank, the second largest community bank headquartered in New York, has been named the top Long Island corporate fundraiser in 2017 for the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Go Red for Women campaign.

The annual campaign, held each February, raises funds and awareness for the research and prevention of heart disease in women. Astoria Bank’s effort this year was record-breaking, with nearly $30,000 contributed by bank customers, employees and the community. In addition, Astoria Bank matched employee donations of $25 or more.

“We’re grateful to everyone in the community who helped take our Go Red for Women campaign to new heights,” said Brian Edwards, Astoria Bank executive vice president. “Together, we’re leading the fight against the number-one cause of death in women.”

Leading Astoria Bank’s branch network in fundraising dollars was the Main Office Branch in Astoria, which collected more than $2,000.

Following closely behind in second and third place respectively were the Syosset Branch in Nassau County and the Flushing Branch.

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The Astoria Bank’s Main Office Branch celebrates the success of the “Go Red for Women” campaign. Among those pictured are Branch Manager Tania Broschart (back row, third from left) and teller Cleopatra Haviaras (seated, center), who helped lead the branch’s effort.

Also pictured are (standing) Community Development Account Manager Cathy Jusino (far left), Marketing Coordinator Martina Lent (third from right) and Theresa Fredriksen of the American Heart Association (far right).

The Jim Raia Investment Group, located in the heart of Ridgewood, Queens, has been helping clients invest their money wisely for over 16 years. Jim Raia has a proven track record of successfully building financial plans for his clients, and his nearly two decades of proven success make him an expert in all levels of investment.

FINANCE

Jim Raia, President

WHY YOUR INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO SHOULD INCLUDE REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS

A Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is a company that owns or finances income-producing real estate.

In essence, REITs are like mutual funds that own property instead of companies.

Some REITs specialize in shopping centers, others in timberland (forestry), self-storage units, or apartment buildings.

Today, a broad range of investors are using REITs to help achieve investment goals of diversification, liquidity, dividends, performance and transparency.

Three specific advantages of REITs are: REITs offer high-dividend yields, REITs receive favorable tax treatment, and REITs give diverse exposure to real estate assets.

“A great reason to invest in REIT’s, without a doubt, is their rich dividends,” said said Jim Raia, President of the Jim Raia Investment Group.

“REITs can pay generous dividends and they tend to be “uncorrelated” with the stock market, meaning that if your stocks are down, your REITs may be up.,” said Raia, who recommends portfolio diversification by investing in REITs. REITs earn money through leases or rents and distribute most of their earnings as dividends to investors. So, if you want to get your feet wet in real estate investing, REITS make it easier to buy and sell real estate without having to deal with physical property.

“Another good reason to invest in REITs is their intrinsic tax advantages,” said Raia.

While it’s true that most REIT distributions don’t meet the definition of “qualified” dividends, which are entitled to a favorable tax rate,

By John Sanchez

REIT dividends are not subject to the double taxation that can take a big bite out of most income investors’ profits.

As long as a REIT pays out more than 90% of its taxable income to shareholders, its profits are not taxed at the corporate level, which allows REITs to pay out higher dividends.

Raia explained that there is a common misconception that REITs perform like bonds.

“Real estate is a separate asset class from stocks and bonds, and investing in REITs offers an

opportunity to diversify your portfolio with exposure to the real estate sector,” Raia explained.

Raia is always on the lookout for new exciting investments to offer. One of these new investments allows you to be a landlord for some of the nation’s biggest companies.

His hard working, genuine, and trustworthy qualities have helped many Ridgewood, Middle Village, Glendale, Maspeth, Astoria and surrounding Queens residents.

Raia recommends reflecting on your financial

situation, hearing the opportunities available through his investment firm, and making an informed decision to achieve your financial goals.

“Financial planning does not only incorporate the aspirations of the client during their own life, but also the financial legacy that he or she wants to pass on to loved ones” said Raia, a father of two.

Jim Raia’s office is located at 66-74 Fresh Pond Road in Ridgewood. He can be reached at 718.386.1135 or jimraia@yahoo.com.

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

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BENEFITS ADVISORY SERVICE JOINS ONEGROUP Benefits Advisory Service, a Forest Hills firm that has been providing expertise in health insurance and employee benefits to local employers for the past 25 years, recently merged with OneGroup, an insurance and risk management firm, headquartered in Syracuse.

Sher Sparano, president and founder of Benefits Advisory Service, explained that she had made the move in order to offer her clients a greater range of benefits and resources that extend to HR consulting, property and casualty insurance, and retirement plans.

“We felt that teaming up with OneGroup was the best way for us to take advantage of the latest developments and innovations in this ever-changing industry,” she said.

As OneGroup Benefits Advisory Service, the firm will retain its focus and priority on the “human element,” which has been a hallmark of the company’s identity over the past two decades.

Sparano places an emphasis on education that supports the employees understanding of their benefits package.

“The bottom line is greater employee comfort with their benefits and stronger loyalty to their employer,” said Sparano. “There are lots of really complex products that didn’t even exist when I

started the business, including Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Reimbursement Arrangements, to name just a few.

