This is Queensborough: September 2024 Edition

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September 2024 . Volume 19 . Issue 20

QUEENS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GOLF OUTING

INSIDE

Revolutionizing Creative Production in Google Ads SPARTA: Pioneering Autism Therapy and Awareness

School Safety in NYC Strengthens with Access411’S Growing Presence

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 05

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06, 16

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Did You Know the Cost to Repair Basement Flooding?

Key Considerations for First-Time Commercial Lease Tenants in New York City

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SPARTA: Pioneering Autism Therapy and Awareness in New York and Beyond

Utopia Bagels is in the Spotlight

Mohammed Ahsan, the Founder & CEO of SalesTug

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Ai-Powered Visual Magic: Revolutionizing Creative Production in Google Ads

Queens Chamber Community Partner Opened a Library in Corona

American Pongers Invade French Village and Hearts are Captured

NAMIQN Fest

10, 11 Hundreds Gather for Golf Outing Benefiting Students at Queens Colleges

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

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School Safety in NYC Strengthens with Access411’S Growing Presence

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This is Queensborough Magazine (ISSN 333068) is published monthly by the Queens Chamber of Commerce with its partner, Queens Ledger, 7520 Astoria Blvd. STE 140, East Elmhurst, NY 11370-1131 USA, Permit Number 452620.

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September 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 19

Weather is Getting Crisp Dear Members,

As we transition into fall, I encourage you to mark your calendars for two of our most anticipated occasions: the annual Building Awards Gala and the Business Persons of the Year Awards.

Our annual Building Awards Gala will be taking place on October 10 at the TWA Hotel at John F. Kennedy International Airport. This year we’re celebrating a dozen outstanding architectural and construction achievements in Queens. It’s a night to honor the visionaries behind the structures shaping our borough’s skyline and future.

On December 4, we will host the Business Persons of the Year Awards, where we recognize the leaders who are driving innovation and creating jobs in our community. Their contributions are key to the growth and success of Queens, and I look forward to celebrating their accomplishments with you.

THOMAS J. GRECH PRESIDENT & CEO

Thank you for your continued support and for being a vital part of the Queens Chamber community. Together, we will continue to make Queens a dynamic place where businesses can thrive.

Best, Tom Grech

Fall is Looking Busy Dear Members, With the busy fall season upon us, I want to take a moment to remind you of the many networking and educational opportunities we have planned for the coming months. The Queens Chamber of Commerce is here to help you stay connected, informed, and ready to take your business to the next level.

October is shaping up to be a busy month for the Chamber. Join us for events on topics ranging from Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation, to our Family Business Forum to Developing a Business Plan. You can view our full calendar of upcoming events at queenschamber.org/events.

HOWARD GRAF CHAIRPERSON

These events, along with many more, are all designed with you in mind. Your participation makes a difference and strengthens the fabric of the Queens business community.

I look forward to seeing you soon!

Best, Howard Graf 3

September 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 19

QUEENS NEWS

SPARTA: Pioneering Autism Therapy and Awareness in New York and Beyond By: Stephen Spartinos At St. Paul’s Autism Research and Training Academy (SPARTA), we are dedicated to providing exceptional autism therapy and parent training, all at no cost to the families we serve. Located in College Point, New York, our organization is committed to supporting children with autism across the five boroughs of New York City. What sets SPARTA apart in a city teeming with autism service providers is our comprehensive and individualized approach to care, which begins each day in the homes of our students and extends throughout their daily routines.

We believe that each child is unique, and so should be their therapy. Our team creates individualized behavior plans tailored to meet the specific needs of each student. Every child is assigned a dedicated therapist who becomes an integral part of their daily life, providing consistency and a sense of security. The day starts with the therapist assisting the child with essential life skills, such as brushing their teeth, getting ready for the day, and preparing breakfast. This personalized approach ensures that our students not only receive specialized autism therapy but also develop crucial life skills that enhance their independence and confidence.

Following the morning routine, our students are transported to our center in College Point, where their day continues with a range of

therapies, including occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Each child follows an individualized curriculum designed to address their unique challenges and strengths. In addition, the importance of socializing with their peers cannot be understated.

After the school day, our therapists accompany the children home, assisting with the final tasks of the day and reinforcing the skills learned. This holistic, day-long support system helps children with autism to thrive in both therapeutic and everyday settings.

Our program commands a level of commitment not found in most other programs; our providers are deeply engaged with their students at every step, fostering a closeknit and supportive environment.

This high level of involvement enables our therapists to play a pivotal role in the significant milestones our students achieve, making the journey of progress a shared and celebrated experience.

In addition to our therapy services, SPARTA places a strong emphasis on community engagement and experiential learning. We organize a variety of field trips, such as horseback riding, swimming at local pools, and visits to amusement parks. These outings provide our students with opportunities to develop social skills, enjoy new experiences, and apply their learning in real-world settings. We also participate in community service events, such as cleaning local parks and assisting park services in trimming invasive species. These activities

not only benefit our students but also foster a sense of community responsibility and connection.

Not only does this benefit our students, but we believe it benefits the local community by exposing them to those with autism, and their amazing characteristics and unique abilities.

A significant portion of our students are nonverbal or exhibit severe maladaptive behaviors, making our tailored approach even more crucial.

SPARTA is deeply committed to research, continuously striving to advance our understanding of autism and the efficacy of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy techniques. Our research initiatives are integral to our mission, as they help us refine our methods and contribute to the broader field of autism studies.

We believe that through research, we can improve the quality of care

we provide and help shape a more informed and compassionate approach to autism therapy globally.

In conclusion, SPARTA is not just an acronym; it represents strength, resilience, and a commitment to empowering children with autism and their families. As we continue to grow and expand, we remain dedicated to our mission of providing top-quality autism services, spreading awareness, and building a more inclusive world for all individuals with autism. We are excited about the future and look forward to making a lasting impact both locally and globally.

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QUEENS NEWS

Did You Know the Cost to Repair Basement Flooding? basement repairs, and most repairs typically cost around $4,000.00?

Most long term solutions cost less than just one event of basement flooding. Think about that for a minute! In many cases there are DIY solutions for common causes of basement flooding.

