This is QueensBorough: April 2024 Edition

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April 2024 . Volume 19 . Issue 15

CEO To Make New JFK Terminal A Taste Of NYC “We’re going to make people feel like they are in New York City.”

Steve Thody, interim CEO of JFK Millennium Partners

INSIDE

Story on Page 9

Unraveling the Untold Story of Hidden Potential The Transformative Role of Artificial Intelligence LiveOnNY’s Role in Driving Organ Donation Awareness

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS 05

NYC Various Energy Laws Including Local Law 97 For Building Owners

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14

Northwell Opens In Glendale

15

Long Island Flooring Vendor Serves NYC

Episcopal Health Services Appoints Karen Paige EVP & Chief Operating Officer

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Art Unveiled: Empowering Global Citizens And Emotional Literacy Through Creative Education

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06, 08 07

QCC Foundation Awards All Seven Colleges In Queens Money For Student Scholarships Unraveling the Untold Story of Hidden Potential

Empire Shop, Sunnyside Is In The Spotlight

17, 19

Om Kundu Of Saveaway

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08

LiveOnNY’s Role in Driving Organ Donation Awareness

09

QCC’s Small Business Legal Desk To Hold Office Hours At Congresswoman Meng’s Office

JFK Story

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Long Island Board Of Realtors® Reinforces Presence In Queens NY With Enhanced Event Offerings

12

SERVPRO® Team Allen Remediates Mold Infestations in Queens and Beyond

Green Light Inspections: Shining A Light On Your Property’s Potential

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Revolutionizing Mental Wellness: The Transformative Role of Artificial Intelligence

12, 21

New NYC Bill To Lower Trucking Impact On Residential Neighborhoods, Improve Supply Chain In Queens

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Walter Sanchez - Publisher John Sanchez - Marketing Director Eli Kolins - Creative Director

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New Environmental Center And Boathouse On LIC Waterfront Brings Nature To Life

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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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April 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 15

THE BEACH WEATHER IS ROLLING IN Spring is (finally) here! Like many of you, I’m delighted by the return of warmer weather and our beloved New York Mets. For baseball fans, Opening Day and the start of the new season is an exciting time filled with optimism. I’m hopeful that come October we’ll see orange and blue ticker tape raining down on the Canyon of Heroes.

LGM!

THOMAS J. GRECH PRESIDENT & CEO

Our Mets aren’t the only reason for optimism. We’ve recently seen encouraging signs that our local economy is recovering strongly. Recently released data shows that statewide, nearly 2 million jobs have been added since the height of the pandemic, and that there are currently 4.1 million jobs in New York City – a record number.

This is down to business owners like you. Without your ingenuity and resilience, this recovery wouldn’t be possible. We are here to help and support you. Thank you for all you do for New York, and for being members and supporters of the Chamber.

THE SEASON FOR NETWORKING IS HERE This spring is an exciting time for the Queens Chamber of Commerce. Our calendar of events is full of great opportunities for networking and learning about how to grow your business and navigate challenges.

In April, we had events on topics ranging from tackling the gun crisis in our communities; to human capital and risk management; to Local law 126; to legal assistance for commercial leases. On May 7, we’ll head up to Albany to meet with members of the State Legislature and advocate for the interests of Queens’ business community. To learn more about what we have coming up, visit queenschamber.org/ events.

HOWARD GRAF CHAIRPERSON

Whether it’s attending a mixer to network, or lending your expertise to a panel discussion, or joining us to meet with our elected officials your presence is integral to making these events a success. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who takes the time to contribute to make the Chamber a force for good in our community.

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2024 BUSINESS EXPO ANNUAL LUNCHEON

CITI FIELD 41 SEAVER WAY FLUSHING, NY 11368

TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2024

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

EXHIBITOR RATES Exhibitor - Standard (Member Rate).......... $695 Exhibitor - Standard (Non Member Rate) $795 Exhibitor - Jumbo (Member Rate)................ $795 Exhibitor - Jumbo (Non Member Rate)..... $895 Non Profit Organization...................................... $395 Additional charge of $75 for electricity at table.

DAILY NEWS LUNCHEON Member Price - $165 Non Member Price - $195

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

EXPO GUIDE RATES Advertisement Only Quarter Page AD

$495

PLATINUM SPONSOR

Half Page AD

$795

Platinum Sponsor...............................

Full Page AD

$1095

Expo Guide Ad Specs 1/4 Page Color Ad

4.313" x 5.6875"

1/2 Page Color Ad

8.75" x 11.5"

Full Page Color Ad

8.75" x 5.6875"

Ad Commitment Deadline : Ad Submission Deadline :

May 15, 2024 May 21, 2024

Ads must be submitted in pdf or jpg to ads@queenschamber.org All exhibitors will be listed in the Daily News Expo Guide.

Attendees: Register for complimentary admission to our Trade Show and for the Business Pavilions.

Queenschamber.org

$10,000

GOLD SPONSOR Gold Sponsor .......................................

$5,000

Prime exhibit table, promotions, pictures & stories in our monthly "TIQ" Magazine.

Email blast with your logo via Queens Chamber marketing online distribution Full Page Display Ad in Expo Guide, 8 tickets to Luncheon

Prime exhibit table, promotions, pictures & stories in our monthly "TIQ" Magazine.

Email blast with your logo via Queens Chamber marketing online distribution Half Page Display Ad in Expo Guide, 4 tickets to Luncheon

SILVER SPONSOR

BRONZE SPONSOR

Silver Sponsor .......................................

$2,500

Prime exhibit table, promotions, pictures & stories in our monthly "TIQ" Magazine.

Email blast with your logo via Queens Chamber marketing online distribution Quarter Page Display Ad in Expo Guide, 2 tickets to Luncheon

expo@queenschamber.org

Bronze Sponsor ....................................... $1,250

Prime exhibit table, promotions, pictures & stories in our monthly "TIQ" Magazine.

Email blast with your logo via Queens Chamber marketing online distribution Quarter Page Display Ad in Expo Guide, 1 ticket to Luncheon

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

April 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 15

QUEENS NEWS

NYC Various Energy Laws Including Local Law 97 For Building Owners

1) Local Law 97 - Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Over 25,000 SF Building Greenhouse Gas Emissions cuts starting in 2024-2029, major reduction 2029-2034 and again 2035-2050 (Net Zero 0). Law Goals: Greenhouse gas emissions is zero (0) by 2050.

Building Emissions Report for 2024 is due on May 1, 2025, and every year on May 1….

Penalties: $268 per ton of excess carbon; $0.50/SF/month – failure to file the report; and $500,000 – False statement.

Penalties: $3000 – 1st year; $5000 – every year until submit the energy efficiency report (EER).

2) LL84/LL133 - Benchmarking All buildings over 25,000 SF need to benchmark the utility & water bills and report them to NYC DOB Annually by May 1st.

Penalties: $500 per quarter.

ting must be upgraded to the current energy code level.

5,000 SF and greater spaces need to be sub-metered (January 1, 2025, Deadline – File a report).

Penalties: $500 penalty for non- submetering.

3) LL87- Energy Audit and Commissioning All buildings over 50,000 SF need to be Energy Audited and Commissioned every 10 years by professionals (that’s us!)

Local Law 97 - Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction

4) LL88/LLL132/LL134 Lighting Upgrades and Submetering All buildings over 25,00 SF All lighting must be upgraded to the current energy code level.

5,000 SF and greater spaces need to be sub-metered (January 1, 2025, Deadline – File a report).

Penalties: $500 penalty for non- submetering.

Who does it affect? + Buildings in NYC that exceed 25,000 square feet. does not include city-owned buildings, religious places of worship, nonprofit hospitals and healthcare facilities, and certain buildings which are specifically determined to be exempt by city + Two or more buildings on the same tax lot that together exceed 50,000 square feet; + Two or more buildings owned by a condo association that are governed by the same board of managers and that together

exceed 50,000 square feet.

What determines cooperative levels of CO2?

The level of C02 that buildings are permitted to emit is dependent on the type of building, its uses and size and whether it be a multifamily, hotel or office.

