This Is Queensborough - August 2019

this is...

August 2019 . Volume 15 . Issue 8

EMU

HEALTH QUEENS MEDICAL OFFICE FOCUSES ON INTEGRATED HEALTHCARE

“WE TREAT PEOPLE LIKE PEOPLE, NOT NUMBERS.”

ALSO

EMU HEALTH FOUNDER & CEO DANIEL LOWY

• NAVIGATING CITY’S NEW ENERGY LAWS • NETWORKING AT SEA ON SUMMER CRUISE • AIGNER MAKES SWEET CONNECTION WITH CHAMBER

ADVERTISE ON TV FROM TO Spectrum Reach is paving the way for your business to be known in Queens, connecting you to the right customers as near or far from your business as you want to reach.

START ADVERTISING TODAY 1-844-TO-REACH | SpectrumReach.com/Queens

Whether this is your first real estate investment or your tenth, we have a team to help you get the job done.

HELPING YOUR real estate portfolio GROW. Our experienced lenders

We’re well-known, well-trusted, and we deliver!

HELPING you SUCCEED.

have been helping New Yorkers buy and invest in real estate for over 70 years. No complicated processes, just straightforward answers.

TURN TO US FOR 1-4 FAMILY AND COMMERCIAL FINANCING. Loans available starting at $25,000!

Social icon

(718) 651-7888 • maspethfederal.com

Rounded square Only use blue and/or white.

For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

Member

FDIC

August 2019 • Volume 15 • Issue 8

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

CHAMBER SHAPING CAREERS FOR INTERNS One of the most exciting oppor- grams. In total, 12 young people tunities life can offer a college joined us at various times this sumstudent is an internship mer. with an organization The Chamber also as they map out their recently launched future career goals.

QCIC, or the Queens These experiences Chamber Internship often launch long-term Connection, a new proprofessional careers for gram designed to bring numerous individuals. the organizations and The Queens Chamber businesses of Queens of Commerce has been talented candidates for fortunate enough to internships. play a role in shaping TOM SANTUCCI The Chamber will the careers of numer- CHAIRPERSON serve as a connector ous students over the and fulcrum that will years. This year is no enable participants to different. draw from the deep talent pool that In early July, interns from City Queens colleges and universities University of New York (CUNY) produce. and Ladders for Leaders joined the Internships are at the heart of ranks of the Queens Chamber of the borough’s business future.

Commerce to work in all aspects Whether it is engineering, technolof organization, but specifically ogy, healthcare, or the hospitality outreach for our grant-funded pro- industry, investing our time and

resources in the development of ing strong investments in the future long-term sustainable career oppor- of Queens businesses from every tunities for today’s youth is critical. prospective.

A day before If you’re a Internships are at the business owner the Chamber bid farewell to their internheart of the borough’s with summer interns, business future. Whether ship opportuwe hosted an nities, contact it is engineering, informal meetService technology, healthcare, or Business and-greet with Program managthe hospitality industry, er Neil Wagner, a handful of our investing our time and who is working Board members and interns for directly with our resources in the an open converQCIC program, development of sation to discuss long-term sustainable at nwagner@ careers and procareer opportunities for queenschamber. fessional experiorg today’s youth is critical. ences.

If you’re interThe synergy ested in learnin the room was ing more about incredible, and the wealth of knowl- Queens Chamber, visit queenedge shared will benefit each of the schamber.org. students in their future endeavors.

We value you as a Queens The Queens Chamber of Chamber member and thank you Commerce is committed to mak- for your continued support.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

ON THE MOVE, BUT STILL HARD AT WORK As the final weeks of summer value to the outreach work we’re wind down, vacations come to an doing. end, and life prepares to return to The interns were as diverse as normal routines, the the borough they Queens Chamber of represent, combinCommerce is making their learned ing moves. knowledge with the After 20-plus tools we equipped years at our curthem with to impact rent location in the our community.

Bulova Corporate Like most months, Center, our offices the Chamber has are relocating to a a host of events larger space within planned for our Bulova. members to engage, As we prepared THOMAS J. GRECH network and profor our move among PRESIDENT & CEO mote their business. numerous boxes, Our New Member the dedication of Orientation early our staff and volunteers never this month provides an opportuwavered. Educational programs nity for those who recently joined and networking opportunities to explore how to navigate the continue to flourish. benefits of membership.

This summer also brought an Borrowing the phrase that our enthusiastic group of interns from Business Development manager various schools across Queens to Brendan Leavy often uses, “if you our offices. During their six weeks join a gym you have to work out with us, they added tremendous to see results.”

Joining the Queens Chamber shop. of Commerce is no different; As the seasons change, one we encourage all new and cur- thing remains constant: the comrent members to become actively mitment the Queens Chamber of involved, which ultimately stimu- Commerce has made to its memlates business growth. bers and business community to Other events scheduled this advocate on your behalf, educate month include Balancing the you on relevant subject matters, Competing Demands of Work and offer networking opportuand Life, a free nities for you to seminar that will Borrowing the phrase make new busithat our Business explore utilizness connections. ing flexible work Development manager As I often say, strategies, and “I have the greatBrendan Levy often Matters of the uses, “if you join a gym est job in the Heart, a dialogue world” as presiabout heart dis- you have to work out dent and CEO to see results.” ease which will of this wonderconclude with ful organization CPR training. known as Queens We close out the month with our Chamber of Commerce. first-ever late evening event, Late The staff works tirelessly on Night Chocolate Networking. your behalf to ensure you and We’ll return to Aigner Chocolates your business have what you need in Forest Hills as owners Rachel to succeed. If you want to learn Kellner and Mark Libertini treat more, visit queenschamber.org. our guests to a chocolate-making Thank you for your continued demo and tour of their wonderful support.

3

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS QUICKLY NORTHWELL TO OPEN RADIATION CENTER IN FOREST HILLS Northwell Health and Integrated Oncology Network announced a joint collaboration to operate a radiation oncology center at 106-14 70th Avenue in Forest Hills, Northwell’s first radiation therapy center in Queens.

The Queens Radiation Center will be staffed

by Northwell-affiliated doctors and incorporate the health system’s extensive clinical protocols, providing residents of central Queens with the latest radiation therapy services.

The 3,000-square-foot facility is equipped with an external-beam linear accelerator that treats about 75 to 80 percent of cancers, including breast, lung, prostate, brain, and head and neck.

The Queens Radiation Center will be led

by Dr. Roberto Lipsztein, who has more than 35 years of experience treating thousands of patients.

“Northwell’s radiation medicine programs are grounded in evidence-based care, quality and safety, and rival that of national cancer institutions,” said Dr. Louis Potters, deputy physicianin-chief of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute. “We look forward to offering care to our Queens patients closer to home.”

RIDGEWOOD HELPING FIRST-TIME BUYERS One of the biggest barriers for first-time homebuyers is paying sizable upfront costs, such as down payments, closing costs, attorney fees, and mortgage insurance.

income” for the county in which the home is being purchased.

But help is on the way through Ridgewood Savings Bank’s new partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY), making the dream of home ownership a reality for eligible New Yorkers.

In partnering with FHLBNY on its Homebuyer Dream Program, Ridgewood will help eligible first-time homebuyers receive up to $14,500 toward the purchase of their first home.

The grant funds are intended to help interested and eligible homebuyers with upfront expenses, along with other costs that can be daunting.

“As a bank with deep roots in the communities we serve, we understand the importance of home ownership and the challenges that so many New Yorkers face when buying their first home,” said Anthony Simeone, executive vice president and chief lending officer at Ridgewood Savings Bank.

Economists generally agree that home ownership is a great way to build equity and provide a nest egg for the future, while simultaneously stimulating economic growth and prosperity in a community.

According to the government-sponsored mortgage entity Freddie Mac, home ownership also provides a sense of stability and gives people a measurable stake in their community, as homeowners are more likely to invest in a local area and engage more in community life.

“As New York’s largest mutual savings bank, we are community-owned, and investing in community growth is in our DNA,” added Simeone.

To be eligible for the Homebuyer Dream Program, a prospective buyer must be a New York State resident; complete an accredited home ownership course; agree to live in the house, condo, co-op or townhouse for at least five years; and meet income requirements of 80 percent or below of the “area medium

CON ED PROVIDES BULBS TO FOOD BANKS Con Edison has provided food banks in New York City with 250,000 high-efficiency light bulbs for distribution to residential customers.

The Food Bank For New York City received 37,500 four-packs of bulbs, and will work with affiliated organizations to distribute the packs to Con Edison residential customers who meet income guidelines.

The light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs will save an estimated 8,875 megawatt hours of power per year. That would prevent more than 6,250 tons of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere, the equivalent of taking 1,375 cars off the road.

LEDs last an average of 15 years.

“Thanks to the great work of the Food Bank For New York City, we are once again able to get high-efficiency LED bulbs into thousands of households and help these Con Edison customers reduce their electric usage and save on their monthly bills,” said Lisa DeVito, a section manager in Con Edison’s Energy Efficiency department.

Workers from Con Edison and the Food Bank For New York City recently gathered at a warehouse in the Bronx to pack the bulbs.

“In expensive cities like New York, many families struggle to balance monthly expenses such as rent and utilities with costs like food,” said Francisco Tezen, chief development officer of Food Bank For New York City. “By promoting energy efficiency, we help more families afford to put food on the table.”

Con Edison provided the bulbs for a second straight year as a pilot under its residential energy efficiency program. The company also has a wide range of energy efficiency programs, providing incentives to customers to make upgrades that will help them save energy and lower their bills.

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

Aigner Chocolate to Host Second Networking Event This Month ................22

LIJ Forest Hills Recognized for Superior Stroke Care ...........................8

Partners & Affiliates News and Happenings ........................................................24

COVER STORY: EMU Health’s Innovative Approach to Care ........10

Chamber Welcomes New Members .........................................................................29

Panel Discusses Security in the Workplace ..............................................12 Chamber Cruises Into Summer With Annual Networking Event .....16 Energy Committee Discusses New City Standards ...............................18 Chamber Prepping for 2019 Buildings Awards Gala ............................21 4

PUBLISHER Walter H. Sanchez

MANAGING EDITOR Shane Miller

MARKETING DIRECTOR John Sanchez BQE Media, 45-23 47th St., 2nd Floor, Woodside, NY 11377 Phone: (718) 426-7200 Fax: (347) 507-5827

August 2019 • Volume 15 • Issue 8

LOVE YOUR LOCAL GRANTS The Department of Small Business Services (SBS) awarded over $3.5 million to help longstanding businesses adapt and grow in a modern economy.

A second round of 20 small businesses across the city have been selected to receive grant awards of up to $90,000 each through an initiative called “NYC Love Your Local.” Selected businesses will use grant awards to

cover the costs of projects identified by in-depth business consultations delivered by industry experts.

