This Is Queensborough: March 2024 Edition.

this is...

March 2024 . Volume 19 . Issue 14

Jack Schlossberg Speaks at QCC St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon Read Page 6

INSIDE

Stepping Into Rikers Island, And Out Practical Steps To Keep Employees Safe Middle Village Bagels As Queens’ Best Bagel Spot

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS 05

15

Headshots And Personal Branding

Breathing Magic Into LIC: A Balloon Art Extravaganza

Queens Chamber Hosts Annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon

Ridgewood’s Iconic Morscher’s Pork Store to Close

15, 16, 19

06, 08 07

Dine and Discover Queens: Multisweet LIC

08

16

Champion Elevator: Elevating Queens

17

EVLVE: A Dating App for Vegans and Vegetarians

What Should You Do If Your Queens Coop Condo Has Water Damage?

Queens Tech Corner: Theramotive

Trusted Local Businesses Bring Your Bioheat® Fuel

09

19

A Slice of Queens: Carlo’s Pizza

When it Comes to Business Financing, Beauty is in the Eyes of the Beholder

08

10-11

20

New Windows Can Help Buildings

11

Why The Charitable Act Is Essential For New York’s Non-Profits

12

Queens Chamber Of Commerce Crowns Middle Village Bagels As Queens’ Best Bagel Establishment

13 Stepping into Rikers Island, and Out.

20, 21

Alphapointe to Host 10th Anniversary Celebration in Queens

21 New St. John’s University Resource Aims To Cultivate Business Innovation And Entrepreneurship The Impact of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro & Western NY

- Marketing Director

Eli Kolins - Creative Director

How Generative AI Has Transformed Small Businesses For The Better

22

Walter Sanchez - Publisher John Sanchez

18

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March 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 14

SPRING IS IN THE AIR It’s March, and wow – the first quarter of this year has really flown by! It was great seeing so many of you at our annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration, as we honored the many contributions Irish immigrants and Irish-Americans have made to our borough and business community, and recognized this year’s distinguished honorees – Jack Schlossberg and Mary Murphy.

THOMAS J. GRECH PRESIDENT & CEO

We were incredibly proud to be able to honor Mary Murphy, a daughter of Irish immigrants who has served our city with distinc- tion as an Emmy-award winning journalist, and Jack Schlossberg, an attorney, activist and grandson of the first IrishAmerican US President – John F. Kennedy. I want to thank them for joining us for a fun afternoon at Antun’s and for everything they do for Queens.

Best, Tom Grech

SUNNY DAYS ARE HERE TO STAY For those of you who came out, thank you for joining us for our annual St. Patrick’s Day luncheon. It was wonderful to see so many familiar and new faces networking and building relations- hips that will help make Queens’ business community stronger.

I enjoyed hearing from our fantastic honorees – Jack Schlossberg and Mary Murphy

HOWARD GRAF CHAIRPERSON

At the Chamber we love celebrating the cultures and businesses that make Queens unique. The St. Patrick’s Day luncheon is our first signature event of the year. I look forward to seeing you in June at Citi Field for our Business Expo, and at Chamber events throughout 2024. Between now and then, we have a number of great events planned to educate our members and help you foster connections to help them grow their businesses.

Best, Howard Graf 3

2024 BUSINESS EXPO ANNUAL LUNCHEON

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TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2024

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

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May 15, 2024 May 21, 2024

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

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

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

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March 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 14

QUEENS NEWS

Headshots And Personal Branding What To Wear For A Photoshoot

comfortable yet attractive outfits that boost your confidence

Vicky Benitez Headshot & Portrait Photographer - Woodside Studio @ 4THE1 IMAGE P: 201-780-7683 https://4the1image.com TIPS When you are looking for the perfect headshot or portraits, focus on key elements. Your eyes and face should be the focal points, drawing attention to your best features. Pay attention to your hair, makeup and outfits to enhance your overall look. Lighting techniques are crucial for capturing the right mood and highlighting your features effectively.

In this article, I’ll discuss the importance of outfits. Choose attire that complements your features and personality, as it significantly impacts your photos. Opt for

This outfit reads more casual, making it a great option for those who don’t need a conservative look in their images.

1. Skirt, pants with blouse combination, also a suit dress: Opt for a skirt, pants and blouse ensemble for a feminine and professional touch. Consider a monochromatic look with different shades of neutral colors for a sophisticated appearance and enhance your image during the photoshoot.

6. Artists: Besides black, navy is very flattering in photos, solid colors tend to do best on camera.

it with jeans and nude shoes for an effortless vibe. To add a touch of sophistication, layer with a blazer over your ensemble, adding a statement piece to your outfit.

2. Classic business look: A blazer is a timeless choice for business attire. Ensure that the blazer fits you well to flatter your body shape.

Pair it with a pant or skirt and a white, pink/red or magenta, golden beige blouse for a professional and versatile outfit.

4. Corporate headshots & portraits: A well-fitting suit is a fantastic choice. Those in more professional industries may prefer a more conservative look. Accessories are crucial for adding important details to your attire. Leather shoes and a matching belt complement the suit, elevating your style.

5. Looking for a modern alternative: Consider a blazer with a white shirt, barely-there plaid print paired, chinos and a classic chambray shirt.

If your Salon’s or Studio culture is casual clothing, aim for a mix between casual and “Fashionist” 7. Developers, for business casual looks: Developers updating their LinkedIn headshots in the hopes of landing a new position in the tech industry should aim for a slightly more formal attire.

Also a bomber jacket as an alternative to a suit jacket or blazer. It offers a polished look while still being more casual.

You can remove the blazer during the shoot to create two distinct looks.

3. Casual chic: If your work environment is more casual, consider wearing white for a relaxed yet refined look. Pair 5

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QUEENS NEWS

Queens Chamber Hosts Annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon Irish fare, performances by Fallon O’Brien of the Hagen Kavanagh School of Irish Dance, music by The Cobblers, and presentation of colors by the 2nd Battalion 25th Marines. The National Anthem was performed by Emily Kightlinger of St. Francis Prep.

The Queens Chamber of Commerce welcomed leaders in business, politics and culture from across the borough to Antun’s in Queens Village for their annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon March 13. The event celebrated the contributions of Irish-Americans to Queens with food, entertainment, and recognition of honorees Jack

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Schlossberg and Mary Murphy.

President and CEO of the Queens Cham­ber of Commerce Tom Grech opened the event by honoring former NYC Council Member Paul Vallone, who passed away in January, before invocations from Bishop Robert Brennan and Rabbi Joseph Potasnik.

The luncheon featured traditional

Murphy is an award-winning journalist born and raised in Queens.

She served as an anchor for PIX11 News for nearly 15 years and received multiple Emmy awards her reporting, spanning the opioid crisis, the September 11th terror attacks, the “Junior” case in the Bronx, the death of Princess Diana, Hurricane Sandy, the Black Sunday fire in 2005, and 1996 explosion of TWA Flight 800. Murphy said the stories that stuck with her the most were missing people and cold cases in which families were still looking for justice.

“The main reason I lasted so long on TV is because every day,

New Yorkers trusted me to tell their stories and for that I am in their debt,” Murphy said. “They gave me a career.”

Schlossberg, the only grandson of President John F. Kennedy, is Continued on Page 8

March 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 14

DINE AND DISCOVER QUEENS

Multisweet LIC Is In The Spotlight you’ve had as a bakery owner in Queens?

It’s “Dine and Discover Queens’’ time! “Dine and Discover Queens” is a spotlight on some of the best restaurants around the borough! In this issue, we are featuring Multisweet LIC. Amber Zhao is the owner and head baker of the establishment.

To learn more, go to

https://multisweet.shop.

What inspired the creation of your bakery and how did you get your start?

There was a customer who ordered a custom birthday cake for her mom.

When she came to pick up the cake, she brought her mother with her. She was so excited to share the moment and said that the cake was beyond her expectations. Her mom was almost tearing up! She asked if she could hug me. I was surprised but flattered!

That unforgettable moment made my day and made me love my work more. We’re not just creating cakes and pastries; we’re creating experiences that leave a lasting impression.

What makes your restaurant unique?

Our bakery specializes in creating exquisite handcrafted Asian pastries and baked goods, offering a unique fusion of traditional flavors with an artistic flair. Our commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients and incorporating artistic techniques has set us apart as a distinct destination for dessert enthusiasts. At Multisweet, we seek to address the market need for premium, customized pastries and cakes that not only satisfy taste buds but also evoke a sense of

artistry and creativity. We understand that customers today are looking for more than just regular desserts; they crave an elevated experience that reflects their individual preferences and celebrates special occasions in a truly unique way.

To learn more, go to https://multisweet.shop or visit them on Instagram @multisweet_inc.

As a college student majoring in painting I had a passion for art that ignited my creativity, but it was a chance visit to my aunt’s bakery during a summer break that unlocked a world of possibilities. I was captivated by the artistry and craftsmanship of her customized cakes. The idea of blending art and baking resonated with me deeply, so I returned from that trip and started my journey. Over the years, my small home kitchen blossomed into Multisweet LIC. Our pastries are not just about flavors; they’re about creating moments of joy, celebrating milestones, and connecting with our community.

