Message from Executive Director Thomas Grech
May was an action-packed month at the Queens Chamber! With three major events within three weeks, we have been amping up our agenda to get ready for the summer. Here’s what we’ve been up to…
Queens Day in Albany
On Tuesday, May 9, the Queens Chamber organized a trip to Albany along with the Office of the Borough President, Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, Long Island City Partnership, and the Queens Economic Development Corporation. The point of “Queens Day in Albany” was to invite and gather our Members to see the NYS Assembly and Senate in action and host a reception showcasing various local restaurateurs and food purveyors. Attendees congregated in the Chamber’s parking lot at 7:30 a.m. and boarded buses supplied by Resorts World Casino.
Upon arriving in Albany, our Members met with the entire Queens delegation. Following the meetings, we observed sessions of both the Assembly and Senate, where proclamations were read in support of the borough. The evening culminated with the sights, sounds, and tastes of Queens. Nearly 20 restaurants, breweries, and winemakers showcased their products and services.
We look forward to an even greater event in 2018!
Queens Chamber Business Expo at CitiField
The 2017 Queens Chamber Business Expo was held on Wednesday, May 17, and it was a huge success! With over 1,500 guests, 110 exhibitors, and 14 breakout sessions, we are incredibly thankful and delighted for our highest attendance yet!
The day kicked-off with a Breakfast Panel discussion featuring John Catsimatidis, CEO of Gristedes Foods. Also featured were Susan Browning of Northwell Hospital, Michael Wojnar from the Office of Governor Cuomo, Tom Powell of Boyce Technologies, Ya-Ting Liu of the Friends of the BQX, Plaxall Corporation Managing Director Paula Kirby, Caryn Schwab of Mt. Sinai Queens, and NYC Ferry’s Elana Ehrenberg.
As our exhibitors networked with guests, 14 pro-business seminars were held throughout the day. Thank you so much to all who participated! The day concluded with a raffle including a Major Corporate Membership from the Queens Chamber, a signed ’86 Mets World Series plaque, and many other exciting items.
Restaurant and Hospitality Launch and Networking Reception
We are proud to introduce the launch of our Restaurant and Hospitality Committee. The goal of this group is to increase referrals, borough-wide, in an effort to synergize members of this industry.
The reception was held at Boro Hotel in Long Island City and, wow, what a view! Twenty-five food and beverage vendors participated, ranging from Hispanic to Indian to Craft Beer and Cocktails. We are so grateful to Boro Hotel and everyone who helped make this such an amazing event!
Look for our Annual Cruise on July 18 and our Golf Outing September 28!