Local Law 97 Compliance Guidelines for Rent Regulated and Affordable Housing A. If building includes any of the following: • 35% of units subject to rent regulation (regardless of any income restrictions), OR • Is an HDFC co-op (not a rental), OR • Has 1+ units that participate in a federal project-based housing program (e.g., Section 8, Section 202, Section 811, or CoC), OR • Participates in NYCHA PACT Then: Building must follow the Prescriptive Pathway (Article 321): By 2024, • Demonstrate that emissions are below the applicable 2030 limits, OR • Show that applicable Prescriptive Energy Conservation Measures have been fully imple-

mented File a one-time report by May 2025 B) If building does not fit into the description above AND: • Has 1+ rent regulated units and no more than 35% of units subject to rent regulation (regardless of any income restrictions) Then Building must follow the 2026 Compliance Pathway: • Meet emission limits starting in 2026, and face penalties for exceeding the limits File Annual reports starting May 2027 C) If building does not fit into any of the descriptions above AND: • Is a Mitchell-Lama with no units that participate in a federal project-based housing program, OR • Has no rent regulated units and has 1+ units that are income restricted through certain loans, grants, real property tax benefits, or property disposition programs Then Building must follow the 2035 Compliance Pathway: • Meet emission limits starting in 2035, and face penalties for exceeding the limits File annual reports starting May 2036 5

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QUEENS NEWS

Episcopal Health Services Appoints Karen Paige EVP & Chief Operating Officer cost-effective operations across the health system.

Far Rockaway, New York, March 27, 2024 – Episcopal Health Services (EHS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Karen Paige, MBA, RN, CPHQ CPPS, CPXP, OCN, as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Ms. Paige has been with the health system since 2020, initially as Vice President, Chief Quality Officer and most recently as Senior Vice President Clinical Integration & Chief Quality Officer.

In her new role, Ms. Paige will oversee the implementation of EHS’ overall operations strategic plan and provide executive oversight for the development of high-quality, patient-centered and

“We are thrilled to appoint Ms. Paige as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

During her tenure at EHS, Ms. Paige has made significant contributions to enhancing patient care quality. Those contributions, along with her extensive experience and expertise in healthcare, make her an invaluable member of our organization. We’re confident that her leadership will play a critical role in driving our strategic plan, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered services across our health system,” said Dr. Donald T. Morrish, MD, Chief Executive Officer, EHS. With nearly 30 years of leadership experience, Ms. Paige previously served as the Chief Nursing Officer for New York Cancer & Blood Specialists and

held various roles at Northwell Health Systems, including Senior Director, Assistant Vice President of Northwell Cancer Services and later as Vice President of Operations for Cancer Services.

Ms. Page holds a Master of Business Administration from North Central University and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain College. She is certified in Patient Experience, Patient Safety, Healthcare Quality, and a certified chemotherapy provider and oncology certified nurse.

About Episcopal Health Services Episcopal Health Services Inc., (EHS) is a health system located on the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens, New York. The system provides emergency and ambulatory care to the densely populated, culturally and economically

Pictured is Episcopal Health Services EVP & Chief Operating Officer Karen Paige.

Photo courtesy of Episcopal Health Services

diverse, and medically underserved Rockaways and Five Towns populations. The system provides people of all faiths with comprehensive preventive, diagnostic treatment, and rehabilitative services, regardless of their ability to pay.

Art Unveiled: Empowering Global Citizens And Emotional Literacy Through Creative Education

By Kimmy Ma Art education transcends mere skill development and is pivotal in cultivating global understanding and emotional literacy among students. It introduces them to a mosaic of cultural expressions and traditions, enriching their social-emotional learning. Through insights from “Studio Thinking”

by Winner and Hetland, we appreciate art education’s breadth, 6

from imparting critical visual arts principles to enhancing cognitive abilities and critical thinking. Further underscored by research in the Creativity Research Journal and the Center of Arts Education, the discipline promotes creativity, problemsolving, and emotional resilience, which are essential for thriving in a multicultural landscape.

However, the impact of art education is not limited to the clas-

sroom. Thanks to pedagogical strategies championed by youth art organizations, it extends to personal growth and fostering a sense of belonging. These approaches nurture students’ self-esteem and cognitive development.

Moreover, embracing global perspectives through art, aided by technology like artificial intelligence, broadens students’ horizons, offering a richer comprehension of diverse cultures and the interconnectedness of our world.

Continued on Page 8

April 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 15

DINE AND DISCOVER QUEENS

Empire Shop, Sunnyside Is In The Spotlight idea of finding healthy food in the same place.

How do you get involved in the surrounding community?

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

My journey in Queens has been satisfactory because my husband, who is the chef, has captivated many people with his special sandwiches and charisma.

I think it was something that was missing in the community with this busy life that is led today, plus everyone loves it. I like the

We have participated in Sunnyside Shine events such as Restaurant Week and Sunnyside Tasting. Recently I met a very special person from the Queens Chamber of Commerce. She has taught me that there are several organizations that support small businesses and women entrepreneurs. She has also invited us to events that a lot of business owners do not know we have access to. I am motivated to be part of all this!

I also want to invite everyone to come out on May 14th for our second anniversary event. All items on the menu will be $6 and the Queens community is welcome to celebrate with us!

food from each country; some restaurants have fast food, others have healthy food, but we have everything in the same place. We have typical hot sandwiches from some countries and some authentic

sandwiches from Empire. The names of our sandwiches are also unique. We have things like the NYPD Breakfast Sandwich, the Heart Attack Sandwich, and the Mariachi Sandwich. The açaí, dragon fruit and acerola bowls use super-fruits that are delicious and provide many benefits to the body. We also have healthy drinks.

To learn more, go to https:// empireshopnyc.com/ or visit them on Instagram @empireshop_nyc.

What makes your restaurant unique?

There are several types of

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QUEENS TECH CORNER

Om Kundu Of Saveaway This month’s featured tech entrepreneur is Om Kundu, Founder and CEO of SaveAway, a fintech platform that offers consumers a “Save Now, Pay Later” option that lets people save for an item in incremental payments over time. To learn more, go to https:// saveaway.net/.

How did you personally get your start in tech?

Growing up in the outskirts of Kolkata during the ‘80s-’90s involved moments of exhilaration, navigating a world with rotary telephone booths and HAM radios.

Despite the challenges, luck and persistence led to a one-way ticket to study math and computer science at Stanford. Over two decades, the journey has been at the intersection of retail commerce and fintech. SaveAway, in contrast to impulse-driven transacContinued from Page 6

B prioritizing a curriculum that balances emotional and multicultural learning, educational leaders can ensure that art education remains a vibrant field that prepares students to engage with the world thoughtfully.

The Surgeon General’s Advisory underscores the urgency of addressing isolation through innovative educational strategies, highlighting the arts as a remedy for fostering connection and community. In the modern educational tapestry, the significance of emotional literacy and social connectedness cannot be overstated, especially as remedies to combat the pervasive issue of loneliness among students. Art 8

tions, aims to actualize a world where the windshield is opened up, allowing users to peer into the canvas and set important goals.

With the #saveaway toolbox, rooted in behavioral science, users can make better purchase decisions and fulfill them without the risk of credit turning into debt.

What connection do you and your team have to Queens?

than “The World’s Borough” that is home for us in Queens.

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

What is the best thing about working in and around Queens?

We love that many of our earliest users, partners, and neighbors

from meet-ups in Queens have seen the joy that social commerce can be through SaveAway. It is also a privilege to see SaveAway increasingly become a part of the fabric interwoven with the wellness of the community, and with the help of the leadership of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, we hope to collectively be the change we seek in the world.

From having had my start in New York two decades ago working in Long Island City, to SaveAway being selected by the NYCEDC Founder Fellowship by the Tech Incubator at Queens Chamber, and most recently selected by them and Accompany Capital among those shortlisted for the “TechImpact Startup Competition,” nothing has felt like home to put forth our best education emerges as a beacon, providing a unique platform for emotional expression and fostering meaningful connections.

Through art, students delve into the intricacies of their emotions, learning to articulate and understand their feelings with depth and nuance. This emotional literacy is further enhanced by the collaborative nature of many art projects, which brings students together, working towards a common goal, sharing ideas, and appreciating diverse perspectives.

Such collaborative endeavors cultivate a sense of belonging and community and teach empathy and mutual respect. The shared experiences and understanding fostered through art engagement

offer a powerful antidote to isolation, knitting the fabric of social connectedness tighter within educational settings. As students navigate the complexities of their inner worlds and the diverse narratives of their peers through art, they build emotional resilience and a network of supportive relationships, which are vital components for mental well-being and combating loneliness.

This emphasis on emotional literacy and creating a connected, empathetic community undersco-

res the transformative potential of art education in addressing contemporary social challenges. Art education is not merely an academic subject but a vital instrument for holistic development.