Can you share any memorable moments or experiences 7

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QUEENS TECH CORNER

Theramotive This month’s featured tech entrepreneur is Dr. Lola Omishore, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC, the CEO of TheraMotive, a physical therapy and wellness clinic delivering innovative technology and effective health solutions to people across New York City. To learn more, go to https:// www.theramotive.com/.

virtual reality, and wearable devices for precise patient guidance and progress tracking. As a clinician from NYC’s inner city, I’ve witnessed healthcare disparities. TheraMotive strives to bridge the gap between communities, innovation, and healthcare.

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

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

In the US, healthcare access is economically segregated, leading to a 14-year life expectancy gap between high and low-income residents. At TheraMotive, we aim to desegregate healthcare by partnering with community organizations, providing smart, portable physical therapy clinics equipped with AI,

Continued From Page 6 an activist and attorney currently serving on President Biden’s reelection campaign as part of their voter protection team in battleground states. In his speech, Schlossberg spoke about his passion for paddleboarding. He can be found in the East River in the early hours of most mornings with a few friends and said it was an essential part of his routine as he prepared to pass the bar exam last year.

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As TheraMotive scales production of our portable clinics across the country, we are building software to create a mobile clinic-sharing platform similar to Uber’s ridesharing software to identify regional healthcare gaps across the country.

We’ll match requests for our mobile clinic to route our clinics directly into community hubs where they’re most With a large portion of his speech focusing on the 2024 election and his belief in President Biden, Schlossberg looked to Queens as an example for what it means to bring the country together at a tense political moment.

“Queens is the most diverse place in our country,” Schlossberg said in his speech. “These days, people like to talk about how divided they think we are. They should come to Queens, because people out here seem to get along pretty well.”

needed. Our clinicsharing software is the first of its kind with immense potential to transform how physical therapy is accessed from the ground up!

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

T he Q ue ens Chamber of Commerce and Queens College Tech Incubator are organizations that are forward thinking and community-centered, which bring innovation directly into Queens communities.

Each week, they bring something new into communities from hosting tech fairs to overseeing healthcare

committees. The Queens Chamber of Commerce is taking a 360-degree approach in addressing the needs of Queens residents.

March 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 14

A ‘SLICE’ OF QUEENS

Carlo’s Pizza

Middle Village, Queens

By: Robert C. Intelisano One of my favorite things about writing this column starting in January of 2022, is that it has given me an opportunity to meet the small business owners that form the backbone of this country! I also get to taste delicious pizza made by, in many cases, multi-generational hardworking families.

I had been hearing about how good Carlo’s Pizza is from our strategic insurance business partner Gary Lombardo, co-owner of the “Grand Insurance Agency,” with his co-owner, Vinny LaPuma. Gary, who makes his own tomato sauce every fall, knows his food, so I had to try it for myself.

I met Gary there and we had a Mangiata (a sit-down with food) with third generation Anthony Caruana, (pictured) who enthusiastically filled us in on the history of his family, Carlo’s Pizza and an exciting project in progress.

Anthony’s grandfather, Carmelo Caruana, was born in Agrigento, Sicily. Agrigento is a beautiful small coastal town on Sicily’s southwest coast best known for its

archaeological site, The Valley of the Temples! Carmelo (RIP) came to the USA in his mid-30’s in 1965 and settled in Middle Village, Queens.

Carmelo realized there was a dearth of pizzerias in the neighborhood, so he teamed up with his friend Charlie to open Carlo’s Pizza in 1966 at 74-02 Metropolitan Avenue, where it still stands today. They combined the names Charlie with Carmelo which became Carlo; hence, Carlo’s was born and has been a staple of Middle Village ever since!

The Caruana family is no stranger to pizzerias as their family has owned several pizza shops over the years across Queens. Although those shops are no longer open, Carlo’s still is and has continued to be their prime location.

When I walked in, Anthony’s Father Sal was taking a dinner order and his Uncle Frank was behind the counter. These days, it’s uncommon for owners to be both behind the counter preparing and serving their family’s third generation Italian creations!

There are many interesting stories behind the black and white photos on the wall. Back in the day, Carlo’s Pizza was across the street from the Arion movie theatre in Middle Village. In the late 1960’s, movie goers could stop in for Carlo’s Special, 2 slices and a coke for 15 cents. Ah, the good old days!

Since Carlo’s is known for their regular slice, I did try their regular in addition to their Sfincione (pictured with Anthony) and Gary’s favorite, their pepperoni bites. Sfincione is actually Sicilian street food invented in Palermo, Sicily’s capital.

At that time, many of the poor could not afford cheese so Sfincione was made with breadcrumbs and chopped or pureed onions instead.

Since the Caruana’s are from Sicily, I know this Sfincione would be good. It had an excellent crunch and aftertaste. Also, their pepperoni bites melt in your mouth!

For me, the key to a good New

York Style slice is THE sauce.

Carlo’s sauce is unique! Anthony’s father Sal arrives to the shop early in the morning and creates their sauce and other Italian specialties daily. There is no sugar or garlic in Carlo’s sauce.

They meticulously monitor the PH levels of their sauce daily, to prevent acidity. Oregano, basil and sea salt are added to the sauce.

There are secrets to their sauce that I don’t want to reveal (Try it Yourself) such as how the chunks of tomatoes are removed. Currently, they are working on a distribution program to send their bottled sauce across the country.

Carlo’s Pizza is open every day from 11am to 9:30pm except Sunday’s, when they open at 11:30am. Online orders can be placed from 10am-9pm. Reasonably priced, customers also get a free 32-ounce jar of their special sauce with a $50 order and an online coupon code “FREESAUCE.” They now offer free delivery and have 3 options for catering in addition to 16 tables for in-house dining.

Another hidden gem (I’ve driven by 100’s of times) has been discovered! Carlo’s is a must try.

You can thank me later!

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QUEENS NEWS

New Windows Can Help Buildings Owners Achieve Nyc Local Law 97 Compliance achieve greater energy efficiency and sustainability.

By Sabrina Leung, Architectural Sales & Engineering Manager Crystal Window & Door Systems, New York City, February 2024 General Contact Information for Crystal Window & Door Systems National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems offers a broad product line that meets the most stringent energy codes and contributes to compliance with NYC Local Law 97 requirements.

To learn more, contact Crystal’s architectural sales and engineering team at 800-472-9988 or visit www.crystalwindows.com.

New York City’s Local Law 97 – The Climate Mobilization Act – is taking effect beginning this year. The law establishes maximum limits for greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) for commercial, multi-family, and public buildings in New York City based on their energy sources and usage, with financial penalties for exceeding the limits. This creates an incentive for building owners and operators to make retrofits to

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As a building owner, you may still be evaluating plans to bring your property into compliance with the limits the new law sets for greenhouse gas emissions based on your building’s total energy consumption. The various types of capital investments necessary to meet these limits are being studied and assessed. While much attention has been given to replacing major heating and cooling systems in commercial buildings, which comes with hefty price tags, other investments can also contribute to achieving compliance.

Building envelopes form the boundary between the outside and inside environments and they play a significant role in energy efficiency.

Modernizing the façade with new windows is a great way to enhance the energy performance of a building with many added benefits.

Latest Window Designs Offer Amazing Results There have been many advancements in window design during the past several years that yield substantial energy improvements over windows of even 10 to 20 years ago. Aluminum window frames, common in commercial mid- and high-rise buildings, now incorporate next-generation thermal break and insulated strut systems that block transference of cold from outside through the frame to inside during the winter and keep the heat outside during the summer.

Performance test results confirm the superior energy efficiency these new aluminum frames can achieve.

A new window frame material used extensively in Europe that offers tremendous energy efficiency while providing inherent strength

performance equal to aluminum is unplasticized polyvinyl chloride or uPVC. This is a stronger version of vinyl commonly used in residential window frames, and it is designed for mid- and highrise usage. Windows with uPVC frames achieve incredible thermal performance over many existing window frame materials while exhibiting outstanding strength and durability. Glass used in windows has made significant advancements as well. Dual-pane insulated glass for windows and doors is standard, and triple-pane insulated glass is gaining in popularity. Special surface coatings and the use of inert gas such as Argon between dual or triple panes provide great thermal performance.

Future emerging technologies such as thin-triple pane insulated glass and vacuum insulated glass potentially offer extraordinary energy efficiency.

Energy Improvements with Added Benefits Future emerging technologies such as thin-triple pane insulated glass and vacuum insulated glass potentially offer extraordinary energy efficiency. Unlike many building energy upgrades, windows can be replaced easily.

New windows can usually be installed with minimal disruption to building occupants. Also, the cost of new replacement windows is relatively modest compared with electrifying an entire building for heat pumps and electric cooking. Also, a major renovation involving electric service upgrades and interior construction takes a long time to complete.