The first round of grants awarded $1.8 million to 20 small businesses in December 2018. New Yorkers have also shared over 2,500 of their favorite small businesses to the NYC Love Your Local interactive online map since 2017.

“NYC Love Your Local exemplifies the city’s commitment to celebrating small businesses as the backbone of our neighborhoods,” said SBDS

QUEENS QUICKLY Commissioner Gregg Bishop.

“By working directly with longstanding businesses to help them adapt to an ever-changing city, we can better understand how best to support all small businesses as they start and grow in a modern economy.”

Awardees are small businesses operating for at least three years in New York City’s five boroughs.

Awardees were selected based on a business needs assessment.

INTERIM PRESIDENT MAKES THE ROUNDS AT QC

Grants will be used to fund projects including improving operations, training employees, updating technology, enhancing the business location, and improving financial management.

Queens businesses receiving grants were Manducatis Rustica, an Italian restaurant in Long Island City, and Penn & Fletcher, a custom embroidery shop, also located in Long Island City.

“Manducatis Rustica and Penn & Fletcher are just two of the many high-quality small businesses that make Queens their home,” said Borough President Melinda Katz. “Both are well-deserving of the grants they have been awarded by the NYC Love Your Local program, an important initiative that helps small businesses thrive in New York City.”

CHAMBER ON THE MOVE

Pictured is William Tramontano, left, looking on as Sebastian Alvarado explains his research.

Undergraduate biology majors Seulbi Lee, seated, left, who is enrolled in the department’s Pre-Physician’s Assistant program, and Kimberly Wu, a MARC U STAR student, were on hand to demonstrate the research methods. (Photo: Andy Poon) Queens College interim president William Tramontano, a cellular biologist, visited with fellow scientists and new faculty members Sebastian Alvarado and Maral Tajerian in their labs as he continues getting to know the campus community. Alvarado and

Tajerian are a husband-and-wife team who—in addition to their research and teaching duties— co-founded Thwacke, a consulting firm that polishes the science behind the fiction seen in broadcast television, film, and video games. Following a consult on The

Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N., Alvarado went on to publish his first book, The Science of Marvel, with Simon & Schuster, in April 2019.

At the college, Alvarado focuses on the evolution of the African cichlid fish. Tajerian studies the mechanisms of chronic pain.

After nearly 25 years in the same office at the Bulova Corporate Center in East Elmhurst, the Queens Chamber of Commerce is on the move.

But they won’t be going far; the Chamber is relocating to a larger office in the same building at 75-20 Astoria Boulevard.

“Due to our incredible growth over the past few years, the expansion of our programs and further push into a number of new communities in Queens, we are thrilled to be staying in the same building so that we can continue to serve all the businesses in Queens,” said Chamber president and CEO Thomas Grech.

The new office officially opened on August 12. All of the current contact information for the Chamber and its staff will remain the same. The Chamber hopes to host an open house near the end of summer for its members to showcase the new space.

“Without the support of our members, board of directors and sponsors, this growth would not be possible,” said Grech.

5

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

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

PROMOTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS with a focus on underwriting.

Dowling joined Northwell in 1995 as COO Burgess joins board of bers“Taryn brings to SterlingRisk more than two after 12 years in New York State governdecades of experience managing large books ment overseeing health and human services in Child Center of NY of business with expertise in reviewing and the administration of former governor Mario The Child Center of NY Board of Directors announced that Giselle Burgess of Ozone Park was unanimously elected as its newest member.

Burgess is program manager of Girl Scouts of Greater NY’s Troop 6000TM, a Girl Scout program specially designed to serve girls in the New York City Shelter System.

After becoming homeless herself and living in a shelter with her five children several years ago, Burgess saw BURGESS there was a great need for such a program for girls and women living in the shelter system.

She and her children were clients of The Child Center of NY for about a year.

“I am thrilled and honored to be a part of The Child Center of NY family and grateful to all the board members for their support and trust,” Burgess said. “As a former client myself, I do not take this position lightly and look forward to an opportunity to give something back for the help I received during a dark period.”

The Child Center of NY’s Board of Directors is made up of individuals from the corporate, academic, health, and non-profit sectors who share a passion for building a gateway to a successful future for children and families.

“We are in awe of Giselle’s resilience and courage,” said Richard Jay, president of The Child Center’s Board of Directors. “As survivors of domestic violence and abuse, Giselle and her children know firsthand the importance of the support provided by The Child Center of NY.”

SterlingRisk taps Rosu for Underwriting Dept.

Woodside resident Taryn Rosu has been hired as senior program underwriter at SterlingRisk Insurance, one of the nation’s top independently owned insurance brokerages.

An experienced insurance professional, Rosu will handle new business and renewals for the Combined Real Estate Purchasing Enterprise (CREPE), a risk purchasing group that leverages the combined buying power of a large group of real estate interests.

She will also help improve and enhance the program’s infrastructure and mentor team mem-

6

rating risks,” said SterlingRisk CEO David Sterling. “Her strong analytical talents and business acumen are welcome additions, as is her ability to foster positive client relationships.”

Rosu comes to SterlingRisk from Distinguished Programs in New York City, which she joined in 1999 after serving for two years as Technical ROSU Associate at DeWitt Stern Group.

Among her responsibilities, she evaluated new and renewal submissions according to risk, hazard, and exposure guidelines while driving revenues and maximizing profitability.

A Licensed New York Property and Casualty Broker, Rosu graduated from Hofstra University in 1997 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration – International Business Administration.

Dowling named a top CEO by Glassdoor Northwell Health CEO Michael J. Dowling has been named to the Top CEOs in 2019 list by the job and recruiting site Glassdoor, which compiled voluntary employee feedback from thousands of companies to rank America’s 100 best leaders.

Dowling earned a Glassdoor Employees’ Choice Award with a 95 percent employee approval rating, which placed him 44th among large company CEOs in the United States.

Dowling was the nation’s top-ranking health care/hospital CEO on Glassdoor’s list, and placed fifth among all New York CEOs. Glassdoor also ranked Mr. Dowling among the nation’s Top CEOs in 2017, placing 67th overall.

“I’m humbled by the honor, especially so proud because of who the judges are: the 69,000 employees who power Northwell Health,” Dowling said. “While I’m gratified to receive such overwhelming praise, the truth is that strong leadership is a reflection of the whole organization, not just one individual.

“The ranks of this health system are filled with dedicated and passionate leaders at every level,” he added. “For that, I’m most proud.”

Cuomo, including serving as commissioner of the state Department of Social Services.

In 2002, he was named president and CEO of Northwell, which has since grown to become a clinical, academic and research enterprise that includes 23 hospitals, more than 750 outpatient facilities, medical and nursing schools, a nationally recognized research institute and more than 69,000 employees – the state’s largest private-sector workforce.

DOWLING Immediately after becoming CEO, Dowling developed the country’s largest corporate university in the health care industry, the Center for Learning and Innovation.

“Today’s job seekers are looking for leaders who share their values and will empower them to bring their full selves to work,” said Glassdoor COO Christian Sutherland-Wong. “More and more, we’re seeing Top CEOs make decisions to shape the culture of their organizations to help recruit and retain quality talent.”

Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140 Jackson Heights, N.Y. 11370-1131 Entire Contents Copyright 2019 by Queensborough. All letters sent to the QUEENSBOROUGH should be brief and are subject to condensation. Writers should include a full address and home and office telephone numbers, where available, as well as affiliation, indicating special interest. Anonymous letters are not printed. Name withheld on request. No such ad or any part thereof may be reproduced without prior permission of the QUEENSBOROUGH. The publishers will not be responsible for any error in advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Errors must be reported to the QUEENSBOROUGH within five days of publication. Ad position cannot be guaranteed unless paid prior to publication. Schneps Communications assumes no liability for the content or reply to any ads. The advertiser assumes all liability for the content of and all replies. The advertiser agrees to hold the QUEENSBOROUGH and its employees harmless from all cost, expenses, liabilities, and damages resulting from or caused by the publication or recording placed by the advertiser or any reply to any such advertisement.

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

queensboroughmagazine@queensledger.com

August 2019 • Volume 15 • Issue 8

PROMOTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS CUNY names Arcario interim president of LaGuardia Community College Ozone Park native Paul Arcario will serve as interim president of LaGuardia Community College starting on August 2.

Arcario most recently served as the college’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, managing a $40 million annual budget and leading faculty recruitment and development.

He will take over for outgoing president Dr. Gail Mellow, who is stepping down on August 1 after 19 years at the helm, while the search for a permanent leader begins.

CUNY Chancellor Felix V. Matos Rodriguez made the announcement, along with the appointments of interim presidents at York College and Lehman College, last week.

“These individuals have already distinguished themselves for outstanding service, to say nothing of their versatility, ingenuity and longevity,” Matos Rodriguez said in a statement. “I am confident that they will be assets, and three of them will help our campuses to chart forward progress during a period of transition.”

Arcario joined LaGuardia in 1988 as an ESL

faculty member in the Education and Language Acquisition Department, and became chairperson of the program in 1994.

He then joined the college’s academic leadership team as assistant dean in 1998. He became provost and senior vice president in 2012.

Arcario was given the 2019 Distinguished College Administrator Award from the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, as well as the “Outstanding First-Year Student Advocate” award in 2007 from the National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience.

He earned his doctorate and master’s degree in education from Columbia University Teachers College, and a bachelor’s degree in English from New York University.

Arcario began his career as an English language teacher at the China Institute of America. After teaching English in Taiwan for two years, he came back to New York City and took a position at Queensborough Community College as coordinator of Asian affairs.

He lives in Manhattan with his partner Donald Walker, whom he married in 2010.

ARCARIO

7

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS

LIJ FOREST HILLS HONORED FOR STROKE CARE

BY JEN KHEDAROO

Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Forest Hills recently received the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Gold and Quality Achievement awards.

According to the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association, stroke is the fifth highest cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States.

On average, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds, and nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

The Quality Achievement award signifies the hospital’s commitment to treating stroke CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

8

August 2019 • Volume 15 • Issue 8

CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS patients with the most appropriate service according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines.

LIJ Forest Hills earned the award by reaching specific achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients during a set amount of time.

Those measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the guidelines that promote the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients.