It prepares students to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world with empathy, creativity, and critical thinking. It empowers them to become wellrounded, emotionally literate, and culturally aware global citizens ready to face the 21st century’s challenges.

April 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 15

COVER STORY

JFK Terminal 6 Development By: Jean Brannum

jbrannum@queensledger.com

The Terminal Six Reboot At JFK Airport Will Not Only Improve Passenger Experience, The $4.2 Billion Will Also Give Visitors Connecting Through, Or Staying In The City A Taste Of The Local Scene.

It has been one year since the ground-breaking on the new terminal six. Steel beams outline the new building, with the last of the beams to be set this Summer.

There is also new information on the new-and-improved terminal, including the announcement of a Queens-centered food and beverage scene.

Steve Thody, interim CEO of JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), says that the new terminal features over 180 small businesses, including many Queens-based businesses.

open in 2028 as part of phase two.

Many of the already-confirmed businesses are local and will be announced later.

Using AI and Solar Thody said the terminal will be equipped with the latest technology to improve passenger experience, including AI. Terminal six will use AI to provide insight into everything from concessions to security, then use that information to improve efficiency and avoid slow-downs caused by a high passenger volume.

Technology will also decrease energy use by improving automation in baggage handling. Conveyer belts that used to continuously run to funnel bags between checkpoints, will now only run when sensors recognize a bag needing transport.

The terminal will also use solar power to decrease its carbon footprint. This project is not related

to the recently-announced solar panel canopy that covers of the parking lots, but there will be 6000 solar panels powering Terminal Six. The thirty oval-shaped skylights bring much-needed natural light to the inside of the building, which cuts down the need for electrical light. The skylights will be coated in a film that keeps heat from the sun out as well to reduce the need for air conditioning in the warmer months. JMP is pursuing several sustainability certificates, including LEED certification.

displays to be set around the terminal in partnership with the Public Art Fund. Artists will be announced this Summer and many artists from Queens are being considered.

Thody was previously in charge of the new-and-improved Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport, which was the first terminal in North America awarded five stars

by Skytrax. Many team members for that project also joined Thody for this one. The Terminal six remodel is one of five projects to revamp JFK airport.

But the old terminal six hasn’t disappeared completely. Recycled concrete from the former buildings have been used in the new Terminal six. Other building materials are sustainably sourced.

JMP comprises of four companies: Vantage Airport Group, American Triple I, RXR Realty, and JetBlue airlines.

“Where we can reuse and recycle, then we will.” Thody said.

Besides the use of the latest technology to improve airport operations, Thody said he was also very excited for the numerous art

The first resident airline will be the Lufthansa group, which includes Swiss International Airlines, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels airlines. More airlines are to be announced soon. The new terminal is set to open with ten gates total. The first five gates will open in 2026.

“We want people to feel like they are in New York City here.”

Thody said.

To construct the facility, JMP has awarded over $600 million in local and diverse contracts, a third of said contracts are from Queens-based businesses. This Summer, three retail or pre-packaged food businesses will have the opportunity to sell their products in the 60,000-square-foot shopping facility to open in 2026.

There will be two more spots to 9

April 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 15

QUEENS NEWS

Long Island Board Of Realtors® Reinforces Presence In Queens NY With Enhanced Event Offerings graphic tapestry, Queens presents a rich tapestry of opportunities for real estate professionals. By continuing to strengthen its presence in Queens, LIBOR reaffirms its steadfast commitment to becoming Long Island’s foremost authority on real estate matters for both members and consumers in every corner of the region.

Contact: Christina DeFalco-Romano cdefalco@LIRealtor.com 631.661.4800 ext.358 Queens, NY - February 15, 2024 - Long Island Board of REALTORS® (LIBOR), renowned for its commitment to fostering excellence and professional growth among real estate practitioners across Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties, has been actively expanding its footprint within the vibrant borough of Queens, New York.

As one of the largest and most diverse REALTOR® associations in the region, LIBOR is dedicated to serving the needs of its members across diverse communities.

Recognizing the unique dynamics and opportunities present in Queens, LIBOR is doubling down on efforts to provide enhanced support and resources to its Queens-based members through an array of tailored events and initiatives.

With a bustling real estate landscape and a diverse demo-

“Queens is not only a vital part of New York’s real estate ecosystem but also a melting pot of cultures, opportunities, and aspirations,” remarked Doreen Spagnuolo, CEO of Long Island Board of REALTORS®. “By intensifying our focus on Queens, LIBOR aims to create a stronger support network for our members while deepening our engagement with the local community.”

In line with this commitment, LIBOR has unveiled an exciting lineup of events and initiatives designed to cater specifically to the needs and interests of its Queens-based members. From networking opportunities and educational seminars to cultural programs, LIBOR’s calendar of events promises to provide invaluable resources and insights to real estate professionals operating in Queens. With a Queens-based Government Affairs Director, LIBOR is also well positioned to advocate for its Queens members and continues to ensure that the voices of REALTORS® in Queens are heard.

LIBOR looks forward to continued collaboration with local organizations, business groups, and community leaders to foster meaningful connections and drive positive change within Queens’ vibrant neighborhoods. Most recently, on January 25th, LIBOR sponsored and participated at the Queens Realist Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) Business Speed Dating and Installation Luncheon at Roma View in Howard Beach and then hosted its first Queens LIBOR Local networking event at Bourbon Street on Bell Boulevard. By leveraging its extensive network and resources, LIBOR seeks to strengthen the bonds between real estate professionals and the communities they serve, thereby contributing to the overall well-being and prosperity of Queens.

The enhanced presence of LIBOR in Queens represents a significant milestone in the association’s ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation in real estate. Through

collaborative efforts and unwavering dedication, LIBOR remains steadfast in its mission to empower real estate professionals, elevate industry standards, provide best-in-class resources, and drive positive impact across Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties.

LIBOR is excited to return to Queens on March 8, 2024, for its 6th Annual Global Business Breakfast, hosted at Terrace on the Park in Corona. For more information about LIBOR and its upcoming events in Queens, please visit www.lirealtor.com and www.lirealtor.com/events, respectively.

About Long Island Board of REALTORS® Long Island Board of REALTORS®, Inc. (LIBOR) is a 30,000-member, not-for-profit trade association that serves real estate professionals throughout Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens counties. Founded over 100 years ago, LIBOR is the fourth-largest local REALTOR® board in the United States.

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QUEENS NEWS

SERVPRO® Team Allen Remediates Mold Infestations in Queens and Beyond

By: Gerianne Puntervold SERVPRO® Team Allen Reme diates Mold Infestations in the Queens and beyond.

Mold can rapidly spread to other parts of your home if the condi tions are right. It grows in

damp places and can be hard to detect. A wet basement can affect the rest of your home. So, it’s important to address mold issues immedia tely to prevent it from spreading.

Overcoming mold damage in a Queens basement is about un derstanding how to contain the organisms. Spores, microscopic seeds, are carried by air and cir culated to other house areas via the HVAC ducts. This movement also happens when warmer air rises (pushed up by cooler air), so they are carried to the higher floors of the house. Spores attach themselves to clothing, fabrics, and skin. Therefore, traffic in and out of this lower level likely ca rries the spores to other rooms.

Removing Mold from Queens Basements.

SERVPRO is the ultimate solution for mold remediation, remo-

val, and repair needs. Our experien ced professionals will immedia tely identify the mold source and take corrective measures. Ser vpro Team Allen will evaluate the scope of the damage entirely by inspecting all the rooms in your house. If the problem is still limi ted to the basement, we will seal all the cracks in the foundation and fix any holes to prevent mold from spreading. Our SERVPRO

technicians take mold growth se riously. We replace and insulate the HVAC air filters and ducts if necessary to ensure your home or business is safe and mold-free.

We work against future issues by treating: walls, flooring ,rafters, joists and OSB Board

Experts to Help When You Need It If you suspect mold growth in your crawlspaces or basement, don’t hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Forest Hills / Ridgewood, your trusted mold specialists for Queens and beyond.

We offer 24/7 availability and can arrange a prompt inspection.

Take action now and call us at (718) 381-3702 to keep your property safe and healthy

New NYC Bill To Lower Trucking Impact On Residential Neighborhoods, Improve Supply Chain In Queens

By Zach Miller New Yorkers may not agree on much, but some issues are unifying. Nearly everyone agrees, for example, that commercial trucks shouldn’t be parking overnight in residential neighborhoods: it is disruptive and inconvenient for residents and drivers alike, and it has been a growing issue for years without a solution in sight.

