Partners & Affiliates: October News & Happenings
82nd Street Partnership
37-06 82nd Street, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Executive Director: Leslie Ramos
718.335.9421
82ndstreet.org
QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $224,000 with more than 200 businesses under its umbrella. The district is on 82nd Street from 37th Avenue to Baxter Avenue. The board meets quarterly with the annual meeting in June.
• New Skills-New Jobs: Employee Training Grants are available every day until Saturday, October 13, beginning at 9 a.m. (by appointment only). Training grants managed and funded by the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) aim to provide eligible employers access to funding to help offset a portion of wages for eligible new hires. To learn more, contact Shin Otake at [email protected] or call (718) 570-8533.
There are free immigration services every Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 71-29 Roosevelt Avenue. All services are free, confidential and open to any member of the community. Some of the services include DACA, TPS and document replacement and renewal. Call (212) 652-2071 with any questions.
Bayside Village BID
213-33 39th Avenue, Bayside, NY 11361
Executive Director: Christine Siletti
718.423.2434
[email protected]
QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $218,000 and over 350 members.
Founded in 2007, the BID includes commercial property owners and residents on Bell Boulevard between 35th Avenue and Northern Boulevard, as well as a block east and west on 41st Avenue.
On Sunday, October 28, from noon to 4 p.m. the BID will host a Halloween Family Event. Come enjoy arts and crafts, local vendors, and an eight-foot spirograph, among other family activities. It will take place on 41st Avenue at Bell Boulevard.
There will also be a Holiday Parade on December 2. Any community group that wishes to march should contact the BID office at [email protected] or contact Councilman Paul Vallone’s Office.
Business Center for New Americans (BCNA)
78-27 37 Avenue, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Business Development: Tshering Gurung
347.730.6468
[email protected]
QUICK GLANCE: Since 1997, BCNA has been serving New York City entrepreneurs.
BCNA is an approved Small Business Administration Intermediary Lender and a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). BCNA’s Microloan program is the cornerstone of its services. They provide small business loans and microloans to business owners who are not able to obtain loans from traditional lenders.
Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 751123, Forest Hills, NY 11375
President: Leslie Brown
718.268.6565
[email protected]
[email protected]
QUICK GLANCE: Re-formed in 1995, the group has over 225 members.
Chamber meetings are held on the last Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m. at the West Side Tennis Club, 1 Tennis Place, in Forest Hills.
Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce
39-01 Main Street, Suite 511, Flushing NY 11354
Executive Director: John Choe
[email protected]
646.783.8985
flushingchamber.nyc
QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 2014 and representing over 200 businesses.
Litter in the area is rampant, and the chamber is making it a priority. The chamber is partnering with the city for locations for up to 50 new garbage cans in Downtown Flushing.
On Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Chamber-organized Greenmarket returns to Maple Playground at 136-50 Maple Avenue.
Upcoming events include:
• State of Queens Real Estate – Thursday, October 4, at 6 p.m. – Royal Queen, 136-20 Roosevelt Avenue, Flushing
• Flushing Chamber Golf Tournament – Saturday, October 6, at Noon – Harbor Links Golf Course, 1 West Fairway Drive, Port Washington
• October Happy Hour Networking Event – Thursday, October 11,at 6 p.m. – Leaf Bar & Lounge, 133-42 39th Avenue, Flushing
• Gala Celebration: Banking on Flushing – Thursday, October 25, at 6 p.m. – Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel, 135-20 39th Avenue, Flushing
Greater Jamaica Development Corporation
90-04 161st Street, Jamaica, NY 11432
President: Hope Knight
718.291.0282
gjdc.org
QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1967, the group has 75 members.
GJDC’s work expands economic opportunity and improves quality of life for the ethnically and economically diverse residents of Jamaica and for the region at large, which benefits from rational, well-planned, and sustainable metropolitan growth.
Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation – Woodhaven BID
84-01 Jamaica Avenue, Woodhaven NY 11421
718.805.0202
[email protected]
woodhavenbid.com
QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $257,000 with more than 350 businesses under its umbrella.
On Jamaica Avenue from Dexter Court to 100th Street, the BID features six supermarkets. They are providing free benches for store owners along Jamaica Avenue. They also provide 2.5 and 5 percent home improvement loans. The BID is planning for its annual street fair on Jamaica Avenue, which this year takes place on September 30.
Jamaica Center BID
161-10 Jamaica Avenue, Suite 419
Jamaica, NY 11432
718.526.2422
jamaica.nyc
@JamaicaAvenue
QUICK GLANCE: Budget of over $1 million.
Founded in 1979, the Jamaica Center BID serves over 500 businesses on Jamaica Avenue between Sutphin Boulevard and 169th Street. The BID’s goal is to promote and maintain Downtown Jamaica as a thriving business hub and an enjoyable destination to shop, work, live and visit.
The BID’s sanitation team is out on Jamaica Avenue 360 days a year. The BID offers marketing and promotion for the district, including a value card program, banner and rubbish bin sponsorship opportunities, and supports business owners in opening or expanding their operations.