Before discharge, the hospital provides patients with education on managing their health, getting a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions. “We are dedicated to improving the quality of care for our stroke patients,� said Dr. Rohan Arora, the hospital’s director of stroke. “The tools and resources

provided help us track and measure our success in meeting evidenced-based clinical guidelines developed to improve patient outcomes.�

Additionally, LIJ Forest Hills received the Target: Stroke SM Honor Roll Elite award for the hospital’s ability to meet quality measures developed to reduce the time between the patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster tissue plasminogen activator, the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ´ :KDW VHWV 5LGJHZRRG DSDUW ischemic stroke. from other banks their “We are pleased to is recognize LIJ Forest Hills for their comVHUYLFH ,I , KDYH D QHHG mitment to stroke care,â€? said Lee H.WKH\ WDNH FDUH RI LW Schwamm, chairperson of the , QHYHU KDYH WR ZRUU\ Âľ Quality Oversight Committee. “Research has shown that hospiJeff Ceraso to clinical measures tals adhering Starving Gallery through theArtist Get CafĂŠ With & The Guidelines quality improvement initiative can often see fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates.â€?

WATCH YOUR MONEY GROW

WITH YOUR BUSINESS

BUSINESS MONEY MARKET ACCOUNT

From “Starving Artist� to Thriving Business.

1.50

% APY*

As co-owner of Starving Artist CafĂŠ & Gallery, Jeff Ceraso needed a bank that could keep up with the fast pace of his business. He turned to 5LGJHZRRG ZKHUH KH IRXQG WKH Ă H[LEOH DFFRXQWV VRSKLVWLFDWHG WHFKQRORJ\ and fast, responsive service he needed to move his business forward. *HW WKH VROXWLRQV \RX QHHG WR VDYH WLPH DQG LPSURYH FDVK Ă RZ Speak with a Business Banking Relationship Manager today.

on balances up to $1 million

ZZZ ULGJHZRRGEDQN FRP (844) 772-4722

Visit www.ridgewoodbank.com or call (844) 772-4722 to learn more.

Effective Date: 7/15/19. *Annual Percentage Yield (APY). New accounts only. $10,000 minimum to open. Contact an employee for further information about applicable fees and terms. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Balances of $1,000,000.01 and over receive a rate of .30% and an annual percentage yield of .30%.

Member FDIC.

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

COVER STORY

EMU HEALTH’S FORMULA FOR QUALITY CARE For many Queens residents, it’s a hassle to find quality healthcare.

Overcrowded waiting rooms, insurance not accepted, difficulty parking, and having to travel from office to office are experiences that many Queens residents are familiar with.

EMU Health is giving Queens residents a new healthcare experience.

EMU Health, located at 83-40 Woodhaven Blvd, in Glendale, Queens is a state-of-the-art healthcare facility that specializes in Women’s Health, Radiology, Cardiology, Orthopedics, Urology, Plastic Surgery, Pain Management, Ophthalmology, and Dentistry, and more…

‘High-quality healthcare’ means top doctors, newest technology, nearby transit, large parking lot,

PHOTOS: NAFTOLI GOLDGRAB

10

and warm, competent medical assistants and administrative staff.

“I founded EMU Health with a specific goal-to make a difference in the lives of Queens residents by providing high-quality, accessible health care,” said Daniel Lowy, Founder and CEO of EMU Health.

EMU has recruited top doctors from around NYC to practice at their sophisticated health center in Glendale, Queens. EMU’s partner physicians are also affiliated with top NYC hospitals such as NY Presbyterian, NYU Langone, North Shore, Lenox Hill, Montefiore Hospitals, and more…

Doctors who practice at EMU enjoy cutting-edge technology, a customized schedule, and a motivated administrative staff. Their patients enjoy parking in a lot, modern waiting rooms, and warm

medical assistants.

EMU Health is improving the day-to-day operations, financial management, and strategic planning for physicians, which allows them the freedom to focus on what they do best – deliver elite patient care,” said Lowy.

Top doctors and a modern facility are important to a quality healthcare experience. The next important quality is efficiency.

Imagine being able to have a routine physical with your primary care physician, a follow-up with your orthopedist, and a consultation with your dentist all in the same morning, without having to order an Uber, hop on the subway, or struggle to find parking at multiple offices.

Daniel Lowy has made this a reality by creating an “integrated

outpatient health-care system that’s committed to improving the healthcare struggle for many people in Queens.”

“I never knew that Queens has an ‘all-in-one’ health facility like this,” said Jessica L., a patient whom we spoke with. “I love my doctor here, it’s easy to drive and park here, and it’s a relief that they accept most forms of insurance,” she added.

EMU Health offers a plethora of health care services, but their women’s health division has been called exceptional thanks to their experienced doctors, new technology (such as a 3D Mammography machine), and experienced staff.

Head of the women’s health division is COO Efrat Yaish, an accomplished women’s health care professional with over 16 years

August 2019 • Volume 15 • Issue 8

COVER STORY of experience in Manhattan. Yaish is leading EMU’s charge in creating a women’s health experience that focuses on quality and convenience.

“We’re excited to be in a position to provide top rated, highly sophisticated health care to women all across Queens,” said Yaish.

“Our board-certified, highly experienced physicians understand the unique needs of women. In addition to providing comprehensive women’s health maintenance and exams, our doctors also provide specialized services, including: Gynecology, Radiology, Surgery, Preconception & Contraceptive Counseling, Menopause Care, and more…,” Yaish added.

EMU Health’s pain management team is anchored by Dr. Robert Antoniou, a board certified anesthesiologist who specializes in noninvasive procedures to relieve your pain.

EMU Health’s orthopedic services boast an on-site surgical center.

Their strong orthopedic doctor roster features doctors who also practice at The Hospital For Special Surgery, NY & Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital.

EMU accepts most major healthcare plans, including: Medicare, Medicaid, Medicaid HMO’s, Commercial Insurers (visit website www.emuhealth.com for full list), Workers Compensation, and No Fault.

EMU prides itself on maintaining a personalized approach to healthcare.

“We treat people like people — not numbers,” said Lowy. “No one wants to speak to a machine, so when someone calls EMU Health, our warm staff will always answer, ready to help,” he added.

With elite, personalized service that focuses on quality, not quantity, the future of healthcare is at EMU Health in Glendale, Queens.

EMU Health can be reached by phone at 718.849.8700 or by email at info@emuhealth.com.

11

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER NEWS & EVENTS

PREVENTING ATTACKS, BOTH PHYSICAL AND CYBER

BY SALVATORE ISOLA With the increase in mass shootings and cyberattacks in the workplace, how can businesses protect themselves and their employees?

The Queens Chamber of Commerce Technology Committee hosted a panel discussion at Queens College on July 10 to discuss just that.

PHYSICAL SECURITY

“We all think about school shootings as being the most dangerous thing that can happen, but in reality businesses and other places are much more victimized than schools,” said Joseph Pangaro, director of Training Services at True Security Design.

He said only 28 percent of businesses prepare for physical violence in the workplace. The most dangerous thing an employer can think is “it can never happen here.”

“The first thing you need to do is get a threat assessment,” Pangaro, a police lieutenant for 27 years, advised. “Everyone knows how to run out the door, but the reality is not everyone will be able to run out the door.”

Pangaro recalled conducting a threat assessment for a company where he casually walked around the building for 45 minutes. Nobody knew him, but no one said anything.

“It’s a security mind set, not paranoia,” he said. “Wouldn’t it be better if we could identify potentially dangerous students or employees before the bullets start flying? That’s very blunt, but that’s what we’re dealing with.”

True Security Design evaluates businesses on training and security, office communication, and notification of law enforcement.

“If we cover those three pillars, we’re in pretty good shape,” Pan-

garo said.

Following a risk assessment, businesses can use technology to ensure security. David Antar, president of A+ Technology & Security, demonstrated several products offered by his company, including window films.

He played a video showing a gunman shooting a window panel with and without the protective film. Without the film, the person entered the building in three seconds. With the film, it took nearly a minute.

The ViewScan metal detector can be installed discreetly into doorways, while the HALO Smart Sensor detects “environmental changes” in certain areas.

For example, the HALO can detect unusual noise levels at a normally quiet time of day in a stairway. It can also detect dangerous chemicals in the air and changes in lighting.

John Rafferty, CEO of Watch Guard 24/7, said the best step a business can take is to integrate technology with physical security guards.

“You still need that immediate response,” he said. “These are the things that can save your life.”

A major concern voiced by all panelists was that perpetrators often show signs of abnormal behavior in advance of their attacks, but they are rarely reported.

“In most instances, we know there were people that were problematic,” Pangaro said. “We just don’t know how to handle it,” He added that most people are afraid of confrontation or the possible consequences of reporting unusual behavior.

“Wouldn’t it be better if we could identify potentially dangerCONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Pictured from left to right (standing) are Jef Gross, Frank Cicio, Jr., Rick Cadiz, Joe Pangaro, Bobby Giurintano, Anthony Lavalle and John Rafferty, (seated) David Antar, Raj Goel and Christina Hanophy.

12

August 2019 • Volume 15 • Issue 8

QUEENS CHAMBER NEWS & EVENTS ous students or employees before the bullets start flying?” Pangaro said.

Report It is an anonymous tip line people can use to report strange behavior to HR reps or school officials.

Anthony Lavalle, director of Report It, said that 75 percent of school shooters share information of their attacks beforehand.

“Be responsible and report things,” he said.

Even with preventive measures, Pangaro stressed the importance of impromptu drills.

“If you lose one person, how can you deal with that when you know you could have done something?”

Pangaro said. “If you’re not prepared for a deadly shooter, that’s going to be your result,”

CYBERSECURITY

“Cybersecurity is not protecting your data,” said Raj Goel, author and IT expert at Brainlink, “it’s

protecting your business.”

Brainlink provides personalized lock down assistance. Goel said businesses and individuals are not doing enough to prevent themselves from becoming a target.

“Being security aware is not a natural human condition,” he said.

Goel said there is a compromise between safety and convenience that Americans make every day.

For example, with Venmo people can transfer money to and from bank accounts with ease, but Goel warns it opens them up to potential financial crimes.

“If it’s easy for you to send money, it’s just as easy for the bad guys to steal it,” he said. “Make your life a bit more difficult. Don’t download every app and don’t opt into every convenience.”

“When you’re using your phone for transactions, you’re basically opening the door for bad actors to come in,” added Christina Hanopy, a deputy chief ADA with the

Rick Cadiz, vice president of Sales, and David Antar, president, both of A+ Technology & Security, discuss workplace threats.

Queens District Attorney’s office Hanopy prosecutes identity theft crimes, and noted the risks associated with tap credit and debit cards She recently turned down a tap

card, despite the bank’s claims of security.

“It’s like a beam going to the CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

20% discount on lodging for all new business booked in the months of June and August!

Groups looking to host workshops, summer camps, international travel programs, and conferences can take advantage of this offer while enjoying use of their onsite dining facilities and classroom/meeting venues as well.

Call Cheryl for a quote today!

(718) 990-2027 stjohns.edu/conference-services 13

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER NEWS & EVENTS

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS, BUT SO DOES COMPETITION

Stuart Harker of TD Bank discusses strategies for getting an edge on your competition.

