this is... June 2020 . Volume 16 . Issue 6

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United Print Group 45-23 47th Street, Woodside, NY 11377 718.392.4242 Fax: 718.392.4650 unitedpg.com [email protected] June 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 6 ROBERT A. MIKLOS MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR Medical Malpractice Attorney LEARNING TO RESET Throughout our lives, most of us As devastating as this crisis has likely never considered the notion been, it’s really an opportunity for of going back to the us to reset. drawing board. By this, While the Queens I mean stepping back Chamber has been and looking at the big around since 1911 with picture of our lives and, the indelible principles more specifically, our to educate, advocate and professional careers. network, we too have I practiced law for pivoted. many years before We will never stray transitioning into from these ideals, but the WERE YOU OR A LOVED ONE A VICTIM OF MEDICAL financial planning and manner in which we do wealth management. In TOM SANTUCCI so sure has changed and MALPRACTICE? ARE YOU LOOKING FOR ANSWERS? my mind, I had a clear CHAIRPERSON will continue to evolve. idea of the direction my From our usual large CANCER ∙ SURGERY ∙ BIRTH INJURY career would take. scale, in-person gatherings to HOSPITAL NEGLIGENCE When life throws you a curve equally large online video forums, ball, we are often left wondering to the Queens Chamber is well suited CONTACT ROBERT MIKLOS TODAY do now? How will I recover from to address our current and future (877) 4-MED-MAL ∙ [email protected] this setback? challenges head on. The COVID-19 pandemic has Thanks as always for your DON’T LET IT HAPPEN TO SOMEONE ELSE undoubtedly left many of us asking support of the Queens Chamber of ourselves these important questions. Commerce. Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, PC 600 Old Country Road Garden City, NY 11530

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO ATTORNEY ADVERTISING BACK IN THE NY GROOVE I’ve been a fan of music for all dedicated individuals committed to of my life, from my early teens to making a difference during these adulthood.. Various songs evoke challenging times. wonderful memories of special As we move ever closer to times. the city re-opening for business, In mid-May, the Queens Chamber the Chamber is ramping up and launched a weekly continuing to provide program via Facebook necessary resources LIVE. “Taking Care to prepare owners and of Business” is a employees for what 30-minute broadcast will be a “new normal” that gives voice to in our workspaces and individuals in our communities. community, many of Our organization’s which are members COVID-19 link making a difference on our website is during the COVID-19 regularly updated with pandemic. THOMAS J. GRECH the latest information The hook to this PRESIDENT & CEO on webinars, grants song comes to mind and loans, restaurant when I think about the resilience services, and office hours for of New Yorkers and the bravery elected officials, to name a few of our small business owners, who resources. are challenged with finding ways to We’ll certainly look back over keep their ventures operating. these past several months years Last month, the Chamber from now and share stories about began recognizing organizations how we coped while the city was throughout Queens we call on pause. One thing you can bet “Businesses of the Week.” These on, Queens is definitely back in the businesses, selected by our staff, represent the ground swell of CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 THIS IS queenschamber.org QUEENSBOROUGH

their parking lot. A portion of the proceeds go to donating meals to local hospital staff and QUEENS QUICKLY families in need. • Boarding fewer customers at a time to allow This particular movie night was special UNITED ROLLS OUT for more distance during the boarding process, because it was an invite-only, no-cost event for minimizing crowding at the gate and jet bridge. the heroes at Elmhurst Hospital, who have been CLEANPLUS EFFORT • Asking customers to self-scan their boarding working day and night to keep the community United Airlines has introduced United Clean- passes at our gate readers. safe. Plus, a commitment to put health and safety at • Enhancing cabin sanitization, including Keeley McNamara partnered with Queens the forefront of the customer experience. electrostatic spraying, which will happen before Together to organize and raise funds for the Specifically, Clorox products will be used every flight starting this June. event. McNamara is a midwife at Elmhurst at United’s hub airports and medical experts • Requiring all employees and customers on Hospital. from the Cleveland Clinic will advise on new board to wear a mask or face covering, helping “We are all happy to do it,” she says of technologies, training development and quality protect each other. her work during the outbreak, “but we also assurance programming. • Implementing employee temperature checks miss spending time relaxing with our families. New protocols include touchless kiosks in before the start of their workday. When I heard about the drive-in movie at select locations for baggage check-in, sneeze Bel Aire Diner, I realized this would be a guards, mandatory face coverings for crew and perfect opportunity for first responders and their customers, and giving customers options when DINNER & A MOVIE families to spend a fun night out.” flights are more full. Queens Together is the brainchild of Jonathan “Safety has always been our top priority, and FOR THE FRONT LINE Forgash and Jaime Faye Bean, leaders in the right now in the midst of an unprecedented Front-line workers from Elmhurst Hospital community and two people who had the vision crisis, it’s our singular customer focus,” said were offered a chance to kick-back for a few to connect businesses, agencies, organizations, United CEO Scott Kirby. “We’re not leaving hours and take in a movie at the drive-in. The and food providers to communities in need a single stone unturned in our pursuit to better big night was on May 26 and the featured film during the COVID 19 crisis. protect our customers and employees.” was “The Princess Bride.” The operation has also distributed 40,000 Clorox is working closely with United to Since May 7, The Bel Aire Diner in Astoria pounds of fresh produce to 2,000 families in enhance the airline’s cleaning program, redefine has been hosting drive in movie nights in Queens since April 28. disinfection procedures and equip customers with amenities at select locations. Medical experts from the Cleveland Clinic will also advise on new technologies, training development and quality assurance program- ming. And, as scientists learn more about how to fight COVID-19, Cleveland Clinic experts will help United use those discoveries to quickly implement new ways to keep customers safe. “As the public begins to adjust to a world that’s been altered by the COVID-19 pandemic, health and safety is of the utmost importance,” said Dr. Tomislav Mihaljevic, Cleveland Clinic CEO. “It’s important for everyone to take pre- cautions as we enter this new phase of COVID- 19 response.” Some other United CleanPlus initiatives include: The parking lot of The Bel Aire Diner has been turned into a drive-in theater.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Promotions, Announcements & Appointments ...... 6 Chamber Honors Local Businesses Helping During Pandemic ...... 14-15

MetroPlus Offers Health Plan Options for Small Businesses ...... 7 Stay Connected With the Chamber Through These Webinars ...... 17

City Paving the Way for Outdoor Dining ...... 8 Chamber Welcomes New Members ...... 21

Developers Release Initial Concepts for Waterfront Development ....9 PUBLISHER MANAGING EDITOR Walter H. Sanchez Shane Miller Aigner Trades Chocolate for Rainbows ...... 10 MARKETING DIRECTOR Queens Residents Rally to Begin Reopening ...... 11 John Sanchez BQE Media, 45-23 47th St., 2nd Floor, Woodside, NY 11377 COVER STORY: New Commissioner Discusses Recovery ...... 12 Phone: (718) 426-7200 Fax: (347) 507-5827