In addition to achieving energy savings, replacing older windows brings many benefits for building owners and occupants alike.

New windows mean no window

maintenance for many years, and they enhance property value. Occupants will enjoy how easy it is to operate new windows featuring ergonomic handles, lift rails, and hardware, and how noise from bustling city streets is greatly reduced. New windows also provide peace of mind with automatic and multi-point locks and other security features. Because of the advancements in glass and window frame design, buildings can accommodate large window openings without sacrificing energy efficiency. This allows far-reaching daylighting to penetrate the interior, reducing the need for extensive lighting and additional energy usage.

And the positive effect of natural daylight for building occupants is well established.

Guidance from Experienced Window Suppliers When you are planning to replace your building’s windows, consider guidance not just from a fenestration installer, but also from an experienced window manufacturer.

With in-house knowledge of new regulations, window performance testing, and with so many options to choose, consulting with an expert manufacturer will ensure the right selections for your investment.

Continued on Page 11

March 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 14

QUEENS NEWS Continued from Page 10 Major window manufacturers offer a variety of frame material, glass packages, accessories, hardware, and finishes to meet energy code requirements, design specifications, and budgets. Crystal, like some other leading manufacturers, can also provide in-house and outside lab performance analysis to evaluate different window configurations with you before finalizing your selection.

When looking for a window manufacturer, it is important to take into account production experience and reliability of material suppliers to the manufacturer to ensure windows will be fabricated according to your scheduling needs.

Many national manufacturers such

as Crystal Windows have multiple production facilities, great logistics capabilities, are vertically integrated, and have expansive supplier networks providing flexibility and contingency capacity to meet your construction timeline.

Finally, an experienced window manufacturer has an extensive network of expert fenestration trade professionals to install your new windows efficiently and in accordance with the latest and best construction practices. Hiring a seasoned reputable installation firm that works in tandem with the window manufacturer will minimize job site issues and guarantee the windows will perform as expected.

New

Windows

–

A

Investment for NYC Local Law 97 Replacing older windows is a smart investment to reduce energy usage and add value to commercial properties, contribute to Local Law 97 compliance in New York City, , and bring the benefits of easy operation, security, sound attenuation, and natural daylighting for building occupants.

New windows rejuvenate older buildings, adding comfort and value as well as superior energy efficiency to help owners comply with NYC

Local Law 97 requirements.

Modern double-hung aluminum and vinyl window frames are designed with multiple chambers and thermal break and insulation materials that add strength and eliminate outside air infiltration to building indoor spaces. Shown here is the new Crystal Series 2700 aluminum window, which meets NYC’s latest energy codes.

Smart

Why The Charitable Act Is Essential For New York’s Non-Profits A friend of mine is keen to say that “non-profits need to make every dollar dance like it’s ten.”

In the spirit of that analogy, a piece of federal legislation called “The Charitable Act” (S566/ HR3435) will help non-profits call the tune, giving every taxpayer an incentive to donate to nonprofits of their choice.

The legislation revives a universal deduction for charities, hoping to spur more Americans to donate or increase their giving to the organizations close to their hearts.

Studies show this legislation has

real impact.

During the last deduction of this kind in 2020 and 2021, the Fundraising Effectiveness Project of the Association of Fundraising Professionals found that the number of donations in the $300-$600 range went up by nearly 11%. Since then, the deduction was allowed to expire, and we saw a 5% decline.

Further studies, such as one performed by GivingUSA, have found that when the tax code allows for more deductions, there is more of an incentive for people

According to polling, 87% of voters say that they would like to see a permanent restoration of a universal charitable deduction and over half of the surveyed voters said they would give to more charities if they could get deductions for their donations.

to give more.

GivingUSA found that 2022 –

the year that deduction expired – was one of the worst giving years in philanthropy history.

To read more about; The Charitable Act, visit w w. a f p g l o b a l . o r g / l o b b yweek2023.

The Charitable Act is supercharged far beyond this.

All taxpayers (even non-itemizers) can deduct donations up to $4,600 for individuals and $9,200 for joint filers.

The math goes vertical fast, and so it’s no wonder that the bipartisan bill has been supported by more than 500 organizations from all 50 states as well as both sides of the aisle in Congress and the U.S. Senate.

In a time where Washington D.C. is unpredictable, The Charitable Act would help non-profits to rely on funding from their donors as government cutbacks continue to loom over the sector.

Nicole L. Weingartner is the Director of State Government Affairs at Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP. Known as “The Long Island Lobbyist”, Nicole is particularly skilled in assisting clients who are located and/or do business on Long Island. Her decade plus long relationships on the municipal, county, state and federal levels allow her clients to navigate complex issues such as funding, relationship building, contracting and crisis management.

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QUEENS EATS

The Best Bagel in Queens

Queens Chamber Of Commerce Crowns Middle Village Bagels As Queens’ Best Bagel Establishment

tions, with the top three eateries separated by a margin of less than 50 votes.

llage Bagels win the title of ‘Queens Best Bagel.’ We take great pride in putting out a great product. We would like to thank our staff and, most importantly, our loyal customers who took the time to vote for us over the past few weeks,”

Queens foodies nominated and voted for their favorite bagel restaurants during the inaugural competition held by the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

QUEENS, NY (February 9, 2024) It is settled. Today, in honor of National Bagel and Lox Day, Middle Village Bagels was declared the winner of the inaugural Queens’ Best Bagel Competition, held by the Queens Chamber of Commerce, the oldest and largest business association in Queens. Over the past several weeks, foodies nominated and voted on their favorite bagel establishments from across the borough, with the Middle Village eatery emerging as the winner.

“Bagels are not only a breakfast food, they are a staple in New York City enjoyed throughout the day, and Queens has some of the best out there,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “Congratulations to co-owners Frank Barbone and Joseph LaRosa and the entire team at Middle Village Bagels on winning this competition. This recognition is a testament to their commitment to serving up delicious deals to their loyal customers. I’ve tried the bagels and can vouch for the quality and taste!”

“It is an honor to have Middle Vi-

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said co-owners Frank Barbone and Joseph LaRosa. “One thing is very clear: New York City is the Bagel Capital of the World and for us to be named as having the best bagel in the borough is an incredible honor.

Thank you to the Queens Chamber of Commerce for this opportunity.”

“Even with our unmatched culinary diversity across the five boroughs, arguably the most quintessential New York City staple when it comes to food is the bagel. And like so many other kinds of food, we definitely have the best bagels here in Queens,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Congratulations to Middle Village Bagels for being crowned the best of the best when it comes to the bagel by the Queens Chamber of Commerce.”

“Simply put, Queens bagels are the best!,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-Queens).

“I congratulate Middle Village Bagels for coming in first place in the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s Best Bagel competition and I’m thrilled that a bagel establishment in my district has been crowned the winner.

I also commend all 55 establishments that were nominated.

Thanks to the Queens Chamber of Commerce for continuing to shine a light on the different types of outstanding food in our borough.”

“A huge congratulations to Middle Village Bagels for being voted as ‘Queens’ Best Bagel’! As a cornerstone of our community since 2018, Middle Village Bagels has consis-

The top three eateries selected by the public were: 1.Middle Village Bagels (Eliot Avenue, Middle Village) 2.Utopia Bagels (Utopia Parkway, Whitestone) 3.Rockaway Bagels (Beach Channel Drive, Rockaway Park) tently served up more than just great food; it has long nurtured a sense of belonging and community pride,” said Assembly Member Catalina Cruz. “This award is a testament not only to your delicious bagels but also to the strength of our community’s small businesses. I look forward to your continued success.”

In total, 55 establishments were nominated for this contest and after more than 3,000 votes were tallied Middle Village Bagels was selected the winner. Over the past year, the Queens Chamber of Commerce has held three other “Best of Queens’’ food competitions, including pizza, empanadas, and barbecue. This was the closest vote of all the competi-

About the Queens Chamber of Commerce: The Queens Chamber of Commerce is the oldest and largest business association in Queens, representing more than 1,400 businesses and more than 150,000 Queens-based employees. Its mission is to foster connections, educate for success, develop/ implement programs and advocate for members’ interests. www.queenschamber.org In addition to earning the title of Queens’ Bagel, Middle Village Bagels received a plaque and a complimentary year of membership to the Queens Chamber of Commerce. The second and third place winners also received certificates.

March 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 14

QUEENS NEWS

Stepping into Rikers Island, and Out.

By Valerie Green, Executive & Artistic Director of Dance Entropy/ Green Space On my many journeys throughout Queens offering my signature workshop Skimming the Surface since 2013 I have worked in halfway houses, homeless shelters, substance abuse centers, work release programs, Queens Public Library, NYC Correctional facilities among many others. Each opportunity is its own adventure that can be beautiful, challenging, and/or profound. My latest visit to Rikers Island on January 24th, came after a several year hiatus, due to the pandemic. I was pleased to receive an email from Rose M. Singer’s House Programs Manager asking for my return to share this valuable workshop with the inmates of this all-female house.