BY SALVATORE ISOLA The Queens Chamber of Commerce hosted an event to help members analyze their competitors and gain an edge.

“The biggest thing is there’s really no right answer,” said Stuart Harker, vice president of TD Bank’s Commercial Lending Group, who led the workshop on July 25.

But Harker said all businesses first need to understand their competition, specifically their offerings.

“Competitive intelligence” involves collecting information about the marketplace and industrywide needs, and then satisfying the market better than competing businesses.

In analyzing a competitor, Harker said it is best to figure out the products and services they offer, the target audience, marketing message, how they position their brand, and what they offer the customer.

Most important, however, is finding their competitive advantage.

Realizing what their edge is will

14

allow businesses to better know how to service their customers and gain a bigger share of the marketplace.

This can be done by visiting a competitor’s website, requesting their marketing materials, entering their stores, and talking with their sales agents.

“Depending on the business you’re in, a lot of that information can be gained in different ways,” Harker said.

Strategies a business can take to better position themselves over their competitors include marketing differently to target audiences, increasing hours of operation or delivery to meet demand, or focusing on a niche market.

Self-reflection is important, too.

A SWOT Analysis is an internal analysis of a company’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Having all four pieces of the puzzle will allow businesses to develop strategies to tackle competition.

Regarding strengths, a business

must evaluate itself from a customer’s perspective. Whereas weaknesses should be viewed from a competitor’s view.

“Always play to your strengths,” Harker said. “Maximize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.”

Opportunity allows businesses to grow, and they may exist now or in the future. A change in technology, policy, or customer lifestyle can be beneficial to a business.

Examples of threats include economic downturns, market shifts, and the ease of new competitors emerging. If there is a low cost to entry, new businesses can increase the availability of an existing product or service.

“You can’t prevent risk, just mitigate it,” Harker said. “You accept the fact that threats and risk are always going to exist, but the only thing you can do is plan for it.”

Sometimes strengths can turn to threats. For example, some businesses start with just enough insurance to get them off the ground, but

as they grow they might have the same policy as a $10 million business as they did when they were a $1 million business.

If anything tragic happened, insufficient coverage could potentially shut them down. Harker said following Hurricane Sandy many businesses realized they were underinsured, but only after it was too late.

“How often as a business owner have you reviewed your insurance policy?” Harker asked. “It may not have to be the storm of the century, but fires and other unexpected events could put the future in jeopardy.”

A thorough SWOT Analysis can take considerable time to construct, but the more thorough it is the better a business will be at gaining an edge.

For businesses looking for resources to help them grow, TD Bank offers free online options at tdbank.com/small business.

“So few things in life are free, but this is one of the good things,” Harker said.

John Afthinos, MD, director of bariatric surgery at LIJ Forest Hills, is flanked by nurse coordinator Deborah Riddick and bariatric surgeon Armando Castro, MD. They are part of the hospital’s comprehensive bariatric program.

LIJ Forest Hills bariatric program has a new director and level of care Weight-loss surgery at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills has gone through some exciting changes in 2019.

The hospital recently appointed a new director to head their bariatric program, and can now perform surgeries on patients with complex medical histories that would have previously required them to seek treatment at another hospital.

John Afthinos, MD, has been a bariatric surgeon with Northwell Health for eight years – serving at Staten Island University Hospital for five years before coming to LIJ Forest Hills. He leads a team that includes another bariatric surgeon Armando Castro, MD; a nurse coordinator; dietitian, and other medical staff as well as post-surgical care and support groups to help ensure weightloss success.

“We have a comprehensive program that enables us to offer the full breadth of services for weight-loss surgery patients,” said Dr. Afthinos.

Since February, the hospital has been accredited as a high acuity bariatric center – meaning that high-risk patients (where age, BMI or advanced cardiac disease may be problematic) can be treated at the hospital.

The bariatric program at LIJ Forest Hills offers the two most common weight-loss surgeries – laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. Upwards of 90 bariatric surgeries are done at the hospital each year.

An estimated 93.3 million Americans suffer from obesity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the numbers continue to rise.

Sponsored by Long Island Jewish Forest Hills

Obesity increases a person’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, joint problems, sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease, among other health risks. Weight loss surgical procedures have proven to be effective in the reduction of these conditions related to severe obesity.

“Weight-loss surgery is really a tool to help people change their lifestyle,” explained Dr. Afthinos. “It’s not an easy way out. It requires a significant commitment to lifestyle and habit change.”

Born and raised in Flushing, Dr. Afthinos is a first-generation American whose parents emigrated from the Greek island of Corfu in the mid-1970s. He is fluent in Greek and Spanish. Dr. Afthinos received his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

For more information about bariatric surgery at LIJ Forest Hills, call (718) 830-4000.

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER NEWS & EVENTS

QUEENS CHAMBER CRUISES INTO SUMMER

The rain stayed away just long enough for the third annual Queens Chamber Boat Cruise on July 17 at the World’s Fair Marina.

Hundreds of attendees filled the three floors on the Skyline Princess, which cruised past LaGuardia Airport, Roosevelt Island, the United Nations building and the Hell Gate Bridge in Astoria.

The cruise served as an opportunity to network and connect with business leaders from industries across Queens.

In addition to enjoying food and drinks, participants won prizes and danced the night away on the top deck, and watched as the sun set on a warm, breezy Wednesday night as the cruise docked back in Flushing Bay.

PHOTOS: DOMINICK TOTINO

16

August 2019 • Volume 15 • Issue 8

QUEENS CHAMBER NEWS & EVENTS

17

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER NEWS & EVENTS

PANEL BREAKS DOWN IMPACT OF ENERGY LAWS

BY BENJAMIN FANG When the Climate Mobilization Act was enacted in New York City this past April, building owners worried openly about the costs of reducing their carbon footprint.

Local Law 97, one of the main bills in legislative package, requires buildings larger than 25,000 square feet to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030, and 80 percent by 2050.

Otherwise, building owners will face fines.

Last Wednesday, a panel of energy experts convened at the Queens Chamber of Commerce to discuss the new law. They encouraged building owners, managers and brokers to act now and invest in improving efficiency and operational costs, all while staying in compliance.

“I don’t want your money, I want your carbon,” said Councilman Costa Constantinides, who penned the bill. “I wrote this legislation aggressively, but it’s achievable. We want your buildings to go green.”

According to the councilman, buildings are responsible for 70 percent of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions. Just 50,000 buildings are responsible for 30 percent of emissions.

The law sets caps on carbon emissions from large buildings.

The first cap will be in place by 2024, followed by lower caps in 2030, 2035 and 2040.

According to Adam Stolorow, a partner at Sive, Paget & Riesel, one of the city’s oldest environmental law firms, most buildings covered in the 2024 cap are already in compliance.

Roughly 20 percent of buildings covered by that cap are not in compliance yet, which means they emit the most carbon.

“If you’re not in compliance, it means there’s a lot of low-hanging fruit you can get to,” Stolorow said, “in terms of energy efficiency and improvements that can help your building.”

The 2030 caps are more strin-

18

Pictured from left to right are (seated) Adam Stolorow, David Forman, Matthew McCue, Stephen Owen, (standing) Marshall Haimson and Tom Grech. gent. Stolorow said 80 percent of buildings would not be in compliance if they don’t do anything from now until 2030.

Each building’s emissions cap is based on the type of uses in the building, such as office, residential or manufacturing. The law assigns a code to each use.

To figure out the cap, owners can multiply each use by the square footage of the building.

Stolorow said most of the covered buildings are already reporting their emissions under Local Law 84, which former Mayor Michael Bloomberg passed in 2009 to start collecting benchmarking data. The new law uses that data as well.

Some buildings, such as large rent-regulated buildings and houses of worship, are exempt from the new law. Those facilities can either meet the caps or install a list of energy conservation measures, like individual temperature controls or insulating pipes, Stolorow said.

The Department of Buildings will issue regulations for the new law by 2023. The law also convenes an advisory panel that will

commission several reports on caps and carbon trading.

If buildings do not meet their designated caps, the penalty can be steep. According to Stolorow, the fine is $268 per metric ton of CO2 equivalent emitted above the cap.

“Those penalties don’t go away,” he said. “They continue.”

But Stolorow added that the law gives building owners flexibility meet those caps and become more sustainable.

“The law was written to be deliberately vague so a lot of the solutions can come out as people start to think about how to comply with the caps,” he said.

Constantinides said the bill includes PACE financing, so owners can no-interest or low-interest loans for their projects. They can also apply for renewable energy credits.

If PACE financing doesn’t work, owners can also purchase renewable energy as long as it’s connected to the New York City area.

Local Law 97 also created the Office of Building Energy Emissions Performance (OBEEP) to

give technical assistance to building owners.

“These are all things that will make your building more valuable, more desirable to live in,” Constantinides said. “Your insurance costs are going to go down. In the end, you’re going to save money on your energy costs.”

The Astoria lawmaker noted that the words “good faith” were written several times in the bill. If building owners can’t meet their cap, but have attempted to through several means, they can get an adjustment on either their carbon number or their penalty.

“This is not about putting money in the city’s coffers,” Constantinides said. “This is about recognizing the significant impact that climate change will have on our society, and dealing with the most important part of it.”

To help guide building owners through the process of compliance, as well as produce environmental benefits and reduce operational costs, the Queens Chamber CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

August 2019 • Volume 15 • Issue 8

CHAMBER NEWS & EVENTS of Commerce’s Energy Committee penalties, or the “stick,” is five to 10 years away, the “carrot” is now. formed a “Gold Star Task Force.”

“The compliance factor does Marshall Haimson, president of E-Capital Development and chair help to shine a light on existing opportunity incenof the committee, said they handtives to target these picked 12 energy goals,” he said. experts to serve “It’s time to look on the task force. at energy solutions I DON’T WANT YOUR Haimson moderalready available MONEY, I WANT YOUR ated the panel last to you.”

CARBON. I WROTE week.

He noted that the THIS LEGISLATION “When you interAGGRESSIVELY, BUT IT’S New York State act with our comEnergy Research ACHIEVABLE. WE WANT mittee, you’ll get DevelopYOUR BUILDING TO GO and a holistic view on ment AuthorGREEN. how to address the ity (NYSERDA) is COUNCILMAN COSTA CONSTANTINIDES needs of the buildgiving $5 trillion to ings in light of this energy stakeholdlaw,” he said. ers, including $1 Other participants on the panel trillion to solar. The solar industry included David Forman, vice pres- has proliferated in New York City ident of energy solutions at Eco- over the last decade, he said. save, Inc., and Matthew McCue “It’s time for everybody to see from JouleSmart Buildings. the writing on the wall,” Owen Stephen Owen, founder and prin- said. “This is something you can cipal of the solar consulting firm take advantage of, not just be in SOL ALLIANCE, said while the compliance with.”