4 June 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 6

“We’re coming together as a community to invent solutions during this crisis and beyond,” said QUEENS QUICKLY Forgash. “We hope what we’re doing will set an example of what opportunity for another school to deepen the school’s endowment seven year olds that really enjoy can happen when we work together begin its initial stages,” he added, fund to offer student scholarships the opportunity to be with a big in the face of adversity, and can “and allow them to flourish and be and grants, and provide high-level brother or big sister.” be a model for how to support a prosperous.” after-school programs. Another benefit, Younghese healthy community and economy Supporters of The Renaissance “I think it’ll be a real plus for us,” said, is that more parents in the as we gradually move into the Charter School reached out to Regan said. community will learn about Martin post-COVID world.” Learn more Martin Luther School last fall to Donna Younghese, principal at Luther School, especially when at queenstogether.org. express interest in using part of Martin Luther School, said she their children get to the high school the building, Regan said. For the believes students will be receptive level. last month, officials from both to sharing the building with “It will raise awareness within MLS TO ADD schools have been meeting weekly younger students. She noted that the the community that Martin Luther to discuss the partnership. Maspeth school has a community is here,” she said. CHARTER With the additional revenue, service requirement each year, Given the ongoing COVID-19 Starting this fall, Martin Luther Martin Luther School will be so the partnership will allow for pandemic and social distancing School will be sharing its building able to offer a tuition freeze for at collaboration among pupils. guidelines, Regan said both with students from a Queens charter least two years for all students. It For example, the older students schools are still trying to figure out school. will also lead to improvements to at Martin Luther School can be the schedule and address concerns The Renaissance Charter School, classrooms, offices and entrances, reading buddies or escort the about safety. They are planning which has served the Jackson including a dedicated vehicular younger students to class. for potentially staggered days and Heights community for more entryway on Maspeth Avenue. “Here’s a great opportunity to earlier or later starts. than two decades, will use the The funding will also be used share the Martin Luther spirit “We’re all in it together,” third floor of the Martin Luther to improve Wi-Fi to in support of with another school,” Regan said. Regan said. “We want to be one School’s building in Maspeth for the 1:1 iPad Learning program, “You’re talking about five, six and community working together.” kindergarten, first and second- grade classes. All students will share common spaces such as the ZARA, CHIP NYC DELIVER FOR LOCAL HOSPITALS cafeteria and gymnasium during the day. The partnership will last two to three years as the charter school constructs its new facility in Elmhurst. The Maspeth school will receive additional revenue from the agreement to facilitate improvements to their building. “As a member of a Christian community, we’ve been told to share our resources with others,” said Jim Regan, executive director of Martin Luther School. “That’s exactly what we’re doing.” Regan noted that the school building can hold up to 600 students. “I think it’s another way of being part of a community and giving an CEO MESSAGE CONTINUED ROM PAGE 3 Jamaica-based Zara Realty and Astoria’s Chip NYC teamed up to donate 500 cookies to frontline work- New York groove. ers at Elmhurst and Jamaica hospitals. “The entire team at Chip NYC is extremely grateful for the hard I’m honored to work diligently work and sacrifice of our frontline workers,” said co-founder Teddy Gailas. “We hope it brings joy to on your behalf as president of the them during this difficult time.” Zara Realty also donated 6,000 protective faces masks to the hospitals, Queens Chamber. We’re in this and handed out masks to residents in all of its apartment units. Zara Realty vice president Tony Subraj together, and I look forward to that and financial controller Amir Sobhraj rode in the Chip NYC cookie mobile to make the deliveries. time when we can all be united “We’ve seen COVID-19 devastate so many families and take such a terrible toll on our heroic health- again. care workers, we felt it was essential to help,” said Subraj. “We will continue to do everything we can to Thank you for your continued support our fellow New Yorkers facing this crisis.” support of the Chamber. Stay safe! 5 THIS IS queenschamber.org QUEENSBOROUGH Email your announcement or promotion to [email protected] PROMOTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS greater and more specific resources to assist health system. Austin tapped to head companies and organizations in meeting their He has served as NYC Health+Hospitals/ Office of M/WBE business and financial objectives. Queens CEO since 2016. Under his leadership, “This step further the hospital achieved an increase in patient Magalie Austin has been appointed senior positions Investors as satisfaction scores, inpatient discharges, advisor and director of the Mayor’s Office of the preferred financial outpatient volume and OR volume. Roker has also Minority and Women-Owned Business Enter- institution for small and mid- been credited for strengthening collaborations prises (M/WBE). She will work to foster the sized businesses throughout with physician, labor and community partners. success of minority and women-owned busi- our footprint,” said Michael Israel Rocha, CEO of NYC Health+Hospitals/ nesses and oversee the MacIntyre, head of Business Elmhurst and CEO of OneCity Health, the health city’s M/WBE Program. and Government Banking. system’s Performance Provider Organization “M/WBEs are the “The credibility and under the State’s backbone of New York presence that our business NORTON DSRIP program, left City’s economy,” said banking professionals will his OneCity post to Mayor Bill de Blasio. bring to the market will help take on the additional “I am confident Mag- Investors to enter a new phase of growth.” role as CEO of NYC gie will continue on the Norton is a proven sales and business manager Health+Hospitals/ important work we’ve with extensive banking, project implementation Queens, facilitating done to ensure our M/ AUSTIN and management experience. His primary increased coordination WBEs have what they responsibility is broadening relationships with across the two facilities need to thrive and that they are recognized for the bank’s business clients in New York and to better serve Queens. the essential role they play across the five bor- Long Island, while increasing market share “It is our hope that oughs.” among companies in the $2 million to $20 through increased ROCHA Along with access to procurement opportuni- million range. collaboration, NYC ties, Austin will ensure that M/WBEs also have He was previously senior vice president and Health+Hospitals/Elmhurst and Queens will access to services to mitigate the impacts of Northeast Regional executive for Business offer our patients the world’s leading medicine COVID-19 as they recover from the pandemic. Banking at HSBC Bank in New York City. in the borough of Queens,” said Rocha. Austin previously served as the Chief Diversi- He brings a deep of knowledge of retail and Rocha has been recognized for expanding ty and Industry Relations Officer for the Depart- business banking, including more than 20 years health care options for underserved communities ment of Design and Construction (DDC). While of experience as a senior bank executive at JP in Queens, increasing patient revenue, improving at DDC, she oversaw a massive increase in the Morgan Chase. clinical quality measures, increasing patient department’s M/WBE utilization. satisfaction, and securing funding for hospital In this role, she developed, implemented, and expansions and modernization. monitored innovative policies, procedures and Leadership changes at Matt Siegler, Health System senior vice programs that promoted the agency’s utilization NYC Health+Hospitals of M/WBEs, and over the past five years has CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 tripled the percentage of M/WBEs the depart- Dr. Mitchell Katz, NYC Health + Hospitals ment utilizes. president and CEO, announced new leadership Queens Chamber of Commerce Austin is an alumna of St. John’s University appointments for three members of his executive 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Suite 140 and holds a Juris Doctor from Tulane University cabinet. Jackson Heights, N.Y. 11370-1131 School of Law. “We are extremely fortunate to be able to Entire Contents Copyright 2020 by Queensborough. All letters sent “This is an amazing opportunity to continue tap our own, highly talented senior executives to the QUEENSBOROUGH should be brief and are subject to condensation. Writers should include a full address and the work I started at DDC,” said Austin. “M/ to take on new leadership roles in our health home and office telephone numbers, where available, as well WBE’s play a vital role in the city’s economy system,” said Katz. Each of them have made as affiliation, indicating special interest. Anonymous letters are not printed. Name withheld on request. No such ad or and I will work every day to ensure that we pro- vital contributions to the transformation of NYC any part thereof may be reproduced without prior permission vide them opportunities to succeed.” Health+Hospitals and the significant progress of the QUEENSBOROUGH. The publishers will not be responsible for any error in advertising beyond the cost of we have made over the last two years.” the space occupied by the error. Errors must be reported to Christopher Roker, CEO of NYC the QUEENSBOROUGH within five days of publication. Ad position cannot be guaranteed unless paid prior to Norton named SVP for Health+Hospitals/Queens, is now CEO of NYC publication. BQE Media assumes no liability for the content Health+Hospitals/ or reply to any ads. The advertiser assumes all liability Investors division for the content of and all replies. The advertiser agrees to Metropolitan and serve hold the QUEENSBOROUGH and its employees harmless Investors Bank appointed David Norton as as the health system’s from all cost, expenses, liabilities, and damages resulting from or caused by the publication or recording placed senior vice president and Business Banking chief growth officer. by the advertiser or any reply to any such advertisement. Market executive for New York City and Long Roker replaced Island. outgoing Metropolitan Norton’s appointment is part of Investors’ CEO and chief growth overall strategy to enhance its best-in-class officer Alina Moran, Produced by BQE Media 45-23 47th Street, 2nd Floor service and treasury management solutions to who is relocating to Woodside 11377• 718.426.7200 better meet the needs of businesses. the West Coast after Send articles & photos to: [email protected] Broadening and deepening the business more than 20 years of banking team will enable Investors to provide ROKER service for the public 6 June 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 6

EXPERT ADVICE METROPLUS HERE FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS These are challenging times for today’s busi- single (not family) health care coverage for where members earn points by keeping health nesses, but MetroPlus Health Plan has been each of your employees. appointments and participating in wellness here to help New Yorkers through good times If your business is tax-exempt, the credit is activities. and bad for 35 years. And the health plan is refundable. You may be eligible to receive the Points can be exchanged for items from here to help you now. MetroPlus Health’s exclusive cata- MetroPlus Health, one of New log, including kitchen gadgets, baby York City’s largest health insurers, strollers, art supplies, sports equip- provides health coverage for indi- ment, and much more. vidual, families, and companies. Employees may also choose an MetroPlus offers four SHOP-cer- option to enroll their eligible adult tified small business health plans children age 29 or under on their through the state’s Official Health Plan Mar- credit as a refund if it does not exceed your plan. Adult children need not be financially ketplace, and four small business health plans income tax withholding and Medicare tax dependent or a student to qualify for this cov- directly through the health plan. liability. erage. Small Business plans are available to busi- MetroPlus Health small business health plans During this COVID-19 crisis, MetroPlus nesses with 100 or fewer employees. Busi- offer quality, comprehensive health coverage, Health can connect directly with your employ- nesses may qualify for a federal tax credit award-winning customer service, dedicated ees if your business is not able to offer health of as much as 50 percent of the employer’s account executives, 24/7 access to free tele- insurance. Enrollment has been made easier contribution. health services, member extras, such as gym and more convenient. To be eligible, your business must: reimbursement and Pill Pack prescription drug Special provisions have been made to relax • Have fewer than 25 full-time equiva- benefit, and an online portal where members some of the health insurance eligibility and lent employees who have average wages of can check claims, change PCPs, print ID cards, documentation requirements for individuals $50,000 or less per year. pay premiums, and more. and families in New York City. Additionally, • Cover at least 50 percent of the cost of There is even a member rewards program, some premium payments may be waived. If you are looking to offer or change the health insurance you currently offer to your PROMOTIONS & APPOINTMENTS employees, MetroPlus Health can help. The health insurer offers the lowest cost plans in CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 team in January of 2017 as a community liaison. New York City and after enrollment your busi- Randell began his legislative career as an intern ness may apply for a hardship waiver, and you president of Managed Care and Patient Growth, in the Assembly in 2014 while attending SUNY can add new employees without waiting for the took on the added role as CEO of OneCity Albany. After graduating with a bachelor’s open enrollment period Health. degree in Political Science, Randell went on Since 1985, MetroPlus Health has built a “NYC Health+Hospitals’ ongoing to work as a real estate coordinator with MTA reputation for providing access to affordable, transformation Capital Construction. quality health care to residents across New and the success of He studied Public Administration at Baruch York City. DSRIP in New York College, graduating with A wholly-owned subsidiary of NYC would not have been his Masters of Public Health+Hospitals, MetroPlusHealth is the plan possible without the Administration in 2017 of choice for over a half-million New Yorkers important work of while working part-time in and has a five-star rating based on the state’s OneCity Health and Pheffer Amato’s office. 2018 Consumer’s Guide to Medicaid and Child all the community- Randell has gained Health Plus Managed Care Plans in New York based partners extensive experience in the City. who have helped legislative process, as well The health plan’s robust network of primary SIEGLER improve quality while as handling cases large and care doctors and specialists includes many reducing avoidable small with constituents, RANDELL independent community providers. Culturally hospitalizations and civic associations and sensitive and fluent in more than 40 languages, unnecessary health care costs,” said Siegler. government agencies. MetroPlusHealth’s staff is as diverse as the At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, great city it serves. he facilitated food and mask donations throughout For more information about enrollment in Randell promoted to the community and helped to create a daily MetroPlus Health small business plans, please newsletter on behalf of the assemblywoman. contact the Queens account representatives chief of staff “Danny is such a valuable asset to Team David Jacobsen (929.303.4108 or jacobsed@ Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato Stacey, and I am thrilled he has been a part of metroplus.org) or Melinda Sepulveda (347- announced that deputy chief of staff Daniel my team since day one,” Pheffer Amato said. 449-1620 or [email protected].) Randell will now assume the role of chief of “Danny’s strong work ethic, dedication, and They are available to answer your questions, staff. Randell is a Bayside native and current capacity for management have earned him this screen for eligibility, provide cost estimates, Rockaway resident, who joined Pheffer Amato’s role.” and conduct enrollment. 7 THIS IS queenschamber.org QUEENSBOROUGH GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS CITY CLEARING WAY FOR OUTDOOR DINING BY SARA KREVOY to help this iconic, and now Chamber CEO and President to support the city’s restaurants struggling, industry get through Thomas Grech offered testimony while maintaining social With all eyes set on beginning this painful time.” in favor of the proposal. distancing. Once the City enters “Phase One” of reopening the The Council’s legislation would “Restaurants are a crucial part Phase 2 of reopening, restaurants city on June 8, Big Apple elected first require the Department of of the New York City economy, will be able to serve customers officials are calling on the city Transportation to identify local particularly in Queens,” he said. in outdoor seating areas to move beyond triage mentality streets, sidewalks plazas and “This industry, which has been without enduring a cumbersome and proactively greet the reality other open spaces that restaurants devastated by the pandemic, application and approval process. of a “new” New York. could suitably use to expand. needs our support immediately. “New York’s restaurants are The City Council recently Next, the Department of Health We must allow dining part of what make us the greatest introduced a bill that will pave and Mental Hygiene would establishments to reopen in a way city in the world,” said de Blasio. the way for restaurants across the establish safety protocols for that is safe for both their staff They’ve taken a hit in our fight five boroughs to rebound from cleanliness and social distancing. and their customers, and allows against COVID-19 and there’s financial crisis, allowing them Only then would bars and for as much social distancing as no recovery without them. Our to the offset the loss of indoor restaurants have the opportunity possible.” Open Restaurants plan will help seating as a result of social to apply for permission to operate Later that same day, Mayor Bill these businesses maximize their distancing restrictions. al fresco. Additionally, the new de Blasio announced curbside customer base while maintaining “As New Yorkers, we have so bill guarantees that restaurants seating for restaurants would be the social distancing we need to many things to brag about, but already located in areas zoned part of Phase Two of the city’s beat this crisis once and for all.” I think our city’s amazing and for sidewalk cafes will receive reopening. The mayor said restaurants diverse restaurants are at the top temporary sidewalk permits at As New York City prepares will be able to convert parking of everyone’s list,” said City no cost. to reopen, Mayor Bill de spaces in order to use the roadbed Council Speaker Corey Johnson. At a City Council hearing Blasio today announced plans “We must do everything we can on the legislation on June 4, to temporarily use open space CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

Rendering of a proposed plan for outdoor seating at The Gull NYC in Astoria. (Source: Rockwell Group) 8 June 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 6 YOUR LIC RELEASES EARLY CONCEPTS

The project proposes additional measures for resiliency. The waterfront site is where Amazon proposed building its new HQ2.