“Helping employers clarify the programs and the cost-to-benefit of each is absolutely essential,” she added.

She further pointed out that because of increasing regulations and compliance issues, it’s more important than ever to work closely with the Human Resources staff and that all information is clearly communicated to employees as required by law.

This is critical because Human Resources has responsibility for everything from payroll to hiring and firing, from benefits to corporate rules and regulations, and pensions to 401(k)s.

Sparano expects the merger to be a tremendous success because OneGroup Benefits Advisory Service may not offer expanded resources such as lawyers, actuaries, underwriters, and HR specialists, and have access to OneGroup’s team of more than 170 experts and specialists thoroughly experienced in risk management, commercial insurance, retirement administration, human resources and benefits consulting.

“Of course, the human element will always remain uppermost with us,” Sparano said.

Sher Sparano is vice president of OneGroup Benefits Advisory Service at 70-20 108th Street in Forest Hills. For more info, visit onegroup.com.

EXPERT ADVICE WHAT THE HECK IS A ‘HECM’? REVERSE MORTGAGES EXPLAINED IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT MIGHT BE A HECM.

BY BILL DONOFRIO Safe and secure; words that describe the way we would all like to live and the way we want our loved ones to live as well. Those same words describe today’s government-insured and regulated Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM (pronounced Heck-um) program.

HECM loans are designed to provide seniors (62 and up) with a layer of financial security by allowing them to access the equity in their home. Proceeds from a HECM are non-taxable and can be taken in a lump sum, monthly payments, or in a line of credit. The funds can be used for many purposes including: • Paying off an existing mortgage • Defer applying for Social Security to maximize benefits

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• Make home repairs • Pay for home health care or other medical expenses • Provide extra income when needed • Handle unforeseen expenses comfortably Payments are completely optional on a HECM. There are no payments due with a HECM loan, as long as at least one borrower continues to live in the home as their primary residence, stays current on real estate taxes and insurance, and maintains the home to minimum FHA standards.

Additionally, HECM loans are non-recourse loans, meaning, you can never be “upsidedown” on a HECM loan. This means you can never owe more than your home is worth.

HECM loans provide peace of mind to those who need it most.

I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you if you would like to find out if a

HECM is right for you, a friend, or family member.

Bill Donofrio is a reverse mortgage professional ad a lifelong Queens resident, growing up in Bayside and then moving all the way to Whitestone, where he currently live with his wife Maria (and bulldog Fiona). He represents PS Financial Services, a leader in the HECM industry. His approach is to educate potential borrowers to see if a HECM is the right way to go. PS Financial Services is located at 61-43 186th Street in Fresh Meadows.

Restaurant & Hospitality Committee Networking Reception Tuesday, May 23, 2017 | 5:30 PM -7:30 PM

Inviting All Involved in the Hospitality Industry • The Restaurant and Hospitality Committee will spread the word of your business across the ENTIRE BOROUGH OF QUEENS! Ask how to get on our schedule!

• Join us as we kick off a series of events designed to feature and promote the fine restaurants and hotels in Queens!

• The Queens Chamber is here to advocate for you. If you are impacted by current or proposed legislation; City or State, we want to know!

• Food Sampling and Drink Specials • Showcase your business at this event at no cost. Contact us now.

WHEN:

Tuesday, May 23, 2017 5:30 PM -7:30 PM

LOCATION:*

Boro Hotel, 38-28, 27th Street Long Island City, NY 11101

For more information, contact Brett Swanson at 718.898.8500 or bswanson@queenschamber.org * If arriving via public transportation, the following trains are nearby: N or W (39th Ave), E M R at Queens Plaza, 7 at Queensboro Plaza, or F at 21st St. – Queensbridge | *If arriving by car, parking is available on-site or at a garage nearby

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QUEENS CHAMBER HOST CITYWIDE MWBE HONORS

BY MARK GARZON

“Their journey serves as an inspiration to other minority and women owned business leaders who are finding this purpose each and every day,” she added.

During the ceremony, women were high-

owner of Ashnu International Corporation, and James Hendon, CEO of the Energy EcoThe city’s chambers of commerce gathered nomic Development Corporation. together at Vaughn College last week to honor Geri Sciortino, owner of The Bronx Design members of the Minority and Women-owned Group, was honored by the Bronx Chamber of Businesses and Enterprises Commerce, She described the dif(MWBE) program. ficulties breaking into a predomEach chamber commended inantly male industry 25 years and women-owned businesses play two MWBE members from ago. She now works alongside her such an important role in helping our local economy. their borough for their work daughter.