On Thursday, October 4, from 3 to 4 p.m. there will be Round Table Discussion for small businesses in the district to discuss the proposal for commercial waste zoning being proposed by the Department of Sanitation. For location information and to RSVP, call (718) 526-2422
JFK International Airport Chamber of Commerce
616 Duke Street, Westbury, NY 11590
Executive Director: Mercedes Altman
516.492.0513
jfkairportchamberofcommerce.org
QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1978, the group has over 200 members.
JFK Airport is the only airport in the country to have its own chamber of commerce wholly dedicated to the airport business community, which employs 35,000 people. The airport handles more than 50 million passengers a year, using almost a half-million square feet of warehouse space to handle more than a million tons of air freight cargo a year.
Upcoming events include:
• Tuesday, October 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. – JFK Rotary Club Dinner. $35.00 per person plus cash bar. Crowne Plaza JFK, 138-10 135th Avenue, Jamaica.
• Thursday, October 4 at Noon – 22nd Annual Italian Heritage Day Luncheon. Honorees will be Joseph V. Clabby, President JFK Chamber of Commerce, Debbie Carriero, Branch Chief Office of Trade Washington DC, and Patrick Orender, Assistant Port Director Tactical/ Trade Dulles International Airport. Russo’s on the Bay, 162-45 Cross Bay Boulevard, Howard Beach
• Wednesday, October 10, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. – JFK Chamber of Commerce Directors General Monthly Meeting, JFK International Airport, Building 14 Conference Room A. Guests are welcome but must RSVP. Light breakfast will be served.
• Wednesday, October 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. – JFK Chamber of Commerce Luncheon. Speaker will be the prestigious Joanna Geraghty, President & COO of JetBlue. Russo’s on the Bay, 162-45 Cross Bay Boulevard, Howard Beach
• Thursday, October 25 at 11:30 a.m. – Our Lady of the Skies Annual Man & Woman of the Year Luncheon. Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City.
Long Island City Partnership
President: Elizabeth Lusskin
718.786.5300
longislandcityqueens.com
Founded in 1979, the Long Island City Partnership advocates for economic development that benefits LIC’s industrial, commercial, cultural and residential sectors. The goal is to attract new businesses to the neighborhood, retain those already here, welcome new residents and visitors, and promote a vibrant and authentic mixed-use community. The LIC Partnership operates the LIC Business Improvement District and the LIC Industrial Business Zone.
• Wednesday, October 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. – LIC BID Annual Meeting & Reception. Join the partnership as they report on accomplishments, discuss plans for the future, review financials, elect directors of the board, and present awards. Stay after the Annual Meeting for light drinks and bites with your neighbors and community leaders. WeWork Queens Plaza, 27-01 Queens Plaza North, Long Island City.
• Thursday, October 18, from 8 to 10 a.m. – LICP Business Breakfast on Financing and New Federal Tax Law Updates. An informative panel discussion to learn how these new limitations proposed by The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) can affect your existing and new debt, as well as strategies on maximizing benefits on your own tax return. Long Island City Conference Center, Conference Room D, 27-01 Queens Plaza North, Long Island City.
Maspeth Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 780265, Maspeth, NY 11378
President: David Daraio
718.335.1300
maspethchamberofcommerce.org
QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1953, they have 120 members and a budget of $115,000.
Upcoming Events include:
• Sunday, October 7 – Maspeth Street Festival on Grand Avenue
• Tuesday, October 9 at Noon – Maspeth Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting at Connolly’s Corner at 71-15 Grand Avenue.
• Wednesday, October 31 at 7 p.m. – Maspeth Lions Halloween Ragamuffin Parade
Maspeth Industrial Business Association (MIBA)
BOC: 96-11 40th Road, Corona, NY 11368
Coordinator: Quincy Ely-Cate
718.205.3773
[email protected]
mibanyc.org
QUICK GLANCE: Roughly 600 businesses with 30 active members.
The Maspeth Industrial Business Association, a project of the Business Outreach Center Network, provides a collective voice in advocating the needs and interests of industrial and manufacturing businesses in Maspeth. They help companies in the Maspeth Industrial District in developing workforce, accessing tax credits, obtaining financing, navigating government regulations and, in some cases, finding real estate.
On Tuesday, October 9, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., MIBA will be hosting a Financing Your Business Workshop in English, and then again from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in Spanish at 96-11 40th Road.
Middle Village Chamber of Commerce
79-47 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village, NY 11379
President: Salvatore Crifasi
718.894.8700
[email protected]
QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $8,000 with 35 businesses under its umbrella.
Formed in 1929. MVCC meets annually and focuses on the Metropolitan Avenue shopping district between 69 and 80th streets. Annual membership fee is $150, and they are looking to gain momentum through attracting new members. The mission is to improve the area and assist local businesses if they have any concerns or needs.
The Middle Village Property Owners Association will hold its monthly meeting on October 15, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Margaret’s Parish Hall, 66-10 80th Street.
Myrtle Avenue BID
62-14 Myrtle Avenue, Ridgewood, NY 11385
Executive Director: Ted Renz
718.366.3806
QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $500,000 with over 300 retail and service businesses under its purview.