Luckily, a new bill would create safe and reliable truck parking 12

outside of residential areas to help alleviate par king stressors in Queens and across the five boroughs – and we should waste no time in passing and implementing this new initiative.

While it may not seem obvious, truck drivers do not want to park in residential communities. These spots are usually far out of the way of a driver’s route, and there is often not enough space for the vehicle to park properly.

They do so simply out of neces-

sity – there are not enough parking spots for anyone, let alone trucks. This makes it even more infuriating when they are fined or summonsed for improperly parking a vehicle that had nowhere else to go.

That could all change with Intro 99, a bill proposed by the New York City Council, which would establish curbside overnight par king areas for commercial vehicles within Industrial Business Zones (IBZs) by June of this

Continued on Page 21

April 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 15

QUEENS NEWS

New Environmental Center And Boathouse On LIC Waterfront Brings Nature To

By Rob Basch Imagine the joy on a fiveyear old’s face as she looks at a tiny shrimp swimming, or a 13year old as he views marine life through a microscope. These scenarios happen often at the Queens Landing Boathouse and Environmental Center on the LIC waterfront at the mouth of Newtown Creek.

In October, the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy (HPPC) opened the Environmental Center which is located at 57-28 2nd St. in space provided by Gotham Point LIC. HPPC also partners with Newtown Creek Alliance (NCA) and North Brooklyn Community Boathouse (NBCB) who provide programming.

“We are excited to continue to build out this space and add more environmental programming and boating opportunities,” said Rob Basch, President of HPPC. “We look forward to this center becoming an essential amenity to the community.”

Newtown Creek Alliance hosts field trips for school groups from kindergarten to graduate students.

Classes focus on marine ecology and climate change adaptations.

Students also learn about the history of Newtown Creek, water quality and pollution issues and how this affects marine wildlife.

Marine ecology education includes salt water educational aquariums inhabited by local wildlife. Visitors and students can observe marine plants and animals native to Newtown Creek, including multiple species of fish and crustacean. The tanks can be viewed from the street side through the window or up close during our public programming.

Classes also cover the value of integrating green infrastructure and resilient design to cope with climate change. In addition to classroom instruction, students can observe these features at work in Hunters Point South Park. The design of the park provides flood mitigation through salt marshes, berms, bioswales (also known as rain gardens), gabion walls, rip rap, native plantings and flooda-

ble multi-use basins.

In addition to flood mitigation, the park and its wetlands also provide a vibrant wetland that serves as a vital habitat for wildlife.

Students also learn about the history of Newtown Creek, which was named a Superfund site in 2010. They learn about what the creek originally looked like, how it was polluted and what is being done to remediate the pollution.

While much work still remains, students can see first-hand how fish, birds and other animal life are returning and thriving.

“Teachers appreciate the handson aspect of our program. Many students have never heard about Newtown Creek,” said Tess Wenstrup, NCA’s environmental education coordinator, which manages the environmental education for the Boathouse.

This spring the environmental education program will begin offering classes to the general public.

The Queens Landing Boathouse and Environmental Center also provides recreation opportunities for kayaking during open

paddling sessions. The kayaking program is managed by North Brooklyn Community Boathouse and consists of group kayaking sessions open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is no charge for kayaking and all equipment is supplied. NBCB also focuses on safety and environmental stewardship.

In addition to NCA led field trips, HPPC will continue to provide free public programming to the community, including nature and bird walks, nature journaling classes, kids’ programs as part of HPPC’s Summer Kids series and education programs on creek wildlife. The nature walks are held during the spring and fall migrations and also focus on the restored wetland ecosystem in the park and native plants. Nature journaling is taught by a local artist and illustrator who leads environmental-focused drawing classes.

HPPC plans to install a small hydroponics and aquaponics lab with curriculums for all ages to provide education about food systems, urban farming and ecology, and sustainable agriculture.

13

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QUEENS NEWS

Northwell Opens In Glendale

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Northwell Health has opened I medical clinic at the spot at Atlas Park that formerly was home to Shiro of Japan. The 10,000 square foot space is one of the largest units at Atlas. Jonathan Scheidt, Senior Vice President of Ambulatory Services for Northwell, spoke about the investment here being a commitment to Health Care Northwell In Glendale. ”We’ve got top doctors in multiple specialties; from Primary Care to Urology to Cardiology in this ‘state-of-the-art’ space,” he said.

Tom Grech, President & CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, was asked to speak about what a health clinic like this means to Queens. “A 10-million dollar investment in Glendale is a great thing and as one of the largest employer in the State – with 86,000 employees, it is evident Northwell is a leader.”

Ebony Young, deputy borough president also spoke. She welcomed Northwell to the neighborhood.

April 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 15

QUEENS NEWS

Long Island Flooring Vendor Serves NYC

Originating from Los Angeles, Cali fornia, Factory Direct Floors Inc. has decided to expand to the East Coast to meet industry demands with affor dable solid surface flooring. Now, in Farmingdale, Long Island, the vendor provides the latest flooring for New York City retail dealers.

Among their collection of luxury vinyl flooring, they have waterproof laminate floo ring, engineered hardwood, and solid hardwood. The company has sales te rritory in Queens, Brooklyn, and Nas sau County. They set up a significant presence on College Point Blvd, the cabinet-and-flooring center in Flus hing, Queens. Products are shipped direct from the Long Island warehou se to the Tri-State Area, such as New Jersey, and have even delivered floo

ring to professional businesses on Ma dison Avenue. Factory Direct Floors have been in operation for one year yet competitors in the same industry, MSI Surfaces, have noticed their ex ponential growth in the market. Vice President Edison Liu states, “Being local is our strong suit. We have supe rior communication with our clients, so we can resolve problems before the workday is complete.

We also pride ourselves on efficient delivery services. With a fully stocked warehouse, you can expect your deli veries made on the same day!” Factory Direct Floors met remarkable success by attending the Fall 2023 CO-OP Expo in Manhattan where Regional Account Manager Frank Soohoo exe cuted a large square-footage deal with fines-

se and charisma. Factory Direct Floors own a variety of hard surface flooring that fulfills consumer needs. Their engineered hardwood collec tion, known as The Samaritaine, offers top-ofthe-line ABCD grade European Oak in three blond colors. These are exceptional in enriching your living or dining room. The company specia lizes in luxury vinyl tile flooring. Vin yl tile is an alternative to laminate and hardwood flooring and comes in two categories: stone-polymer composite (SPC) and wood-polymer composite (WPC).While hardwood was luxu rious and laminate was inexpensi ve, both had their flaws. Vinyl flooring was created as a 100% wa terproof alternative that is luxu rious and inexpensive to produce.

Factory Direct Floors’ luxury vinyl flooring is easier to install, has real wood characteristics, and a beautiful top layer. Their 8mm SPC collections, The Aquarius Collection and The Aerial Collection, are the consumer’s choice for vinyl flooring. Trendy, their pro ducts meet environmental SCS global standards, FloorScore, and CARB ATCM 93120 certifications. It uses the industry preferred Uni clic technology that allows for easy installation. No glue or nail needed! Several game changers in the hard surface industry are two products: engineered vinyl and waterproof la minate.

The company’s Engineered Sto ne-Polymer Composite line, The Festival Collection, offers all the benefits that traditional 8mm vinyl has, but with added layers of vinyl between the cores. This ABA rigid core structure creates stability and a comfortable walking experience for the homeowner. Children, pregnant women, and senior citizens will receive help from the impressive un derfoot feeling. Waterproof Lami nate was the highlight of 2024 The International Surfaces Event (TISE). Customers are excited about them in stores.

Unlike traditional varieties, waterproof laminate can withstand water. Factory Direct Floors’ water proof laminate, The Saint’s Collec tion, can resist water for up to 600 hours.

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS NEWS

Queens Chamber Of Commerce Foundation Awards All Seven Colleges In Queens Money For Student Scholarships Scholarships Will Be Used To Benefit Both Part-Time And Full-Time Students (QUEENS, NY) April 15, 2024 - Today, The Queens Chamber of Commerce Foundation has announced its funding of all seven Queens county colleges for student scholarships. Each of the seven schools received funding from the Foun dation to be used to benefit both part-time and fulltime students who attend school while working. The Queens Chamber of Commerce Foundation is the 501(c)3 affiliate of the Queens Chamber of Com merce, with the mission of fostering and promoting institutions of higher learning in the borough.