After many visits to Rikers I think I finally got down almost all the rules of getting in and getting out of Rikers as vendor, how does no one teach you this?

The first time back in 2017 was an in-

ned they were really going to be entering a journey into themselves to move and process emotions. While there were most certainly strong defenses and ego masks to attempt to penetrate this diverse group, the impact was real.

We explored our bodies in movement, breath, our boundaries, letting go, seeing and being seen, while finding our voices. We explored what the inmates wanted to move forward to, identified our resources to feel better, AND the limitations and gifts of our mask. tense and intimidating free fall learning curve.

I was relieved all went smoothly, as I was received and guided through many detectors, gates, and check points to the prison’s gymnasium.

I was greeted by 10 inmates who thought they were going to make a dance performance! They soon lear-

This unique and very different experience for the innates was a journey they didn’t quite expect but were welcomed to receive by class end. The most meaningful exercise for all was finding “what to move forward to” when you are stuck inside a prison.

Through our time together there were tears, small and large, flowing releasing, and shedding, and the eventual moments of showing a glimpse of the real self. This deep exploration all among an unusual flow of correctional facility staff as spectators, as I led the inmates to explore their very personal fears and sorrows. As we sat in our final circle sharing, what was most real was some amount of connection that finally landed, and the gratitude the inmates had for my presence and generosity in offering this experience inside the infamous wall of Rikers. For a couple of innates I was their first visitor. They all felt better and more relaxed, had a flicker of hope to look for inside themselves, and new tools to work with for the hard moments, that undoubtedly will continue to come.

past them.”

As I drove off, and felt my own body and breath, I took stock of the successful experience, and once again felt honored to do this healing work.

I am inspired by the power of movement, the capacity of the human mind and spirit, and the opportunity to keep connecting to myself.

About this Program“Skimming the Surface: Movement Healing Workshops” aim to service adult/youth populations that may be overcoming diverse forms of trauma and stress through somatic based expressive movement exercises.

These workshops help participants release blocked and repressed energy causing discomfort in one’s life by integrating movement, feelings, and emotions. The workshop helps participants confront emotional wounds and bring them to the surface in a gentle and compassionate way.

Green serves as a guide to help open doorways where each individual will do their personal work, leading them to a heart centered and intuitive place, finding a physical expression and release of emotions and energy whereby a healing process can begin.

If your organization would like to experience this offering, contact Info@ DanceEntropy.org or call 718-9563037. www.DanceEntropy.org

The inmates shared “It really helped, today I was in my feelings” and “It feels good to think about my struggles and how I can work to achieve

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March 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 14

THE MAGIC OF QUEENS

Breathing Magic Into LIC: A Balloon Art Extravaganza

By Eliana Alicea Zambrano, Owner of Hart Leo Balloons

Nestled in the lively heartbeat of Long Island City, I recently found myself living out a dream - an opportunity that sent my balloon artistry to soaring new heights. I was over the moon when I was graciously invited to showcase not one, but four balloon sculptures at the Lunar New Year Celebration hosted by the wonderful team at Culture Lab

LIC. This opportunity was more than just 4000 balloons and four days of creation; it’s a journey of sharing my passion and creativity with the vibrant local community.

I’ve always loved dragons and was drawn to them even further year after year with the exciting and fun events in NYC for Lunar New Year. I envisioned creating large-scale balloon dragons that capture the wonder and joy of the culture, traditions, and celebrations of the beautiful Asian community.

ally to help bring my dreams to fruition. Their response was heartwarming, as they embraced my vision with open arms Yet, turning this ambitious vi- and offered unwavering supsion into reality required more port. than just passion and skill; it demanded collaboration and Together, we became archisupport from my community. tects of enchantment, united by I reached out to Culture Lab a shared commitment toenriLIC, an organization that sup- ching our community through ports local artists, seeking an art and creativity.

Let us continue to dream, create, and celebrate the magic within each of us.

To learn more about my work and how we can collaborate, please visit my website at Hartleoballoons.com.

QUEENS NEWS

Practical Steps to Keep Employees Safe While published crime rates in recent years have fluctuated greatly, the numbers mean nothing unless people “feel” safe. Ultimately, ensuring a safe and secure work environment for employees, customers, and associates is a responsibility that frequently falls upon the shoulders of owners and managers in the business community.

According to Matthew Stanton, general manager for GardaWorld Security U.S. and member of ASIS International, during the past year there has been an increase in workplace violence and threats of violence within the retail sector. While

businesses cannot eradicate violence entirely, there are practical steps they can take to improve employees’ preparedness in recognizing, de-escalating, and managing potentially violent situations at work. Businesses must train, support, and communicate well to keep employees safe.

A professional security company can assist you in this regard.

domestic violence in the workplace, handling sexual harassment, nonviolent crisis intervention, and ensuring preparedness for emergencies.

Training should also cover crime prevention and collaboration, looking at related internal efforts as well as exterior resources—such as other retailers, the Chamber of Commerce, security, and law enforcement.

The training curriculum for employees should cover essential topics, such as prioritizing customer needs, de-escalation techniques, awareness of active shooter situations, preventing workplace violence, addressing

For example, de-escalation techniques include having staff members treat the customer with dignity and respect, remaining calm and aware of their surroundings, maintaining a safe distance from a potentially vio-

lent individual, using a calm tone of voice, and clear communication.

When training, remind employees that active shooter and workplace Continued on Page 16

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THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

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QUEENS NEWS

Champion Elevator: Elevating Queens New Ground, Friends of Karen, Three Hands Association, Red Connect and Under the visionary leadership many others.

port to local initiatives, helping to improve the quality of life for many residents.

For over eight years, Champion Elevator has stood as a beacon of growth, innovation, and community engagement in Queens, New York. With a robust portfolio of servicing 785 elevators in the borough and employing a dedicated workforce of 285 people, Champion has not only contributed to the urban infrastructure of Queens but has also been a vital part of its community fabric.

Champion’s involvement in Queens extends far beyond the mechanical workings of elevators. The company’s commitment to community welfare is evident through its generous donations to numerous charities, underscoring a deep-rooted belief in giving back. These philanthropic endeavors have provided essential sup-

Continued from Page 15 violence training involves certain elements, including evacuation, barricading, and creating distance from an aggressor. These actions are useful even in violent scenarios where there are no weapons present.

Situational awareness and how it relates to individual staff members is paramount in their ability to help others. Have employees be aware of their work environment and the surrounding elements—consider exits and entrances, lighting, public vs.

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of President & CEO Donald Gelestino, Champion Elevator has continuously pushed the boundaries of service in the elevator industry. Recognizing the importance of safety and efficiency, Champion has introduced cuttingedge technologies and practices to ensure the highest standards are met. Their commitment to innovation not only enhances the reliability and safety of elevators but also reflects the company’s dedication to its clients and the communities it serves.

A highlight in the community CEO Donald Gelestino once received a Citation to the City of New York when he was an Honoree for Sharing and Caring.

Mr. Gelestino has also been the honoree for such organizations as Friends of Saint Dominic’s, Bideawee, The Maurer Foundation,

privileged access areas, the nearest alarms, panic buttons, security cameras, and other electronic security measures.

Workplace violence, whether internal or external, is a risk for any business. But by engaging with employees on a personal level, organizations can foster a harmonious work environment and prevent violence in the workplace. Providing support through assistance programs and reporting any concerning employee behavior through a clearly defined

Champion Elevator’s commitment to the Queens community is multifaceted, extending beyond its core business activities. A notable aspect of this commitment is CEO Donald Gelestino’s involvement with Cross County Savings Bank, a Queens-based financial institution. His role as a Board of Trustee signifies a bridge between two pivotal sectors in Queens: infrastructure development and financial services. This unique position enables synergies that benefit the broader community, particularly in areas like economic development and employment opportunities.

Gelestino is Quoted saying “At Champion Elevator, we see ourselves as more than just a service provider; we are a cornerstone of the Queens community.

and business we touch.

We believe in building not just infrastructure, but also strong, supportive foundations for community growth and prosperity.

Queens isn’t just where we work; it’s a home, and we’re committed to its elevation in every sense of the word.”

In closing, Champion Elevator’s unwavering commitment to Queens is evident in every elevator serviced, every job created, and every community project supported.

As a member of the Queens Chamber for over seven years, Champion Elevator embodies the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and community service, proving that together, we can elevate Queens to new heights.

Our vision extends beyond elevators, aiming to lift the spirits and prospects of every resident

chain of command is crucial for preventing or deterring workplace incidents.

these tools to support their own safety, as well as that of their coworkers and customers.

Employees should be aware of security measures that serve to deter potential violence, along with other benefits if an incident occurs—for example, visible security cameras and security guards. Having these elements be highly visible within a worrisome area can discourage and deter potential issues. Given the value of such tools, employees should be aware of how they can leverage

Coordination and collaboration between management and its employees is the foundation for team cohesion. In some instances, as little as a weekly 10-minute meeting between management and associates can establish a safer work culture.