These numbers represent a very powerful economic and success, as well as a way “I’m proud that the future of engine for the city and for all of us.” to celebrate the city’s diverse our company will continue under - MAYRA DIRICO, QUEENS CHAMBER PRESIDENT business community. the leadership of a very smart According to Queens Chamwoman,” she said. ber of Commerce president Public Advocate Letitia James Mayra DiRico, there are 539,000 minority- lighted for their increasing role as business described the importance of increasing the owned and 413,000 women-owned businesses leaders. Of the ten honorees, seven were presence of minority and women-owned busiin the city. women. nesses by improving access to programs, assis“Minority and women-owned businesses Honorees from Brooklyn included Trevor tance and city contracts. play such an important role in helping our Smith, chief marketing officer of Tower Isles “We must do more to in the city to address local economy,” said DiRico. “These numbers Frozen Foods, and Susan Doban, president of and improve the business atmosphere,” she represent a very powerful economic engine for her own architecture firm. said. “When we lift up hard-working families, the city and for all of us.

Honorees from Queens were Nayan Parikh, we lift up entire communities,” she said.

“Minority

Leaders from the city five chambers of commerce with this years MWBE honorees.

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May 2017 • Volume 14 • Issue 5

Pictured clockwise from top left, Queens Chamber President Mayra DiRico with honorees Nayan Parikh & James Hendon; Manhattan Chamber President Jessica Walker with honorees Colleen Molter & Tamara Nall; Brooklyn Chamber President Andrew Hoan and Board Chair Denise Arbesu with honorees Trevor Smith & Susan Doban; Councilman Robert Cornegy (center) with Small Businesses Services Commissioner Gregg Bishop, Queens Chamber Executive Director Thomas Grech, Public Advocate Letitia James, Hoan, and Wendy Garcia from the Comptroller’s Office; Staten Island Chamber President Linda Baran with honorees Angelic Sealy & Maryann Piazza; and Bronx Chamber President Nunzio DelGreco with honorees Geri Sciortino & Kerri Damon.

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DOG WHISPERER, KLEZMER JAMS, AND A MOM-FRIENDLY OPERA COME IN MAY

The month of May was named sculptures from the 1960s and a after Maia, a Roman Era goddess new series of sculptures presented of fertility. Well, if Maia had lived for the first time in their entirety. in the Modern Era, she would Prodger’s Subtotal uses narration, have insisted that the month carry sound, and moving image to the moniker “Queens Fun.” Please weave tales that imbed time and see the following list of fantastic recreational, THE KLEZ DISPENSERS enrichment, and family events in the borough this May. Opening May 1, Sam Anderson, Teresa Burga, and Charlotte Prodger. This is the first solo exhibition in a U.S. museum for each artist. Anderson’s The Park is a series of newly commissioned sculptures, including a sound piece and video place through her subjectivity. work for the lower level galleries SculptureCenter, 44-19 Purves St., that isolate and abstract the idea LIC, www.sculpture-center.org. of community. Burga’s Mano Mal May 6, Cesar Millan Live, 8 Dibujada includes historical and pm. Millan, star of the hit TV series recent works such as her Prismas Cesar 911 on Nat Geo WILD and

original host of the long-running Dog Whisperer series, reveals the secrets of happier, healthier relationships between humans and their beloved canines in this live show. Kupferberg Center for the Arts, Queens College, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, www.kupferbergcenter.org.

May 7, Klezmer Sunday, 5 pm. The Klez Dispensers perform a mix of Eastern European melodies and the bustling jazz of the 2nd Avenue Yiddish Theatre tradition. The Community House at the Church-inthe-Gardens, 15 Ascan Ave., Forest Hills, www. musicareginae.org.

May 12, 5 Boroughs Music Festival, 7 pm (and May 13 at 7:30 pm). As part of a festival that brings affordable chamber music to all corners of the city, Quicksilver offers Off The Beaten Track: Chamber Works from Moravia, the Netherlands, Sweden, Poland and Beyond. The performances explore the nexus of folk music in the 17th century and include early modern chamber music. King Manor Museum, 15003 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica, www. kingmanor.org.

May 12, The Miracle Worker, May 21. In this play, Helen Keller lives in a prison of silence and darkness. As a last chance before she is institutionalized, her parents contact Annie Sullivan, a dedicated teacher. As Sullivan struggles to reach Helen, she also confronts the obstacles in Helen’s family: a domineering father; a heartbroken mother; and a resentful son. Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Ave. S., Flushing Meadows Corona Park, www. queenstheatre.org.

May 12-14, Crime Scenes: Donald Westlake of Film.

Westlake wrote almost 100 books under various pseudonyms during his half-century career, the most influential being the Parker novels.

More than 30 films have been made from his work. The Museum

of the Moving Image presents the most successful and interesting ones with the following schedule: May 12, Point Blank, 7 pm; May 13, The Stepfather, 2 pm; May 13, The Grifters, 4 pm; May 14, Cops and Robbers, 2 pm; May 14, Made in USA, 4 pm; May 14, Hot Rock and The Outfit, 6 pm. MoMI, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria’s Kaufman Arts District, www.movingimage.us.

May 13, From My Mother’s Mother, 7:30 pm. Celebrate Mother’s Day with a chamber opera about a Korean tradition in which post-natal women are given seaweed soup prepared by their mothers. It is believed to assist in recovery. This story deals with love and reconciliation as a mother’s broth is rejected. (Performance in English with English and Korean subtitles.) $10, but free for all mothers. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., www. flushingtownhall.org.