“The Queens Chamber of Commerce Foundation believes that education and training are the cornerstones of a strong community and we are committed to su pporting our area students in their edu cational pursuits,” said Tom Grech, Vice President of the Queens Chamber of Com merce Foundation and President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “Through these scholarships we hope to honor those students who contribute to our workforce by working while attending school. We look forward to learning about the recipients of these awards.”

“The world-class educational institutions that call Queens home are vital to the pre sent and future of our local economy,” said Marian Conway, President of the Queens Chamber of Commerce Founda tion. “Our colleges and universities do an outstanding job preparing their students to join the workforce, and we are delighted to help support that

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effort with this initia tive.”

The seven schools receiving scholarship funds include: LaGuardia Community College, Plaza College, Queens Colle ge, Queensborough Community College, St. John’s University, Vaughn College, and York College. School administrators expressed their gratitude to the Queens Chamber of Commerce Foundation for its scholarship donation to assist students in pursuing their education.

“Half of CUNY’s students work while attending school, and we are committed to removing financial barriers that can impede their attainment of educational and career goals,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “We thank the Queens Chamber of Commerce for these scholarship funds, which will help stu dents at CUNY’s Queens colleges, and for supporting our mission of elevating New Yorkers through higher education.”

“The generous support from the Queens Chamber of Commerce Foundation will significantly reduce the financial bur den of receiving a college education for many students who will become the lea ders of our community and key industries that shape our economy,” said Kenneth Adams, President of LaGuardia Com munity College. “We are grateful to the Foundation’s recognition of our collective efforts to offer quality higher education to students in Queens.”

“Plaza College is honored to receive these scholarship funds for our students, many of whom

are Queens residents studying for highly-skilled and in-demand degrees that will allow them to tangibly contribute to our thriving community after gradua tion, said President Charles Callahan III. “We appreciate the continued support the Queens Chamber of Commerce provides for the students, businesses, and commu nity at large in the borough of Queens.”

“A Queens College education provides a foundation on which extraordinarily suc cessful futures are built,” said Queens Co llege President Frank H. Wu. “It is a place where we take enormous pride in the fact that many of our students are the first in their families to earn a college degree.

We are deeply fortunate to receive this fun ding from the Queens Chamber of Com merce Foundation to benefit part-time and fulltime students who attend school while working. It will be an enormous support to students, in particular, those who are im migrant wage earners helping to support their families while they attend college.”

“More than half of Queensborough stu dents report a household income of less than $30,000 a year and work while at tending school, but often tell us what they earn is still not enough to fully fund their education,” said Queensborough Commu nity College President Christine Mangino. “The scholarships from the Queens Cham ber of Commerce Foundation will support our hard-working students and help

close the gap so they can earn their degree.”

“St. John’s University is enriched by our Queens location and a tapestry of cultures complementing an internationalized cu rriculum. Our New York City roots and a long relationship with the Queens Cham ber of Commerce help fortify connections to the companies and opportunities found in one of the world’s most globally con nected cities. St. Johns is grateful for the support received from The Queens Cham ber of Commerce Foundation to help our students,” said Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President, St. John’s University.

“We are grateful to the Foundation for its support of the students at Vaughn Colle ge and the borough,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Sharon B. DeVi vo. “Scholarships alleviate the financial burden for students from under resourced communities and allow them to achieve their dream of a college education and a fulfilling career trajectory.”

“At York College, we have a long tradi tion of providing quality education that leads to careers in medicine, aviation, the arts, education, athletics, business, and so much more,” York College interim Presi dent Claudia Schrader said. “Most of our students finance their college education with federal grants, loans, and scholars hips from donors like the Chamber Foun dation. The Chamber’s scholarship will help make their futures ‘take flight.’”

April 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 15

QUEENS NEWS

Unraveling the Untold Story of Hidden Potential

By: Jacqueline Diaz I can still picture scenes with Peter Griffin from “Family Guy” in his typi cal candid demeanor, starting with one of his famous “You know what really grinds my gears?” rants. He might go on about absurd things that make us chuckle, but today, I’m here to talk about something that truly grinds my gears, and it’s no laughing matter.

My nephew, a bright and lovable soul, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum when he was just four years old. Now, at 28, he’s an extraordinary individual, and you would never imagine he has a diagnosis. Yet, he’s grappling with a challenge that should resonate with us

all: the yearning for purpose and the simple desire to secure a job. Yes, even those jobs that many of us complain about day in and day out.

We proudly discuss diversity and in clusion in our workplaces, joining groups and initiatives to foster a wel coming environment.

But sometimes, we need to do better, especially for in dividuals like my nephew. He’s more than capable, ready to contribute and do amazing things. However, his extrapolite way of speaking someti mes leaves people puzzled, mistaking his sincerity for mockery. And his ina bility to find humor in the usual office banter leaves him on the outskirts, searching for a place where he truly belongs.

There are agencies designed to help, but they are overwhelmed with waiting lists that turn weeks into months. And in that time, the potential of bright minds like my nephew’s remains untapped, their talents hidden in the shadows.

As the owner of a recruiting agency, I saw the potential in many individuals who just need someone to take a chan ce on them. This article isn’t meant to

offend but to shed light on an issue weighing heavily on my heart. It’s a call to action, a plea for awareness and change.

And so, if you could do something about it, would you?

Would you take a moment to look beyond the resume, to see the person in front of you, and to give them a chance to shine?

In the spirit of fostering change and addressing the heart of this issue, I took a personal step beyond my pro fessional expertise as a recruiter. Des pite my extensive experience, finding a suitable job for my nephew was a challenge that left me feeling unexpec tedly defeated. This experience was a reminder of the systemic barriers neu rodiverse individuals face in securing employment. Motivated by this, I founded The Steven Spectrum Career Project as a response to a personal ca lling and a necessary venture to fill a critical gap in our community and workforce.

Our organization is dedicated to trans forming the employment landscape for neurodiverse individuals through targeted training, workshops,

and mentorship programs that culminate in meaningful job placements.

We are reaching out to the community for support in multiple ways. By recommending neurodiverse indivi duals to our programs, you’re helping someone take the first step toward a fulfilling career. Moreover, weencou rage businesses to partner with us in creating inclusive workplaces that thrive on diversity and innovation.

Let’s be the leaders who create an inclusive environment for all, recog nizing and celebrating the diverse talents of every individual. When we do, we’re not just giving them a job; we’re giving them a sense of purpo se, a place where they belong, and the opportunity to share their unique gifts with the world.

And that, my friends, is something truly worth striving for.

For those inte rested in joining us on this transforma tive journey, please visit www.thestevenproject.org, contact Jacqueline Diaz at jacqueline@thestevenproject. org, or call 718-685-8883.

Empowering Communities:

LiveOnNY’s Role in Driving Organ Donation Awareness

April is Donate Life Month, a time when communities across the nation rally to raise awareness about the critical need for organ donation. LiveOnNY stands at the forefront of this movement.

During Donate Life month and throughout the entire year, the organ procurement organization (OPO) advocates for the life changing impact of organ and tissue donation and celebrates the generosity of New Yorkers who

have embraced this noble cause by becoming organ donor heroes.

The Ultimate Gift Organ and tissue donation is an act of altruism that has the power to transform lives in the most profound ways, leaving a generational impact. For individuals suffering from organ failure, it offers the promise of a second chance—a chance to reclaim health,

vitality, and the simple joys of everyday life. Each organ donor hero has the potential to save multiple lives, leaving an indelible legacy of compassion and hope.

wavering generosity of New Yorkers. Witnessing an extraordinary Continued on Page 19

In the past 24 months, LiveOnNY has achieved remarkable milesones in the realm of organ and tissue donation, exemplifying the un17

April 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 15

QUEENS NEWS

Queens Chamber Of Commerce’s Small Business Legal Desk To Hold Office Hours At Congresswoman Meng’s Office

Program funded by Meng connects local small businesses to legal, financial and human resources experts and does so in multiple languages; Office hours to include services in English, Mandarin, Korean, Spanish and Russian.

QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that on Fri day, May 3, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Legal Desk will hold offi ce hours in her Northeast Queens office located at 40-13 159th Street in Flushing.

The Small Business Legal Desk is a cru cial initiative that Meng helped to create last year. In August, she unveiled the $1 million she secured to launch the program which connects Queens small businesses to consultants with expertise in human resources, finance, accounting and legal issues such as contracts and leases.