Maintaining a sense of a team allows for uniformity and promotes Continued on Page 19

March 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 14

QUEENS NEWS

What Should You Do If Your Queens Coop Condo Has Water Damage?

By Philip L Maltaghati

Many co-op and condo owners in Queens are surprised to discover water damage to their property, necessitating a water damage insurance claim. Even for communities known for their proactive maintenance practices, flooding can often be created by unexpected sources and appear in unexpected places. For example, Queens County has a high water table. This means some parts of the region are considered flood plains, prone to a rise in the water table. While this usually occurs after a deluge, there can be other causes for this situation, but that is an article for another month.

The point here is that most residents and business owners look skyward for evidence of leakage – we falsely assume that a ruptured roof membrane, a few missing shingles, or even a plumbing leak behind interior unit walls are the only sources of damage to our units and personal property. Basement storage units are just as vulnerable, and

these spaces are where we store irreplaceable items, such as wedding gifts, family heirlooms, and holiday decor.

Floods from street runoff, broken hoses from the basement laundry, burst pipes, and percolation from a rising water table can contribute to mold and asset losses as well.

What you do when you discover water damage in your coop or condo is most important: contact United Public Adjusters & Appraisers, your water damage public adjusters We will take all the necessary steps to ensure you are compensated fairly for your losses, and that your lives can return to normal as swiftly as possible.

According to the popular cable program, This Old House, about one in 60 insured homes files a water damage insurance claim every year. That equates to over 14,000 people in the United States every day! The average severity of these claims is $11, 650.

That is not an amount that many can easily absorb, either financially or in terms of the loss of sometimes irreplaceable items such as family photos and valuable possessions. Whether your

discovery of your asset losses is immediate, that is right after the incident occurs, or months later when you notice a musty odor near your storage unit, our team of professionals will visit to assess and assist you in documenting your losses and in the preparation of your water damage insurance claim. First, we will review your homeowners and property insurance policies. There are exemptions to certain types of flooding, such as evdence of neglect, poor or no maintenance, etc. However, that is generally not the case.

plumbing leak, for another example, can cause dry rot to wood that was saturated, such as studs, or sub-flooring.

Once you have submitted your claim, our team will continue to work on your behalf, by negotiating with your insurance carrier.

You may not be aware, but claims that are supervised by a water damage public adjuster as opposed to policyholders who prepare and submit water damage insurance claims by themselves, receive an exponentially higher settlement offer from their carriers – sometimes as much as 300-700% higher! That reason alone is the best argument for putting United Public Adjusters & Appraisers’ phone number in your cell contacts directory. The final reason to consider the services of a water damage public adjuster is time. Claims submitted by policyholders will take, on average, up to 75% longer to finalize than those that have been supported by a public adjuster.

Photos can be just as valid as words, so we will advise that you take photos of the damage, and if you have earlier photos of the items, or areas of your unit that have been affected, those are important to include as well. Receipts will also prove ownership, that the object existed, especially if the asset has been damaged beyond recognition or repair. During our consultation, our water damage public adjusters will also check for potential hidden damaVisit UnitedPublicAdjusters. ge – for example, if water enters com or call us at 1-800-718-5677 your unit through an air conditio- to schedule your confidential conning unit, the unit itself has not sultation. been damaged. Even the smallest

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QUEENS NEWS

Trusted Local Businesses Bring Your Bioheat® Fuel

By Rocco Lacertosa

agricultural byproducts, including soybean oil, inedible corn oil, used cooking oil, fats and tallows, canola, and other recycled oils.

Because a variety of surplus feedstocks are used to make biodiesel, it achieves emissions reductions of at least 50% compared to petroleum diesel, which means cleaner air and significant health benefits. But that is not all that Bioheat® fuel brings to the table. Some other key characteristics of Bioheat® fuel are:

Fuel providers in the five boroughs of New York City and Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties are delivering cleaner, greener Bioheat® fuel. While you might know this lower-carbon version of heating oil for producing fewer emissions while reducing carbon output, it is much more than that. Not only is Bioheat® fuel better for the environment, but it also has a significant impact on our NY economy.

According to Biodiesel.org, the Bioheat® fuel industry employs over 75,000 people and counting. Fuel providers that have been serving their communities for generations deliver Bioheat® fuel, and the rise in demand for Bioheat® fuel has resulted in more job opportunities for our neighbors and friends. These hardworking individuals take care of their communities by bringing us the fuel we need to keep our homes warm and our families safe.

Staying comfortable is critical to our everyday lives and delivering an ecofriendly product like Bioheat® fuel makes their jobs even more rewarding.

Bioheat® fuel is a blend of traditional heating oil and renewable biodiesel. Renewable biodiesel is made from a diverse variety of renewable

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• Bioheat® fuel is the only liquid heating fuel that can lower its carbon emissions.

• Current Bioheat® fuel blends are already low carbon, with higher blends of biodiesel on the way.

• Bioheat® fuel requires no expensive equipment conversions to use.

• You will not feel a strain on your wallet when you choose Bioheat® fuel, since it is valued and priced comparably to traditional liquid heating fuels on the market.

These characteristics are all crucial to Bioheat® fuel’s role in energy di-

versity, which is defined as the presence of a variety of energy sources and technologies used to meet the energy needs of a society.

Bioheat® fuel also plays a critical role in our local New York economy.

Many of the companies that are delivering Bioheat® fuel every day have been serving their communities for generations now, and oftentimes employ multiple generations of the same family.

The rise in demand for Bioheat® fuel has also translated to these companies expanding, which results in more job opportunities for folks within our communities.

Those employees have dedicated themselves to taking care of us, so it is only fair that we return the favor.

This can be accomplished in part by choosing Bioheat® fuel to heat our homes—an environmentally conscious fuel option that encourages sustainability while supporting our local economy. And when you select Bioheat® fuel to keep your family warm, you will be pleased to know that it is not just fuel companies that benefit from your patronage. Since the biodiesel in Bioheat® fuel is made from renewable agricultural byproducts, many types of local bu-

sinesses play a role in the industry, including: • Livestock Producers: Bioheat® fuel helps lower the price of crops like soybean meal by increasing demand for byproducts, such as soybean oil.

• Restaurant Owners: Used cooking oil used to be a waste product but can be sold to biodiesel producers to create an additional revenue stream for the restaurant.

• Biodiesel Producers: Renewable resources are available for production to meet increased demand for Bioheat® fuel, all without using new land for drilling or importing dwindling supplies of fossil fuels.

Promoting the Economy, Customer Service, & Eco-Friendliness Bioheat® fuel helps family-owned businesses continue to grow and support local jobs across New York.

Customers are more concerned than ever about their carbon footprint, and that means they are looking for cleaner energy options. That is where local fuel providers come in, with expanded product offerings that help to ensure the sustainability of their operations while also ensuring top-tier customer service.

March 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 14

QUEENS NEWS

When it Comes to Business Financing, Beauty is in the Eyes of the Beholder By: Neil Seiden, Asset Enhancement Solutions, LLC

favorable financial situations. Let’s explore some of these options:

Factoring is a valuable tool for busnesses with historical losses, and tax and legal issues. Factors rely on the creditworthiness of a business’ customers, not the financial viability of the business itself Asset-based Loans are ideal for businesses that possess valuable assets such as accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, or real estate.

In today’s high-interest rate environment, businesses face a challenging landscape in their pursuit of financing solutions. Fortunately, what may look bad in the eyes of a traditional commercial bank may look good to other non-regulatedfinancial institutions that have the flexibility to be more creative. This is why our motto is, “When it Comes to Business Financing, Beauty is in the Eyes of the Beholder”. Accordingly, we will also discuss various types of non-traditionalfinancing that can help businesses that might not qualify for bank financing, especially in this challenging financial climate. These financing alternatives can be valuable lifelines for companies dealing with both favorable and un-

Continued from Page 16 an inclusive environment for new associates or members.

One way that retailers can collaborate on addressing common external and violent thefts and threats is by creating a community network with neighboring retailers, businesses, and other stakeholders. Being an active member of the Queens Chamber of Commerce not only helps your business, but also the entire community at large. Participation in monthly NYPD Precinct Community Council meetings are an opportunity to

These assets can be used as collateral to secure funding, making it a suitable option for companies with a need for working capital or expansion.

SBA 7(a) Loans are versatile and can be used for various business purposes, from starting a new business to expanding an existing one. These loans are backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and provide an excellent option for businesses in need of financing support.

Purchase Order Financing is a valuable solution for businesses with large, confirmed purchase orders but lacking the capital needed to fulfill

exchange information about recent events and trends in the area and other issues that could affect a business’s security posture. Your security provider should attend those meetings on your behalf if you cannot attend personally.

Balancing the reduction of violence, theft, and shrinkage while upholding customer service standards can be challenging but should remain a key element for any business.

Establishing a consistent flow of information among businesses, em-

them. The P.O. Finance lender can also finance the cost of shipping and duties associated with imported products.