May 21, Oratorio Society of Queens: 90th Anniversary Fest, 4 pm. The first half of the celebratory program features works by three great composers: “Exsultate, Jubilate” by Mozart; “Fanfare for the Common Man” by Copland; and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 Choral Finale (“Ode to Joy”).

The second half features classics of Americana and folk music that pay homage to our Armed Forces and history of brotherhood, including “This Land is Your Land,” “Come Thou Fount,” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Queensborough Performing Arts Center, 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside, www.queensoratorio.org.

May 28, Lights, Camera, Music, 3 pm. The Queensborough Performing Arts Center and the Astoria Symphony Orchestra present Hollywood hits from the most popular films of all time - classic romances, westerns, fantasies, and space thrillers - including works by George Gershwin, Ennio Morricone, Elmer Bernstein, Leonard Bernstein, and John Williams. QPAC, 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside, www.visitqpac.org.

Melinda Katz President, Borough of Queens

QUEENS DAY IN ALBANY

MONDAY MAY 8, 2017 8:00 AM

—

Buses Depart from the Bulova Corporate Center 75-20 Astoria Blvd, East Elmhurst NY 11370 Check in at 7:30am sharp

11:00 AM 1:30 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM 5:00 PM

— — — — —

Meetings with Queens Delegation Legislators Break for Lunch Introduction by New York State Assembly Chamber Introduction by the New York State Senate Queens Day Reception:

THE EGG — THE HART LOUNGE 1 EMPIRE STATE PLAZA SOUTH MALL ARTERIAL ALBANY, NY 12203

Please join us in celebrating the diversity, food, and culture of Queens!

To register, contact the Queens Chamber of Commerce 718.898.8500 or visit queenschamber.org

www.queensbp.org

@melindakatz

queensbpkatz

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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 St. from 37th Ave. and Baxter Avenue. The board meets quarterly with the annual meeting in June. On May 16, the 82nd Street Partnership will host the annual seasonal planting for spring and summer as part of its Beautification Strategy campaign, as well as feature special sales at businesses and restaurants on 82nd Street a week before Mother’s Day for people to shop and support the local businesses. They depend on corporate sponsorship to do banner sponsorships. A number of their stores have seen up to a 30 percent decrease in shopping due to ongoing immigration issues.

Bayside Business Association 41-16 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, NY 11361 President: Judith Limpert 718.229.2277 info@BaysideBA.org

Bayside Village bid

213-33 39th Avenue, Bayside, NY 11361 Interim Executive Director: James Ellis 718.423.2434 info@baysidevillagebid.com QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $218,000 and over 350 members.

Founded in 2007, the district includes commercial property owners and residents on Bell Boulevard between 35th Avenue and Northern Boulevard, as well as a block east and west of 41st Avenue. The Bayside Village BID is working on streetscape improvements such as new lighting for the corridor, as well as landscaping improvements near the LIRR train station. On May 21 from 12 to 4 p.m. on Bell Boulevard between 42nd and 43rd avenues, the BID is hosting a Sports and Health Festival highlighting fun and healthy family activities. The USTA will offer a tennis clinic, the NYPD will host a climbing wall, and Parks Department will bring its mobile play and fitness unit. BID businesses will also offer fitness, dance and martial arts demonstrations.

Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce

PO Box 751123, Forest Hills, NY 11375 President: Leslie Brown 718.268.6565 FHChamber11375@gmail.com FHChamber@aol.com QUICK GLANCE: Re-formed in 1995, the group has over 225 members.

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. There are no meetings

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in July & August. The group’s mission is the Three C’s: Commerce Community and Culture. Commerce makes the community thrive and culture brings the community together. They are planning to produce a new festival called the Forest Hills American Music Festival, an all-day event highlighting American music from jazz to country. Forest Hills has a rich history in music tied to the concerts at the Forest Hills Stadium going back to the 1960’s. They have received grants for Jazz Thursdays Free Outdoor Concerts (August 10 & 17), The Forest Hills Festival of The Arts (June 11), Celebrate Winter, and website development. The chamber also offers discounts at member businesses for other chamber members. For more information, visit membergiveback.com. They are looking for cultural arts grants and neighborhood development grants.

Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce

39-01 Main Street, 5th Floor, Flushing NY 11354 Executive Director: John Choe john@flushingchamber.nyc 646.783.8985 flushingchamber.nyc QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 2014 and representing over 200 businesses.