“

”

ROBERT A. MIKLOS Medical Malpractice Attorney

love WHERE YOU

live LETS BEAUTIFY JAMAICA TOGETHER

WERE YOU OR A LOVED ONE A VICTIM OF MEDICAL MALPRACTICE? ARE YOU LOOKING FOR ANSWERS? CANCER ∙ SURGERY ∙ BIRTH INJURY HOSPITAL NEGLIGENCE CONTACT ROBERT MIKLOS TODAY (877) 4-MED-MAL ∙ rmiklos@ask4sam.net

DON’T LET IT HAPPEN TO SOMEONE ELSE Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, PC 600 Old Country Road Garden City, NY 11530 ATTORNEY ADVERTISING

ZARA'S PHILANTHROPY Involvement on community boards richmond hill hs computer lab Voices of Jamaica features community events Fundraising

Luxury Apartments in Jamaica, Queens 166-07 Hillside Avenue Jamaica, NY 11432 718.291.3331 • application@zararealty.com

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

BEAT THE HEAT INDOORS THIS AUGUST It’s August, the ocean is warm, the sun is hot, and the Mets are on fire. It’s a great time to be outside in Queens!

However, there are many reasons to stay within four walls, too, as some fantastic movies are set to screen in climatecontrolled spaces.

Festival of Cinema NYC, Aug. 2 to 11. More than 120 films from 40 countries will screen as part of this third annual, 10-day event at Regal UA Midway, 108-22 Queens Boulevard in Forest Hills.

This includes narrative features, documentaries, shorts, web series, animation, and music videos. As part of the fun, the Forest Hills Library at 108-19 71st Avenue will host free screenings, presentations, and workshops for five days, and Queens Museum in Flushing Meadows Corona Park will share works from Arte East and the Asian American Film Lab. More info at festivalofcinemanyc. com.

See It Big! 70mm, Aug. 1 to Sept. 8. Because wide screens make wide-eyed audiences, seven films will show in the 70mm format, which offers astonishing detail and vibrancy. The movies are 2001: A Space Odyssey

(six times), Dunkirk (five times), Hamlet (three times), Brainstorm (three times), It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World (four times), Roma (six times), and Ready Player One (four times). Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria’s Kaufman Arts District, movingimage.us.

Apollo 11: First Steps Edition until Jan. 21. Using never-beforeseen footage and newly discovered audio recordings, the documentarians reconstruct the NASA Apollo 11 mission’s preparation, liftoff, landing, and return. As the historic event marks its 50th anniversary, watch this 25-minute, 2D piece in a 180-degree, immersive space daily at 3 pm. New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Flushing Meadows Corona Park, nysci.org.

Do the Right Thing, Aug. 9 to 11. It’s the 30th anniversary of Spike Lee’s portrait of a particularly eventful, hot summer day in Bed-Stuy. NBC Universal has issued a re-release, which will show five times on a big screen: Aug. 9 at 7:30 pm; Aug. 10 at 4:30 pm and7 pm; and Aug. 11 at 4:30 pm and 7 pm. Museum of the Moving Image.

SUPERPOWER DOGS

Superpower Dogs until Aug. 31. This 47-minute IMAX documentary follows six dogs as they save human lives and protect property in four countries. The cast includes Henry, a Border Collie rescuer in the mountains of British Columbia; Reef, a Newfoundland in the Italian coastguard; and brothers Tipper and Tony, Bloodhounds ARTEEAST AT QUEENS MUSEUM

who fight to save endangered species in Africa’s Kenya. The 3D film screens daily at 11 am and 1 pm all month. New York Hall of Science.

Monuments & Flowers, Aug. 4, 1 pm. As part of the Festival of Cinema NYC, Queens Museum presents a selection of seminal video work culled from ArteEast’s archives. The shorts draw from the ebb and flow of destruction and construction, death and regeneration — of cities, ideologies, nationalities, quotidian life and ecosystems. Queens Museum, NYC Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, queensmuseum.org.

Race, Sex & Hold the Mayo!, Aug. 10, 1 pm. Screened as part of the Festival of Cinema NYC, “Race, Sex & Hold the Mayo!” tries to make viewers laugh at racism. It’s accompanied by “SOS,” a series of micro-comedy sketches, followed by a panel discussion on the effectiveness of entertainment, particularly comedy, in addressing issues like gender bias and xenophobia. Queens Museum.

The monthly “It’s In Queens” column is produced by the Queens Tourism Council. More info at itsinqueens.com.

20

August 2019 • Volume 15 • Issue 8

QUEENSBOROUGH CALENDAR OF EVENTS AUGUST 8/7, 10 AM to 5 PM

WE CONNECT EVENT/ THE STOREFRONT SERIES: RETAIL & BEAUTY

Successful women entrepreneurs in the beauty and retail industries will share the information and guidance needed to start, fund, and grow storefront business.

This event will include talks with experts, an open forum, mentor sessions, and a funding workshop.

FREE Bellozino 72-11 Roosevelt Avenue Jackson Heights 8/8, 9 AM

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION

Learn about the benefits that come with being a member of the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

FREE Register at queenschamber.org

Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard Jackson Heights 8/21, 4 PM

MATTERS OF THE HEART: HEART DISEASE DIALOGUE AND CPR TRAINING

This session will equip you with critical information and adequate training so you too can save lives.

FREE Register at queenschamber.org Plaza College 118-33 Queens Boulevard Forest Hills 8/22, 8 to 10 PM

LATE NIGHT CHOCOLATE NETWORKING

Get a rare behind the scenes tour of the Aigner Chocolate Kitchen while enjoying delicious mouth watering chocolates and crafted beverage Members $25/$35

Register at queenschamber.org Aigner Chocolates 103-02 Metropolitan Avenue Forest Hills

SEPTEMBER 9/18, 9 AM

“THE LAST MILE” INDUSTRIAL TRANSFORMATION

Join the Real Estate Committee for a panel discussion with industry professionals.

FREE Register at queenschamber.org Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard Jackson Heights 9/20, 9 AM

HOW WILL YOU WORK TOMORROW? ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE & WORKSPACE

This workshop will explore how important it is for businesses to

have a work space strategy as a talent attraction, engagement, and retention tool, among other related topics.

FREE Register at queenschamber.org Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard Jackson Heights 9/25, 4 PM

PRESCRIPTION PRICING...WHAT’S BEHIND THE COST?

Join the Healthcare & Wellness Committee as they present a conversation to explore prescription pricing. A diverse panel will field questions which will provide more clarity around this topic.

FREE Register at queenschamber.org 90-27 Sutphin Boulevard 5th Floor Jamaica

OCTOBER 10/3, 6 PM

2019 BUILDINGS AWARDS GALA

For over 90 years, this marvelous tradition honors the architects, builders, engineers, lenders, interior designers and owners of buildings and building projects in Queens County. Our gala this year takes on even more significance as we are hosting the event at Eero Saarinen’s landmark 1962 Flight Center at JFK. Tickets at queenschamber.org Parking Compliments of Thales USA TWA Hotel at JFK Airport Central Terminal 5 Area Jamaica 10/16, 9 AM

BREAKFAST SPEED NETWORKING #3

The Queens Chamber of Commerce will host it’s annual Buildings Awards Gala on October 3. Typically held in December, the nearly 100-year-old event will take place earlier this year, and will be held at the newly opened TWA Hotel at JRK Airport, which is housed in Eero Saarinen’s landmarked 1962 Flight Center. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities can be found at queenschamber.org.

This is a fast paced event which guarantees you’ll build your professional network and increase your business bottom-line.

FREE Register at queenschamber.org Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Boulevard Jackson Heights

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

21

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS

AIGNER OPENS ITS DOOR FOR THE CHAMBER WILL HOST SECOND NETWORKING EVENT LATER THIS MONTH

BY JEN KHEDAROO As the third family to own Aigner Chocolates in the last 90 years, owners Rachel Kellner and Mark Libertini have developed a close relationship with the Queens community.

In addition to selling various chocolates and coffee, the owners have opened up their shop to host various community events, such as special tours and networking events.

In June, Aigner Chocolates partnered with the Queens Chamber of Commerce for their first joint networking event. Since joining the chamber four years ago, the owners have wanted to collaborate on an event for fellow members.

The opportunity came when Thomas Santucci, chairman of the chamber’s Board of Directors, stopped by the chocolate shop on Easter.

“Tom Santucci comes every Easter with his family to pick up some chocolate on the way to their Easter meal, and Easter and Thanksgiving happens to be the only times that my husband and I work together at the front of the house,” Kellner said. “We were speaking with him and we mentioned how interested we were in hosting an event, and within 24 hours someone reached out to us from the Queens Chamber.”

Aigner Chocolates hosted the Chocolates, Cheese & Wine Networking Event, which included a tour of the chocolate kitchen as well as a demonstration of how Libertini made the shop’s famous Game of Thrones-themed chocolate dragons and dragon eggs.

“The event that we hosted went so well that within two days we already scheduled our next one,” said Kellner, adding that roughly 20 people attended the first chamber networking event.

“I really like the idea of the Queens Chamber helping their smaller members, like they did with our networking event,” Libertini said.

“With any chamber, it’s easier to focus on your big-ticket members that have larger dues and tend to spend more money with the chamber, but for businesses like us, who love being members and give back but have limited resources, it’s great for the chamber to recognize us.

“This helps us out just as much as it helps the Queens Chamber,” he added.

The next networking event will take place on Thursday, August 22, at 8 p.m. Aigner Chocolates is located at 103-02 Metropolitan Avenue in Forest Hills.

“I’ve had several other businesses and I’ve always been a member of the Queens Chamber, it’s just a great way to network and have your finger on the pulse of Queens,” Libertini said.

22

“We’ve given donations in the past and we like working with the Queens Chamber, but now I feel like the networking events have taken it to another level. We get to be a bit more intimate with the members and it’s a great way to align interests.”

Aigner Chocolates has teamed up with numerous local businesses since joining the chamber, like Maspeth Federal Savings. Aigner Chocolates made ice cream for the bank to serve at their summer concert series.

“As we’re a local business, we’re big proponents of supporting other local businesses,” Kellner said. “Being aligned with other Queens businesses that share the values that we do is really important.”

Chamber members frequently stop by the shop. Kellner and Libertini are planning on offering a discount for chamber members if they choose to do business with Aigner.

“Aigner Chocolates is one of the oldest chocolate shops in New York City,” Kellner said. “If it wasn’t for the support of the locals and Queens, we wouldn’t be here today. We feel privileged to carry on a rich tradition in Queens, so if there’s anyway we can give back, we try to do so.”

“We feel like most businesses have gifting needs at one point or another, and we think that chocolate is a great option,” Libertini said.