The services are free of charge, and it links the borough’s diverse small business commu nity to assistance in multiple languages.

During the office hours, local

entrepre neurs and small business owners can take advantage of all that the Legal Desk has to offer and receive advice and support from Chamber staffers and expert service pro viders. Services will be available in several “I am thrilled to have secured this $1 mi llion to create a muchneeded Small Busi ness Legal Desk and I’m glad to see that it is now up and running and helping small businesses in our communities,” said Con gresswoman Meng. “It will be a critical tool for entrepreneurs in our borough and I’m excited to welcome the Legal Desk team to my office next month. I encourage local businesses to take advantage of the valua ble services that the Legal Desk provides, and I thank the Queens Chamber of Com merce for its continued partnership in helping small businesses thrive.

We must remember that when our borough’s small businesses succeed, Queens succeeds!”

“Queens has a vibrant, diverse small bu siness community that creates jobs and opportunity, and contributes so much to the unique character of our neighbor hoods,”

said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commer ce. “We are thankful to our Congresswo man Grace Meng for the opportunity to connect small businesses in her district to vital services that will allow them to grow and better serve their customers and com munity. We look forward to meeting with business owners at her district office on May 3.”

Through the Small Business Legal Desk, participating businesses are connected to multilingual, pro-bono professional support through one-on-one consulta tions. The program also hosts webinars on a monthly basis and refers businesses to other resources available through the Queens

Continued from Page 17

pelling myths surrounding organ and tissue donation.

cards to increase awareness about organ donation

The Impact of Community

- 8th Annual Krishna Janmashtami Block Party: The Krishna Janmashtami Block Party in Glen Oaks, Queens, organized by the Hindu temple Radha Krishna Dham, draws a vibrant crowd from the South Asian community. The day began with a prayer ceremony and unfolded into cultural folk dances, a communal dinner, and various festivities. While in attendance, LiveOnNY had

50% increase in organ and tissue donors, LiveOnNY has reaffirmed the profound impact of its mission—the gift of organ donation, the gift of life.

LiveOnNY’s combined efforts with 100 donor hospitals and varied communities across New York has been instrumental in driving forward impactful public awareness campaigns.

These campaigns, which have generated over six billion unpaid media impressions in the last 24 months, have been pivotal in sparking conversations and dis-

- Flushing Lunar New Year: LiveOnNY’s Community & Government Affairs team and volunteers celebrated the Year of the Dragon at the 2024 Lunar New Year Parade in Flushing, Queens.

Multiple local, state, and federal dignitaries, including NYS Governor Hochul, NYC Mayor Adams, and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, were in attendance. LiveOnNY distributed red envelopes and information

Chamber.

Businesses interested in attending the offi ce hours at Meng’s office must RSVP at sking@ queenschamber.org.

Meng, joined by Grech and other leaders, commemorated the launch of the Legal Desk last August in front of Queens Colle ge’s Small Business Development Center, which the Congresswoman also helped to establish in 2019.

The Queens Chamber of Commerce is the oldest and largest business associa tion 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 advoca te for members’ interests.

the opportunity to educate and raise aw reness about organ donation, fostering connections within the community.

- Tablings and Hospital Appreciations Events: LiveOnNY actively engages with the community through tabling events at various locations including Queens DMV sites in Jamaica, College Point.

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

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QUEENS NEWS

Green Light Inspections: Shining A Light On Your Property’s Potential Let’s celebrate the resilience in the Rockaways, a journey made possible with the steadfast support of Green Light Inspections to the NewYork Triathlon Club. For the past 5 years, this collaboration has infused joy, competition, and a strong sense of community into Queens by holding the Rockaway Triathlon.

Race Directors George Koutsodontis & Hunter Lydon, are passionate locals and founders of the “Beasts from Riis” an amateur triathlon team. The duo, inspired by their first NYTRI event in

2019, at the Inaugural Rockaway Triathlon, that Ron started and have been actively involved ever since. New York Triathlon (NYTRI.org), a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization, is gearing up for this year’s races in Queens. Picture the races unfolding on Picture the races unfolding on The iconic Boardwalk at Rockaway Beach, Queens – a gem since the 1930s, boasting the largest urban beach in the U.S.The area, featuring a vibrant mix of hotels, restaurants, bars, and retail shops, all within walking distance of

the Boardwalk and Beach. As we embark on this year’s races come support NYTRI on May 19th and Sept 15th.

You will witness the transformation of Rockaway Beach.

Green Light Inspections stands proud, contributing not only to home inspections but also to the vibrant community initiatives in the Rockaways.

When Ron not racing, he is a Home Inspector.

He started Green Light Inspections, a Veteranowned business, that stands by its commitment to providing precise and authoritative home inspections. Regardless of whether you are a home buyer, seller, or real estate professional, his commitment is to serve you with hoesty, ethics, and professionalism.

Every home inspection he conducts adheres to the Standards of Practice established by the NYS Division of Licensing Services.

He’s genuinely excited about the prospect of discussing how Green Light Inspections can elevate your real estate transactions. Please share some time that works for an enthusiastic conversation.

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April 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 15

QUEENS NEWS Continued from Page 12

year. These vehicles could park for up to eight continuous hours between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. It is a commonsense solution to an otherwise difficult problem.

For context, Industrial Business Zones are areas of land zoned nearly exclusi vely for manufacturing uses (meaning no homes are nearby), first designated as such in 2006 to support industrial and manufacturing firms. There are 21 IBZs throughout the city, including eight in Queens: Jamaica, JFK, Long Island City, Maspeth, Ridgewood, Steinway, and Woodside. It is a ready made solution for truck parking.

It ensures that drivers who need to park can do so without disrupting residential neighborhoods and wi thout competing for precious par king space with the many outer borough residents

reliant on cars for transportation. IBZs generate significant trucking demand, mea ning it is also far more convenient for operators. It makes little sense that truck operators cannot legally park there, and this poor use of the streets is causing headaches for everyone.

The parking issue is not a matter of simply driving the truck back to its garage, either. Federal hours-of-servi ce (HOS) regulations require drivers to take 10 hours of off-duty time after 14 hours of on-duty time before they return to the road.

Recent urban planning decisions contribute to the rise in commercial vehicles parked in neighborhoods and residential areas, and Intro 99 seeks to alleviate this pressure. Our street layouts are changing, and far too often, the trucking industry is not considered when we make the se

changes.

In the past, the city has unsuc cessfully and inefficiently tried to solve the issue with increased en forcement. The Heavy Duty Enfor cement operation deployed NYPD traffic enforcement agents across southern Queens last summer, is suing 597 summonses, 89-whe el clamps, and towing 55 parked commercial vehicles to a tempo rary storage facility. Increased en forcement does not get

to the root of the issue.

Now, the onus is purely on the City Council, which can make the decision to better plan our city streets, improve our supply chain, and lower trucking impact on re sidential neighborhoods. Intro 99 organizes and plans our streets to support our economy and its resi dents – it’s the kind of smart urban policy plan New Yorkers should be embracing.

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April 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 15

QUEENS NEWS

Revolutionizing Mental Wellness:

The Transformative Role of Artificial Intelligence In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of mental wellness and the need for innovative solutions to address the myriad of challenges individuals face. One such solution lies in the application of artificial intelligence (AI), which has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach mental health care. From early detection and personalized treatment plans to remote support and therapy, AI is paving the way for a more accessible, efficient, and effective approach to mental wellness.

Early Detection and Prevention: AI-powered algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data, including social media posts, online interactions, and physiological indicators, to identify patterns and markers indicative of mental health issues. By detecting early warning signs, AI systems can prompt timely interventions and preventive measures, reducing the likelihood of more severe problems later on.

Personalized Treatment Plans: Every individual experiences mental health challenges differently, and what works for one person may not be effective for another. AI algorithms can analyze various factors, including genetic predispositions, lifestyle habits, and treatment responses, to generate personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual’s needs. This approach improves the efficacy of interventions and enhances patient outcomes.

Remote Monitoring and Support: Inaccessible or limited mental health resources can exacerbate the challenges individuals face, particularly in remote or underserved areas.

AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants provide round-the-clock support, offering personalized guidance, coping strategies, and interventions to individuals wherever they are. These virtual support systems supplement traditional therapy and provide continuous monitoring, fostering a sense of connectedness and support.