These include 5 common DIY solutions:

By: David Balkan, CEO Did You Know The Cost to Repair Basement Flooding?

Did you know that depending on the extent of the damage, you’ll spend between $1,500 to $15,000 for flooded

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1. Replacing loose fitting sewer trap plugs or caps (plugs cost about $20.00 each, and can both be professionally replaced for about $100.00).

2. Pointing roof leader lines away from your building’s foundation wall, or adding extensions to existing leader line outlets.

3. Regrading outside yard areas to slope away from your home or building.

4. Seasonal cleaning of area drains and yard drain sump pits.

5. Seal foundation cracks and utility line penetrations with hydraulic cement.

5 Products that can prevent basement flooding: 1. A water sensor alarm can be easily installed and can cost as little as around $25.00. Once water comes in contact with a sensor it sends out a piercing alarm.

2. Sewer alarms have WiFi connectivity and notify you of

a sewer backup issue before the sewage rises above the level of your finished floor.

3. Backwater check valves are one-way valves that only permit wastewater to run out to the public sewer, but not back into your home.

4. Sewer flood gate valves are sophisticated devises that automatically close 100% to prevent any sewer backwater from entering your premises over prolonged periods of time.

Continued on Page 16

September 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 19

DINE AND DISCOVER QUEENS

Utopia Bagels is in the Spotlight

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 Utopia Bagels, located at 1909 Utopia Parkway in Whitestone. Jesse and Scott Spellman are the co-owners of the establishment. To learn more, go to https://www.utopiabagelsny. com/ or visit them on Instagram @utopiabagels.

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

We started back in 1981 in a small shop and have since expanded, now taking over more property next to us. We also just opened our second location in Manhattan on June 1st and are opening our third location in Long Island City in 2025! Over this time, we have been able to see people travel from all over the world just to come visit our shop and try our bagels. We’ve had customers travel from all over NYC, Australia, even Egypt! It brings us great joy when they say they saw us online and couldn’t wait to come in and meet us.

making people’s mornings!

Are there dishes or drinks that have become beloved by the Queens community, or anything on your menu you would like to highlight?

our most iconic sandwich is ‘the worth it,” proudly featured on Buzzfeed’s Worth It show!

One of our customer favorites is our freshly squeezed orange juice, made daily with the finest oranges. It’s a perfect refreshing drink that we love serving.

Our giant pizza bagel is a viral sensation, starting at 10 pounds!

It offers endless possibilities for customization—no wonder it’s a go-to choice for holidays and special events! And, of course,

What makes your establishment unique?

We individually hand-roll, kettle boil, and bake our bagels.

We’ve been doing that in a 1947 carousel oven since 1981!

We have managed to give our bagels a distinctive taste that our customers know and have loved for decades. When our store opened back in 1981, it was a local favorite serving hot bagels, pastries, and coffee to a loyal customer base and we continue to do that. We love serving police, firefighters, hospitals and 7

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QUEENS TECH CORNER

Mohammed Ahsan, the Founder & CEO of SalesTug It’s Queens Tech Corner time!

This month’s featured tech entrepreneur is Mohammed Ahsan, the Founder & CEO of SalesTug, an AI-enabled tech company that helps small businesses engage with their customers faster and easier to improve overall customer experience. To learn more, go to https://salestug.com/.

How did you get your start in tech?

My journey in tech began during my second year of university while I was pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Computer Information Systems.

This interest led me to hone my skills in software development and systems architecture. After

graduating, I gained valuable experience working for various tech firms, which eventually gave me the confidence to launch my own ventures. SalesTug is my third venture, and it has been the most exciting and impactful one yet.

What is your latest project, and why are you excited about it?

Our latest project is the integration of our 5th Generation human-like voice AI into the SalesTug platform. This advanced feature, powered by cutting-edge machine learning capabilities, will revolutionize the way businesses interact with their leads. It provides real-time, human-like communication that

NAMIQN Fest By: Liz Hildebrandt NAMI Queens/Nassau helps to build strong parenting and life skills while teaching about the warning signs of mental health conditions and what steps to take if you or a loved one are showing symptoms of a mental health condition.

NAMI Queens/Nassau hosts its Signature evidence-based programs; Family to Family, and Family Support Group for adult caregivers of those with mental health disorders, Co-Occurring Support Group, our in-school presentation for students and staff Ending the Silence as well as our socialization program for Peers called Unites. With a population 8

of 2.361 million roughly for Queens, NY 500,000 people – our neighbors and loved ones will experience a mental health disorder, our programs address the needs of their caregivers and those with a mental health disorder.

NAMI Family to Family is an 8-week educational program structured to help families, friends, and significant others understand and support individuals with mental health conditions. It is a designated evidenced-based program and has significantly improved the coping and problem-solving abilities of those closest to someone with a brain disorder, while maintaining their own well-being. It is taught

significantly enhances customer engagement and streamlines the lead qualification process.

Alongside our core features, this new voice AI will take automation to the next level, ultimately driving higher conversion rates for our clients.

resources, driving technological advancements and creating new opportunities for businesses and individuals alike.

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

The future of tech in Queens is incredibly promising. The borough’s diverse talent pool, coupled with its supportive business environment, makes it an ideal hub for innovation and growth. I am particularly excited about the collaborative spirit within the Queens tech community, which fosters the sharing of ideas and

by NAMI-trained family members who have been there, and includes presentations, discussions, and interactive exercises. Register now for our virtual beginning October 2, 7-9PM or in person classes beginning October 16, 7-9:30, visit to learn more, https:// namiqn.org/calendar/ NAMI Whole Family Support Group is a free bi-weekly 90-minute session for family members with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of an SMI. Participants gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences.

As with all NAMI’s support groups, they are unique because they follow a structured model, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to be heard and to

get what they need. All WFSG sessions are led by individuals who have family members living with an SMI. These groups are ongoing please look at the calendar to see which one is right for you, https://namiqn.org/ calendar/ Co-Occurring Disorder (COD) Program. For those dealing with both an SMI and a substance abuse problem. Such as with alcohol, opioid, or prescription dependency, it is called a CoOccurring Disorder (COD), such as people with schizophrenia who abuse alcohol with or without addictive drugs. This is free 1.5 hour biweekly program, led by a MSW, every month, that helps

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QUEENS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Hundreds Gather for Golf Outing Benefiting Students at Queens Colleges

On Monday, September 16, hundreds gathered at the Garden City Country Club for the Queens Chamber of Commerce and Queens Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s yearly charity golf outing and dinner.