The team has proposed a series of new public open spaces. An initial concept illustration of the proposed development.

BY BENJAMIN FANG Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, separate storm sewers that could of public open space that would the fourth workshop in March was remove up to 17 million gallons of connect Hunters Point South and The four developers that make up moved online, and a fifth workshop combined sewer overflow from the eventually Queensbridge Park. the Your LIC team have revealed was postponed. neighborhood. Among the green attractions initial concepts of what the 28-acre Since then, the development team Within the 12 million square foot would be “The Square,” a half-acre project might look like. has been focused on COVID-19 project, half a million square feet public plaza that would serve as Presenting to Community Board relief in the community, including would be dedicated to arts and a gateway to the waterfront, the 2’s Land Use Committee on May delivering meals to NYCHA cultural space, workforce centers opening of Anable Basin for public 20, TF Cornerstone, Simon Baron complexes and manufacturing and other “district-enhancing use, “The Green,” a waterfront park Development, L&L MAG and personal protective equipment. uses,” the development team said. for active sports, “Vernon Plaza,” Plaxall provided an update on their On May 7, the developers hosted They will also provide sites for up a community park along Vernon plan to develop the Long Island a virtual Workforce Advisory to three new public schools. Boulevard, and “The Terrace,” an City waterfront where Amazon Committee meeting with dozens of As for workforce development, elevated public terrace with views wanted to build its HQ2 campus. participants to receive feedback on roughly half of the district would of the skyline and waterfront. The development team is the project. be dedicated for commercial uses, As New York reopens, the Your looking at a total development “While our neighborhood including a physical workforce LIC team will host a final workshop of 10 to 12 million square feet, workshops had to take a temporary training and innovation hub for during the summer, with the goal of according to the group. As part of a pause, the team continues to work local residents. starting the environmental scoping “comprehensive plan” for the area, with the community and believes “In a post-COVID world, this process by the end of the year. They they plan to create an “economic a comprehensive plan for the LIC project is more important than hope to enter the uniformed land engine” to generate jobs and a waterfront presents a generational ever,” the spokesperson said. use review procedure (ULURP) in workforce development center, opportunity for inclusive growth for “It will help expand live-work 2021. foster a “live-work” neighborhood, Queens and a model for economic communities outside of Manhattan “We look forward to restarting and make enhancements to the development in New York City,” a and kickstart the creation of tens our workshops and sharing more neighborhood’s physical and Your LIC spokesperson said in a of thousands of jobs at a time with the community over the economic resiliency. statement. when the city is facing record- summer,” the spokesperson said. In November 2019, the Your LIC According to the developers, the high unemployment, with Queens “Until then, we are focused on team kicked off a series of public project will seek to protect over 40 particularly hit hard.” supporting critical relief efforts workshops on topics like economic acres and the upland community Working with the landscape and hope everyone is staying safe empowerment, resiliency and open from storm surges and flooding. architecture firm SCAPE, the and well during this unprecedented space and community resources. They are looking at adding four developers want seven acres time.” 9 THIS IS queenschamber.org QUEENSBOROUGH QUEENS CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS MASPETH FEDERAL STEPS UP DURING PANDEMIC BY BENJAMIN FANG

Throughout the COVID-19 pan- demic, a local bank has been com- mitted to supporting and giving back to the communities it serves. Maspeth Federal Savings (MFS) has donated over $50,000 to com- munity organizations through vari- ous programs and contributions. In partnership with Assembly- man Brian Barnwell, the bank secured a supply of over 11,000 KN-95 masks. They were donated to local hospitals, nursing homes and other essential workers. “We didn’t hesitate to address the shortage of personal protective equipment,” said Christina Zanca, the bank’s vice president and mar- keting director. “Even back in Feb- ruary, before the height of this pandemic.” A mural on the Rigdewood branch of Maspeth Federal Saving honors essential workers. In addition to the mask dona- tions, the bank is donating $5,000 to a local charity. put in place. Social distancing was ing without having to be inside the each to Jamaica Hospital and Elm- Recently, MFS also partnered established early on to reduce the facility. hurst Hospital, which were hit par- with the Long Island-based non- risk of spreading the virus, while The Maspeth, Ridgewood and ticularly hard by the outbreak. profit charity Splashes of Hope to employees worked behind safety Forest Hills branches also had their MFS also donated to the Great- commission murals at Elmhurst, glass. windows painted by a local artist to er Ridgewood Youth Council, Jamaica and Flushing hospitals. In addition, more than 60 percent pay tribute to first responders. which has been providing meals The organization is known for of the bank’s workforce was able to “Even during the toughest of to the 104th Precinct and Wyckoff “brightening the lives of children, work remotely. times, we continue to focus on our Heights Medical Center twice a adults and veterans” from “clinical Three of the bank’s six loca- number one priority – caring for our week. to colorful.” tions have drive-thrus, including neighbors,” said president and CEO The bank has been delivering Throughout the COVID-19 cri- the Maspeth branch, which has a Thomas Rudzewick. “We hope our food weekly to several NYPD pre- sis, Maspeth Federal has stayed sidewalk window. Those measures efforts support and celebrate all cincts, firehouses, a local pharmacy open with precautionary measures allowed customers to do their bank- New Yorkers at the forefront.” and other first responders. “Our community service, finan- cial support and volunteer efforts RAINBOWS FOR CHOCOLATE during this crisis will continue to BY MICHAEL PERLMAN extend to frontline workers.” plan to do with photos of their grow as we monitor the needs of Aigner Chocolates on Metro- artwork, but stay tuned,” said Lib- our communities,” Zanca said. Throughout the pandemic, Aign- politan Avenue in Forest Hills was ertini. “The pictures varied signifi- Last month, Maspeth Federal er Chocolates co-owners Rachel founded in 1930, making it one of cantly and they were all beautiful.” launched its COVID-19 Commu- Kellner and Mark Libertini priori- the oldest chocolate shops in the “I felt proud after volunteering nity Giving Award. Community tized “giving back.” city. to draw a picture of a rainbow members were asked to nominate Last month, the couple launched “Since the community embraced because I wanted to help brighten a a small business, first responder or the “Rainbow Bunny Exchange.” us when we took over the shop in worker’s day,” said Amelia, a ten- essential worker for grants totaling Children aged from 18 months to 2015, we believe in paying it for- year-old Forest Hills resident. $20,000. 16 years old drew a picture of a ward,” said Libertini. “As choco- “We are so thankful for all the Ten small businesses that went rainbow giving thanks to medical latiers, the only way we know frontline heroes that work so hard above and beyond during the pan- professionals at Elmhurst Hospital how is through spreading joy with every day to keep people healthy demic will each receive a $1,000 in exchange for a chocolate bunny. chocolate.” and safe,” said Penelope, 12, and award, while 20 first responders “We collected a total of 319 Some of the artwork can be seen Josephine, 6, of Forest Hills. “We and essential workers will receive rainbows,” said Kellner. “It’s been on the Aigner Chocolates Face- also paint rocks. We think it’s a $250 gift card and two KN-95 incredibly touching to see the effort book. important to make everyone smile masks. children put into their pictures and “We have more pictures than and to know we care when a lot of For every nomination received, messages. You can truly see and space to display them in our show- the bank donated $1, up to $5,000, feel the love that they wanted to room, so we aren’t sure what we CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 10 June 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 6 RESIDENTS RALLY TO REOPEN BUSINESSES BY BENJAMIN FANG June 8, attendees said they did not think it was early enough. Dolce More than two dozen Howard said the governor should have Beach residents attended a rally begun the first phase more than on Saturday afternoon calling for two weeks ago, when she said the businesses in the area to reopen. COVID-19 curve flattened. Organized by Hamilton Beach Dolce, who works at a catering resident Priscilla Dolce, the dem- facility, said she can’t even go onstration kicked off at New Park back to work until Phase Four of Pizza, where attendees held signs the reopening. Still, she has to pay and wore buttons. They marched rent, her son’s college tuition and down Cross Bay Boulevard for other bills. one mile and stopped at Vetro “It’s not fair to keep all people Restaurant & Lounge. home, how are we supposed to Dolce said the purpose of the support our families?” she asked. event was to promote small busi- “How are we supposed to live and nesses on the boulevard, most of pay our bills?” which are family-owned. Among the rally’s attendees was “This is what makes this neigh- State Senator Joseph Addabbo, borhood what it is,” she said. “We who said he wanted to highlight More than two dozen residents held signs and wore buttons at the rally thrive on this.” the need for small businesses to to reopen small businesses. Although Cross Bay Boulevard come back and to get people back was bustling with cars, pedes- to work. He also agreed that the a check.” nesses with high-touch environ- trians and activity on Saturday, June 8th reopening was not soon The state lawmaker noted that ments need to go out and buy the Dolce said the commercial strip enough. with hospitalizations and other supplies they need, Grech said. has been “empty” for the last “The negative effect of this numbers stabilized, and with safe- He expressed concern that of few weeks. She thinks people had virus is going to be felt for years,” ty protocols like mask require- the 6,000 restaurants in the bor- enough and began venturing out. he said. “That’s why it’s so impor- ments, plexiglass and social dis- ough, up to half of them “may “For the first seven weeks, it tant to get the economy back and tancing in place, small businesses never see the light of day again.” was a ghost town here,” she said. get these businesses open again in should be able to “go forward” “The sooner we can get people “There was no life here.” a safe way. with reopening. back to business, the sooner peo- Although Governor Andrew “People want to get back to “They understand the balance ple want to go out and get some- Cuomo announced the first phase work,” Addabbo added. “They between the need to open and the thing to eat,” Grech said, “the of New York City’s reopening on don’t want to stay home and get safety,” he said. “We can do this.” better it is for everybody.” Addabbo added that he’s heard Dolce noted that she did not the call to reopen from many want to discredit people who are businesses in his district, which sick from the coronavirus, espe- runs from central Queens to the cially because some people in the Rockaways. community tested positive and “I have businesses who risk some have died from the virus. being shut down because they While the pandemic has been understand if they cannot open devastating, she said that doesn’t soon, they will never open,” he mean people should stop their said. “This is a person’s live- lives. lihood that they’ve spent every “Yes it’s bad, but if we’re going ounce of their being to maintain.” to stay home until the virus is Another supporter at the How- completely gone, we’re never ard Beach rally was Tom Grech, going to go back to work,” Dolce president and CEO of the Queens said. Chamber of Commerce. Grech The Hamilton Beach resident said given that everyone has added that she tried to orga- been in quarantine for the last 13 nize a similar rally the previ- weeks, people are now “chomping ous weekend, but only about ten at the bit.” people showed up. This time, she In particular, Grech is advo- involved local business owners, cating for the reopening of res- which produced a better turnout. taurants, which need more time She if necessary, she would to procure the necessary meat, consider hosting more rallies call- vegetables, fish and other ingre- ing for businesses to reopen. dients. Unlike businesses that can “This is just a friendly neigh- Tom Grech of the Queens Chamber of Commerce and State Senator simply open and be ready again, borhood call to support our small Joseph Addabbo were among the participants. restaurants and other small busi- businesses,” Dolce said. 11 THIS IS queenschamber.org QUEENSBOROUGH COVER STORY NEW COMMISH AIMS TO DRIVE BUSINESS RECOVERY BY BENJAMIN FANG