Therapy and Intervention: AI-driven therapy platforms offer scalable and cost-effective solutions for delivering evidence-based interventions.

Virtual reality (VR) simulations, conversational agents, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs empower individuals to engage in self-guided therapy sessions tailored to their specific needs and preferences. These interventions not only increase access to mental health care but also destigmatize seeking help by offering discreet and convenient solutions.

Ethical and Regulatory Considerations: As AI continues to permeate mental health care, it is crucial to address ethical and regulatory concerns surrounding privacy, data security, bias, and accountability. Clear guidelines and standards must be established to ensure the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies in mental wellness applications, prioritizing patient safety, autonomy, and confidentiality.

WeeHeel: Harnessing Technology for Mental Wellness As the brainchild of Kumararaja’s expert team, WeeHeel is engineered to help individuals enhance their mental well-being using personalized

tools and resources. Through AI-driven features, the application seeks to create a safe space for people to understand their mental health better and take proactive measures to improve it.

Kumararaja’s team includes psychologists, therapists, software developers, and AI specialists who have collaborated to bring forth an app that addresses mental health from a multifaceted, usercentric approach.

Features That Set WeeHeel Apart What makes WeeHeel unique is its range of features, tailored to cater to individual user needs. These include: AI-Driven Self-Assessment: Users can leverage AI-powered assessments to better understand their mental state, which can help identify potential concerns before they escalate.

Personalized Recommendations: The platform uses sophisticated algorithms to suggest customized activities and coping strategies based on users’ input and self-assessment results. These recommendations may include mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral techniques, or lifestyle changes. Professional Support: WeeHeel provides a platform to connect users with licensed mental health professionals for virtual sessions.

This feature ensures that expert help is easily accessible.

Community Support: In addition to one-on-one professional guidance, WeeHeel also fosters a sense of community by providing a safe space for users to connect with others who are facing similar experiences.

Conclusion: The integration of AI into mental health care represents a paradigm shift in how we approach and address mental wellness. By leveraging

About the author : Kathirvel Kumararaja is the Founder and CEO of DevJee, (https://www.devjee.com) a New York based technology company developing Artificial Intelligence solutions for the Mental Wellness Industry. He is a Data Scientist and an advocate for responsible use of AI. Kumararaja brings a unique perspective to management and IT. With over 20 years of IT experience and more than a decade as a business owner, his credentials consist of an equal blend of corporate and consulting experience. His assignments include Developing and implementing systems for Finance, Manufacturing and construction industries. He also headed the IT division of Jindal Steel and Power Limited, part of the US$18 billion Jindal group of companies (India) overseeing implementation of SAP and Project Management systems. His few other roles include program managing the CM system implementation for Pentagon (US Department of Defense) and Burj Khalifa tower (Tallest tower in the world)

the power of data analytics, machine learning, and natural language processing, AI enables early detection, personalized treatment, remote support, and scalable interventions.

However, as we harness the potential of AI in this domain, it is imperative to remain vigilant about ethical considerations and prioritize the wellbeing and autonomy of individuals seeking mental health support. Ultimately, by embracing AI-driven solutions, we can empower individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

STEPHEN D. HANS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. | 718.275.6700

30-30 NORTHERN BLVD. SUITE 401, LONG ISLAND CITY 11101 WWW.HANSASSOCIATES.COM

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES 82ND STR EET PA RTNERSHIP

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

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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 V ILLAGE 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

ASSOCI ATION

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.

ACCOMPA N Y CAPITA L (FOR MER LY 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

April 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 15

QUEENSBOROUGH CALENDAR OF EVENTS QUEENS DAY IN ALBANY 2024

Time (US and Canada)

Tuesday May, 7 06:30 - 23:00 EDT LEARN HOW TO OBTAIN FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR A COMMERCIAL LEASE Thursday May 914:00 - 15:00 Edt MANAGI NG THE R ISKS TO OUR FRAGILE GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS May 17, 2024 09:30 AM Eastern

This workshop will explore the future of our global supply chains and the challenges to their stability.

As COVID19 spread throughout the world and war broke out between Russia and Ukraine we became acutely aware that the global supply chains which we had taken for granted and expected to work with precision started to break down. We have become frustrated when we order from Amazon and the item fails to arrive in 24 hours and we are disappointed when we have to wait for month for our new car because of a micro chip shortage. This

workshop will explore the future of our global supply chains and the challenges to their stability.Queens Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Workshop Series Managing Risk in the Business World - (In conjunction with NYIT Center for Risk Management and Center for Human Resource Studies and Dispute Resolution Institute of New York)Astoria Boulevard Cafe Elmhurst, New York

Flushing, New York United States REAL ESTATE AND LAW NETWORKING EVENT Jun 20, 2024 (18:00 - 20:00 / UTC-04:00 EDT) | Queens, New York, United States

QUEENS BUSINESS EXPO 2024 Tuesday June 4 11:00 - 16:00 Citi Field 41 Seaver Way

Join Us for July 8th – August 16th, 2024 Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Early drop-off and extended day care available All children entering Kindergarten through Grade 5 are welcome!

at The Kew-Forest School Core Academic & Recreational Options

ENROLL TODAY!

Register to Attend an Open House Wednesday, May 22nd at 6 p.m.

arts & crafts • dance • drama field trips • martial arts • STEM swimming & more!

Register for two, four, or six weeks!

kewforest.org/summer

119-17 Union Turnpike, Forest Hills, NY • Tel: (718) 551-3123 • Email: summer@kewforest.org 25

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

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

CHH AYA 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.

CHINATOW N DISTR ICT M A NAGEMENT ASSOCI ATION (CHINATOW N PA RTNERSHIP)

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.

FOR EST HILLS CH A MBER OF COMMERCE 26

queenschamber.org

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 YOR K 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.

GATEWAYJ FK

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.”

GR EATER JA M A ICA DEVELOPMENT CORPOR ATION

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.

GR EATER WOODH AV EN DEVELOPMENT CORPOR ATION - WOODH AV EN BI D

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.

JA M A ICA 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 INTER NATIONAL AIRPORT CH A MBER 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 ISLA ND CITY PA RTNERSHIP

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

Long Island City Partnership advocates

April 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 15

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.

M ASPETH CH A MBER 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.

M ASPETH INDUSTR I A L BUSINESS ASSOCI ATION (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.

MI DDLE V ILLAGE CH A MBER 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.

M Y RTLE AV ENUE 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 CORPOR ATION

SU N N YSI DE 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:

ROCK AWAY DEV ELOPMENT & R EV ITA LIZATION COR POR ATION

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.

ROCK AWAY EAST MERCHA NTS ASSOCI ATION (R EM A4US)

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.

STEIN WAY ASTOR I A PA RTNERSHIP 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-

C H A M BER

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.

SU NN YSIDE 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 BOULEVA R D 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.

U R BA N UPBOU ND

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

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

NEW MEMBERS CORPORATE South Island Orthopedics 347 Beach 19th Street Far Rockaway, NY 11691 Contact: Abhay Bansal, abansal@healthplusmgmt.com, +1 7188698888 Cushman & Wakefield 1290 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10104 Contact: Helen Paul, Co-Lead, Logistics & Industrial, helen.paul@cushwake.com, +1 2128415757 Ira Goldestein 2833 Jackson Ave 6th Floor New York, 10104 Executive Director, The Black Car Fund Contact: igoldstein@nybcf.org, +1 2122695858 Lionel Morales 2833 Jackson Ave 6th Floor New York, 10104 Communications, Outreach and Marketing Manager, The Black Car Fund Contact: lmorlaes@nybcf.org, +1 3478869340 David Perine 2833 Jackson Ave 6th Floor New York, 10104 Chief Financial Officer, The Black Car Fund Contact: dperine@nybcf.org, +1 2122694800 Dawn Sherman 2833 Jackson Ave 6th Floor New York, 10104 The Black Car Fund Contact: dsherman@nybcf.org, +1 2122694800 Damora Regala 2833 Jackson Ave 6th Floor New York, 10104 Communications, Outreach and Marketing Coordinator, The Black Car Fund Contact: dregala@nybcf.org, +1 2122694800 Ldl US 3500 S Clark St Arlington, VA 22202 Contact: Aimee Campbell, aimee.campbell@lidl.us, +1 7188988500 Trucking Association of New York 70-25 Yellowstone Blvd Forest Hills, NY 11375 +1 7183094564 Contact: Zach Miller, Director of Metro Region Operations, zach@nytrucks.org, +1 7188988500 Emigrant Mortgage 350 Jericho Turnpike Suite 11753 Jericho, NY 11753 Contact: Veronica Ferrero, VP Community Lending Officer, ferrerov@emigrantmortgage.com, +1 7183094564 Markmedicalcare 78-14 Roosevelt Ave Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Contact: Lizette Herrera, Director, lherrera@ markmedicalcare.com, +1 5168226992 The Excelsior Consulting Team - UBS Financial Services, Inc. 1 Jericho Plz Ste 205 Jericho, NY 11753 Contact: Diane Johnston, SVP/Financial Advisor, Institutional Consultant, diane.johnston@ubs.com, +1 5167458964