“Chocolate makes a great impression, you can customize it and it shows that your supporting local businesses.”

They’re also considering starting classes at

Rachel Kellner and Mark Libertini of Aigner Chocolates in Forest Hills. the shop.

“That’s something we’d love to extend to Queens Chamber members as part of the discount,” he added. “But that’s anywhere from six to twelve months away.”

Mark Libertini leads a tour of Aigner Chocolates during last month’s networking event.

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES

WOODHAVEN BID, VOLS CLEAN JAMAICA AVE

BY SALVATORE ISOLA Bright and early on Sunday morning, Woodhaven residents came together to beautify Jamaica Avenue from Dexter Court to Forest Parkway.

Among the volunteers were members of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, Woodhaven Business Improvement District, Woodhaven Cultural and Historical Society, and Community Board 9. Councilman Robert Holden also chipped in.

“We want to just bring awareness to people in the neighborhood,” said Raquel Olivares, executive director of the Woodhaven BID. “It’s our responsibility to keep the avenue clean.”

Walking down the avenue, Olivares pointed to storefronts covered in graffiti and the workers who were removing it with power washers or by painting over it, an effort that had been going on since Friday.

Sunday’s cleanup was the first of what will be many more community-driven events, said Devina Sanichar, whose Neighborhood 360 fellowship from the Department of Small Business Services centers around the Woodhaven BID. “We wanted to bring people together,” she said.

Sometimes the effort had to stretch above the street, such as the case with cardboard signs affixed to poles. CB9 chair Kenichi Wilson stood on an elevated J/Z subway support beam and tore down a “cash for cars” sign.

“That’s one down,” he said to applauding onlookers.

Wilson said he was paying attention to trash pickups and their frequency.

“It’s hard to keep up because it seems there’s a lot of dumping in these baskets,” he said. “Not street stuff, but possible residential and commercial garbage. We’re getting there.”

Olivares said when the Woodhaven BID announced the cleanup, the response was overwhelm-

24

Volunteers with Woodhaven BID executive director Raquel Olivares (third from left). ing.

“People love this neighbor-

hood and this community,” she said. “We just wanted to make the

avenue look nicer and encourage other people to clean up as well.”

GJDC, CARVER HOST NETWORKING EVENT

The Greater Jamaica Development Corporation hosted a networking event at the Harvest Room in Jamaica featuring Carver Bank, the largest African- and Caribbean-American publicly traded bank in the United States, with eight branches in Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn. (Photo: Walter Karling)

August 2019 • Volume 15 • Issue 8

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES 82ND STREET PARTNERSHIP

37-06 82nd Street, Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Executive Director: Leslie Ramos 718.335.9421 82ndstreet.org QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $224,000 with more than 200 businesses under its umbrella. The district is on 82nd Street from 37th Avenue to Baxter Avenue. The board meets quarterly with the annual meeting in June.

There are free immigration services every Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 71-29 Roosevelt Avenue.

All services are free, confidential and open to any member of the community. Some of the services include DACA, TPS and document replacement and renewal. Call (212) 652-2071 with any questions.

Recently, Queens Council on The Arts commissioned eight Queens-based artists to create temporary public artworks throughout Jackson Heights through their first ever, public art commissioning program, ArtSite.

The Partnership’s hugely popular Viva La Comida food and arts festival will take place on 82nd Street on September 21 from noon to 7 p.m.

BAYSIDE VILLAGE BID

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

Founded in 2007, the BID includes commercial property owners and residents on Bell Boulevard between 35th Avenue and Northern Boulevard, as well as a block east and west on 41st Avenue. Upcoming events include: • Wednesday, August 7, at 10 AM - Powered

by Treble, a virtual networking event that allows you to join from the comfort of your own home or office! Treble, a business networking program, will help strengthen and grow your business network! Register on the BID’s site and use code BAY2019!

• Wednesday, September 25, at 11:30 AM This year’s annual BBA golf outing will honor Mark Boccia, who is the owner of Bourbon Street, Austin’s Ale House and One Station Plaza. It will take place at Clearview Golf Course, which is located at 202-12 Willets Point Boulevard in Bayside.

BUSINESS CENTER FOR NEW AMERICANS (BCNA)

78-27 37 Avenue, Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Business Development: Tshering Gurung 347.730.6468 tgurung@nycbcna.org QUICK GLANCE: Since 1997, BCNA has been serving New York City entrepreneurs.

BCNA is an approved Small Business Administration Intermediary Lender and a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). BCNA’s Microloan program is the cornerstone of its services.

They provide small business loans and microloans to business owners who are not able to obtain loans from traditional lenders.

FOREST HILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

CHAMBER GEARING UP FOR FLUSHING NIGHT OUT The Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its annual Flushing Night Out event.

This year’s event will take place on August 24 from noon to 6 p.m., and for the first time it will take place outside. One block of 38th Avenue will be closed between Main and Prince streets in front of St. George’s Church for the event.

Approximately 20 food vendors will line the block, while plans call for local artisans and musicians to be showcased inside the church’s auditorium. The chamber is still looking for interested vendors. Registration forms are available by calling (718) 886-8810 or emailing info@gohive.com.

“This is the first time we are having this event in the heart of Downtown Flushing, so we expect a great turnout,” said chamber president Taehoon Kim. “FNO 2019 will be a good opportunity for local entrepreneurs to market and connect with thousands of potential customers.”

The event will take place just as tennis fans begin to flock to Flushing for the 2019 U.S. Open, which organizers hope will bring even more visitors to the event.

“We want to showcase the unique products and services you can’t get anywhere else,” said chamber executive director John Choe.

(SHANE MILLER)

Members of the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce recently announced plans for Flushing Night Out 2019, which will take place on August 24.

25

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES 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. This month’s meeting will take place on August 28.

The next major event on the chamber’s calendar is the popular Jazz Thursdays: • Thursday, August 15, from 7 to 9:30 PM - Jazz Thursdays with Richard Boulger After Hours Band featuring Lynette Washington. Free admission but limited seating available! 70th Road between Queens Boulevard and Austin Street • Thursday, August 22, from 7 to 9:30 PM Jazz Thursdays with Art Lilliard Heavenly Big Band. Free admission but limited seating available! 70th Road between Queens Boulevard and Austin Street

GATEWAY JFK

Executive Director: Scott Grimm-Lyon info@GatewayJFK.org GatewayJFK.org QUICK GLANCE: Formerly the Greater JFK Industrial BID and founded in 2016, the group seeks to provide support to the off-airport air cargo and services district through supplemental services and improvements, technical and professional services for its members, and advocacy and administration.

GatewayJFK is seeking sponsors for banners on Rockaway Boulevard. Participating sponsors will have their logo displayed on the lower portion of the banners for one full-year. Sponsoring the banner will cost $1,000, but sponsoring three or more banners costs $750 per banner.

Sponsors have the chance to make 57,000-plus daily impressions if located in the southern section of the district, and 24,000-plus in the northern section. If interested, contact GatewayJFK at 516-730-3400 or scott@gatewayjfk.org.

GREATER FLUSHING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

39-01 Main Street, Suite 511, Flushing NY 11354 Executive Director: John Choe john@flushingchamber.nyc 646.783.8985 flushingchamber.nyc QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 2014 and representing over 200 businesses.

In May, the chamber welcomed the greenmarket back to Maple Playground on Kissena Boulevard. It is open on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Chamber hosted its second annual Flushing World’s Fair expo on June 28 and 29 to showcase the diverse business community in the neighborhood. It included presentations and workshops, as well as resources for entrepreneurs and local businesses.

26

Upcoming events include: • Grow NYC Greenmarket - Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Visit the GrowNYC Greenmarket at Maple Playground at 136-50 Maple Avenue.

• Flushing Night Out 2019 - August 24, noon to 6 p.m., 38th Avenue between Main and Prince Streets - Explore all that Flushing has to offer during this day-long event.

GREATER JAMAICA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

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

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

GREATER WOODHAVEN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WOODHAVEN BID

84-01 Jamaica Avenue, Woodhaven NY 11421 718.805.0202 gwdcbid@hotmail.com woodhavenbid.com QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $257,000 with more than 350 businesses under its umbrella.

On Jamaica Avenue from Dexter Court to 100th Street. They are providing free benches for store owners along Jamaica Avenue. They also provide 2.5 and 5 percent home improvement loans.

The BID and GWDC are involved with the 102nd Precinct’s National Night Out Against Crime event, which will take place on Tuesday, August 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Victory Field.

Other upcoming events include: • Friday, August 9, from 6 to 8 PM - Oldies Music Night with Plastic Soul at Forest Parkway and Jamaica Avenue.

• Tuesday, August 27, 1 to 3 PM - The GWDC will sponsor a visit of the Metrocard Van at Forest Parkway and Jamaica Avenue.

• Sunday, October 13, Noon to 6 PM Wonderful Woodhaven Street Festival on Jamaica Avenue.

JAMAICA CENTER BID

161-10 Jamaica Avenue, Suite 419 Jamaica, NY 11432 Executive Director: Jennifer Furioli 718.526.2422 jamaica.nyc @JamCenterBID (Twitter) @jamcenterbid (Instagram)

@Jamaica Center BID (Facebook) QUICK GLANCE: Budget of over $1 million.

Founded in 1979, the Jamaica Center BID serves over 400 businesses on Jamaica Avenue between Sutphin Boulevard and 169th Street.

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.

The BID’s sanitation team is out on Jamaica Avenue 360 days a year. The BID offers marketing and promotion for the district, including a value card program, banner and rubbish bin sponsorship opportunities, and supports business owners in opening or expanding their operations.

The BID is the proud recipient of a threeyear, $300,000 Avenue NYC grant and is currently conducting a Commercial District Needs Assessment (CDNA), which will inform future programing. Upcoming events include: • Friday through Sunday, August 2-4, 16-18, 30-31, from 10 AM to 8 PM - Sidewalk Sales on Jamaica Avenue between Sutphin Boulevard and 169 Street • Saturday, August 17, from 11 AM to 3 PM - Family Fun on The Ave! Enjoy a traffic-free oasis on Jamaica Avenue with fun activities including live music, giant games and more!

JFK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

616 Duke Street, Westbury, NY 11590 Executive Director: Mercedes Altman 516.492.0513 jf kairportchamberofcommerce.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1978, the group has over 200 members.

JFK Airport is the only airport in the country to have its own chamber of commerce wholly dedicated to the airport business community, which employs 35,000 people. The airport handles more than 50 million passengers a year, using almost a half-million square feet of warehouse space to handle more than a million tons of air freight cargo a year.

Upcoming events include: • Wednesday, August 14, from 8:30 to 10 AM - JFK CoC Directors General Monthly Meeting.

Light breakfast will be served. Guests are welcome but must RSVP to JFKCocExec@gmail. com. JFK International Airport, Building 14, Conference Room A.