Production Finance is tailored to manufacturers and production companies with specific purchase order related financing needs. It is suitable for businesses that require capital to cover the purchase of raw materials, labor costs and overhead and finance large-scale prjects.

Sale Lease-Back of Real Estate, a business that owns its commercial property can sell it to a real estate investment company and then lease the property back for its use.

Merchant Cash Advance “MCA” Merchant advances are an option for businesses that have no collateral and need quick access to capital.

Merchant advances provide rapid funding, but they can be very very expensive, with daily and weekly repayments that may impact cash flow.

In conclusion, the world of business financing is not one-size-fits-all; instead, it’s a spectrum of opportunities. As businesses grapple with a myriad of challenges, they must un-

derstand that traditional bank loans are not the only avenue for obtaining much-needed capital. Exploring nontraditional financing options can be the key to unlocking potential and overcoming financial hurdles. In this ever-evolving financial landscape, beauty is indeed in the eyes of the beholder, and the most suitable f nancing solution may vary from one business to another. The complexity and diversity of non-traditional financing options available can be overwhelming.

It is essential for businesses to consider enlisting the expertise of a financial consultant to navigate this intricate landscape. Financial consultants possess knowledge of numerous lenders for each type of financing and can facilitate the identification, evaluation, and negotiation process with non-traditional lenders.

A well-versed consultant can save a business significant money by securing more favorable terms and conditions. This cost-saving effect often offsets the consultant’s fees, making their services a sound investment for businesses.

ployees, law enforcement, and community leaders promotes a progressively safer environment. Priority-1 Security Services LLC stands ready to assist you and your business in anyway possible to thrive in our ever changing society.

Glen Jacobsen is the CEO of Priority-1 Security Services LLC and has over 40 years of experience in law enforcement and private security. He may be reached at 929.989.5313 or gjacobsen@priority-1security.com

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QUEENS VS. AI

How Generative AI Has Transformed Small Businesses For The Better

By Shahed Islam

Generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) hasn’t been recently developed. Still, as I chat with small business owners across Queens, a recurring theme surfaces: the way Gen AI has gained massive momentum—AI chatbots, AI applications, and AI image generation—makes it strenuous to keep up. Moreover, the question looms, “Is Gen AI for me?” or “How do I use AI tools?

Well, at least one of the jobs you do to keep your small business run-

ning could be made easier or even completely taken care of by smart AI tools. A Gartner, Inc. survey from October 2023 reveals that almost half of all organizations have started experimenting with generative AI, and an enterprising 10% are fully operating with these tools at the heart of their businesses. Yet, navigating AI is an uphill battle for many small businesses. Let’s see how AI tools can be used by small businesses specifically: restaurants, realtors, and non-profits.

What is Generative AI? Artificial Intelligence, especially the rapidly advancing Generative AI, now equips small businesses with tools like ChatGPT, Bard, and GitHub Copilot. These technologies, built on cutting-edge models such as Stable Diffusion and DALL-E 2, generate diverse, high-quality content from text to videos. More accessible and affordable than ever, they’re boosting small businesses in productivity, creativity, and customer satisfaction.

Restaurant “If you’re running a restaurant, use Generative AI to redefine customer service, ignite new leads, and build loyalty. Gen AI doesn’t just streamline operations—it personalizes every

customer interaction, ensuring your service remains engaging and your business memorable.

Bard elevates your restaurant’s narrative, crafting brand stories and slogans that do more than just impress; they’re your brand’s heartbeat, each story and slogan designed to turn first-time diners into regulars. Pair this with AI tools like Lyrical and Snazzy to christen dishes with names and descriptions that spellbind customers, enhancing your SEO potential and social media influence.

Similarly, PlatePresence, your dedicated digital promoter, simplifies social media strategy for compelling social media posts, demonstrating AI’s potential to refine your restaurant’s appeal.

Realtor For realtors steering through dynamic markets, Generative AI is the game-changer you didn’t know you needed. Imagine ChatGPT as your round-the-clock assistant, making every chat with clients feel tailormade. It isn’t just a leap in lead generation; it’s redefining follow-ups and scheduling appointments. This shifts the game from mere lead generation to nurturing timeless bonds.

Then there’s Bard, your virtual storyteller, transforming property listings into narratives that grip the imagination of buyers and sellers. Alongside, Copy.ai and Jarvis arm you with top-notch, SEO-friendly content that makes your brand impossible to ignore.

Also, tools such as realtorforhelp serve as an example of how AI can elevate real estate, ensuring you’re not just another name in real estate, but the name. They’re not just techy perks; they’re the essentials that define your brand and pull in the crowd.

Conclusion AI is not a distant, futuristic concept; it is a present-day reality that small businesses can and should embrace. By integrating AI into their operations, small businesses can survive and thrive, providing personalized experiences that today’s consumers demand. While learning is a constant, cultivating beneficial partnerships is also key. At SJ Innovation, we understand AI’s transformative power and are dedicated to helping small businesses harness it to create an impactful and prosperous future.

QUEENS NEWS

Alphapointe to Host 10th Anniversary Celebration in Queens On April 24, 2024, Alphapointe will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of its merger with New York City Industries for the Blind and helped protect the jobs of 130 New York residents who are blind or visually impaired.

With that merger, Alphapointe, a Kansas City-based nonprofit and one of the largest employers of people with vision loss in the Midwest,

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made it possible for the facility in Brooklyn to remain the only employer of people who are blind in the five boroughs.

The Brooklyn office moved to Queens starting in 2017 and since then has continued to achieve steady growth that has allowed Alphapointe to employ an increasing number of people who are blind or visually impaired.

The April celebration will include Alphapointe board members, staff, and invitees from a number of visionrelated organizations, the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities, elected officials, and Alphapointe funders.

About Alphapointe Alphapointe is the national nonprofit organization dedicated to em-

powering people with vison loss to achieve their goals and aspirations.

Alphapointe is one of the large employers of people who are blind in Continued on Page 21

March 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 14

QUEENS UNIVERSITIES

New St. John’s University Resource Aims To Cultivate Business Innovation And Entrepreneurship

By James Stephen Smith

community.

The Venture and Innovation Center opened on campus in January.

Director James M. Kinsley, M.B.A., a business consultant and professor of Management, Entrepreneurship, Consulting, and Operations (MECO), said the VIC serves as both a catalyst for inspiration and a tool for helping entrepreneurs who need funding.

St. John’s University has established a new resource to rally students, faculty, administrators, staff, and members of the Queens, NY, business community around a culture of entrepreneurship and collaboration.

“This heralds the beginning of what could be a significant new phase in St. John’s evolution,” Mr. Kinsley said. “We want to show prospective students and others our ecosystem of world- class facilities and demonstrate the educational value that arises out of such an approach to innovation and entrepreneurship.” St. John’s has long supported entrepreneurship.

The new Venture and Innovation Center (VIC) brings potentially transformative product ideas to life while providing students with enhanced experiential-learning opportunities and networking possibilities. The University has partnered with the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, which itself is a partner of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, in hopes of serving the wider Queens

These programs and others will collaborate with the VIC and complement the University’s numerous academic programs in entrepreneurship and related disciplines. Additionally, the University has secured space in Greater Nexus, downtown Jamaica’s first coworking area, that includes a network of community resources designed to help businesses reach their maximum potential.

Continued from Page 20

Alphapointe product lines include plastics, micro-molding, office products, textiles, janitorial products, contact center services and retail bases at military bases.

the U.S. with nearly 400 employees, more than half of whom are blind or visually impaired.

Alphapointe also provides comprehensive vision rehabilitation services to thousands of children, adults and seniors annually.

For additional information, visit alphapointe.org

The organization was founded in 1911 and is headquartered in Kansas City, with a facility in Queens, New York.

What: 10th Anniversary Celebration. It has been 10 years since Alphapointe merged with NYCIB, keeping the agency in operation and saving hundreds of jobs. Lunch

Event details:

Future possibilities include grant collaboration, joint events, and other opportunities to interact with entrepreneurs in the Jamaica area.

Entrepreneurs, both internal and external, are encouraged to present ideas to members of the VIC. Selected visionaries are supported by mentoring and advisement, potential investment, and profile-raising events at the University.

“The VIC is a key to centralizing the innovative capacity of our people,” said William D. Reisel, Ph.D., Professor, MECO, and Director, GLOBE. “It promotes campuswide entrepreneurial and innovative activities and exposes students and faculty to resources that help realize start-up goals and advance going concerns.”

The VIC sponsors business startup simulations, lunch-and-learn sessions, a speaker series, hackathons, and more, according to Mr. Kinsley.

University and community members can visit the center to share business ideas, ask for advice, and connect with essential partners.

Among the added components of the VIC is a campuswide connections hub that promotes entrepreneurial collaboration across the University’s six Schools and Colleges and library, and a business incubator that identifies, manages, and helps to commercialize innovation ideas developed by members of the St. John’s community or those in the Queens community.

The Collins College of Professional Studies and The Peter J. Tobin College of Business have already initiated such a partnership.