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The event, which sells out yearly, benefits the Foundation’s scholarship fund for students attending all seven Queens-based higher education institutions.

“Our annual golf outing and dinner is not just a great day on the course but an opportunity for the business community to come together, strengthen relationships, and support initiatives that make Queens a great place to live and work,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

“The Queens Chamber of Commerce Foundation is proud to be able to help

students attending the wonderful institutions of higher learning throughout our borough,” said Foundation President Dr. Marian Conway. “Money raised at our annual golf outing helps these students reach their goals by providing them with scholarships.

I want to extend a big thank you to all who joined us at the event and to the companies and organizations who support it and often come back year after year.”

Over several hours, 33 groups of four players participated in a day of golfing and other activities, including a 50/50 raffle.

Matthew Whalen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cord Meyer Development Company, won the 50/50 raffle and donated it back to the Queens Chamber Foundation.

“The Queens Chamber golf outing is a highlight of the year for our team at Cord Meyer,” said Whalen. “Tom Grech and his team do such an incredible job putting it all together, and we are happy to continue our steadfast support of the Chamber.”

In addition to the 50/50, two JetBlue tickets were raffled off, and there was a hole-in-one contest with a chance to win a 2024 Nissan Altima. Guests expressed their delight regarding the event.

“Here at Cornerstone, we look forward to attending the Chamber

September 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 19

GOLF OUTING

and Foundation’s charity golf outing every year,” said Jason Hudson, Managing Director and CEO at Cornerstone Land Abstract. “They do an amazing job organizing an outing where we get to reconnect with fellow members and network for potential new business. We’ve

attended three times and look forward to a fourth time next year.”

“The only thing better than the weather, food, and pristine golf course was the sharing of participants’ collective knowledge and diverse experiences, which provided a sense of camaraderie by all who were fortunate enough to be there,” said first-time attendee Chuck Bilodeau, Director of Business Development at O&S Associates.

After the golfing, 175 people headed to the post-event dinner, where Grech addressed the crowd.

“We bring back this event year after year, and every time we do so, we are excited to build on this tradition and foster a spirit of collaboration that drives our borough’s success. We couldn’t have done that without our generous sponsors’ help.”

This year the event had a total of 44 sponsors that made the day possible.

Grech also used the time to invite attendees at the dinner to the Queens Chamber’s two upcoming signature events.

The first is the 2024 Building Awards Gala on Thursday, October 10, at the TWA Hotel at JFK International Airport. This event honors the architects, builders, engineers, lenders, interior designers, and owners of buildings and building projects in Queens County.

The latter is the 2024

Business Persons of the Year Awards Gala, which will be held on Wednesday, December 4, at Terrace On the Park in Flushing. The gala honors several members of the Queens business community who exemplify business acumen, hard work, and success.

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PROMOTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS

Dr. Abhisek Swaika to lead Northwell Cancer Institute REGO PARK, NY – Northwell Health has appointed Abhisek Swaika, MD, as medical director of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute at Rego Park and chief of hematology/ oncology at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills Hospital.

Northwell Health Cancer Institute at Rego Park, formerly Queens Medical Associates, is known for its culturally sensitive, stateof-the-art care and is committed to working with patients in their own languages. It’s cancer specialists and staff speak more than 30 languages and dialects. Dr. Swaika’s fluency in Hindi and Bengali exemplifies the practice’s diverse, patient-centered care.

“Dr. Swaika is deeply committed to ensuring the delivery of the highest quality, state-of-the art cancer care,” said Richard Carvajal, MD,

deputy physician-in-chief and director of medical oncology at Northwell Health Cancer Institute. “His leadership and experience will continue to drive our mission to care for the diverse patient population we have the privilege to see at our cancer center in Queens.”

Prior to joining Northwell, Dr. Swaika worked for three years at Queens Medical Associates, which integrated with Northwell in 2020. He is board-certified in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology.

“I’m excited to be part of an extraordinary team committed to providing comprehensive cancer care in the heart of the Queen’s community,” said Dr. Swaika. “My vision is to further expand accessibility and participation of our patients in our growing clinical trial research program.”

Dr. Swaika earned his medical degree from Kasturba Medical College in India.

He completed his residency at the State University of New York at Buffalo, followed by a fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, where he remained as an attending physician until 2017.

His research has been published in several journals, including Blood, American Journal of Hematology and Annals of Hematology.

Parekh Honored at King Manor

On Thursday, September 19th about 70 movers and shakers from Queens held a celebration of the signing of the US Constitution at the house of a man who signed the original constitution; Rufus King. Roy Fox, the Manor historian explained to the crowd how Rufus was the only signer who would not be a slave owner and his mission was to abolish slavery well before the 1800s. “Rufus publically spoke against the idea of one human owning another ….. and he lived right here in the heart of Jamaica Queens.”

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Supreme Court Judge Cassandra Johnson and honoree Hersh Parekh, deputy chief of governmental affairs for the Port Authority of NY/NJ, were guest speakers at the event, which featured discussion about how the constitution went through many changes and additions before and after it was signed, but it is still the guiding light of our country.

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Kelsey Brow is the executive director of the Rufus king Manor. “The staff and board members here are so happy to have all of you see our wonderful history in full display,” she said. “Most of you know about our little oasis in the park. But we have plenty of community events at the house that keep this Jamaica neighborhood alive.”

The party preceded a yearly event on the

President/CEO Queens Chamber of Commerce Tom Grech shakes hands with Dr. Joseph (JJ) Abularrage at the event.

Dr. Swaika was nominated in 2023 for the Truly Award, a recognition of physicians by Northwell who go above and beyond to raise the standard of health care. He is actively involved in the Lead NEXT Development Program, which supports emerging leaders across the health care system. Additionally, Dr. Swaika serves on the Protocol Review and Monitoring Committee of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute.

Northwell, which cares for more New Yorkers with cancer than anyone else, is dedicated to providing the highest quality and safest medical care for optimal outcomes.

