Manufacturing an Important Part of Queens Economy

Fifteen percent of all private-sector jobs in New York City are in the manufacturing sector, according to the NYC Economic Development Corporation.

In early 2006, the Bloomberg administration created 16 Industrial Business Zones (IBZs) to help combat this problem. To bolster industrial sector growth, manufacturers were given tax credits for relocating to specific IBZs; in Queens, namely, Jamaica/JFK, Long Island City, Maspeth, Ridgewood, Sunnyside, and Woodside.

Then, in November of 2015, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a ten-point plan to strengthen and preserve the industrial and manufacturing sectors that are important sources of jobs for New Yorkers of all backgrounds and skill levels.

The de Blasio plan represents an expansion of policy, and acts as a means to propel the sector into the next era of global innovation and commerce. Further, the plan includes more than $200 million in investment to spur development of new industrial space across the five boroughs and help industrial and manufacturing firms start, grow, and thrive in New York City.

Shifting the focus to our borough of Queens, according to the state Department of Labor there are now approximately 1,300 manufacturing businesses in Queens.

The Queens Chamber, through its Manufacturing Committee, is working to act as the hub and central resource for our local manufacturers. By connecting the dots for our manufacturers, these businesses will be able to cross-pollinate and open new opportunities for one another.

The industrial sector remains a cornerstone of the New York City economy and continues to be a crucial source of decent-paying jobs. The city and state must do all it can to retain these jobs, which are the lifeblood for many of our chamber members.

We will continue to advocate for the interests of our local manufacturers as well as finding them ways to grow their operations.

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