The poster child for hyper-local chambers around the city, GFCC created the Night Market, a lending circle for businesses, and is paving a new path forward for Flushing’s growing population of new immigrants. In May, the chamber is having a free workshop to learn more about marketing fundamentals or improve current marketing strategies. Participants can refine their marketing acumen and benefit from engaging with other local entrepreneurs through the workshop. The event is Monday, May 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Chamber’s Offices at 39-01 Main Street, Suite 511. On May 13 from 1:30 to 4:40 p.m., the chamber will host the 2017 Spring Unity Walk, a guided to tour of the neighborhood that stops at four different houses of worship to examine Flushing’s diversity. On Thursday, May 25, from 5 to 8 p.m. the chamber will launch the Flushing CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), a cooperative between neighborhood residents and Golden Earthworm Organic Farm to expand access to fresh, locallygrown, organic food. The kick-off is at Flushing Town Hall at 137-35 Northern Boulevard.

greater jamaica development corporation

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

The Greater Jamaica Development Corporation is a community-building organization that plans,

promotes, coordinates and advances responsible development to revitalize Jamaica and strengthen the region. Their most recent initiatives focus on programs that aid the revitalization of Downtown Jamaica, including encouraging the creation of co-working space, promoting arts-led development, providing loan and technical assistance to small businesses, and forming a hospitality skills program to connect residents to area jobs in the hotel industry. GJDC is constantly applying for grants from banks, foundations, corporations and governmental entities to aid our revitalization mission. In 2016, Downtown Jamaica was awarded a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant by New York State. These funds will be targeted to a variety of community supported initiatives designed to promote responsible growth and improve the quality of life.

Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation Woodhaven BID

84-01 Jamaica Avenue, Woodhaven NY 11421 Executive Director: Maria Thomson 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 St., the BID features six supermarkets. Saturday, April 8, is their annual Spring Promotion along Jamaica Avenue. There will be clowns, music and free pictures with the Easter Bunny in Forest Parkway Plaza from 1-4 p.m. Staffers from the BID will walk along Jamaica Avenue distributing quarters for motorists to pay for their first 15 minutes of parking. They are providing free benches for store owners along Jamaica Avenue who want benches in front of their business. They also provides 2.5 and 5 percent home improvement loans.

Jamaica Center BID

90-50 Parsons Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11432 Executive Director: Rhonda Binda 718.526.2422 QUICK GLANCE: Budget of over $1 million.

Founded in 1979, the district is on Jamaica Ave. between 170th St. and Sutphin Blvd for the purposes of having the local business get together and make a thriving business hub and enjoyable destination.

They offer a “value card” for discounts at stores and have employment services, as well as sanitation services.

JFK International Airport Chamber of Commerce

45-10 Court Square, Long Island City, NY 11101 Executive Director: Mercedes Altman 516.492.0513 www.jfkairportchamberofcommerce.org

May 2017 • Volume 14 • Issue 5

Queens chamber Partners & Affiliates Junction Boulevard Merchants Association President: John Ferreira 718.899.6563

Long island city Partnership

President: Elizabeth Lusskin 718.786.5300 www.longislandcityqueens.ccom Founded in 1979, the Long Island City Partnership advocates for economic development that benefits LIC’s industrial, commercial, cultural and residential sectors. The goal is to attractnew 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. On May 6, the groupwill be hosting its 4th Annual LIC Springs, a community block festival that include games, pop-up activities, art and sculpture lessons on Vernon Boulevard between 46th and 50th avenues.

The event is from noon to 5 p.m.

Maspeth Chamber of Commerce

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

The Chamber meets the second Tuesday of each month at noon at Connolly’s Corner on Grand Avenue. The majority of their budget is spent on holiday lights, banners, beautification and festivals, including replacing the street banners on Grand Avenue. The chamber is also focused on creating a BID. The Grand Avenue Street Festival this year is October 8, as opposed to June in previous years.

New street banners will arrive this spring, and they are looking for grants for beautification projects.

The chamber is hosting a Beer Festival at Maspeth’s Knockdown Center on June 23 at 6 p.m. The $50 admission includes live music, food and drinks.

Middle Village Chamber of Commerce

79-47 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village, NY 11379 President: Salvatore Crifasi 718.894.8700 Sal@Crifasi.com QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $8,000 with 35 businesses under its umbrella.

Formed in 1929. MVCC meets annually and focuses on the Metropolitan Avenue shopping district between 69 and 80th streets. Annual membership fee is $150, and they are looking to gain momentum through attracting new members. The mission is to improve the area and assist local businesses if they have any concerns or needs. Their new initiative is

cleaning Metropolitan Avenue and organizing the holiday lights in December to create a festive atmosphere for the community. The MVCC has received grants for street cleaning and are looking for grants for the holiday lights, since some businesses do not support them.

Queens Economic Development Corporation

12-55 Queens Boulevard, Room 309 Kew Gardens, NY 11424 Executive Director: Seth Bornstein 718.263.0546 queensny.org QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $1.5 million and a resource of over 2,000 businesses.

Funded by Department of Small Business Services, they strive to create and retain jobs via programs that grow neighborhoods and assist small businesses. QEDC assists by providing one-on-one consultations, hosting workshops, operating training courses and networking events. QEDC assists with minority/woman owned business certification and refers business professionals. They are known for their operation of a culinary incubator at 36-46 37th Street in Long Island City. Their commercial kitchen for rent is used 24/7/365. Their newest project, “Made In Queens,” is a pop-up-store at 27-24 Queens Plaza South. The store has a rotating curation of Queens products.