In his new positions as medical director and chief of hematology/oncology, Dr. Swaika will continue his commitment to exceptional leadership at Northwell Cancer Institute at Rego Park and advance Northwell’s medical oncology and hematology services at LIJ Forest Hills.

grounds of the manor. The following day fifty brand new US. Citizens were sworn by Federal Judge Nicholas Garaufis. After the new citizens were sworn in they signed a replica of the Constitution.

From left to right; Tom Grech, Queens DA Melinda Katz, King Manor executive director Kelsey Brow, honoree Hersh Parakh, Supreme Court Judge Cassandra Johnson, King Manor’s chairman of the board, Walter Sanchez.

September 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 19

QUEENS NEWS

School Safety in NYC Strengthens with Access411’S Growing Presence

By: Fabiana Presley Access411 is at the forefront of revolutionizing educational technology, with a specialized focus on K-12 school safety solutions that are setting new standards nationwide. Under the visionary leadership of President Rachel Morrison, the company is rapidly expanding its footprint in New York City, solidifying its reputation as a trailblazer in the field. As a pioneer in enhancing school security, Access411 is dedicated not only to protecting students and staff but also to fostering an environment where children can learn and thrive safely. This commitment is deeply rooted in the company’s unwavering adherence to its core values of family, diversity, and inclusion. By integrating these principles into every aspect of its operations, Access411 ensures

that its innovations are not only effective but also equitable and inclusive; reflecting the diverse communities it serves.

Currently serving over 1,200 schools across the country and growing, Access411 provides acomprehensive range of safety solutions for K-12 schools. These include ID services for entry and exit scanning, student behavior management systems, and bus and visitor tracking. While adding more enhanced safety features every quarter, each solution is designed to create a secure, well-managed environment that promotes the safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and parents.

As Access411 expands its footprint in New York, President Rachel Morrison leads the charge, steering the company’s

future trajectory. Under her guidance, Access411 is not only aligning with evolving industry trends, safety standards, and strategic leadership but is also deeply committed to fostering safe, personlized learning environments. The company actively integrates customer feedback to continuously improve and create an environment where school districts and their staff feel genuinely heard and understood.

Recently, the company’s transition to being a minorityled, woman-owned business has led to achieving the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Certification from the City of New York.

This milestone reinforces the company’s commitment to equitable representation and highlights its growing influence in the software and tech industry.

With a dedicated focus on supporting New York State school districts, Morrison plays a pivotal role in driving project execution and ensuring the seamless delivery of the company’s services while sticking true to its objective of providing a safe and secure learning environment for every child to reach their fullest potential. When asked about the company’s mission within the state of New York, Morrison stated: “Having been with Access411 for over 13 years, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact our school safety solutions have.

Expanding our presence in New York City is a significant step in our mission to ensure that every student and educator feels secure in their learning environment, and that every parent also feels secure knowing their child is

safe at school. We’re committed to bringing our proven expertise and innovative technologies to even more schools across the city, working together to build a safer future for every child in our communities.” Under Morrison’s guidance, Access411 continues to uphold its goal and vision of creating safe educational environments across the country.

The company’s innovative solutions and unwavering focus on safety have made a meaningful impact on students, educators, and parents, especially as Access411 deepens its engagement in the New York area. committed to bringing our proven expertise and innovative technologies to even more schools across the city, working together to build a safer future for every child in our communities.” Under Morrison’s guidance, Access411 continues to uphold its goal and vision of creating safe educational environments across the country.

The company’s innovative solutions and unwavering focus on safety have made a meaningful impact on students, educators, and parents, especially as Access411 deepens its engagement in the New York area.

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September 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 19

QUEENS NEWS

Ai-Powered Visual Magic: Revolutionizing Creative Production in Google Ads

By: Isadora Martinez In a major step forward for digital marketing, Google has unveiled revolutionary generative AI tools for Demand Gen campaigns in Google Ads. These AI-powered capabilities promise to transform how advertisers create highquality visual assets, offering a new level of creativity and efficiency.

With these innovative tools, advertisers can generate stunning images using simple text prompts, allowing them to streamline their creative production and engage audiences across Google’s vast platforms, including YouTube, YouTube Shorts, Discover, and Gmail.

How Google’s Works

Generative

AI

The new generative image tools are rolling out globally in English, with additional language support expected later this year.

Advertisers can provide text prompts to create original, highquality images that are tailored to their branding and marketing goals. For instance, an outdoor lifestyle brand promoting camping gear could generate an image with a prompt like “vibrantly colored tents illuminated under the Aurora Borealis,” producing a captivating visual that resonates with their target audience.

This new capability also includes a “generate more like this” feature, enabling advertisers to create additional images inspired

by their top-performing assets.

This feature helps brands maintain consistency in their ad campaigns while experimenting with new visual concepts.

and drives results. The ability to iterate on visual ideas efficiently allows brands to engage their audiences in Google’s premium ad environments.

Google’s Commitment to Responsible AI Google has emphasized that these generative AI tools are being developed with a strong focus on responsibility. The company has implemented Creative Best Practices for Demand Gen Campaigns To help advertisers maximize the potential of these new AI tools, Google has released a “Creative Excellence Guide” outlining best practices for building Demand Gen campaigns. These include: 1. Diversifying Creative Assets: Utilize a mix of videos and images to engage audiences throughout different stages of the buyer journey.

2. Maximizing Reach: Provide Google with assets in various aspect ratios to ensure coverage across all ad inventory.

3. Prioritizing High-Quality Visuals: Use high-resolution images to build brand trust and inspire action.

4. Testing and Learning: Continuously evaluate performance metrics to optimize creative strategies.

For small businesses and agencies, this technology is especially impactful. With fewer resources, brands can now produce a high volume of diverse, on-brand image assets without needing extensive design capabilities. This opens the door to new creative possibilities that will elevate your marketing efforts.

Why Elite Solutions Digital Cares At Elite Solutions Digital, we believe that generative AI represents a groundbreaking opportunity for advertisers using Google Ads. These tools empower businesses to generate creative content that captures attention

How This Can Help You For any business looking to stand out in the crowded digital space, generative AI tools in Google Ads offer a significant advantage.