On May 11, Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed Jonnel Doris as the new commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services (SBS). Doris, who previously served as the director of the Mayor’s Office of Minority and Women Owned Enterprises (MWBEs), succeeds Gregg Bishop, who will now serve as the mayor’s senior advisor for small business COVID-19 recov- ery. The new SBS commissioner said he’s excited about the opportu- nity to help New York City come back from the coronavirus crisis and economic fallout. He said he’s looking forward to working with small businesses, advocates and elected officials to take on the chal- lenges ahead. “Part of what we’ve been able to do so far is begin to increase our engagement,” Doris said, “and really get a clear picture of what it means to now think about recov- Jonnel Doris will succeed Gregg Bishop as commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services. ery.’ Doris said it’s “very sobering” When he started the position, the SETTING GOALS SBS plays is actively guiding busi- to take on this new role during the city was hovering around 8 percent, Coming into this new role, Doris nesses through the government current crisis, but it makes the work he said. In the first two quarters of said the mayor gave him a “very hurdles,” Doris said. “Our role is to that much more important, signifi- this fiscal year, the city hit the 30 precise” charge to save as many be explainers and to help facilitate, cant and relevant. percent mark before the COVID-19 small businesses as possible. Right connecting businesses to us.” “It is a challenge, but we’re up to crisis hit. now, SBS is evaluating its pro- The city agency also plans to the challenge,” he added. “We’re The city now has close to 9,800 grams, services, strategies and drive deeper into a data-driven embracing it, and we will continue firms certified as minority or wom- advocacy to meet that goal. approach to delivering services to do so.” en-owned businesses, surpassing “We’re going to do everything in strategically and equitably, accord- the goal set by the mayor. our power to do that,” he said. ing to Doris, who noted that equity LEADING MWBE CHARGE “We exceeded all of our targets,” The agency already has a is a “huge part” of his framework. In September 2016, Doris was he said. COVID-19 response plan in place “Communities that have been left appointed as the city’s first senior Doris said the experience he that it is deepening and building out before, we want to engage them advisor and director of the Mayor’s gained at his former post will help upon, Doris said. SBS is current- so they’re aware of the resources,” Office of MWBEs. He was tasked in his new role, given the correla- ly connecting small businesses to he said. with addressing the disparity in city tion between those who have been financial relief, legal assistance and Under his leadership, Doris hopes contracts awarded to minority and hit hardest by the virus “in a very training for business owners and to build five key principles, includ- women-owned businesses. disproportionate way” and those employees. ing innovation, collaboration and The de Blasio administration set who own MWBE firms. As part of its five-borough adaptability. The other two focus three goals for the office: award He not only understands how strategy, SBS is “doubling down” on core SBS functions: resources $25 billion to MWBEs by 2025, those businesses operate and the on community engagement with and services for small businesses. certify 9,000 MWBEs by 2019, and challenges they face, but will bring elected officials, local chambers of award 30 percent of the value of all them to the center of the city’s commerce and business improve- SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY city contracts to MWBEs by 2021. recovery efforts. ment districts (BIDs), Doris said. As New York City reopens and According to Doris, the city has After all, Doris said, MWBEs SBS will also identify and con- recovers from the pandemic, Doris already awarded $14.6 billion to are small businesses, too. They nect small businesses to additional has a message for small businesses: MWBEs through the OneNYC pro- encounter the same challenges as financial opportunities, including SBS is here for you. gram, putting it ahead of schedule. any other small business, including to the 40 lenders that are in the The agency can provide not only The MWBE utilization rate more access to capital, competing for tal- agency’s network. financial assistance, but also guid- than tripled under Doris’ watch. ent and finding opportunities. “One of the biggest functions ance on rules and regulations, as 12 June 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 6

COVER STORY well as help finding employees. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE tracts with the city to get some up his firm’s operations. “Our role as SBS is to be the Although Doris has been a long- financial support. Doris said he also knows what voice, ears and advocates for small time public servant, he also has He drew from his experience of it’s like to meet payroll and other businesses,” he said. “We under- experience running his own small trying to get a loan from a bank business obligations. stand the uniqueness that small business, which has informed many when he ran his small consulting “I know the role that govern- businesses play in the fabric of our of his past roles. business. When the bank did not ment, small businesses and advo- city and how they contribute to the As the director of the Mayor’s award him a loan, he turned to a cates play,” he said. “I know that vibrancy of our neighborhoods.” Office of MWBEs, he initiated an community development financial our small businesses will come He noted that the mayor’s advi- MWBE contract finance loan fund, institution (CDFI), which provided back and we will thrive in the sory councils, which span all types which allows firms that have con- him his first business loan to build city.” of industries, will provide feed- back to city officials on forming a reopening plan. They have already DORIS MEETS WITH CHAMBER formulated some recovery struc- BY BENJAMIN FANG tures and frameworks. What they have heard is that The Queens Chamber of Com- businesses need “clear and con- merce met via Zoom with the new cise” guidance on what they should commissioner of the Department of be doing and how they can be Small Business Services (SBS) on compliant. Friday to discuss how the city will Doris said the advice is coming help businesses recover from the directly from the small business current crisis. community itself, which will play a Jonnel Doris, who took over for critical role in disseminating infor- former SBS head Gregg Bishop in mation about reopening. mid-May, said the agency has been “We are working internally as connecting small businesses with advocates so whatever comes out capital, technical assistance and of this process, small businesses other one-on-one support services. are at the core and at the center,” he SBS will also connect small busi- said. “We not only want our small nesses to other opportunities for businesses to survive, we really aide, such as Governor Andrew want them to grow and thrive.” Cuomo’s recently announced $100 Although SBS is evaluating million New York Forward Loan its programs and services, Doris Fund. The program will provide noted that the agency still provides flexible and affordable loans, with technical, financial and legal help. a special focus on minority and They also have Workforce1 Cen- women-owned small businesses, ters, which are working remotely, that did not receive federal assis- to provide assistance to job seek- tance. ers and employers who may be Doris noted that the federal Pay- essential. check Protection Program (PPP) Mayor Bill de Blasio signed the we’re doing it in a way that is equi- In Queens, SBS runs five Work- still has $100 billion left in the bill on May 26, and it will go into table,” he said. “That everybody force 1 Centers, oversees 13 BIDs initiative. effect in early June. has a shot, not just some people.” and a business solution center on “We want to encourage folks to “Those are critical,” he said. As the city prepares the reopen- Sutphin Boulevard. ask if your banker can connect you “We’ve done some good things on ing process, SBS is preparing Doris, who lives in Queens, to that resource,” he said. “If not, that side for restaurants.” industry-wide rules and regulations noted that BIDs, chambers of com- we will help you find a bank to do Doris also discussed the issue that it will release “in the next merce and advocacy groups will that.” of equity, which he said is a word week or so,” Doris said. The agen- play a critical role in the recovery The new SBS commissioner said that keeps coming up in advisory cy will also host industry webinars effort. Not only can they dissemi- while he’s concerned about all sec- council meetings about reopening and trainings to walk businesses nate information to small business- tors of the economy, he’s most New York City’s economy. He said through the process. es, they will be the agency’s “eyes worried about local retail and the equity of access, opportunity and “We will have specific guidelines and ears on the ground.” restaurant industry. resources will be required for large and things you should be doing as a “We need them because they He praised recently signed city and small businesses. business owner,” he said. have a unique touch in the commu- legislation that caps third-party Those opportunities should also He added that the challenge for nity, they understand those com- food delivery fees, designates be available for different types of small businesses will be meeting munities,” he said. “They’re able threatening a commercial tenant businesses, including immigrant- demand, as well as all the new to let us know what is needed in based on COVID-19 status a form owned businesses. protocols. those communities and give us an of harassment, and protects com- “The word keeps coming up “You have to begin to get ready opportunity to advocate internally mercial tenants’ personal assets because folks are concerned about to make sure you have the resourc- and externally.” during the crisis. how we bring businesses back, that es you need,” Doris said. 13 THIS IS queenschamber.org QUEENSBOROUGH