Ridgewood LDC

62-14 Myrtle Avenue, Ridgewood, NY 11385 Executive Director: Ted Renz 718.366.3806 QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $5,000 with 345 businesses under its umbrella.

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. The organization provides, marketing, street cleaning, holiday lighting and is heavily involved in making sure the historic flavor of Ridgewood stays in tact. The street fair is April 9, and Easter Sidewalk Sale from April 13-16.

rockaway Business Alliance

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

Formally known as the Beach 116th Partnership, the Rockaway Business Alliance was founded in 2012 after Hurricane Sandy. RBA’s vision is to create business corridors that are clean, safe, and welcoming, with shopping, dining, attractions, and engagement for the local community and the visitors drawn to Rockaway’s beaches and open spaces. RBA seeks to create and curate an inviting atmosphere for all to enjoy year round. By engaging businesses that see this vision, RBA expects to contribute to the economic and social impact

of the Rockaways. RBA is looking for grants to assist with the several yearly events they produce, along with general operational costs.

rockaway development & revitalization corporation

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

Funded by Department of Small Business Services and the Economic Development Corporation, the RDRC offers employment assistance and improves public spaces with commercial development projects such as the Downtown Far Rockaway Storefront Improvement Act. Through the program, the group received approximately $180,000 in funding from Councilman Donovan Richards that improved storefronts with new doors, gates, awnings and lights. Their newest project is the Downtown Rockaway Wireless Network.

By fall, the RDRC will install network routers that are not dependent on cell towers and will be operational in the event of a natural disaster.

Steinway Street BiD

25-69 38th Street, Suite 1C, Astoria 11103 Executive Director: Tony Barsamian 718.728.7820 info@steinwaystreet.nyc steinwaystreet.org

Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce PO Box 4399, Sunnyside, NY 11104 President: Manny Gomez 516.492.0513 www.sunnyside-chamber.org

Sunnyside Shines

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

Sunnyside Shines is the Business Improvement District for properties and businesses along Queens Blvd. from 38th to 50th streets, as well as Greenpoint Ave. from Queens Blvd. to 43 St. Although their two signature events center around food (Taste of Sunnyside & Restaurant Week), there a great deal more to the Sunnyside business environment. They have a “Shop Sunnyside” discount card and a “Holiday Passport.” The Taste of Sunnyside is May 23 under the elevated line on Queens Blvd. between 45th and 46th streets.

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

Executive commmitee

Executive Staff

Mayra DiRico

Fran Biderman-Gross

Thomas J. Grech

Brendan Leavy

Howard Graf

Richard Dzwlewicz

Sophia Ganosis

Cathy Berger

President

Associate Treasurer

Vice President

Associate Secretary

Treasurer

Immediate Past President

Henry Wan Nash Roe Secretary

Albert F. Pennisi

Executive Director

Business Development Manager Development Director

Chief of Operations

Jacqueline Donado

Dorothy Owermohle Bookkeeper

Strategic Program Coordinator

Financial Controller

Membership Outreach Coordinator & Member Engagement

Senior council Dominick Ciampa Louis D. Laurino Franklin F. Regan,Jr. John E. Roe,Sr John H. Weaver

Brett Swanson

Alejandra Espejo

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QueensBorough (issn 0033-6068) is published 12 times times a year, January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, and the Buyers Guide June/July, for $12.50 annually by the Chamber of Commerce of the Borough of Queens.

75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140, Jackson Heights, NY 11370-1131.

Periodicals postage paid at Flushing, NY and additional mailing offices. 718-898-8500 Fax 718-898-8599, http://www.queenschamber.org POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140 Jackson Heights, NY 11370-1131 Produced by: Queens Ledger 45-23 47th Street Woodside, NY 11377

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Andrew Barnes Fran Biderman-Gross Joshua E. Bienstock Willa Brody Kenneth J. Buettner Charles J. Callahan III KY Chow Carol Conslato

Sal Crifasi Mayra DiRico Richard Dzwlewicz Thomas Eagar Joseph R. Ficalora Howard Graf Raymond Irrera Kenneth Koenig

Adam Reece-Cohen Nash Roe Jeffrey Rosenstock Thomas Santucci Mark Scheinberg Caryn Schwab Sher Sparano Terri Thomson

Neil Levin Jeffery E. Levine Carl Mattone Patricia Mezeul Michael Moran Jeffrey Owens Albert F. Pennisi Vincent L. Petraro Esq

Gerard Thornton Henry Wan Swain Weiner Daniel Zausner

corporate members 1st Equity Title Closing Services AARP Advantage Payroll Services Acousticon of Flushing Inc Advanced Cardiovascular Diagnostics Age Well New York AKI Development Allegria Hotel Allied Barton Security Services Alma Bank Alma Realty Corp.