By rapidly creating unique, high-quality visuals, brands can engage with their audiences more dynamically and positively.

However, while these AI tools bring tremendous potential, they should be used strategically and responsibly. Google’s safeguards are in place, but human oversight, creativity, and brand governance remain essential. As always, at Elite Solutions Digital, we’re here to help you navigate this exciting new era in digital marketing.

By leveraging these new tools, you can ensure your brand shines across Google’s platforms, from YouTube to Gmail. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to revolutionize your advertising with the power of AI.

Elite Solutions Digital Marketing Agency

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QUEENS NEWS

How to Prevent a Basement Flood Continued from Page 6

5. Replacing or repairing an existing worn or cracked sewer trap can frequently prevent flooding. Just because the sewer house trap is below your floor, it doesn’t mean that a worn or cracked trap doesn’t pose a serious issue.

Some final advice to our fellow Queens residents Human nature seems to be that problems will disappear on their own, or that we’ll learn to live with them as they are. However, having the potential for a flooded

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A Little Bit About Balkan Sewer And Water Main Service

plumbing. Balkan Sewer And Water Main Service was founded in 1952. Since its inception, the foundation of the company has been based upon integrity and honesty in all of our dealings.

That solid foundation has enabled us to thrive in every economic climate. The year 2022 actually marked our 70th consecutive year in business. As we have grown, we have become increasingly dependent upon a “Team First” approach.

The Balkan Team provides expert sewer and water main repairs and replacements. We are experts in all types of NYC underground

What helps ensure a continuation of our high standards, overall integrity, and high company morale, is that same team

basement is far different than having a slow bathroom sink. The loss of personal items and property alone can be a heartbreak. Take the time to inspect your basement and outside drain and yard areas.

Many disasters can be averted with some simple steps, such as clearing out an area drain sump by hand, which takes about 2 minutes.

approach.

Complete client satisfaction has always been the number one goal at Balkan Sewer And Water Main. That is why we are NYC’s largest and most trusted sewer and water main service in New York City. Simply put, if it’s plumbing, and it’s underground, we do it. For over 70 years, and for over 90,000 New Yorkers to date, Balkan is “The Team You Trust”.

September 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 19

QUEENS NEWS

Key Considerations for First-Time Commercial Lease Tenants in New York City

By: Alexander Kadochnikov Navigating the complexities of commercial leases in New York City can be daunting for first-time tenants. Understanding key legal aspects is crucial for securing a favorable and legally sound lease agreement. This article highlights essential considerations, focusing on default provisions, tax implications, and tenant responsibilities.

1.

Understanding Default Provisions Default provisions are among the most critical components of a commercial lease. These clauses define what constitutes a breach of the lease and outline the landlord’s remedies.

Common default triggers include non-payment of rent, unauthorized alterations, and failure to comply with legal

obligations. A well-drafted default clause provides the landlord with mechanisms to enforce compliance, such as eviction, acceleration of rent, or claiming d a m a g e s .

For tenants, understanding these provisions is vital to avoid inadvertent breaches that could lead to severe consequeces.

Tenants should also be aware of their rights and any grace periods for curing defaults to prevent eviction or other penalties.

2. Impact of Taxes on Commercial Leases Taxes significantly impact commercial leases in New York City. Tenants are often required to pay a share of property taxes as additional rent. This typically includes any increase in property taxes over a base year, usually the year the lease commences. Understanding these tax obligations can help tenants budget accurately and avoid financial surprises. Negotiating tax-related terms is essential.

Tenants should aim to include caps on tax increases or clearly define what constitutes additional rent to mitigate potential financial burdens.

audit the landlord’s tax calculations to ensure transparency.

3. Overall Responsibilities of the Tenant. Tenants can have various responsibilities under a commercial lease, including: - Maintenance: Tenants must maintain the leased premises and comply with all local laws and regulations.

- Insurance: Obtaining appropriate insurance coverage as specified in the lease.

- Utilities and Repairs: Managing and paying for utilities and handling repairs not covered by the landlord. Understanding these responsibilities is crucial to ensure compliance and avoid defaults.

Tenants should carefully review the lease terms to fully grasp their obligations and negotiate any terms that may seem overly burdensome.

4. Key Clauses to Look Out For Several key clauses in a commercial lease warrant special attention: - Renewal Options: Terms and conditions for renewing the lease, including any rent increases.

- Alterations and Improvements: Permissions and restrictions related to making changes to the leased space.

- Subletting and Assignment: Conditions for subleasing or transferring the lease to another

party.

These clauses can significantly impact the flexibility and financial viability of the lease.

Tenants should seek legal advice to ensure these terms are fair and reasonable.

5. Negotiating Better Lease Terms Effective negotiation can lead to more favorable lease terms.

Tenants should consider the following strategies: - Rent Increases: Link rent increases to an external index like the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rather than accepting fixed percentage increases.

- Cap on Additional Rent: Negotiate limits on additional rent for taxes, maintenance, and other costs.

Entering into a commercial lease for the first time in New York City requires a thorough understanding of various legal aspects.

By familiarizing themselves with default provisions, tax implications, tenant responsibilities, and critical lease clauses, tenants can protect their interests and negotiate more favorable terms. Consulting with a legal professional and carefully reviewing the lease terms can help avoid potential pitfalls and ensure a smooth leasing experience.

It’s also advisable to have provisions that allow tenants to 17

September 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 19

QUEENS NEWS

Queens Chamber Community Partner Opened a Library in Corona By: Vicky Ferreira Community Center Services (CCSO) formally kick-started a new chapter of bringing books and a Community Library to its location in Corona, Queens.

The library is named after Paul Ciafone, in honor of a 12 year old child noted for his big heart and desire to help. Paul sent the first books that started the dream. Last August 5th 2024, this dream became a reality and will be an example of kindness and commitment to benefit the education of many children and the entire community.

With almost three hundred volunteers, CCSO provides more than just a place to get hot meals for the most needy in New York City, including the homeless.

They also distribute clothing, teach crafts and English classes.

They also help advise immigrants on how to obtain health insurance, pay taxes, and navigate legal

challenges.This spirit of service and community support is at the heart of CCSO’s mission, and it is reflected in their latest library initiative.