CHAMBER BUSINESSES OF THE WEEK CHAMBER HONORS EFFORTS OF LOCAL BUSINESSES With New York State on pause, including New York City. Learn with COVID19. Louis Armstrong Manila neighborhood of Woodside many Queens businesses have been more at gnyada.com. Stadium, the second-largest stadium formed “Meal to Heal,” which is forced to close their doors, but that on the grounds, has also been delivering free meals doesn’t mean that aren’t still hard Maspeth Federal Savings used be to prepare and distribute to hospitals and health at work serving the borough as it A proud member of the Queens meals for patients, workers and facilities heavily deals with the coronavirus pan- Chamber of Commerce, Maspeth underprivileged school children. staffed by Filipinos, demic. Federal Savings Bank recently Learn more at usta.com. while also raising From restaurants preparing meals launched their COVID-19 Giving funds to help Filipino for hospital and other essential Campaign Boy Scouts of America Greater restaurants struggling because of workers to printers and fabricators to recognize New York Council - Queens the stay-home order. Learn more at shifting their operations to provide local small facebook.com/meal2healnyc. much-needed personal protective businesses equipment, numerous Queens busi- and first responders in the Queens National Grid Foundation nesses have stepped up to aid in and Nassau county area. Learn The National Grid Foundation this time of crisis. more at maspethfederal.com. announced a $10,000 grant to Every week, the Queens Cham- Jamaica Hospital Medical Center ber of Commerce has been high- AT Jiu-Jitsu Queens Boys Scouts serve over that will allow the hospital to cover lighting five businesses who have AT Jiu-Jitsu NYC is a family 11,000 youths across the borough, expenses for medical professionals heeded the call to duty. Here are run business who tries to extend teaching them a variety of life from around the country who just some of them making a differ- that sense of family skills. One of these skills recently volunteered ence in this time of need: to not only their saved a local young man’s life. to help members, but to Learn more at nycscouting.org/ Queens their community as a queens. fight the Waste Management whole. As such, AT COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more Waste Management, the Jiu-Jitsu NYC has Hour Children at nationalgridfoundation.com. continent’s largest environmental opened their online A proud member of the Queens services company, has continued virtual zoom classes Chamber of Commerce, the Hour Greater Queens Chapter of The to provide essential waste and to all adults children and toddlers. Children Community Food Pantry Links, Inc. recycling collection and disposal Learn more at atjiujitsunyc.com. makes fresh The Links, Inc. is one of the services while produce and non- nation’s oldest and largest volunteer protecting its Candy Twisted Balloons perishable foods service organizations of women, team members Balloon artist Candy Brigham, available at no committed since the outset owner of Candy Twisted Balloons cost three days to sustaining of the COVID- in Glendale, is determined to help a week. Prior and ensuring 19 pandemic and response. At the people celebrate special moments to the COVID- the culture company’s Varick Transfer Station, like graduations and birthdays 19 shutdown of and economic groups been working with Queens during quarantine with her businesses and schools, the pantry survival of Together to stage and unload incredible, personalized balloon would typically serve 250 people a African-Americans. The Greater shipments of food that is then creations by prioritizing sanitation week. In the past two months, that Queens Chapter donated $10,000 distributed in the community. and social distance. Learn more at number spiked to over 650. Learn to support the borough’s most candytwistedballoons.com. more at hourchildren.org. vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic. Learn more at GYNADA La Adelita de Woodside greaterqueenslinks.org. Franchise new car auto dealers Maria Iglesias and her daughter in Queens, working through the Cynthia of La Adelita de Woodside Tech Incubator at Greater New York Automobile and Corazón Queens College Dealers Association (GNYADA), De Mexico Tech Incubator at Queens College donated USTA Restaurant Throughout the COVID19 50,000 face The city’s Emergency & Bar have pandemic, masks to Management office coordinated donated TIQC has Queens with the USTA sweet breads continued residents to Billie Jean a day to pantries in Sunnyside to provide keep safe King National and Woodside. Learn more at services to during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tennis Center laadelitanyc.com. government It is part of a donation of half a to transform agencies and nonprofit million masks GNYADA is making indoor courts into supplemental “Meal to Heal” organizations to present daily to the 12 downstate counties, hospital space for patients dealing A group of Filipinos in the Little webinars with the latest information

14 June 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 6

CHAMBER BUSINESSES OF THE WEEK and business resources. Learn more video for free through a partnership The Wave help companies manage various at techincubatorqc.com. with Waymark. The video can The Wave has been the paper employee situations, from new hire be used through social media of the Rockaways selection procedures, orientation, Bel Aire Diner channels, websites, digitally, and since 1893. They absenteeism management, pre- as a TV commercial. If they are launched a Go screening labor pipelining, payroll interested in using the video as a Fund Me called services, and direct TV commercial, they are offering “Fueling the Front hire support And as 20 percent off the purchase of their Line” that provides part of Manpower’s first TV campaign. meals for first ongoing COVID- responders and 19 Webinar series, RDS Same Day Delivery supports local restaurants. Donate members have Chamber member RDS Same at gofundme.com and learn more at direct access to a Day Delivery rockawave.com number of presentations designed delivered 10,000 to offer the most current thinking pounds of BCNA on how to navigate workforce fresh produce BCNA’s mission is to create management. For questions Bel Aire Diner has maintained all from Albany pathways to self-sufficiency regarding Manpower staffing of the charm and nostalgia that first to a church in for immigrant and refugee services, contact Keith Haynes at made it popular 50 years ago. Now Brooklyn to feed entrepreneurs in New York City [email protected] in the time of COVID19, they’re poor seniors who are vulnerable by providing access to affordable bringing back the nostalgic drive- and unable to leave their residences credit, empowering with financial Make Me Over Beauty Bar in movie for residents looking for due to COVID19 concerns. Learn education, and offering training some socially distant entertainment. more at rdsdelivery.com. in best business practices and The first screening was a success technology. To better serve and funds from the evening were Alianza Ecuatoriana entrepreneurs during this difficult used to feed 50 first-responders. Internacional time, the Business Center for Learn more at belairediner.nyc, A community Center for New Americans has launched a immigrants from Corona,AEI variety of services, including new Plaxall has taken the webinars, an emergency loan fund, Besides manufacturing protective initiative to and processing PPP loans. Learn face shields for healthcare workers disinfect some more at nybcna.org. battling COVID-19, Queens of the streets Their storefront may be Chamber member Plaxall Inc. in Queens temporarily closed, but that hasn’t has been active in other ways to most affected stopped the proprietors at Make help the community. The Long by COVID 19. Me Over Beauty Bar from being Island City- They have also their best and most beautiful selves based plastics distributed on Instagram. These savvy small company has food to business owners are doing at home manufactured immigrants who do not have make-up tutorials, sharing upbeat and donated the resources to buy them. For Mojitos messages about how to get through plastic food those who want to request this Mojitos Restaurant & Bar in social isolation and selling some containers to local restaurants service call or text (718) 576-5311. Jackson Heights created “United of their custom goods online. that are providing free meals for Donate to their cause at PayPal.me/ for the Cause of Helping” and Learn more at facebook.com/ hospital workers. They’ve also alianzaecuatoriana turned the makemeoverbeautybar. provided space in their gallery restaurant to aid the grassroots LIC Relief Mateus Restaurant & Bar into a weekly Martha’s Bakery effort, and along with VariDirect A long- distribution Martha’s Bakery is delivering they’re delivering meals to standing center for treats to frontline workers across communities and non-profits in fixture in groceries. Queens, and have donated to need. Learn more at licartists.org. Queens The first hospitals in Flushing, Elmhurst and Village, during week they distributed 82 bags on a across the borough. Learn more at Spectrum Reach the COVID first comes first serve basis and this marthascountrybakery.com. Spectrum Reach is offering 19 pandemic past week they distributed almost the ability for local businesses to they’ve been 100. The restaurant can be reached easily build their own 30-second busy cooking at (917) 586-6900 meals and making deliveries for first responders while continuing Manpower takeout and delivery services. Queens Chamber of Commerce Learn more at mateus-restaurant- member, Manpower provided a list bar.business.site. of employer support services to

15 THIS IS queenschamber.org QUEENSBOROUGH STAY HOME. STAY SAFE. STAY HAPPY. COVID-19 and the shelter-in- place in St. Albans last year. Drum and experimental. She likes to mix is presenting two plays by the Bard place guidelines will continue in circles, arts & crafts, storytelling, atmospheric sounds, electronics, of Avon, “A Midsummer Night’s June. Lucky for lovers of great and a panel discussion are part loops, and vocal textures. jcal.org Dream” and “Henry V,” along with entertainment, Queens will con- of the fun. The main draw is a • June 13, Home/Land, 3 pm. “The Importance of Being Ear- tinue to offer wonderful online art, concert featuring Kaiso maestro Four contributing artists to Lewis nest,” a comedy by Oscar Wilde. concerts, dance, plays, and work- Marva Newton from Trinidad & Latimer House Museum’s exhibi- As part of the fun, cast mem- shops during the month Tobago, poet Ras Mo tion “Home/Land” participate in a bers participate in live-streamed as well. Some programs Moses from Dominica, live discussion and Q&A session. talkbacks and offer master acting are brand new, while rising Reggae croon- “Home/Land” looks at the Fugitive classes. There are 10 shows in others started in May er dBURNZ from Slave Act’s influence on Latimer’s June. titantheatrenyc.com and run into July. Please Jamaica, and Garifuna family and tactics to detain fugi- • The Insiders. The Astoria Per- read the options that musician James Lovell tives and illegal immigrants. lat- forming Arts Center is offering follow. from Belize. braata- imernow.org “The Insiders: Musicals from the • June 1-29, Beat the Blues. productions.org • June 19, Journey to Free- Quarantine” on its YouTube chan- Queens Public Library streams • June 7, Cooking in Quaran- dom: The Underground Railroad nel and website. A collaboration concerts on Monday at 7 pm for tine, 11 am. Alley Pond Environ- and Abolitionists, 2:30 pm. The between 15 writers, five directors, the entire month. Here’s the lineup: mental Center presents Chef Biny, Queens Historical Society honors and 16 actors who couldn’t be in June 1, Hip Hop violinist Shay- who prepares vegetarian Bangla- Juneteenth with a workshop that the same room, the show features shahn MacPherson plays Caribbe- deshi comfort food in her home puts viewers in the shoes of the six original musicals that address an sounds; June 8, vocalist Nedelka kitchen. Viewers get a recipe list Abolitionists who fought slavery. life during the shelter-in-place Sotelo and guitarist Víctor Murillo prior to the virtual class. alleypond. Participants will work together to guidelines. apacnyc.org explore Funk, Reggae, and Folk; org tackle the challenges as they help • Monuments Now. The dates June 15, soprano Jennifer Allen- • June 10, Virtual Jazz Jam, 7 slaves escape to freedom through are yet to be announced, but by and conductor Stephan Fillare pm. Flushing Town Hall’s monthly the Underground Railroad. queen- Socrates Sculpture Park will unveil showcase the female voice via Jazz session goes online with a shistoricalsociety.org “Monuments Now” in three stages, Opera and other genres; June 22, “Songs That Soothe” theme. Musi- starting in June. To be on display MacPherson returns; and June 29, cians improvise together. Don’t ONGOING & UPCOMING for a year, the exhibition will begin bass vocalist Gennadiy Vysotskiy play? Listen. flushingtownhall.org • Titan Shakespeare Festival. with commissioned sculptures by sings opera. queenslibrary.org • June 11, Thursday Night Titan Theatre Company, which is three well-known artists, includ- • June 6, Bankra Caribbean Jazz, 8 pm. The Jamaica Center an artist-in-residence at Queens ing a 2019 MacArthur Foundation Cultural Festival 2020, 4 pm. for Arts & Learning streams Thana Theatre, launched a Shakespeare Genius Grant. More works, chosen Braata Productions streams this Alexa, a Croatian-American vocal- festival in May that runs until June via an open call competition, will annual celebration, which took ist whose sound can be lyrical 13. Completely online, the program pop up later this summer, followed by a piece by local teenagers in the TITAN THEATRE COMPANY fall. socratessculpturepark.org • Queensboro Dance Festi- val. This annual, multi-site dance extravaganza started in May. It’ll run to Oct. 4 online with all perfor- mances at 4 pm. Here’s the sched- ule for the month: June 1, Gotham Dance Theater (Sunnyside); June 5, Anup Das Dance Academy (Astoria); June 8, Noora Dance Theater (Astoria); June 12, Drye/ Marinaro Dance Company (For- est Hills); June 15, Amy Marshall Dance Company (East Elmhurst); June 19, FANIKE! African Dance Troupe (Springfield Gardens); June 22, Urvashie Kissoon (For- est Hills); June 26, RU Dance NY Ballroom Dance School (Flush- ing); and June 29, Elisabetta Minu- toli (Sunnyside). queensborodance- festival.com