Aloft Long Island City Manhattan View Hotel Altria Client Services Inc. Amazing Destinations Ltd. American Food Basket ATCO Properties & Management Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP Bank of America Berkeley College Berkman, Henoch, Peterson, Peddy & Fenchel, PC Bethpage Federal Credit Union Blue Ocean Wealth Solutions Borchert & LaSpina, PC Boro Hotel Boyce Technologies Inc. Bridge Career Centers LLC Broadway Stages Brown Paper Tickets Building Maintenance Corp.

Capital One Bank Cathay Bank Care Connect Insurance Co. Inc. Carmel Car & Limo Service

CDS Mestel Construction Center for Automotive Education & Training Cerini & Associates Certilman Balin Charles Schwab Ciampa Organization City MD CoAdvantage Cleaning Systems Co. Clickable Commercial Express Financial Services Constant Contact Cord Meyer Development LLC Cornell NYC Tech Corporate Development Systems, Inc. Costco Wholesale Courtyard Long Island City CPEX Real Estate Crown Container Cumming Corporation Cyracom International, Inc. D&B Engineers & Architects, PC Daniels Norelli Cecere & Tavel PC DY Reality Services, LLC Dera Restaurants, Inc. Dignity Memorial Funeral Provides of Queens Douglas Elliman E. Gluck Corporations East Coast Energy Group Edible Arrangements Elmhurst Hospital Center Emigrant Mortgage Co.

Exit Realty Lewis & Murphy F & T Group Fairfield Inn Fairway Market Farrell Fritz, PC Fidelis Care New York Financial Resources Brup Investment Services LLC Firecom, Inc. First Central Savings Bank First in Service Staffing Franklin First Financial Group Inc. Forest Hills Financial Gaijin Galaxy Music Productions Inc. Genesys Engineering, PC Gerard T Dolan Agency Farmers Global Bank Mortgage Center Grand Rehabilitation & Nursing at Queens Go Health Ugent Care Grassi & Co. Greater New York Auto Dealers Association Inc. Greencrown Energy Greenwald Doherty LLP Greiner-Maltz of NY H&R Block HF Management Services Haks Healthplex, Inc. Health Republic Insurance Highline Residential Highstreet IT Solution Hilo Materials Handing Group Hilton Garden Inn/ LIC

Manhattan View Holiday Inn LaGuardia Airport Home2Suite LIC Hyatt Place Flushing INDA Association of Nonwoven Fabric Industry International Asbestos Removal Inc. J.F.A. Insurance Brokerage JRT Realty Group, Inc. James F. Capalino & Associates Jaspan Schlesinger LLP Joe’s Crab Shack JP Morgan Chase Kasirer Consulting Inc Kaufman Astoria Studios Inc. Kensington Company King of Queens Laundromat Knockout Pest Control LaGuardia Plaza Hotel La Technology Group Lee & Associates Levine Builders Lerner Agency Lessing’s Inc. Longhorn Steak House Long Island Business Institute Long Island City Volkswagon Luna Park in Coney Island Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc. M&T Bank M&V Provisions Co, Inc. MCR Development LLC MTA-Long Island Rail Road Madeline Chocolate Novelties Marks Paneth Marriott NYC Airport Hotels

Merritt Engineering Consulting PC Metroplus Health Plan Metropolitan Taxi Cab Board of Trade Micro Center Melrose Credit Union Mind Realty Group LLC Moses & Singer LLP Motiva Networks Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens Muss Development Company Nathan’s Famous, Inc. National Supermarket Association Newtown Creek Trusted PRI USD New York Business Corp.

New York Irish Association New York Oil Heaing Association Inc. New York Racing Association Northfield Bank Northwell Health Norhstar Mitsubishi NRG Energy Inc. NY Families for Autistic Children, Inc. NYG/DE Green Partners, LLC Office Depot, Inc. Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care & Rehab Paper Factory Hotel People’s United Bank Petro Energy Solutions Pivotal Payments Portnoy, Messinger, Pearl &

Associations, Inc. Prager Metis CPAs, LLC PMBA, Inc. Progressive Waste Solutions PSEG Long Island Qside Federal Credit Union Quadlogic Controls Corp.

Queens Center Queens Courier Queens Ledger Queensborough Community College Raich Ende Malter & Co LLP Radisson Hotel JFK Airport Radson Development LLC Real Hospitality Group Register Abstract Co. Inc. Rego Center Related Retail LP Renaissance Home Health Care Rochdale Village Inc. Royal Waste Services Inc. Russo’s On The Bay SL Green Realty Corp.

Sage Educational International Group Sandrire Capital LLC Sears Maid Service Shine Electronics Co. Inc. Sholom & Zuckerbrot Realty LLC Signature Bank Silvercup Studios Simon Baron Development Sleep Numbers Staples, Inc. St. John’s University

Steiner Sports Sterling Risk Strat X IT Solutions Suffolk County National Bank Suation Solar Systems Super-Tek, Products, Inc. Terrace on the Park The New York Times The Parc Hotel The Parking Spot Trinity Solar TSC Training Academy LLC Tully Construction Co. Inc. United Airlines United Health Care United Nations Federal Credit Union United Public, Adjusters & Appraisers, Inc. US Security Care Valley National Bank Van Guard Insurance Agency Verizon VHB Engineering Surveying & Landscape Architecture Victory Pharmacy Venture House Vista Penthouse Ballroom & Sky Lounge Vornado Realty Trust Waste Management of NY LLC Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Welllife Network WeWork YMCA of Greater New York York College Zwanger Pesiri Radiology LLP

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. Schneps Communications 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 the Queens Ledger at 718.426.7200.