For more information about the Venture and Innovation Center at St. John’s University, contact Director James M. Kinsley at kinsleyj@stjohns.edu.

will be served and there will be a program/presentation.

When: April 24th, 12:00PM Who: Anyone is invited to attend.

Please RSVP to one of the email addresses below.

Where: Alphapointe’s Queens facility, 87-46 123rd St., Richmond Hill, NY 11418 Contact: Jennifer Kraenzle – jkraenzle@ alphapointe.org; Scott Thornhill - sthornhill@alphapointe.org; or, Gina Gowin – ggowin@alphapointe. org.

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QUEENS NEWS

The Impact of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro & Western NY Changing Lives, One Wish At A Time passion and kindness that defines the organization.

These volunteers selflessly dedicate their time, skills, and resources to ensure that every wish is granted with the utmost care and attention to detail.

In the heart of New York City, amidst the skyscrapers and the hustle, lies a beacon of hope and compassion—the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro & Western NY. Since its inception in 1983, this remarkable organization has been dedicated to granting the wishes of children facing critical illnesses, bringing joy, strength, and hope to their lives and the communities they touch. This amazing organization has granted over 18000 wishes to children (and their families) suffering from critical and often life-threatening illnesses. They have many more children on the waiting list and rely heavily on the active support of dedicated volunteers.

For the children battling critical illnesses, a wish fulfilled is a beacon of hope in the midst of uncertainty. It’s a moment of joy that transcends the challenges of their illness, empowering them to dream big and believe in the impossible.

The sheer anticipation of their wish brings light to their darkest days, instilling them with the courage and determination to keep fighting.

But the impact of Make-A-Wish doesn’t stop there. The ripple effect of a wish extends to the families who stand by their children’s side through every doctor’s appointment, treatment, and hospital stay.

At the core of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro NY’s mission is the belief that a single wish has the power to transform lives. Whether it’s meeting a favorite celebrity, traveling to a dream destination, or experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, each wish is carefully tailored to the unique dreams and desires of the child.

The impact of these wishes extends far beyond the moment they are granted, leaving an indelible mark on the children, their families, and the community at large.

For parents watching their child battle illness, a wish fulfilled is a respite from worry and fear, a precious opportunity to create lasting memories as a family and rediscover the joy and laughter that illness often steals away.

22

Moreover, the influence of MakeA-Wish Foundation of Metro NY extends deeply into the fabric of the community. Volunteers, donors, and supporters from all walks of life come together to make wishes a reality, embodying the spirit of com-

However, the need for volunteers is ever-present, as the demand for wishgranting continues to grow. Each wish requires a team of dedicated individuals to bring it to fruition, from wish coordinators and fundraisers to event planners and wish granters.

By volunteering with Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro NY, individuals have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of children facing critical illnesses, providing them with the strength and support they need to overcome adversity.

There are no shortages of opportunities to serve the Queens community as a wish granting volunteer.

Volunteers not only play a vital role in wish-granting but also serve as ambassadors for hope and positivity within their communities.

By spreading awareness and advocating for the mission of MakeA-Wish, volunteers inspire others to join the cause and become agents of change in their own right.

Whether through fundraising events, outreach initiatives, or wishgranting activities, volunteers have the power to ignite a chain reaction of compassion and generosity that reverberates far beyond the confines of a single wish.

In conclusion, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro NY is a beacon of hope in the lives of children facing critical illnesses and their families.

Through the power of wish-gran-

ting, this remarkable organization brings joy, strength, and resilience to those who need it most, leaving an indelible mark on the community at large.

As the demand for wishes continues to grow, the need for volunteers becomes increasingly vital. By volunteering with Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro NY, individuals have the opportunity to make a profound and lasting impact, transforming lives and spreading hope one wish at a time.

As a wish granting volunteer for the past 21 years, I can personally attest to the impact that the Make a Wish Foundation has had on me. It has been an extraordinary opportunity to engage directly with the families I am supporting, and I count it amongst the greatest experiences of my life.

If you’d like to learn more about becoming a volunteer, please call or text me directly at 516-779-4281. Or if you’ve already decided to participate, then visit the volunteer signup website and get the process started.

You will have a direct impact in changing lives for the better.

Volunteer Application FY19 Formstack

s n e e u Q f Taste o

Queens Day in Albany

Tuesday May 7th 2024

Promote your restaurant Present your food Showcase your flavors at our 'Taste of Queens' in Albany hosted by the Queens Chamber of Commerce Seize the spotlight Meet & Greet distinguished guests & legislators Engage with influential leaders Network with restaurant owners Widespread promotion Elevate your brand Networking and high profile business exposure

Contact Us Email:llicona@queenschamber.org

Participation is free and space is limited!

queenschamber.org

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

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

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

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES 82ND STR EET PA RTNERSHIP

37-06 82nd Street, Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Executive Director: Leslie Ramos 718.335.9421 82ndstreet.org QUICK GLANCE: Budget of

$224,000 with more than 200 businesses under its umbrella.

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

ASIAN AMERICAN FEDERATION

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

24

organizational development.

Established in 1989, the Federation is a pan-Asian non-profit o rg a n i z a t i o n representing a network of community service agencies in the Northeast. These agencies work in the fields of health & human services, education, economic development, civic participation, and social justice.

BAYSIDE V ILLAGE BID

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

$218,000 and over 350 members. Founded in 2007, the BID includes commercial property owners and residents on Bell Boulevard between 35th Avenue and Northern Boulevard, as well as a block east and west on 41st Avenue.

BAYSIDE BUSINESS

ASSOCI ATION

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

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

ACCOMPA N Y CAPITA L (FOR MER LY BCNA)

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

Capital is an award-winning C om mu n it y D evelopme nt Financial Institution (CDFI) and Small Business Administration

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

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

BUSINESS OUTREACH CENTER NETWORK (BOC, INC.) 85 S. Oxford Street #2 Brooklyn, NY 11217 718.624.9115 bocnet.org

Continued on Page 26

March 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 14

QUEENSBOROUGH CALENDAR OF EVENTS SAFEGUARDING SUCCESS: N AV I G AT I N G LEGA L COMPLIANCE IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY

I NS U R A NC E I NSIG H T MIXER: NAVIGATING THE COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE OF 2024

March 26, 2024 09:00 - 11:00 (UTC-04:00 EDT)

Save the date April 25, 2024 09:00 - 11:00 (UTC04:00 EDT)

CELEBR ATI NG WOMEN’S ACHIEVEMENT: BREAKFAST M I NOR I T Y BUSI N E S S ENTERPRISE CERTIFICATION. March 27, 2024 09:30 - 11:30 (UTC-04:00 EDT) AIMI NG FOR SA FETY: TACK LI NG TH E GU N VIOLENCE CRISIS IN OUR COMMUNITY April 4, 2024 09:00 - 11:00 (UTC-04:00 EDT)

Join us for a captivating journey through the diverse landscape of commercial insurance in 2024, where our expert panel will delve into an array of pertinent topics.

From understanding recent industry shifts to exploring regulatory nuances and beyond, expect a wealth of knowledge to enrich your understanding and decision-making. This event isn’t just about learning—it’s a prime opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, share insights,

and tap into a collective pool of expertise. Bring your questions, whether they relate to the listed topics or beyond, and let’s embark on this enlightening journey together!

MANAGI NG THE RISKS TO OUR FRAGILE GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS May 17, 2024 09:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) This workshop will explore the future of our global supply chains and the challenges to their stability.

As COVID19 spread throughout the world and war broke out between Russia and Ukraine we became acutely aware that the global supply chains which we had

taken for granted and expected to work with precision started to break down. We have become frustrated when we order from Amazon and the item fails to arrive in 24 hours and we are disappointed when we have to wait for month for our new car because of a micro chip shortage. This workshop will explore the future of our global supply chains and the challenges to their stability.Queens Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Workshop Series Managing Risk in the Business World - (In conjunction with NYIT Center for Risk Management and Center for Human Resource Studies and Dispute Resolution Institute of New York)Astoria Boulevard Cafe Elmhurst, New York

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

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

at The Kew-Forest School Core Academic & Recreational Options

Enroll by April 19th

Register to Attend an Open House Saturday, April 13th at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, May 22nd at 6 p.m. kewforest.org/summer

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

Register for two, four, or six weeks!

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

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES

GLANCE: Business Outreach Center Network’s mission is to improve the economic prospects of traditionally underserved groups, with a focus on lowand moderate-income entrepreneurs and their communities, and thereby create genuinely brighter futures.

At the heart of our mission is the belief that whatever their differences, people and communities share a common goal: to achieve economic stability and growth.

Working in partnership with culturally diverse individuals and organizations in support of this shared goal is the hallmark of BOC. QUICK

CHH AYA CDC

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

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

217 Park Row, 2nd Floor, Suite 9 New York, NY 10038 chinatownpartnership.org QUICK GLANCE: Chinatown Partnership, led by Wellington Chen, was formed in 2006 as new start-up from grounds up to bring residents, business owners and community groups together to rebuild Chinatown following 9/11, and to preserve the neighborhood’s unique culture while ensuring its vitality in the future through strategic positioning.