As part of their ongoing efforts to enhance the services they offer, Evelyn Heilbron, Executive Director of CCSO, expressed her gratitude to the more than 20 volunteers who dedicated their time and effort in the week leading up to the grand opening of their new library.

The CCSO Paul Ciafone Library is a cozy space with more than 3,000 books of various categories and art paintings by the children of the community. Ciafone, along with his mother and family also collect coats, clothes, toys, and are always helping the needy.

Director Heilbron’s journey to this new chapter in CCSO’s story began with the challenging task of distributing food during the

pandemic in Travers Park on 34th Ave. Despite the harsh conditions in the and lack of amenities, Heilbron persisted, seeking support from state Sen. Jessica Ramos. Ramos then introduced her to Tony and Gina Argento, respective Founder and CEO of Broadway Stages, who, as members of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, were pivotal in helping bring this vision to life.

“Tony has put his love and dedication into this project and Gina’s kindness has made this idea of community service a reality” said Heilbron.

The Queens Chamber of Commerce, along with its members, were thrilled to be part of the inauguration to celebrate and encourage reading in the community through this library.

Library vacation hours: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm.

Location: 9315-Corona Avenida 11373 - Claim your card at this location.

Broadway Stages has not only provided the 11,000 square foot space in which the Corona Food Bank has been operating at no cost since April of last year, but has also donated furniture, chairs, food utensils and other items needed to continue this altruistic work.

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American Pongers Invade French Village and Hearts are Captured welcome breaks as we interacted with the local coaches and hosts.

We were incredibly fortunate to have the ASTT Vibraye pro team players spar with us, and even the club’s bubbly president (and professional chef) Sebastien Aubert, took two weeks off to prepare our delicious meals.

As the days passed, our student campers became so grateful for our hosts’ efforts, they cheerfully became part of the cleanup crew each evening.

By: Thomas Hu

The French and Americans have a long history of mutual respect, friendship, and assistance dating back to our Revolutionary War. Last month, our group of 24 American table tennis enthusiasts continued this tradition with a memorable trip to Vibraye, France. Conceived

by Pongspace, the American Youth Table Tennis Organization (AYTTO), and ASTT Vibraye, the two-week training camp and cultural exchange program was designed to bridge table tennis communities.

On July 13th, camp participants (ranging from fifth graders to retired senior citizens) descended upon the quiet village (population: 2,700), and were greeted by former European champion and professional player Damien Provost and his father, the legendary coach Patrick Provost.

Rayyan Jivraj (Forest Hills), Vincent Li (Flushing), and retired Air Force veteran Matt Heister (Kew Gardens) represented the Queens component of our group.

Welcome to France Despite the fatigue of the red-

20

eye flight from JFK, our intrepid group was excited by the kickoff bus tour of beautiful Paris, led by our amazing trip coordinator Fabienne Lebrun. We gazed upon the wonders of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Seine River.

That afternoon and 100 miles later, our bus arrived at the Sports Complex of Vibraye. Mayor Dominique Flament and nearly 30 Vibraysiens gave us a hearty reception with a champagne toast and fruit juice refreshments.

Local reporters were eager to hear why Americans decided to come to this small farm village to play table tennis.

Our welcome weekend was topped off with a local Bastille Day celebration which included an outdoor reenactment of the storming of the Bastille and an incredible fireworks display. Vive la France!

Let the Games Begin The camp launched into high gear with the start of daily threehour morning and afternoon sessions of drills, exercises, and lessons. Lunch and dinner were

On Saturday July 20th, Pongspace co-founder Edmund Suen organized the first-ever 64 player Swiss Format tournament in the region. Players from nearby clubs came to compete with our group, and even former soccer pro Damien Hatton came in from Paris to join the fun. We are proud that every member of our American group won at least one match, and our very own Matt Heister was beaming when he finished with an impressive 4-2 record!

Not Just Table Tennis Between the rigorous training and competition, we enjoyed lively excursions such as horseback riding, hiking in the forest, local farm visits, swimming, and soccer games. An informative trip to nearby Montmirail Castle (where King Henry II of England and King Louis VII of France once convened) made us appreciate

the French district even more.

With each new shared activity, we came to realize that we were part of something truly special, and these two weeks with the local community would be the start of an enduring friendship. Our July 27th departure was the hardest part for all the campers and locals— the tears were falling like the cool rain that morning. After 14 days of joy, competition, and laughter, it was a bittersweet goodbye— we left with a warm place in our hearts for the wonderful and generous people of Vibraye.

Student camper and Queens resident Rayyan Jivraj reflected, “I plan to put my skills in play during our middle school tournaments this school year!

Thank you for a lifetime of memories!” Our group champion Matt Heister added, “Spending two weeks in the beautiful countryside, enjoying authentic local cuisine, learning about French traditions, and interacting with the supportive table tennis community of Vibraye left me filled with inspiration and deep gratitude.”

We would like to give a special thank you to SPIN NY for sponsoring a $4,000 scholarship to help make this life experience possible for four NYC public school students (including one from Queens).

September 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 19

QUEENS NEWS

NAMIQN Fest

Continued from Page 6

to inform family members about COD and its treatment and the family’s role in understanding and supporting their loved ones who are suffering from COD. These groups are ongoing please look at the calendar to see which one is right for you, https://namiqn.org/ calendar/ Unites by NAMIQN. To help deal with the loneliness and isolation often felt by individuals living with SMI’s, NAMIQN created Unites. For people living with SMI’s the opportunity to engage in socialization activities such as game nights, Movie parties, Karaoke, creative writing can help build self-confidence and

empower efforts.

people’s

recovery

Unites provides a safe space for individuals living with SMI’s and gives people the freedom to be themselves in a judgement free environment. Structured activities are offered multiple times throughout the week and are led by trained individuals who act as moderators or facilitators depending on the activity.

groups are ongoing please look at the calendar to see which one is right for you, https://namiqn.org/ calendar/ How do we support all of this and so much more? Fund raisers and information events! www. namiqnfest.org Join us at NAMIQN FEST,

Sunday, September 29th, Queensboro Community College, 222-05 56th Ave, Bayside, NY 11-3PM. We’re bringing the beach to the track with our firstever mental health festival and resource fair, featuring a bonus 3k walk/run!