The monthly “It’s In Queens” column is produced by the Queens Tourism Council. More info at itsinqueens.com. 16 June 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 6

QUEENSBOROUGH CALENDAR OF EVENTS JUNE 6/26, 9:30 AM illegal and inappropriate. Presented by Joshua REMOTE INTERVIEWING SKILLS Bienstock of NYIT. 6/5, 2 PM IN THE COVID-19 WORLD VIRTUAL CYBERSECURITY FOR SMALL We go over all the ins and outs of prepar- Register at queenschamber.org BUSINESS ing for and shining at the interview. There Join the Queens Chamber of Commerce and will be an emphasis on honing remote inter- the Business Center for New Americans for view skills (since many job interviews will EN ESPANOL an engaging webinar on the importance and in all probability be conducted remotely for best practices in regards to cybersecurity for the foreseeable future). Presented by Joshua 6/11, 2 PM your small business. Bienstock of NYIT. PROGRAM PARA LA VIRTUAL VIRTUAL PROTECCCION DE NOMINA Register at queenschamber.org Register at queenschamber.org Este curso en línea para obtener información sobre el Programa Para La Protección de 6/9, 2 PM JULY Nómina. La fecha límite para aplicar al PPP SMALL BUSINESS NAVIGATION es el 30 de junio de 2020. Presentadores: FOR THE COVID-19: A BRIEFING 7/17, 9:30 AM Juan Gonzalez, Oficial de Préstamos Senior, ON RELIEF AND REMEDIES INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: Business Center for New Americans, y Attorneys, Accountants and Insurance NAVIGATING THE FINE LINE Christiano Soares, Gerente de Cuentas, NYC Professionals will discuss how they have This workshop will help you understand which Business Solutions Bronx Center. advised and serviced their clients during the interview questions are legal and appropriate VIRTUAL midst of the pandemic. and which questions cross the line and are Register at queenschamber.org VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org ‘REBOOT & RESTART’ WORKSHOPS 6/9, 2 PM PPP & EIDL: NEXT STEPS As New York State’s Shelter-In-Place guide- Instagram and Facebook to increase business Learn about what is forgivable and what is lines wind down and the economy reopens, the impact. not forgivable in the PPP loan and the EIDL Queens Economic Development Corporation Speaker: Catherine Ventura is a Social Media grants, tax implications of the loans from an (QEDC) is offering free, interactive webinars Branding and Content Strategist with more than income and an expense perspective, and doc- to assist owners looking to breathe new life into 20 years of experience in visual, written, and umentation needed to get loans forgiven. their businesses. filmed communication. She specializes in help- VIRTUAL “ReBoot & ReStart: Navigating Entrepreneur- ing small businesses, organizations, nonprofits, Register at queenschamber.org ship Post-COVID-19” consists of PowerPoint and individuals focus their social media market- presentations by experts in finance, marketing, ing efforts on reaching the right target audience 6/9, 7 PM and operations, followed by Q&A sessions with with branding and messaging. LOCAL BUSINESS VIDEO CALL audience participation. (Viewers receive follow- • Hospitality Industry: Returning to Work One Join the Queens Chamber of Commerce up documents in some cases.) Step at a Time, June 9, 2 pm. (QCC), Floral Park Bellerose Indian Merchant The experts include an architect, banker, and Webinar: Prior to reopening a restaurant or Association (FBIMA, and the office of doctor, as well as several entrepreneurs, market- hotel, a host of human resource and workplace Councilmember Barry Grodenchik for an ers, and lawyers. legal issues need to be considered. This webi- information session and networking event. QEDC will promote the videos via Instagram nar will review the status of employees post VIRTUAL (@ItsInQueens and @queens_edc) and Twitter shutdown; startup/onboarding issues; wage and Register at queenschamber.org (@ItsInQueens, @QueensEDC). hourly liability; avoiding discrimination law- More episodes are currently in development, suits; accommodating disabilities; and minimiz- 6/17, 10 AM and details will be announced as they unfold. ing legal risks. VIRTUAL NEW MEMBER Scheduled workshops include: Two speakers: Carolyn Richmond co-chairs ORIENTATION • Workplace Hygiene Post COVID-19: Tips the Hospitality Practice Group for Fox Roths- Review your member benefits and business from a Professional, June 5, 2 pm. child LLP. Alex Bogdan is a labor and employ- resources and learn about committees. Webinar: As you reopen a small office you ment attorney with Fox Rothschild LLP. VIRTUAL need to ensure it is safe for employees and • Reopening a Small Office Post COVID-19, Register at queenschamber.org clients by fully understanding what needs to be June 10, 10 am. cleaned and sanitized on an ongoing basis. Webinar: Learn how to formulate strategies as 6/17, 3 PM Speaker: Lyla Mansoor has eight years of small businesses reopen after COVID-19. It will ALTERNATIVE FINANCING experience managing and running daily opera- be essential for business owners to understand SOLUTIONS tions of dental offices. (Dentistry by its very how to retrofit their offices, so they ensure the To educate the business community on non- nature falls into one of the highest exposure risk safety and well-being of employees, customers, traditional financing available to businesses groups.) She will provide a breakdown of work- and suppliers. with these different challenges, Neil Seiden, place hygiene and its importance. Speaker: Ámbar Margarida is a principal at president of Asset Enhancement Solutions, • How Social Media Can Help Reset Your Spacesmith, a New York-based architecture, will share his expertise. Business, June 8, 2 pm. planning, and interior design firm. She is an VIRTUAL Webinar: Learn to identify the right social Register at queenschamber.org platforms to reach target audiences and use CONTINUED ON PAGE 21 17 THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS AIGNER & ELMHURST CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 areas such as our Helping Heal- ers Heal support room, conference, people are so sad.” and break rooms,” Bentley said. Three siblings of the Moore fam- “Sometimes taking two minutes to ily - eleven-year-old Liam, eight- sit down and sip hot coffee while year-old Emma, and three-year-old looking at the adorable rainbows Rian - from Lynbrook participated. and kind words is all it takes to “I want those people to know keep going during these hard times, that they are doing so much for our but really these rainbows are a world right now,” said Liam. palpable reminder that Queens is WHERE Dr. Suzanne Bentley, an attend- supporting us, and that we aren’t ing physician in Emergency Medi- alone.” love cine and medical director of the Helping Healers Heal was estab- YOU Simulation Center at Elmhurst lished in 2017. Hospital, accepted the rainbow “This was before the pandemic as drawings on behalf of the group more and more studies were reveal- Helping Healers Heal, which she ing the toll that healthcare takes on co-leads. its healers, coined ‘second victim “The adorable sentiments and syndrome,’” said Bentley. “This amazingly creative range of rain- support system has never been as bows is inspiring and such a wel- important as during COVID-19, comed distraction,” said Bentley, and now as numbers are declining whose six-year-old son Leo drew most are emerging with signifi- his own rainbow. “The fact that cant grief at what we all just lived children around Queens all came through. together to support us and say “Living through this at the epi- thank you is really so special.” center of the epicenter has been The Elmhurst team is already at unlike anything I ever imagined,” work creating a giant “rainbow of she added. “We are grieving as a rainbows” to display across a large hospital, and these rainbows and live central wall. their bright colors and kind words “We also plan to wallpaper are so uplifting and inspiring.”

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

Luxury Apartments in Jamaica, Queens 166-07 Hillside Avenue Jamaica, NY 11432 718.291.3331 • [email protected] An Elmhurst Hospital staffer with one of the rainbows. (Photo: Jen Curti) June 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 6

QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES 82ND STREET PARTNERSHIP PO Box 751123, Forest Hills, NY 11375 JAMAICA CENTER BID 37-06 82nd Street, Jackson Heights, NY 11372 President: Leslie Brown 161-10 Jamaica Avenue, Suite 419 Executive Director: Leslie Ramos 718.268.6565 Jamaica, NY 11432 718.335.9421 [email protected] Executive Director: Jennifer Furioli 82ndstreet.org [email protected] 718.526.2422 QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $224,000 with QUICK GLANCE: Re-formed in 1995, the group jamaica.nyc more than 200 businesses under its umbrella. has over 225 members. Chamber meetings are @JamCenterBID (Twitter) The district is on 82nd Street from 37th Avenue held on the last Wednesday of the month at 9 @jamcenterbid (Instagram) to Baxter Avenue. The board meets quarterly a.m. at the West Side Tennis Club, 1 Tennis @Jamaica Center BID (Facebook) with the annual meeting in June. Place, in Forest Hills. QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1979, the Jamaica There are free immigration services every Center BID serves over 400 businesses on Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 71-29 Roosevelt GATEWAY JFK Jamaica Avenue between Sutphin Boulevard Avenue. All services are free, confidential and Executive Director: Scott Grimm-Lyon and 169th Street. With a budget of over $1 mil- open to any member of the community. Some of 516.730.3400 lion, the BID’s goal is to promote and maintain the services include DACA, TPS and document [email protected] Downtown Jamaica as a thriving business hub replacement and renewal. Call (212) 652-2071 GatewayJFK.org and an enjoyable destination to shop, work, live with any questions. QUICK GLANCE: Formerly the Greater JFK and visit. Industrial BID and founded in 2016, the group BAYSIDE VILLAGE BID seeks to provide support to the off-airport air 213-33 39th Avenue, Bayside, NY 11361 cargo and services district through supplemen- Executive Director: Christine Siletti tal services and improvements, technical and 718.423.2434 professional services for its members, and advo- [email protected] cacy and administration. QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $218,000 and over 350 members. Founded in 2007, the BID GREATER FLUSHING CHAMBER includes commercial property owners and resi- OF COMMERCE dents on Bell Boulevard between 35th Avenue 39-01 Main Street, Suite 511, Flushing NY 11354 and Northern Boulevard, as well as a block east Executive Director: John Choe and west on 41st Avenue. [email protected] JFK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 646.783.8985 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BAYSIDE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION flushingchamber.nyc P.O. Box 300687, Jamaica, NY 11430 41-16 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, NY 11361 QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 2014 and repre- Executive Director: Clorinda Antonucci President: Ed Probst senting over 200 businesses. President: Al DePhillips Vice President: Judith Limpert Vice President: Joseph Morra 718.229.2277 GREATER JAMAICA [email protected] [email protected] DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION jfkairportchamberofcommerce.org baysideba.com 90-04 161st Street, Jamaica, NY 11432 QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1978, the group Founded in 2007, the BID includes com- President: Hope Knight has over 200 members. The chamber was char- mercial property owners and residents on Bell 718.291.0282 tered in 1978 by a group of business people Boulevard between 35th Avenue and Northern gjdc.org in and around JFK Airport. It is the only air- Boulevard, as well as a block east and west on QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1967, the group port in the nation to have its own Chamber of 41st Avenue. has 75 members. GJDC’s work expands eco- Commerce. nomic opportunity and improves quality of life The chamber seeks to create an environment BUSINESS CENTER FOR NEW for the ethnically and economically diverse res- in which members of the business community AMERICANS (BCNA) idents of Jamaica and for the region at large, can work together to enhance the growth, well 78-27 37 Avenue, Jackson Heights, NY 11372 which benefits from rational, well-planned, and being and economic development of the airport Business Development: Tshering Gurung sustainable metropolitan growth. community and its aviation industry. 347.730.6468 [email protected] GREATER WOODHAVEN LONG ISLAND CITY QUICK GLANCE: Since 1997, BCNA has been DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION - PARTNERSHIP serving New York City entrepreneurs. BCNA WOODHAVEN BID President: Elizabeth Lusskin is an approved Small Business Administration 84-01 Jamaica Avenue, Woodhaven NY 11421 718.786.5300 Intermediary Lender and a certified Community 718.805.0202 longislandcityqueens.com Development Financial Institution (CDFI). [email protected] Founded in 1979, the Long Island City BCNA’s Microloan program is the cornerstone woodhavenbid.com Partnership advocates for economic develop- of its services. They provide small business QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $257,000 with ment that benefits LIC’s industrial, commer- loans and microloans to business owners who more than 350 businesses under its umbrel- cial, cultural and residential sectors. The goal are not able to obtain loans from traditional la on Jamaica Avenue from Dexter Court to is to attract new businesses to the neigh- lenders. 100th Street. They are providing free benches borhood, retain those already here, welcome for store owners along Jamaica Avenue. They new residents and visitors, and promote a FOREST HILLS CHAMBER OF also provide 2.5 and 5 percent home improve- vibrant and authentic mixed-use community. COMMERCE ment loans. The LIC Partnership operates the LIC Business 19 THIS IS queenschamber.org QUEENSBOROUGH QUEENS CHAMBER PARTNERS & AFFILIATES Improvement District and the LIC Industrial MYRTLE AVENUE BID Rockaway Development & Revitalization Business Zone. 62-14 Myrtle Avenue, Ridgewood, NY 11385 Corporation (RDRC) was established to pro- Executive Director: Ted Renz mote the revitalization of the Rockaway’s eco- MASPETH CHAMBER OF 718.366.3806 nomic base and neighborhoods by creating COMMERCE QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $500,000 with long-standing partnerships with city and state P.O. Box 780265, Maspeth, NY 11378 over 300 retail and service businesses under its agencies. President: David Daraio purview. Board meetings are held four times 718.335.1300 a year with the annual meeting in June. The STEINWAY ASTORIA maspethchamberofcommerce.org district includes Myrtle Avenue in Ridgewood PARTNERSHIP BID QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1953, they have between Fresh Pond Road and Wyckoff Avenue. 25-69 38th Street, Suite 1C, Astoria 11103 120 members and a budget of $115,000. Program support is provided by the Ridgewood Executive Director: Marie Torniali LDC. 718.728.7820 MASPETH INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS [email protected] ASSOCIATION (MIBA) QUEENS ECONOMIC steinwaystreet.org BOC: 96-11 40th Road, Corona, NY 11368 DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1991, the BID Coordinator: Quincy Ely-Cate 12-55 Queens Boulevard, Room 309 has over 300 members. The Steinway Street 718.205.3773 Kew Gardens, NY 11424 Business Improvement District encompasses all [email protected] Executive Director: Seth Bornstein 300 business located on Steinway Street from mibanyc.org 718.263.0546 28th Avenue to 35th Avenue. National chain QUICK GLANCE: Covering roughly 600 busi- queensny.org stores such as Victoria’s Secrets, The Gap, nesses with 30 active members, the Maspeth QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $1.5 million and a Benetton, and Express are side by side with Industrial Business Association provides a col- resource for over 2,000 businesses in the bor- local family-owned shops some of them fix- lective voice in advocating the needs and inter- ough of Queens. Register online for upcoming tures on the street for some 50 years. ests of industrial and manufacturing business- virtual events, including: es in Maspeth. They help companies in the SUNNYSIDE CHAMBER OF Maspeth Industrial District in developing work- ROCKAWAY BUSINESS ALLIANCE COMMERCE force, accessing tax credits, obtaining financ- [email protected] PO Box 4399, Sunnyside, NY 11104 ing, navigating government regulations and, in QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $40,000 and a President: Vanessa Ceballos some cases, finding real estate. resource for over 200 businesses. The Rockaway 718.729.4688 Business Alliance was founded in 2012 after sunnyside-chamber.org MIDDLE VILLAGE CHAMBER OF Hurricane Sandy. RBA’s vision is to create QUICK GLANCE: With an annual budget of COMMERCE business corridors that are clean, safe, and wel- $55,000, the chamber is an organization built 79-47 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village, NY coming, with shopping, dining, attractions, and around assisting and helping local business 11379 engagement for the local community and the and professionals by providing resources to President: Salvatore Crifasi visitors drawn to Rockaway’s beaches and open increase business, safety and historical preser- 718.894.8700 spaces. vation throughout the neighborhood. [email protected] QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $8,000 with 35 ROCKAWAY DEVELOPMENT & SUNNYSIDE SHINES businesses under its umbrella. Formed in 1929. REVITALIZATION CORPORATION 45-56 43rd Street, Sunnyside, NY 11104 MVCC meets annually and focuses on the 1920 Mott Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691 Executive Director: Jaime-Faye Beam Metropolitan Avenue shopping district between President: Kevin Alexander 718.606.1800 69 and 80th streets. The mission is to improve 718.327.5300 [email protected] the area and assist local businesses if they have www.rdrc.org sunnysideshines.org any concerns or needs. QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1978, the 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, welcoming and dynamic commercial dis- trict in Sunnyside

SUTPHIN BOULEVARD BID 89-00 Sutphin Boulevard, Suite 204C Jamaica, NY 11435 Executive Director: Glen Greenridge 718.291.2110 [email protected] QUICK GLANCE: The BID was founded in 2004 and represents 134 businesses, 56 prop- erties and 39 property owners along Sutphin Elmhurst Hospital staff pose with rainbows created by children with the help of Aigner Boulevard between Hillside Avenue and 94th Chocolates. Details on Page 10 (Photo: Jen Curti) Avenue. 20 June 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 6

SOME HOPE TEMPORARY REGS BECOME PERMANENT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 the criteria to initiate “Phase Three” of Provisions enacted by the council’s the governor’s reopening protocols, the City proposed legislation would expire on October alongside the curb for dine-in service, and Council urged the De Blasio administration 31, or when social distancing guidelines are there will be a simple process to register and not to hesitate when it comes to reimagining lifted. self-certify online. street space, an initiative it says was not a But Bean is hoping to see many of the Restaurants must ensure seating is priority in the past. recent measures taken to aid of local accessible, bus stops or fire hydrants are not “When it comes to open space and streets restaurants, including caps on third-party blocked, and seating is located away from in general, I personally don’t have the delivery charges and waiving sidewalk cafe intersections. Restaurants must provide their confidence that the mayor is really an outside- fees through 202, will become permanent own vertical barricades, planters, tables, and the-box thinker,” said Councilman Antonio changes going forward. chairs. Reynoso, a co-sponsor on the outdoor dining “I would like to see a lot of what has been Johnson emphasized the need to be creative legislation. “It’s important for us to initiate discussed outside the frame of a state of and adaptive to the city’s unique streetscape, this conversation and impose guidelines.” emergency,” explained the Sunnyside Shines which varies between neighborhoods. He Timing is everything for so many struggling BID executive director, pointing out the deep proposed the use of both public and private restaurants, and a long list of logistical holes in the city’s small business ecosystem spaces, such as adjacent parking lots, as details still needs to be addressed if the City that have been blatantly exposed amid the options for outdoor dining. Council’s bill is passed. pandemic. “We know that a one-size-fits-all solution According to Queens Together co-founders “For me to correct course for a few months won’t work,” he explained, advocating Jaime-Faye Bean and Jonathan Forgash, a and then go back to the normal way,” Bean for a collective approach that incorporates number of food service establishments in continued, “that’s not going to work.” suggestions from local business owners and Sunnyside and Astoria are eager to explore other community leaders. outdoor dining. Concerns remain, however, Manhattan architect David Rockwell is when it comes to division of responsibility NEW MEMBERS working pro-bono with the NYC Hospitality for potentially shared seating areas and the CORPORATE Alliance to provide an adaptable, scalable risk for costly fines that may come with new and affordable template for eateries to use as safety regulations. Nationwide Financial a model for utilizing outdoor space. His firm, “The new world we’re living in should not 89 Clinch Avenue the Rockwell Group, is making these designs include piling on more fees to restaurants at Garden City, NY 11530 available for restaurants with sidewalk a time when they need every penny most to nationwide.com permits through its website. maintain being in the neighborhood,” said Over the past 90 years, focusing on custom- Though the reopening of restaurants and Forgash, a former chef and organizer of the ers and valuing people have helped Nationwide bars would not occur until the city reaches Queens Dinner Club. become one of the largest insurance and finan- cial services companies in the world.