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SMALL BUSINESS PARTNERS T-Swirl Crepe 84-17 37th Avenue Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Jiantan Lin, CEO Contact: tswirlcrepe@gmail.com, +1 9177038886 Sama Deparment Store 85-91 150th St. Jamaica, NY 11101 Contact: Hussai Almuflahi, CEO, hussain@sama. nyc, +1 3472003145 EJZ Engineering PLLC 3100 47th Avenue Long Island City, N Y11101 Contact: Edgar Zephyrine, Principal, ez@ ejzengineering.com, +1 2129339580 All About Kindness 209-34 Northern Blvd 1157 Bayside, NY 11361 Contact: Lyudmila Mierova, allaboutkindness613@ mail.com, +1 9174031601 Caribbean American Repertory Theatre Inc. 114-13 Ovid Place St. Albans, NY 11412 Contact: Shawcartgt Shaw, Director, shawcartgt@ gmail.com, +1 7189746487 Palmer Perry Dixon & White Media Group LLC 120-37 Farmers Boulevard St. Albans, NY 11412 Contact: Susan Van Brackle, President, contact@ ppdwmediagroup.com, +1 6463973021 Community Inclusion & Development Alliance (CIDA) 3850 Bell BLVD Apt A2 Bayside, NY 11361 Contact: Young Seh Bae, Executive Director, youngsehbae@cidainfo.com, +1 9177155516 4the1 IMAGE 25-18 50th Street Apt 202 Woodside, NY 11377 Contact: Vicky Benitez, Photographer, info@4the1image.com, +1 2017807683 MKR Management Services LLC 260 Greenway South Forest Hills, NY 11375 Contact: Michael Ross, Managing Partner, michael@mkrmgmt.org, +1 9177671960 Lina Vivas Maintenance Inc 1818 Willis Ave Merrick, NY 11566 Contact: Lina Vivas, CEO, allstatecleaningsvc@ gmail.com, +1 6318359303 Supercell Systems LLC 28-30 34th St Apt 2M Astoria, NY 11103 Contact: Renny Itwaru, Director, Technology & Business Development, renny@supercell.nyc, +1 7184129900

Aflac 18-35 Corporal Kennedy Street Apt. 1A Bayside, NY 11360 Contact: Robert Duke, Benefits Advisor Professional, robert_duke@us.aflac.com, +1 3478801993 DL Partners 9 East 40th Street 5th Floor New York, NY 10016 Contact: Christopher Tarnok, ctarnok@ dlpartnerslaw.com, +1 2126244185 T.F. O'Brien Cooling & Heating 100 Denton Ave New Hyde Park, NY 11040 Contact: Christopher O'brien, chris@tfobrien.com, +1 5164881800 IAN-Audio 612 south 12th street New Hyde Park, NY 11040 Contact: Ash Krikorian, Owner, ash@ian-audio. com, +1 6463198047 LITTLE NECK CARE CENTER LLC 260-19 Nassau Blvd c/o Little Neck Care Center Little Neck, NY 11632 Contact: Jessica Suarino, Director of Business Development, jsuarino@littlenecknursing.com, +1 6313880334 AtoZ Catering House 151-30 133rd Avenue Jamaica, NY 11434 Contact: Yvette Strachan, Owner/Manager yvettestrahan@gmail.com, +1 9178568683 CORE Human Resources Professional 13352 245 Street Suite 101 Rosedale, NY 11422 Contact: Sharon Brown, President / CHRO, sharonmbrown19@gmail.com, +1 3475263023 YESODOT Inc. 105-24 64th Rd 5K Forest Hills, NY 11375 Contact: Diana Rachnaev, CEO, diana.rachnaev@ yesodotinc.org, +1 3476175751 Rios Interiors Corporation.

2542 83 st East Elmhurst, NY 11370 Contact: Jonathan Rios, President, book@ riosinteriorscorp.com, +1 3477766029 TITAN Financial Pros.

75-34 Bell Blvd Apt 2G 2g Bayside, NY 11364 Contact: Serge Yuabov, CEO, syuabov@ titanfinancialpros.com, +1 8009509146 Manuel Chimbo NY Contact: manuel@nextsolutionspro.com

April 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 15

Howard Graf

Patrick Yu

Thomas J. Grech

Brendan Leavy

Richard Grebinger

Richard Dzwlewicz

Michelle Stoddart

Joanne M. Persad

Jacqueline Donado

Suzan King

Chairperson

Secretary

Vice Chair

Associate Secretary

Treasurer

Immediate Past Chair

Patricia Mezeul Nash Roe

Thomas J. Santucci

Associate Treasurer

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

SENIOR ADVISORY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE STAFF

EXECUTIVE COMMMITEE President & CEO

Chief of Operations

Arlene Diangkinay Financial Controller

Neil Wagner

VP of Tech Initiatives

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

VP of Business Development Strategic Program Coordinator

George Hadjiconstantiou

Chief Financial Officer Manager, Legal Desk

Laura Licona

Vice President, Strategic Programs Assistant Vice President Food & Shahriar Hossain Culture VP of Member Committees

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

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

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 Jay Solly JGM Construction Development, LLC BANKING & LAW NOT FOR PROFIT JME Group LLC Sol Strategies John Renda Larry Grubler Kasirer, LLC jaypsolly@gmail.com Edward Jones Transitional Services of NY Kaufman Astoria Studios, Inc. John.Renda@edwardjones.com lgrubler@tsiny.org Kelair Inc. ENTREPRENEURSHIP & K-Four Construction Corp.

Edwin Wong Christine Deska INNOVATION Koeppel Auto Group EWong@flushingbank.com BellesBoard/Nonprofit Sector Ryan Letts Laffey Real Estate Strategies Cleonmaye Corporation Legacy Contractors NYC LLC COMMUNICATIONS christine@nonprofitsectorstrategies.org rletts@cleonmaye.com Lenoblelumber Co Jake Oliver Liberty Ashes Inc. Anat Gerstein Loconsolo Paints FAMILY-OWNED jake@anatgerstein.com REAL ESTATE Macerich BUSINESSES Kevin Louie Madison International Realty Henry Ramos Michael Shoule RIPCO Mayer Malbin Company, Inc. Dedline AV JW Hampton Mc Gowan klouie@ripcony.com henry@dedlineav.com mikes@jwhampton.com MD Squared Property Group LLC Media X Partners Inc. Michael Wang HEALTHCARE & TECHNOLOGY MedRite Project Queens WELLNESS Jake Shild Mega Contracting Group LLC Prabhleen S. Virk michael@projectqueens.com Jake@landsky.ai Molloy College Citrin Cooperman Mr. T Carting Corp. pvirk@citrincooperman.com MSN Air Service Inc Tom McFarland MANUFACTURING Netwolf Cyber Intelligence Advisers tmcfarland@teamlogicit.com Lina DeLaCruz Neutron Holdings, Inc TRANSPORTATION lina@controlelectropolishing.com New York & Atlantic Railway Phil Jones FOOD, BEVERAGE & New York State Energy Coalition, Inc. LIME HOSPITALITY Nonprofit Sector Strategies, PBC philip@li.me Jim Quent ARTS AND Northwell Go Health Urgent Care Statewide Public Affairs ENTERTAINMENT Northwell Health jquent@statewidepublicaffairs.com Notionwide Financial Shahriar Hossain ENERGY Omni Funding Corp. of America Shossain@queenschamber.org On-trac Construction Associates Marshall Haimson Rachel Kellner Oxford Harriman & Company/Haddad E-Capital Development Aigner Chocolates & Co. marshall@e-capitaldevelopment.com rachel@aignerchocolates.com 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

Lindsay Haggerty Michael Sullivan Richard Siu

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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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org MAJOR CORPORATE MEMBERS

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April 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 15 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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