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May 2017 • Volume 14 • Issue 5 Major Corporate

La Guardia Gateway Partners, LLC Corporate

D&B Engineers & Architects PC Onforce Solar Corp Champion Elevator

introductory

Kurry Qulture GV Art Conservation LLC Mass Mutual Greater Long Island ARF Financial Mass Mutual Seraphine Maternity Soho New York Store Daisy’s Art & Magic Harris Beach LLP G8 Real Estate Old Astoria Neighborhood Assn ATC Healthcare Staffing Singlecut Beersmiths Retro Tax Sunpower By Empower Compass Financial Group Fusion East Restaurant National Flood Protection, LLC

New members D&B Engineers & Architects PC

our directory, a neighborhood resident looking 330 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, NY 11797 to get involved and give back, or a community member with questions or concerns, OANA is (516) 364-9890 | www.db-eng.com your resource for information about Old Astoria Village.

For over 50 years, D&B Engineers and Architects has been a leader in environmental and civil GV Art Conservation LLC engineering. We plan, design, construct and 220 W 98th St, New York, NY 10025 implement a wide range of innovative solutions to (718) 440-9355 | www.gvartconservation.com meet our clients’ needs. D&B has a proven track record in wastewater and solid waste management, GV Art Conservation is a private-practice water supply services, environmental permitting conservation and restoration service based in and remediation, municipal planning and more.

New York City with staff able to travel locally and internationally as needed. GV Art Conservation Seraphine Maternity Soho New York specializes in Paintings, Sculpture, and Works on Paper with a focus on Modern, Post-War Store and Contemporary artworks. The practice works 464 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012 with the world’s leading galleries, auction houses, (646) 878-6196 | www.seraphine.com private/corporate collections, art advisors, art appraisers, fine art storage facilities, museums, Seraphine’s fashionable maternity clothes insurance companies and international showcase this season’s latest trends, adapted contemporary art fairs such as Art Basel, Frieze perfectly for pregnancy. Wide range of maternity NY, and The Armory Show. When appropriate, wear offers comfortable & chic options for nine GV Art Conservation consult directly with the months, and nursing clothes collection continues artist or their foundation to implement techniques the style long after baby is born. From New York consistent with their intent while also providing to London, Paris, Hong Kong & Dubai, Seraphine advice on methods to extend longevity. maternity stores can be found in all the top Kurry Qulture fashion capitals.

36-05 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103 (718) 674-1212 | kurryqulture.com Champion Elevator Corp 521 5th Ave, New York, NY 10175 Kurry Qulture is a seasonal Indian restaurant (212) 292-4430 | www.champion-elevator.com/ located right in the heart of Astoria. Kurry Qulture’s seasonal menu masterfully blends fresh Champion Elevator Corp. is an independently Indian and local produce delivered in a casual, owned, full-service elevator maintenance, repair, trendy ambiance. It also brings to Queens the violation removal, and testing company. All nostalgia of the “tandoor oven”, or the clay oven, services are provided throughout New York which is a traditional staple in household kitchens City’s five boroughs, Westchester, Nassau & across the Indian subcontinent. Kurry Qulture’s Suffolk counties. They offer customers a hand- tandoor oven delivers unparalleled flavor in selected and carefully screened group of highly breads and meats, refining the culinary experience dedicated and talented elevator professionals to of “authentic” Indian cuisine. Kurry Qulture has work with. The strategic pre-planning of our been named 2017’s “Best Indian Restaurant” in business model combined with pro-active daily the borough of Queens as part of the annual “Best operations have made Champion the elevator of the Boro” contest. source for many building-related professionals.

Old Astoria Neighborhood Assn PO Box 2286, Astoria, NY, 11102 (347) 730 - 6137 | oana-ny.org

The “Old Astoria Neighborhood Association” is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate and provide a voice to residents of Old Astoria. OANA promote economic growth, quality of life, and cultural health in the neighborhood. OANA is a 501c3 non-profit focusing on the part of Astoria bounded by Ditmars Boulevard and 36th Avenue, between the East River and 21st Street.Whether you’re a business owner interested in being listed in

MassMutual Greater Long Island

48 S Service Rd Suite 400, Melville, NY 11747 (516) 391-0300 www.massmutual.com/connect-with-us/agencies/massmutual-greater-long-island MassMutual Greater Long Island is a full service financial services firm that delivers specific needs based solutions to both individual and business clients. They specialize in the design, implementation and servicing of investment, insurance and retirement solutions and products.

They have over 160 years of experience helping people like build a strong financial future — even during challenging economies.

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