MSN Air Service, Inc. QEDC ONLINE WORKSHOPS 86 Cargo Plaza Road CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 will address the key elements in web design and Cargo Area C provide actionable tips on photos, color, copy- JFK International Airport expert in the design of spaces which contribute writing, and other topics. Jamaica, NY 11430 to employee safety, well-being, satisfaction, and Speaker: Jason Lanza is multi-faceted design- msnairservice.com proper ergonomics. er with more than a decade of cross-platform MSN Air Service is an established airline ser- • Reopening a Retail Store Post COVID-19, experience in motion, web, and graphics. He vice provider based in JFK. The company was June 10, 2 pm. works with large and small clients, ranging from founded in January 2005 by its President and Webinar: Retailers will need to formulate Netflix, Disney, and Nike to local startups and CEO, Mr. Roopnarine (Rudy) Singh and was strategies as they reopen after COVID-19. It nonprofits. created in order to provide superior, cost effec- will be essential for retailers to understand how • Reopening Your Restaurant/Bar/Cafe: A tive and efficient cargo handling services to our to retrofit their offices to ensure the safety and Post COVID-19 Survival Guide for Independent client airlines, meeting or exceeding all airline well-being of employees, customers, and sup- Food Service Operations, June 11, 2 pm. performance measurements and indicators. pliers. Webinar: Targeted for small, independent Speaker: Ámbar Margarida is a principal at restaurant, bar, and café owners in Queens, INTRODUCTORY Spacesmith, a New York-based architecture, this webinar will detail safety, sanitation and planning, and interior design firm. She is an social distancing guidelines for reopening along American Diversity Forum, Inc. expert in the design of spaces which contribute with strategies for small food service operators American Diversity Forum, Inc. to employee safety, well-being, satisfaction, and returning after stay-at-home restrictions are 88 Hearth Lane proper ergonomics. lifted. Westbury, NY 11590 • Think Like a Designer: How to Use Web Speaker: Jay Coldren has more than 25 years Design to Tell Your Brand Story, June 11, 10 of experience in restaurant design, develop- Asset Enhancement Solutions, LLC am. ment, and operations. His experience ranges 405 RXR Plaza Webinar: This webinar is aimed at those from executive positions with Dean & Deluca to Uniondale, NY 11556 who are thinking about giving their website an leadership roles at The Public Hotel in NYC to assetenhancement.com overhaul or building a new one. The instructor co-owning and operating high-end restaurants. 21 THIS IS queenschamber.org QUEENSBOROUGH

QUEENSBOROUGH (ISSN0033-6068 is SENIOR ADVISORY published 12 times a year for $12.50 annual- EXECUTIVE COMMMITEE EXECUTIVE STAFF ly by the Queens Chamber of Commerce of COUNCIL the borough of Queens. 75-20 Astoria Blvd, Thomas Santucci Richard Dzwlewicz Thomas J. Grech Brendan Leavy Suite 140, East Elmhurst NY 11370-1131. Chairperson Associate Treasurer President & CEO Business Development Manager William Blake Gerard Thornton Periodicals postage paid at Flushing NY and Fran Biderman-Gross additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Nash Roe Joanne M. Persad Jacqueline Donado Dominick Ciampa Vincent L. Petraro, Esq. Send address changes to Queens Chamber Associate Secretary Vice Chairperson Chief of Operations Strategic Program Coordinator Joseph Farber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Blvd., Suite Mayra DiRico Jeff Levine 140, East Elmhurst NY 11370-1131. Patrick Yu Alejandra Espejo Jef Gross Louis D. Laurino Treasurer Immediate Past Chair Financial Controller Manager of Committee Joseph M. Mattone, Sr Susan Browning Neil Wagner Development Secretary Business Service Program Manager George Rozansky BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Stephanie Baldwin Sal Crifasi Howard Graf Carl Mattone Juan Santiago Henry Wan Fran Biderman-Gross Steven DeClara Raymond Irrera Patricia Mezeul Thomas Santucci Patrick Yu Joshua E. Bienstock Mayra DiRico Anthony Kammas Maria Odysseus Mark Scheinberg Daniel Zausner Susan Browning Richard Dzwlewicz Kenneth Koenig Jeffrey Owens Caryn Schwab Kenneth J. Buettner Charles Everett, Jr. Neil Levin Stephen Preuss Sher Sparano Charles E. Callahan Joseph R. Ficalora Jeffery E. Levine Nash Roe Michelle Stoddart KY Chow Tamara Gavrielof Bert Lurch Jeffrey Rosenstock Terri Thomson CORPORATE MEMBERS A&E Real Estate Center for Automotive Education and ern New Jersey, Inc. Levine Builders Premier Payroll Solutions A&L Cesspool Services Corp Training Graf & Lewent Architects Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Prime Storage AARP Cerini and Associates, LLP. Greater NY Automobiles Dealers Associa- Parade Association, Inc. Priority 1 Security LLC Adria Hotel and Conference Center Ciampa Organization tion Luxury Office Suites LLC ProHEALTH Care Aeroterm Cipico Construction, Inc. Greenpoint Manufacturing & Design Center Lyons Mortgage Services, Inc. QSIDE Federal Credit Union AFC Urgent Care - Howard Beach Citibank (GMDC) Madison Realty Capital Queens Center Mall Amaracon Testing & Inspections, LLC CityMD Gum Studios Manpower Queens Public Communications Corp. American Lions LLC Clearcell Power Hampton Inn by Hilton JFK Airport McBride Consulting & Business Quontic Bank Amna Construction Corp Conference Associates, Inc Healthy Corner Pharmacy MCT Fine Wine & Spirits, LLC RCG Mortgage AmTrust Title Cord Meyer Development LLC Hilton Garden Inn Long Island City New Medisys Health Network Receivable Collection Services, LLC Andromeda Corporate Development Systems, Inc. York Mega Contracting Group LLC Rego Park Seniors Club LLC Antun’s of Queens Village Courtyard by Marriott Hook & Reel LLC MetroPlus Health Plan Related Retail Corporation Apple Bank for Savings Crescent Properties, Inc Hyatt Place Flushing Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade Rochdale Village Community Center Apple-Metro, Inc. Crown Castle IBIS Styles New York La Guardia Airport MicroGrid Neworks, LLC Royal Waste Services, Inc. ARK Development LLC Crunch - Rochdale (Please correct spelling INDA, Association of Nonwoven Fabric Millennium Dae Dong, Inc. Safeguard Global Ashnu International, Inc. in magazine) Industry Molloy College Safety Facility Services Assured Environments Cushman & Wakefield Innovo Property Group Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens Samaritan Daytop Village Astoria Sports Complex Damian Family Care Centers, Inc. Instacart Mr. T Carting Corp. Santander Bank Atco Properties Accounts Payable Daniels, Norelli, Scully & Cecere P.C. Intercontinental Capital Group Muss Development LLC SBT Advantage Bank Aurora Contractors, Inc. Daroga Power, LLC iRCM, Inc. My Benefit Advisor, LLC Seagis Property Group, LP Avison Young Dedline AV J.W. Hampton Jr. & Co., Inc. NEOLEDGE Signature Bank AYC Properties LLC East Coast Energy Group James F. Capalino & Assoc. Neuman’s Kitchen Sive, Paget & Riesel P.C. Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP Ecosave Inc. Jaros, Baum & Bolles Newtown Creek Skyline Risk Management, Inc. Balkan Sewer And Water Main Service Emigrant Mortgage Company Jason Office Products New York + Atlantic Railway SL Green Realty Corp. Bank of America Merrill Lynch Enterprise Fleet Management JC Elite Construction New York Health Plan Association Solomon Agency Corp. Bank of Hope eXp Realty: Andrew Wu JDP Mechanical New York Oil Heating Association Spring Hill Suites New York Jamaica/JFK Bellozino Exquisite Construction JetBlue Airways Corporation Northwell Health Airport Bethpage Federal Credit Union F & T Group JFA Insurance Brokerage & Associates Inc. NYC Ferry Operated by Hornblower Squad Security Inc. Bijal Hospitality - Hyatt Place LIC & Farrell Fritz, P.C. JGM Construction Development, LLC Olympia Court Real Estate St. Francis Preparatory School Fairfield Marriott LGA First Central Savings Bank Jones Lang LaSalle OneGroup St. John’s Episcopal Hospital Blink Fitness Flushing Council On Culture & The Arts Kasirer Consulting Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and St. John’s University Boyce Technologies Inc. Forest Hills Financial Group Inc. Kaufman Astoria Studios, Inc. Rehabilitation Sterling Risk Bridgehampton National Bank GF55 Partners Kimco Realty Corporation Patrick B. Jenkins & Associates Structural Engineering Technologies, P.C. Broadway Stages Gil-Bar Industries, Inc. Klein Weath Management/ Hightower Patrizia’s Italian Restaurant Suffolk Cactus Holdings Inc Glenwood Infinity LLC (Hello Panda Advisors Petro Sussman-Automatic Corporation Capital One Bank Festival) Laffey Real Estate PGA Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Target Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens Global Industrial Laguardia Plaza Hotel Piermont Bank TC Electric CBRE Goodwill Industries of New York & North- Laser Bounce of Brooklyn Inc. Premier Paint Roller Co LLC TGI Office Automation Thales The Andy Li Team at Compass COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP The Botanist ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ENERGY HOSPITALITY REAL ESTATE The Durst Organization The First National Bank of Long Island Martin Cottingham Michelle Stoddart Marshall Haimson Jim Quent The Flying Locksmiths -Queens NY Avison Young ResortsWorld Casino New York City E-Capital Development Statewide Public Affairs The Heskel Group [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] The Liquidity Source Kevin Louie Jayson Simba Jay Solly The Lovett Group Cushman & Wakefield The Marcal Group Festival of Cinema NYC Sol Strategies MANUFACTURING [email protected] T-Mobile [email protected] [email protected] Lina DeLaCruz Michael Wang TSC Traning Academy, LLC Control Electropolishing Corp. Politan Real Estate Ultrasound Solutions Corp. BANKING & LAW [email protected] [email protected] ENTREPRENEURSHIP & United Airlines Margaret T. Ling, Esq. INNOVATION United American Title Agency Big Apple Abstract Corp. NONPROFIT TECHNOLOGY United Construction & Development Group Bill Staniford [email protected] Larry Grubler Bobby Giurintano Corp Paul Harrison [email protected] Transitional Services of NY TGI Office Automation United Public Adjusters & Appraisers, Inc. Chase Michael Grella [email protected] [email protected] USTA National Tennis Center, Inc. [email protected] Grella Partnership Services Maria Odysseus Fred Canone Valley National Bank [email protected] Investors Bank Telehouse Vanguard Building Solutions, LLC Vassilaros & Sons Coffee COMMUNICATIONS [email protected] [email protected] HEALTHCARE & Vic Kessler Signs LTD Cody Fisher WELLNESS Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP Blue Ox Marketing, LLC TRANSPORTATION Watch Guard 24/7 LLC Susan Browning [email protected] Kris Amato White Coffee Corp Long Island Jewish Forest Hills TD Bank Wisselman, Harounian & Associates, P.C. [email protected] [email protected] YMCA of Greater New York / Queens Bert Lurch William Harris Branches E Central Medical Management Edge Auto Rental York College - CUNY Young Nian Group, LLC [email protected] [email protected] Zara Realty 22 June 2020 • Volume 16 • Issue 6

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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