LONG ISLAND CITY PARTNERSHIP

President: Elizabeth Lusskin 718.786.5300 longislandcityqueens.com Founded in 1979, the Long Island City Partnership advocates for economic development that benefits LIC’s industrial, commer-

August 2019 • Volume 15 • Issue 8

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES cial, 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..

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

MASPETH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

• Tuesday, August 13, at noon. Monthly meeting will take place at Connolly’s Corner at 71-15 Grand Ave.

MASPETH INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (MIBA)

BOC: 96-11 40th Road, Corona, NY 11368 Coordinator: Quincy Ely-Cate 718.205.3773 qelycate@bocnet.org mibanyc.org QUICK GLANCE: Roughly 600 businesses with 30 active members.

The Maspeth Industrial Business Association, a project of the Business Outreach Center Network, 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.

The BID has also been involved in a zoning initiative for Myrtle Avenue. Executive Director Ted Renz is working with, and has the approval of the community board, to preserve the integrity of the business feel of Myrtle Avenue by making it a special zoning district. City Planning is looking at the request now. The plan seeks to keep the look of the two- and three-story commercial infrastructure in tact.

Upcoming events include: • Thursday, August 1, to Sunday, August 4 Summer Sidewalk Sales.

QUEENS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Fresh Pond Road and Wyckoff Avenue. Program support is provided by the Ridgewood LDC. One of the longest running BIDs is also one of the more innovative in its approach to helping maintain an active business corridor by helping landlords rent vacant properties. The website ridgewood-ny.com shows properties that are currently for rent in the district.

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.

Funded by Department of Small Business

MIDDLE VILLAGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

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

Annual membership fee is $150, and they are looking to gain momentum through attracting new members. The mission is to improve the area and assist local businesses if they have any concerns or needs.

MYRTLE AVENUE BID

62-14 Myrtle Avenue, Ridgewood, NY 11385 Executive Director: Ted Renz 718.366.3806

Raquel Olivares will soon celebrate her one-year-anniversary as executive director of the Woodhaven Business Improvement District. She took over the post after the untimely passing of longtime executive director and Woodhaven staple Maria Thomson.

27

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES Services, they strive to create and retain jobs via programs that grow neighborhoods and assist small businesses. QEDC assists by providing one-on-one consultations, hosting workshops, operating training courses and networking events. Upcoming events include: • Thursdays, August 29, from at 6 to 8 PM Summer Networking Mixer at Z Hotel at 11-01 43rd Avenue in Long Island City. Cost: $5.

ROCKAWAY BUSINESS ALLIANCE

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

The Rockaway Business Alliance was founded in 2012 after Hurricane Sandy. RBA’s vision is to create business corridors that are clean, safe, and welcoming, with shopping, dining, attractions, and engagement for the local community and the visitors drawn to Rockaway’s beaches and open spaces.

ROCKAWAY DEVELOPMENT & REVITALIZATION CORPORATION

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

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. RDRC is governed by a twelve-member board of directors and a fivemember merchant advisory board.

RDRC’s current city and state collaborations include the Downtown Far Rockaway Storefront Improvement Program, The Downtown Far Rockaway Public Wi-Fi Project, The Rockaway East Workforce Development Program and most recently, the planned $288,000,000 Downtown Far Rockaway Redevelopment Project.

With over 250 businesses and 61,000 or 53 percent of the Rockaway’s entire population living within 2 miles of downtown Far Rockaway, one of RDRC’s goals is to reduce the over $91 million in market leakage to neighboring downtown shopping districts.

To address this challenge, in 2014 RDRC rejuvenated the Rockaway East Merchants Association (REMA). Today with RDRC as its administrator, REMA membership now includes 40-plus local businesses with an active calendar of events that includes an annual merchant’s fair, talent show, fashion event, holiday tree lighting and live concerts.

28

REMA membership meetings are held on the fourth Monday of the month at 1 p.m. at the corporation’s office at 1920 Mott Avenue in Far Rockaway.

STEINWAY ASTORIA PARTNERSHIP BID

25-69 38th Street, Suite 1C, Astoria 11103 Executive Director: Marie Torniali 718.728.7820 info@steinwaystreet.nyc steinwaystreet.org QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1991, the BID has over 300 members.

The Steinway Street Business Improvement District encompasses all 300 business located on Steinway Street from 28th Avenue to 35th Avenue. National chain stores such as Victoria’s Secrets, The Gap, Benetton, and Express are side by side with local family owned shops some of them fixtures on the street for some 50 years.

Board meetings are held seven times a year.

The BID’s vision is to make Steinway Street user friendly, while highlighting the local businesses on the street and bringing together the Astoria community in a positive way. Upcoming events include: • Mondays, August 5, 12, 19 and 26 - Movie Monday Nights at Sunset. Spider-man: Into the Spider-Verse, Incredibles 2, The Godfather and Singin’ in the Rain will be screened. Astoria’s Park Great Lawn on Shore Boulevard • Thursdays, August 1, 8, 15 and 22 at 7:30 PM - Concert Nights with bands including The Jersey Jukebox, D.B. Rielly & Band, The New York Bee Gees and Lost Soul Found. Astoria Park’s Great Lawn on Shore Boulevard

SUNNYSIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PO Box 4399, Sunnyside, NY 11104 President: Vanessa Ceballos 718.729.4688 www.sunnyside-chamber.org QUICK GLANCE: Annual budget of $55,000.

The chamber is an organization built around assisting and helping local business and professionals by providing resources to increase business, safety and historical preservation throughout the neighborhood.

At its recent annual meeting, Chamber members elected Vanessa Ceballos, owner of Firefly Petite Cafe & Bistro on 43rd Avenue, to serve as 2019-20 president.

SUNNYSIDE SHINES

45-56 43rd Street, Sunnyside, NY 11104 Executive Director: Jaime-Faye Beam 718.606.1800 director@sunnysideshines.org sunnysideshines.org

QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $480,000 with more than 250 businesses under its umbrella.

The BID is still looking for sponsors for Sunnyside Street Banners along Queens Boulevard and Greenpoint Avenue. There are still a number of locations still available, call the office for more info. Companies that are not located in Sunnyside are invited to participate as well. Sponsorships start at $350 and last for one year.

Upcoming events include: • Thursday, August 1, from 4 to 7 PM - Beats in Bliss Plaza with Roberos. Join Roberos, a bilingual band, performing music from Bachata to Salsa and Spanish Rock and games, crafts and more! Free entry.

• Thursday, August 8, from 4 to 7 PM Beats in Bliss Plaza with the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Concert. A celebration of swingera jazz with performances by Astoria Swing Dance, Cait & the Critters and the Sunnyside Wolverines. Free entry!

• Thursday, August 15, from 4 to 7 PM - Beats in Bliss Plaza with Queensboro Dance Festival.

• Friday, August 16, from 8 to 10 PM Sunnyside Outdoor Movie Events. Watch Disney’s Coco at Noonan Playground.

• Thursday, August 22, from 4 to 7 PM - Beats in Bliss Plaza with Nora Krohn and Nick Revel.

• Saturday, August 24, from noon to 6 PM - Lowery Plaza Pop-Up Market will set up at Lowery Plaza at 40th Street and Queens Boulevard with local vendors selling everything from jewelry to food!

• Sunday, August 25, from noon to 6 PM - Lowery Plaza Pop-Up Market will set up at Lowery Plaza at 40th Street and Queens Boulevard with local vendors selling everything from jewelry to food!

SUTPHIN BOULEVARD BID

89-00 Sutphin Boulevard, Suite 204C Jamaica, NY 11435 Executive Director: Glen Greenridge 718.291.2110 sutphinblvdbid@verizon.net QUICK GLANCE: The BID was founded in 2004 and represents 134 businesses, 56 properties and 39 property owners along Sutphin Blvd. between Hillside and 94th avenues.

The BID is currently accepting applications for vendors interested in taking part in the 2019 Harvest Festival. This year, the festival will take place on Saturday, September 21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Upcoming events include: • Thursdays, August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, from 1 to 2 PM - Summer Jazz Concert Series.

Jazz musicians to perform include The Willie Martinez Quartet, Paula Atherton, Prest4Time, Steven Palmore and L.A. Blacksmith. Supreme Court Square, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard

August 2019 • Volume 15 • Issue 8

NEW MEMBERS Uber Technologies, Inc.

636 West 28th St. New York, NY 10001 uber.com Good things happen when people can move, whether across town or towards their dreams.

Opportunities appear, open up, and become reality. What started as a way to tap a button to get a ride has led to billions of moments of human connection as people around the world go all kinds of places in all kinds of ways with the help of our technology.

Aeroterm

201 West St. Annapolis, MD 21401 aeroterm.com Aeroterm’s mission is clear: provide the optimal real estate financing, development and management solution for our airport partners while delivering dedicated, responsive service to tenants. By efficiently managing the complexities of airport facility investment, development and management, Aeroterm allows both airport partners and tenants to focus more efficiently on their core businesses.

Jones Lang LaSalle

27-01 Queens Plaza North Long Island City, NY 11101 us.jll.com/industrial A world leader in real estate services powered by an entrepreneurial spirit, Jones Lang LaSalle seeks the most ambitious clients to work with, and the most ambitious people to work for them.

It’s as simple as that. They buy, build, occupy

MAJOR CORPORATE

Uber CORPORATE

Aeroterm Jones Lang LaSalle Laffey Real Estate Squad Security INTRODUCTORY

Cinch Technologies Cornerstone Land Abstract Empire Wealth Strategies Tiegerman

and invest in a variety of assets including industrial, commercial, retail, residential and hotel real estate. From tech startups to global firms, clients span industries including banking, energy, healthcare, law, life sciences, manufacturing and technology.

Laffey Real Estate

55 Northern Boulevard Suite 201 Greenvale, NY 11548 laffey.com Laffey Real Estate remains in the forefront of the industry, providing expansive training and educational programs to their realtor family. As a full service brokerage in a tech-driven world, the advanced marketing, experienced realtors, premium brand identity and industry-leading tools embody best in class standards representative of the modern broker.

Squad Security, Inc.

50 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard Suite 608 Uniondale, NY 11553 squadsecurity.com With integrity, honesty, and dedication, Squad Security endeavors to meet clients’ needs and exceed their expectations by providing the highest quality security and investigative services.

Squad Security provides personalized individual service to ensure the integrity of clients’ infor-

mation and the safety of their secured locations, while maintaining productive business environments. They utilize experienced, thorough and dedicated professionals to meet the protection, investigative, and security needs of clients.

Squad Security recruits quality individuals without bias in respect to gender, color, race, religion or sexual orientation.

Cinch Technologies, Inc.