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

FOR EST HILLS CH A MBER OF COMMERCE 26

queenschamber.org

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

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

GANYC – GUIDES ASSOCIATION OF NEW YOR K CITY

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

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

GATEWAYJ FK

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

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

GR EATER JA M A ICA DEVELOPMENT CORPOR ATION

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

group has 75 members. GJDC’s work expands economic oppor t unit y and improves quality of life for the ethnically and economically diverse residents of Jamaica and for the region at large, which

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

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

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

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

JA M A ICA CENTER BID

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

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

JFK INTER NATIONAL AIRPORT CH A MBER OF COMMERCE

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

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

LONG ISLA ND CITY PA RTNERSHIP

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

Long Island City Partnership advocates

March 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 14

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES

for economic development that benefits LIC’s industrial, commercial, cultural and residential sectors. The goal is to attract new businesses to the neighborhood, retain those already here, welcome new residents and visitors, and promote a vibrant and authentic mixed-use community. The LIC Partnership operates the LIC Business Improvement District and the LIC Industrial Business Zone.

M ASPETH CH A MBER OF COMMERCE

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

have 120 members and a budget of $115,000.

M ASPETH INDUSTR I A L BUSINESS ASSOCI ATION (MIBA)

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

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

MI DDLE V ILLAGE CH A MBER OF COMMERCE

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

35 businesses under its umbrella. Formed in 1929. MVCC meets annually and focuses on the Metropolitan Avenue shopping district between 69 and 80 th streets. The mission is to improve the area and assist local businesses if they have any concerns or needs.

M Y RTLE AV ENUE BID

62-14 Myrtle Avenue, Ridgewood, NY 11385 Executive Director: Ted Renz 718.366.3806 QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $500,000 with

over 300 retail and service businesses under its purview. Board meetings are held

four times a year with the annual meeting in June. The district includes Myrtle Avenue in Ridgewood between Fresh Pond Road and Wyckoff Avenue. Program support is provided by the Ridgewood LDC.

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

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

QUEENS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPOR ATION

SU N N YSI DE COMMERCE

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

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

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

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

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

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

1032 Beach 20th Street Far Rockaway, NY 11691 rema4us.org QUICK GLANCE: REMA 4 US, Inc. seeks to engage in economic development and revitalization in the Rockaway Peninsula.

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

STEIN WAY ASTOR I A PA RTNERSHIP BID

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

has over 300 members. The Steinway Street Business Improvement District encompass-

C H A M BER

OF

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

get of $55,000, the chamber is an organization built around assisting and helping local business and professionals by providing resources to increase business, safety and historical preservation throughout the neighborhood.

SU NN YSIDE SHINES

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

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

SUTPHIN BOULEVA R D BID

89-00 Sutphin Boulevard, Suite 204C Jamaica, NY 11435 Executive Director: Glen Greenridge 718.291.2110 sutphinblvdbid@verizon.net QUICK GLANCE: The BID was founded

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

U R BA N UPBOU ND

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

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

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

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

27

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org

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

28

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

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

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

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

March 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 14 EXECUTIVE COMMMITEE

EXECUTIVE STAFF

Howard Graf

Patrick Yu

Thomas J. Grech

Brendan Leavy

Richard Dzwlewicz

Michelle Stoddart

Joanne M. Persad

Jacqueline Donado

Chairperson

Secretary

Vice Chair

Associate Secretary

Treasurer

Immediate Past Chair

Patricia Mezeul Nash Roe

Thomas J. Santucci

Associate Treasurer

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

President & CEO

Chief of Operations

Arlene Diangkinay Financial Controller

Neil Wagner

VP of Tech Initiatives

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

SENIOR ADVISORY COUNCIL

William Blake Vincent L. Petraro, Esq. Dominick Ciampa George Rozansky Strategic Program Coordinator Joseph Farber Gerard Thornton George Hadjiconstantiou Louis D. Laurino Vice President, Strategic Programs Jeff Levine Shahriar Hossain Joseph M. Mattone, Sr VP of Business Development

VP of Member Committees

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

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

CORPORATE MEMBERS

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

ConnectOne Bank Forest Hills Financial Group, Inc. Consigli Construction Co Inc Gatsons Electric Cornell Tech Giant Industrial Installations Cornerstone Land Abstract Gil-Bar Industries, Inc. Cort GOLDEN AGE HOME CARE INC CPower Energy Management Goodman Crescent Properties, Inc Goodwill Industries NYNJ Crown Castle Graf & Lewent Architects Crystal Window & Door Systems, Ltd Greater NY Automobiles Dealers AsDack Consulting Solutions sociation Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP Grubb Properties Dedline AV H2M architects + engineers Diehl & Sons Inc. D.b.a New York HANAC, Inc. Freightliner HE2PD, Inc. Direct Clean Service Solutions Healthy Corner Pharmacy Edward Jones Heatherwood Communities E-J Electric Installation Co. HOK EJ Stevens Group Hugh O’Kane Electric Co., Inc. Elite Builders and Management Hyatt Place Flushing EMCOR NY/NJ Hydro-Quebec Energy Services EMU Health IKEA Queens Exquisite Construction corp INDA, Association of Nonwoven Fabric Fenagh Engineering & Testing Industry First Central Savings Bank Inggroups First Choice Vending Innovo Property Group First National Bank of LI J Strategies, Inc Firstlight Cloud Xchange J.W. Hampton Jr. & Co., Inc. Flushing Bank Jamaica Multiplex Cinemas / Showcase Cinemas James E Fitzgerald COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP Jason Office Products ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ENERGY FOOD, BEVERAGE & JGM Construction Development, LLC JME Group LLC Marshall Haimson HOSPITALITY Kasirer, LLC Kelsey Brow E-Capital Development Kaufman Astoria Studios, Inc. King Manor Museum marshall@e-capitaldevelopment.com Jim Quent Kelair Inc. director@kingmanormuseum.org Jay Solly Statewide Public Affairs K-Four Construction Corp.

Sol Strategies jquent@statewidepublicaffairs.com Koeppel Auto Group BANKING & LAW jaypsolly@gmail.com Rachel Kellner Laffey Real Estate Legacy Contractors NYC LLC Aigner Chocolates John Renda Lenoblelumber Co ENTREPRENEURSHIP & rachel@aignerchocolates.com Edward Jones Liberty Ashes Inc. John.Renda@edwardjones.com INNOVATION Loconsolo Paints NOT FOR PROFIT Bill Staniford Macerich COMMUNICATIONS Rentigo Madison International Realty Larry Grubler bill@staniford.com Mayer Malbin Company, Inc. Jake Oliver Transitional Services of NY Ryan Letts Mc Gowan Anat Gerstein lgrubler@tsiny.org Cleonmaye Corporation MD Squared Property Group LLC jake@anatgerstein.com Christine Deska rletts@cleonmaye.com Media X Partners Inc. Henry Ramos BellesBoard/Nonprofit Sector MedRite Dedline AV Strategies Mega Contracting Group LLC FAMILY-OWNED henry@dedlineav.com christine@nonprofitsectorstrategies.org Molloy College BUSINESSES Mr. T Carting Corp.

HEALTHCARE & Chad Callahan REAL ESTATE MSN Air Service Inc WELLNESS Plaza College Netwolf Cyber Intelligence Advisers cec4@plazacollege.edu Kevin Louie Neutron Holdings, Inc Prabhleen S. Virk Michael Shoule RIPCO New York & Atlantic Railway Citrin Cooperman JW Hampton New York State Energy Coalition, Inc. klouie@ripcony.com pvirk@citrincooperman.com mikes@jwhampton.com Nonprofit Sector Strategies, PBC Michael Wang Northwell Go Health Urgent Care Project Queens Northwell Health TECHNOLOGY michael@projectqueens.com TRANSPORTATION Notionwide Financial Jake Shild Phil Jones Omni Funding Corp. of America Jake@landsky.ai MANUFACTURING LIME On-trac Construction Associates Tom McFarland philip@li.me Oxford Harriman & Company/Haddad Lina DeLaCruz tmcfarland@teamlogicit.com & Co. lina@controlelectropolishing.com Patrick B. Jenkins & Associates

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

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

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

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

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March 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 14 MAJOR CORPORATE MEMBERS

We hope you are enjoying the newly designed, expanded Queensborough, the monthly publication of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. We, the Chamber, direct and approve all content deciding what stories are covered in each issue, editing all copy and forwarding information that is contained in the publication. BQE Media produces it for the Chamber. We look forward to continuing to highlight the outstanding business persons, services and activities that make our borough unique. We welcome all your letters, manuscripts, etc. Please send all materials to the Queens Chamber of Commerce at 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140, Jackson Heights, NY 11370 or call 718.898.8500 for more information. We reserve the right to edit for space limitations. Your support of the magazine is critical to its success. We encourage you to include Queensborough in your advertising plans. To place your ad, please call BQE Media at 718.426.7200.

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