Unites activities are often vital adjuncts to medication and therapy in helping patients to recover and engage in normal social activities. We meet in person at Zucker Hillside Hospital as well as at PROs in Hollis. These

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Equal Housing Lender

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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 STREET PARTNERSHIP

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

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

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

ASIAN AMERICAN FEDERATION

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

24

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

BAYSIDE VILLAGE BID

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

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

BAYSIDE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

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

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

ACCOMPANY CAPITAL (FORMERLY BCNA)

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

Capital is an award-winning Community Development 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 Continued on Page 26 bocnet.org

September 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 19

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

BACK IN THE DAY

2024 BUILDING AWARDS GALA October 10, 2024 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM (EDT) THE FUTURE OF LAST-MILE DELIVERY & LOGISTICS October 22, 2024 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (EDT) A GUIDE TO DEVELOPING A BUSINESS PLAN; STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR YOUR NEW BUSINESS Oct 25, 2024 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM / EDT DEMYSTIFYING PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALIZATION: A GUIDE FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILIES November 6, 2024 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (EST) QUEENS DAY IN DC November 19 & 20, 2024 (EST) CRITICAL THINKING & PROBLEM SOLVING FOR THE BUSINESSPERSON: A GUIDE TO BETTER DECISION MAKING Nov 22, 2024 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM / EST

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QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES

QUICK GLANCE: Business Outreach

Center Network’s mission is to improve the economic prospects of traditionally underserved groups, with a focus on low- and 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.

CHHAYA CDC

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

CHINATOWN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (CHINATOWN PARTNERSHIP)

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

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

FOREST HILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PO Box 751123, Forest Hills, NY 11375 President: Leslie Brown

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718.268.6565 FHChamber11375@gmail.com FHChamber@aol.com QUICK GLANCE: Re-formed in 1995, the

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

GANYC – GUIDES ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK CITY

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

1974 by licensed tour guides for licensed tour guides. We are one of the oldest and most active tour guides associations in America.

Founded originally as an association of multilingual guides, GANYC has grown greatly since, encompassing a wide variety of guides that reflect the diversity of NYC’s tourism industry. We provide a number of services for locals and the visiting public as well as for our members including tour guide education, familiarization tours (FAM Tours), professional advice and workshops.

GATEWAYJFK

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

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

GREATER JAMAICA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

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

group has 75 members. GJDC’s work expands economic opportunity and improves quality of life for the ethnically and economically diverse residents of Jamaica and for the region at large, which benefits from rational, well-planned, and sustainable metropolitan growth.

GREATER WOODHAVEN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WOODHAVEN BID

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

more than 350 businesses under its umbrella on Jamaica Avenue from Dexter Court to 100th Street. They are providing free benches for store owners along Jamaica Avenue.

They also provide 2.5 and 5 percent home improvement loans.

JAMAICA CENTER BID

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

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

JFK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

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

LONG ISLAND CITY PARTNERSHIP

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

Long Island City Partnership advocates

September 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 19

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

MASPETH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

MASPETH INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (MIBA)

BOC: 96-11 40th Road, Corona, NY 11368 Coordinator: Quincy Ely-Cate 718.205.3773 qelycate@bocnet.org mibanyc.org QUICK GLANCE: Covering roughly 600 businesses with 30 active members, the Maspeth Industrial Business Association provides a collective voice in advocating the needs and interests of industrial and manufacturing businesses in Maspeth. They help companies in the Maspeth Industrial District in developing workforce, accessing tax credits, obtaining financing, navigating government regulations and, in some cases, finding real estate.

MIDDLE VILLAGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

79-47 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village, NY 11379 President: Salvatore Crifasi 718.894.8700 Sal@Crifasi.com QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $8,000 with 35 businesses under its umbrella. Formed in 1929. MVCC meets annually and focuses on the Metropolitan Avenue shopping district between 69 and 80 th streets. The mission is to improve the area and assist local businesses if they have any concerns or needs.

MYRTLE AVENUE BID

62-14 Myrtle Avenue, Ridgewood, NY 11385 Executive Director: Ted Renz 718.366.3806 QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $500,000 with over 300 retail and service businesses under its purview. Board meetings are held four times a year with the annual meeting in June.

The district includes Myrtle Avenue in Ridgewood between Fresh Pond Road and Wyckoff Avenue. Program support is provided by the Ridgewood LDC.

QUEENS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

12-55 Queens Boulevard, Room 309 Kew Gardens, NY 11424 Executive Director: Seth Bornstein 718.263.0546 queensny.org QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $1.5 million and a resource for over 2,000 businesses in the borough of Queens. Register online for upcoming virtual events, including:

ROCKAWAY DEVELOPMENT & REVITALIZATION CORPORATION

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.

SUNNYSIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PO Box 4399, Sunnyside, NY 11104 President: Vanessa Ceballos 718.729.4688 sunnyside-chamber.org QUICK GLANCE: With an annual budget of $55,000, the chamber is an organization built around assisting and helping local business and professionals by providing resources to increase business, safety and historical preservation throughout the neighborhood.

SUNNYSIDE SHINES

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.

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 budget 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.

ROCKAWAY EAST MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION (REMA4US)

SUTPHIN BOULEVARD BID

1032 Beach 20th Street Far Rockaway, NY 11691 rema4us.org QUICK GLANCE: REMA 4 US, Inc. seeks to engage in economic development and revitalization in the Rockaway Peninsula. To strengthen our community revitalization programs and community development efforts in the Rockaway Peninsula REMA works alongside businesses, civic groups, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

REMA works to inform the public about opportunities that exist to strengthen the community, and to create a welcoming and safe environment to help expand economic opportunity in the Rockaway Peninsula.