Cinch Technologies, Inc. 250 Greenwich Street, 10th Floor New York, NY 10007 cinchwallet.com

Cornerstone Land Abstract Cornerstone Land Abstract 1412 Broadway, Suite 407 New York, NY 10018 cornerstonelandabstract.com

Empire Wealth Strategies

Empire Wealth Strategies 333 Earle Ovington Boulevard, Suite 402 Uniondale, NY 11553 ewsny.com

Tiegerman

100 Glen Cove Avenue Glen Cove, NY 11542 tiegerman.org

BUSINESS SECURITY PANEL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

computers of bad actors,” she said. “White collar crime is really one of the biggest organized crimes. It’s probably one of the dirtiest fields right now.”

One major area of concern is cyber-enabled phishing, where hackers send emails that can retrieve a user’s data when opened. This happens too often, Hanopy says, and often leads to identity theft.

Goel encouraged attendees to enable two-factor identification for everything from Google to Amazon, as well as using a password manager.

He also encouraged people to set up text and email notifications with their bank to display their daily account balance and enable alerts for transactions above a certain dollar amount.

Companies should review their cybersecurity protocols regularly, and they should instruct new hires on them. If an intern happens to open a fraudulent email on a company computer, information could be at risk.

But vigilance is the key in cybersecurity.

“No technology can protect you if you’re not paying attention,” Goel said. “Defense is much better than active cleanup.”

Statement required by the Act of August 12, 1970, section 3685. Title 39, United States Code, showing the ownership, management and circulation of Queensborough magazine, published 12 times per year, and owned by the Chamber of Commerce of the Borough of Queens, 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140, Jackson Heights, New York 11370. Statement filed September 1, 2018. Publisher: Chamber of Commerce of the Borough of Queens Editor: Thomas Grech Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding one percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities, none. Extent & nature of circulation: Avg. each issue, Actual single issue, Preceding 13 mos., (Nearest to filing date). Total number of copies 3,110 (3,009). Paid and/or requested circulation: Dealer, carrier sales 579 (607), Mail subscriptions, 1,937 (2,002), Total 2,516 (2,609). Free Distribution By mail 0 (400), By other means 198 (200), Total 198 (200). Total distribution 2,714 (2,809), Office Use, leftover, spoiled 396 ( 2 0 0 ) , Return from news agents 0 (0), Total 3,110 (3,009), Percent paid 92.70 (92.88).

I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete. Thomas J. Grech, Editor

29

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

EXECUTIVE COMMMITEE

CHAIRPERSON’S ADVISORY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE STAFF

Thomas Santucci

Richard Dzwlewicz

Thomas J. Grech

Brendan Leavy

Nash Roe

Fran Biderman-Gross

Joanne M. Persad

Jacqueline Donado

Chairperson

Associate Treasurer

Vice Chairperson

Associate Secretary

Treasurer

Immediate Past Chair

Patrick Yu

Susan Browning

Mayra DiRico

President & CEO

Chief of Operations

Alejandra Espejo Financial Controller

Secretary

Business Development Manager Strategic Program Coordinator

Jef Gross

Committee Development & Member Engagement Manager

William Blake Dominick Ciampa Joseph Farber Louis D. Laurino

Joseph M. Mattone, Sr John E. Roe, Sr. George Rozansky Gerard Thornton

QUEENSBOROUGH (ISSN0033-6068 is published 12 times a year for $12.50 annually by the Queens Chamber of Commerce of the borough of Queens. 75-20 Astoria Blvd, Suite 140, East Elmhurst NY 11370-1131.

Periodicals postage paid at Flushing NY and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Blvd., Suite 140, East Elmhurst NY 11370-1131.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Fran Biderman-Gross Joshua E. Bienstock Michael Billia Susan Browning Kenneth J. Buettner Charles E. Callahan KY Chow

Carol Conslato Sal Crifasi Mayra DiRico Richard Dzwlewicz Joseph R. Ficalora Tamara Gavrielof Howard Graf

Raymond Irrera Kenneth Koenig Henry Kuykendall Neil Levin Jeffery E. Levine Carl Mattone Patricia Mezeul

Jeffrey Owens Nayan Parikh Albert F. Pennisi Vincent L. Petraro Esq Nash Roe Jeffrey Rosenstock Juan Santiago

Thomas Santucci Mark Scheinberg Caryn Schwab Sher Sparano Michelle Stoddart Terri Thomson Henry Wan

Patrick Yu Daniel Zausner

CORPORATE MEMBERS A&L Cesspool Services Corp A. Giannopoulos Architects AAA Northeast AARP Ackman-Ziff ADP Major Accounts Adria Hotel and Conference Center Airlogix Alma Bank American Lions LLC Amna Construction Corp AmTrust Title Andromeda Antun’s of Queens Village Apple Bank for Savings Ashnu International, Inc. Atco Properties Accounts Payable Aurora Contractors, Inc. Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP Bank of America Merrill Lynch Bank of Hope BankUnited, N.A Berkman, Henoch, Peterson, Peddy & Fenchel Bethpage Federal Credit Union BNB Bank Borchert & LaSpina, P.C. Boyce Technologies Inc. Broadway Stages Cactus Holdings Inc Capital One Bank Carmel Car and Limo Service Center for Automotive Education and Training Cerini and Associates, LLP. Ciampa Organization Cipico Construction, Inc. Complete Orthopedic Services, Inc Conference Associates, Inc

Cord Meyer Development LLC Cornell NYC Tech Corporate Development Systems, Inc. Courtyard by Marriott CPEX Real Estate Crescent Properties, Inc Crown Castle Curaleaf Cushman & Wakefield DGC Capital Contracting Corp.

Douglas Elliman Real Estate DY Realty Services, L.L.C. E Central Medical Management East Coast Energy Group Ecosave Inc. Edge Auto Inc. Elmhurst Hospital Center Emigrant Mortgage Company EMU Health Services ENT and Allergy Associates, LLP Enterprise Fleet Management Exquisite Construction Fabiani Cohen & Hall, LLP Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) Farrell Fritz, P.C. Financial Recources Brup Investment Services LLC First American International Bank Flushing Bank Flushing Council On Culture & The Arts Forest Hills Financial Group Inc. GF55 Partners Global Industrial Goldenwood Property Advisors Goodwill Industries of New York & Northern New Jersey, Inc.

Grassi & Co. Greater NY Automobiles Dealers Association Greenberg Traurig Greenpoint Manufacturing & Design Center (GMDC) Greiner Maltz Company of NY Gum Studios Hampton Inn by Hilton JFK Airport Healthy Corner Pharmacy Inc. HiLine Construction Hilton Garden Inn Long Island City New York HK Capital Home2Suites Long Island City/ Manhattan View HSBC Bank Hyatt Place Flushing INDA, Association of Nonwoven Fabric Industry Innovative Lending Platform Association Innovo Property Group International Asbestos Removal Inc. iRCM, Inc. James F. Capalino & Assoc.

Jaros, Baum & Bolles JetBlue Airways Corporation Jetro/ Restaurant Depot JFA Insurance Brokerage & Associates Inc. JGM Construction Development, LLC JRT Realty Group Inc. Kasirer Consulting Kaufman Astoria Studios Inc. Kimco Realty Corporation Klein Weath Management/ Hightower Advisors

COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATIONS Joshua Bienstock NYIT bienlaw@aol.com

ENERGY

Marshall Haimson E-Capital Development marshall@e-capitaldevelopment.com

HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS

Susan Browning Long Island Jewish Forest Hills sbrowning1@northwell.edu Bert Lurch E Central Medical Management bertl@ecmmgt.com

30

HOSPITALITY

REAL ESTATE

Jim Quent Statewide Public Affairs jquent@statewidepublicaffairs.com Laura Altimari Fine Taste NYC finetastenyc@gmail.com

Martin Cottingham Avison Young martin.cottingham@avisonyoung.com Michael Wang Politan Real Estate mwang121@gmail.com

MANUFACTURING

TECHNOLOGY

Geoffrey Smith NY Grant Company Geoffrey@nygrants.com Thomas Powell Boyce Technologies tpowell@boycetechnologies.com

NONPROFIT

Larry Grubler Transitional Services of NY lgrubler@tsiny.org Maria Odysseus Investors Bank modysseus@myinvestorsbank.com

Bobby Giurintano TGI Office Automation bgiurintano@tgioa.com Fred Canone Telehouse mwang121@gmail.com

TRANSPORTATION Kris Amato TD Bank Kristin.amato@td.com

Lessing’s Food Service Management Levine Builders Luxury Office Suites LLC Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc. Madison Realty Capital Main Street Radiology Marriott International, Inc Mazars USA LLP McBride Consulting & Business Medisys Health Network MedPlex Mega Contracting Group LLC MetroPlus Health Plan Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade MicroGrid Neworks, LLC Mikkeller NYC Molloy College Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens Mr. T Carting Corp.

MTA Long Island Rail Road Muss Development Company New York + Atlantic Railway New York Building Congress New York Business Corporation New York Health Plan Association New York Oil Heating Association New York Racing Assn. Inc. New York Restaurant Association New York Safety and Training New York Times, The Northwell Health OneGroup OTJ Architects Patrick B. Jenkins & Associates Petro Home Services Plastic Surgery of New York Portnoy, Messinger, Pearl & Assoc., Inc. Premier Payroll Solutions Prime Storage Progressive Waste Solutions/IESI NY Corp QSIDE Federal Credit Union Quadlogic Controls Corporation Queens Center Mall Queens Public Communications Corp.

Queensborough Community College Quontic Bank RCG Mortgage Related Retail Corporation

Royal Waste Services, Inc. Russo’s On The Bay Samuel Goldstein & Co PC Santander Seagis Property Group, LP ShiftPixy Signature Bank Silvercup Studios Simon Baron Development Skyline Risk Management, Inc. SL Green Realty Corp.

Solomon Agency Corp.

St. Francis Preparatory School St. John’s Episcopal Hospital St. John’s University Structural Engineering Technologies, P.C. Target Terrace On The Park TFCU TGI Office Automation Thales USA Inc. The ALLCOT Group LLC The Durst Organization The First National Bank of Long Island The Heskel Group The Sweet Construction Group T-Mobile Treasure Island Storage TSC Traning Academy, LLC Ultrasound Solutions Corp.

United Airlines United Nations Federal Credit Union United Public Adjusters & Appraisers, Inc. USTA National Tennis Center, Inc. Valley National Bank Vanguard Insurance Agency Vassilaros & Sons Coffee Venture House Villa Russo Waste Management of New York LLC Watch Guard 24/7 LLC Welby, Brady & Greenblatt, LLP WellLife Network Wells Fargo WeWork Windstream Enterprise York College - CUNY Zara Realty

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.

August 2019 • Volume 15 • Issue 8 MAJOR CORPORATE MEMBERS

31