Board meetings are held four times a year with the annual meeting in June. The district includes Myrtle Avenue in Ridgewood between Fresh Pond Road and Wyckoff Avenue. Program support is provided by the Ridgewood LDC.
One of the longest running BIDs is also one of the more innovative in its approach to helping maintain an active business corridor by helping landlords rent vacant properties. The website ridgewood-ny.com shows properties that are currently for rent in the district.
Upcoming events include:.
• Saturday, October 13, from Noon to 5 p.m. – Ridgewood Seneca Catalpa Avenue stroll as part of the Department of Transportation’s weekend walk program.
• Friday, October 5, to Monday, October 8 – Columbus Day sidewalk sale days on Myrtle Ave.
Queens Economic Development Corporation
12-55 Queens Boulevard, Room 309
Kew Gardens, NY 11424
Executive Director: Seth Bornstein
718.263.0546
queensny.org
QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $1.5 million and a resource for over 2,000 businesses in the borough of Queens.
Funded by Department of Small Business Services, they strive to create and retain jobs via programs that grow neighborhoods and assist small businesses. QEDC assists by providing one-on-one consultations, hosting workshops, operating training courses and networking events.
On Thursday, October 25, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., QEDC’s award-winning Women’s Business Center will host the next Women’s Power Networking Breakfast at The Local NYC, a top-notch hostel in Long Island City. Katie Fiore, Head of Conversion Optimization at SYZYGY, a global digital agency based in Germany, will present a lecture entitled “Business in a Nutshell: Tools to Help You Launch Your Business.”
Rockaway Business Alliance
[email protected]
QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $40,000 and a resource for over 200 businesses.
The Rockaway Business Alliance was founded in 2012 after Hurricane Sandy. RBA’s vision is to create business corridors that are clean, safe, and welcoming, with shopping, dining, attractions, and engagement for the local community and the visitors drawn to Rockaway’s beaches and open spaces. RBA seeks to create and curate an inviting atmosphere for all to enjoy year round.
Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation
1920 Mott Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691
President: Kevin Alexander
718.327.5300
rdrc.org
QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1978, the group has 30 members.
Founded in 1978, the Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation (RDRC) was established to promote the revitalization of the Rockaway’s economic base and neighborhoods by creating long-standing partnerships with city and state agencies. RDRC is governed by a twelve-member board of directors and a five-member merchant advisory board.
RDRC’s current city and state collaborations include the Downtown Far Rockaway Storefront Improvement Program, The Downtown Far Rockaway Public Wi-Fi Project, The Rockaway East Workforce Development Program and most recently, the planned $288,000,000 Downtown Far Rockaway Redevelopment Project.
With over 250 businesses and 61,000 or 53 percent of the Rockaway’s entire population living within 2 miles of downtown Far Rockaway, one of RDRC’s goals is to reduce the over $91 million in market leakage to neighboring downtown shopping districts.
To address this challenge, in 2014 RDRC rejuvenated the Rockaway East Merchants Association (REMA). Today with RDRC as its administrator, REMA membership now includes 40-plus local businesses with an active calendar of events that includes an annual merchant’s fair, talent show, fashion event, holiday tree lighting and live concerts.
REMA membership meetings are held on the fourth Monday of the month at 1 p.m. at RDRC, located at 1920 Mott Avenue in Far Rockaway.
On Friday, October 12, from 6 to 9 p.m., RDRC will host a Business Card Exchange at DredSurfer Grill on the boardwalk at Beach 17th Street.
Steinway Street BID
25-69 38th Street, Suite 1C, Astoria 11103
Executive Director: Marie Torniali
718.728.7820
[email protected]
steinwaystreet.org
QUICK GLANCE: Founded in 1991, the BID has over 300 members.
Board meetings are held seven times a year. The BID’s vision is to make Steinway Street user friendly, while highlighting the local businesses on the street and bringing together the Astoria community in a positive way.
The BID works to improve sanitation, marketing, security, holiday lighting, beautification and Internet access along this famous street in Queens.
On Sunday, October 21, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., the BID will host the 3rd Annual “Batty Over Halloween” celebration. The celebration includes a photo scavenger hunt, pumpkin painting and decorating, balloon twisting, face painting, and more. It will take place at The Great Lawn at Astoria Park.
Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 4399, Sunnyside, NY 11104
President: Patricia Dorfman
718.729.4688
sunnyside-chamber.org
QUICK GLANCE: Annual budget of $55,000.
The chamber is an organization built around assisting and helping local business and professionals by providing resources to increase business, safety and historical preservation.
Sunnyside Shines
45-56 43rd Street, Sunnyside, NY 11104
Executive Director: Jaime-Faye Beam
718.606.1800
[email protected]
sunnysideshines.org
QUICK GLANCE: Budget of $480,000 with more than 250 businesses under its umbrella.
The BID is still looking for sponsors for Sunnyside Street Banners along Queens Boulevard and Greenpoint Avenue. There are still a number of locations still available, call the office for more info. Companies that are not located in Sunnyside are invited to participate as well. Sponsorships start at $350 and last for one year.