STEINWAY ASTORIA PARTNERSHIP BID

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

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

URBAN UPBOUND

40th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101 CEO & Co-Founder: Bishop Mitchell G. Taylor QUICK GLANCE: Urban Upbound, originally known as East River Development Alliance (ERDA), was co-founded in 2002 by Debra-Ellen Glickstein, a strong advocate of economic development inclusion, and Bishop Mitchell Taylor, a lifelong resident of Queensbridge Houses, with the intention to develop high-quality services that address resident-identified needs. Since then, the organization has grown to serve thousands of youth and adults living in public housing and other low-and moderate-income neighborhoods annually

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NEW MEMBERS SMALL BUSINESS CORPORATES PARTNERS YMCA of Greater New York - Signarama Forest Hills The Corporate Source Jamaica YMCA ShabbirArif Ruth-Ann Gater Cedric Dew shabbir@signaramaruth-ann.gater cdew@ymcanyc.org foresthills.com thecorporatesource.org

Leather Street Realty LLC Jorge Jorge jorge@leatherstreetrealty.com

C&R Real Estate Group LillianVucic lillian@crrgrp.com

Vivid Mortgages Inc. Hope Sekezi hope@vividmortgages.com

MaryPiven Inc DBA Clean2Clean Maryna Ovcharenko info@clean2clean.com

Benenson Capital Partners, LLC Salvatore Ciaravino sciaravino@benensoncapital. com

North Shore TV Erica Bradley hrfasano@ymflawllp.com

Medical Consulting of America Joseph Dilligatti jdelligatti@medconam.com Greaves Communication Strategies Natalie Greaves natalie@greaveswrites.com Harvy Surgical Supply Corp.

Judith Martha judy@harvyusa.com

Metropolitan Airport News CMG Home Loans Raymond Ringstonmariarios@ Express Employment Kennedy Mykoo classicobmi.com Professionals kmykoo@cmghomeloans.com Greg Hughes New York Life Queens GO greg.hughes@expresspros.

Royal Waste Services Ravi Beepat com Liam Monarchio rbeepat@ft.newyorklife.com liam@royalwaste.com Liriano & Associates Toro Construction Services, Engineering Consulting Exo Industries Corp.

LLC Services PLLC Leo Gloumis Patricia Toro Cristian Liriano leo@exoindustries.com pat@torobuilds.com cristian.liriano@ lirianoengineering.com Quent Capital, LLC BILLCODE PROS, INC Gregg Fisher Jean Widly Celine gfisher@quentcapital.com billcodepros@gmail

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September 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 19

Howard Graf

Patrick Yu

Thomas J. Grech

Brendan Leavy

Richard Grebinger

Richard Dzwlewicz

Michelle Stoddart

Joanne M. Persad

Jacqueline Donado

Suzan King

Chairperson

Secretary

Vice Chair

Associate Secretary

Treasurer

Immediate Past Chair

Patricia Mezeul Nash Roe

Thomas J. Santucci

Associate Treasurer

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

SENIOR ADVISORY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE STAFF

EXECUTIVE COMMMITEE President & CEO

Chief of Operations

Arlene Diangkinay Financial Controller

Neil Wagner

VP of Tech Initiatives

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

VP of Business Development Vice President, Strategic Programs

George Hadjiconstantiou

Vice President, Strategic Programs

Shahriar Hossain

VP of Member Committees

Chief Financial Officer Manager, Legal Desk

Laura Licona

Assistant Vice President Food & Culture

Nicole Biscardi

Restaurant and Hospitality Specialist

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

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

CORPORATE MEMBERS

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

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

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 Forest Hills Financial Group, Inc. Cinemas James E Fitzgerald Jason Office Products COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP JGM Construction Development, LLC JME Group LLC Jay Solly Christine Deska BANKING & LAW BellesBoard/Nonprofit Sector Kasirer, LLC Sol Strategies John Renda Strategies Kaufman Astoria Studios, Inc. jaypsolly@gmail.com Edward Jones christine@nonprofitsectorstrategies.org Kelair Inc. John.Renda@edwardjones.com K-Four Construction Corp.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & Koeppel Auto Group Edwin Wong REAL ESTATE INNOVATION Laffey Real Estate Kevin Louie EWong@flushingbank.com Ryan Letts Legacy Contractors NYC LLC RIPCO Cleonmaye Corporation Lenoblelumber Co klouie@ripcony.com COMMUNICATIONS rletts@cleonmaye.com Liberty Ashes Inc. Jake Oliver Loconsolo Paints Michael Wang Anat Gerstein Macerich FAMILY-OWNED Project Queens jake@anatgerstein.com Madison International Realty michael@projectqueens.com BUSINESSES Mayer Malbin Company, Inc. Michael Shoule Henry Ramos Mc Gowan JW Hampton Dedline AV MANUFACTURING MD Squared Property Group LLC henry@dedlineav.com mikes@jwhampton.com Lina DeLaCruz Media X Partners Inc. lina@controlelectropolishing.com MedRite HEALTHCARE & Mega Contracting Group LLC WELLNESS FOOD, BEVERAGE & Molloy College Prabhleen S. Virk HOSPITALITY ARTS AND Mr. T Carting Corp.

Citrin Cooperman ENTERTAINMENT Jim Quent MSN Air Service Inc pvirk@citrincooperman.com Shahriar Hossain Netwolf Cyber Intelligence Advisers Statewide Public Affairs Neutron Holdings, Inc Shossain@queenschamber.org jquent@statewidepublicaffairs.com New York & Atlantic Railway TRANSPORTATION New York State Energy Coalition, Inc. TECHNOLOGY Rachel Kellner Phil Jones Nonprofit Sector Strategies, PBC COMMITTEE Aigner Chocolates LIME Northwell Go Health Urgent Care Jake Shild philip@li.me rachel@aignerchocolates.com Northwell Health Jake@landsky.ai Notionwide Financial Omni Funding Corp. of America Tom McFarland ENERGY NOT FOR PROFIT On-trac Construction Associates Tmcfarland@teamlogicit.com Larry Grubler Marshall Haimson Oxford Harriman & Company/Haddad Transitional Services of NY E-Capital Development & Co. lgrubler@tsiny.org Patrick B. Jenkins & Associates marshall@e-capitaldevelopment.com Paycor

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

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 ConnectOne Bank

Lindsay Haggerty Michael Sullivan Richard Siu

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 Sacco & Fillas, LLP 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

29

THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH

queenschamber.org MAJOR CORPORATE MEMBERS

30

September 2024 • Volume 19 • Issue 19 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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