Partners & Affiliates: September 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.
The 82nd Street Partnership is hosting its 7th annual food, art and music festival, Viva la Comida! This festival brings together some of NYC’s best street food vendors and local restaurants, which will be showcasing the variety of delicious ethnic foods found in Queens and throughout the city.
The festival also brings a full slate of eclectic live music representing New York, Latin American, Indian and Afro-Caribbean roots, Viva la Comida is a celebration of diversity and culture. This year’s festival will be held on Saturday, September 15, from Noon to 7 p.m. along 82nd Street, between Roosevelt and Baxter avenues.
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.
The Bell Boulevard Sunday Stroll will take place on September 23 from Noon to 5 p.m. between 38th Ave and 41st avenues. There will be live music and dancing on the Main Stage at 40th Avenue, as well as on 41st and 38th avenues Restaurants will be serving food outside and there will also be plenty of family-friendly games and activities
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.
Loans range from $500 to $50,000 with terms up to three years. Loan officers help clients with creating business plan and financial statements, and offer credit counseling to help clients understand, improve and repair credit. They offer workshops on small business management, social media, credit building and home ownership.
• Thinking of starting your own business? The Business Center for New Americans can help make your dreams a reality. Join us for a three-part workshop where you’ll learn everything you need to know, including legal necessities, developing and pricing your product, marketing, developing a business plan, and raising money for your business.
• Part 1: Monday, September 17, from 5 to 9 p.m.: Legal Necessities for Your Business/How to Develop and Price Your Product
• Part 2: Tuesday, September 18, from 5 to 9 p.m.: How to Market Your Product/ How to Develop a Long-Term Business Plan
• Part 3: Wednesday, September 19, from 5 to 9 p.m. :- How to Develop a Long-Term Business Plan/How to Raise Money for Your Business
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.
Fall Shop Forest Hills Street Fair will take place on Sunday, September 16, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Austin Street between 69th and 72nd roads. The event is an open-air market that will include a wine and beer garden, tables with products from chamber merchants, various food options, and a bouncy house. The street fair will be seven blocks long and has attracted tens of thousands of people in the past.
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.
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.
The BID is the proud recipient of a three-year, $300,000 Avenue NYC grant and is currently conducting a Commercial District Needs Assessment (CDNA), which will inform future programing.
Upcoming events include:
• Monday September 10 – Public Art Installation at the Parson’s Public Space in conjunction with Greater Jamaica Development Corporation
• Happy Hour hosted by the Jamaica Center BID at the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning at the end of September (date, location and time still TBD)
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, September 11, from 7:30 to 10 a.m. – JFK Chamber of Commerce and the Port Authority of NY and NJ cordially invite you to join them at the JFK Airport Ball Field to pay respect and remember all those who perished on September 11, 2001. Donations & sponsorships accepted and greatly appreciated. Contact Clorinda Antonucci with any questions at [email protected].
• Wednesday, September 12, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. – JFKCoC Directors General Monthly Meeting- JFK International Airport, Building 14, Conference Room A. Guests are welcome but must RSVP. Light breakfast will be served.
• Monday, September 17 – JFKCoC Golf Outing at Lawrence Yacht and Country Club. Check-in begins at 10 a.m., brunch will be served at 10:30 a.m, and shotgun start at Noon. Lunch on the course, and cocktail hour starts at 5 p.m. and Dinner is at 6 p.m.. No Chamber members will be turned away. Register by September 10. The event will be honoring Phil Jenson.
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 September 12, 5:30- 7:30 p.m.: Fall Networking Night
Join the partnership for its Fall Networking Night at Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge in Long Island City. Connect with your peers in the LIC business community as you enjoy bites and refreshments from local vendors. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the space and participate in a climbing activity.
Please wear or bring comfortable clothes (including socks) if you plan on participating. Shoe rentals are provided for free by Brooklyn Boulders. All attendees will receive a discount voucher from Brooklyn Boulders to use for your next visit. Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge is at 23-10 41st Avenue.
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.
The next chamber meeting is on Tuesday, July 10, at noon at Connolly’s Corner, 71-15 Grand Avenue. The majority of their budget is spent on holiday lights, banners, beautification and festivals, including replacing the street banners on Grand Avenue. There has recently been a push to form a BID on Grand Avenue.
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.
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.
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. There are currently ten stores looking for tenants
Upcoming events include:.
• Sunday, September 23: The Annual Fall Street Festival will take place on Myrtle Avenue from Wyckoff Avenue to 71st Avenue Plaza from noon to 5 p.m. Music from Joe Fuoco’s Music Center will be featured.
• Every Saturday in September the Ridgewood Youth Market will be between Cypress and Myrtle at the Ridgewood Memorial Triangle. On September 8, in addition to the regular market, there will be the Kids Items Free Swap. People are encouraged to bring toys, books, clothes, and school supplies for children. Children can come and swap out their belongings for something new or even take what they want without adding anything to the drive.
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.
Queens StartUp! Orientation: The Queens StartUp! Business Plan Competition assists and awards start-up entrepreneurs with a grant worth up to $10,000 in funding and services to help make their business successful. Information for this program will be offered throughout September at several locations. Please RSVP and attend so you can know how you can win! Here are the different dates this event will be taking place:
• Saturday, September 8, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica.
• Monday September 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Cambria Heights Library, 218-13 Linden Boulevard, Cambria Heights.
• Wednesday, September 12, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Broadway Library, 40-20 Broadway, Long Island City.
• Thursday, September 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Peninsula Community Library, 92-25 Rockaway Beach Blvd., Rockaway Beach.
• Monday, September 17, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Long Island City Library, 37-44 21 Street, Long Island City,.
• September 20, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Flushing Library, International Resource Center (IRC), 41-17 Main Street, Flushing.
On Thursday, September 27, from 10 a.m. to Noon, learn about getting certified as a Minority/Woman Business Enterprise with NYC & NYS, what you will need to do to obtain government contracts, and how you can leverage your certification to get more business. The Entrepreneur Space, 36-46 37th Street, Long Island City.
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.
The Shop Small Summer Market will be held Saturday, September 29, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the B109 ferry landing adjacent to Jamaica Bay.
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.
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.
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. Upcoming events include:
• Monday, September 3, 4 to 7 p.m. – Beats in Bliss Plaza: Join us for dazzling performances from the dancers of the Woodside Ballet. The Woodside Ballet is a local dance school for people of all ages interested in learning ballet, modern, Salsa, hip-hop and more. Located at Bliss Plaza at 46th street under the 7 train.
• Tuesday, September 11, 4 to 7:00 p.m. – Beats in Bliss Plaza with the Queens Opera Theatre: Founded by Brian Gill and Andy Anderson, the duo has had extensive experience working in musical theatre production across the United States. Located at Bliss Plaza at 46th street under the 7 train.
• Tuesday, September 18, 4 to 7 p.m. – Beats in Bliss Plaza: Join us for live Irish music and dance with the McManus Irish Dancers. Our giant games and craft activities add to the fun for all. Located at Bliss Plaza at 46th street under the 7 train.
•Tuesday, September 25, 4 to 7 p.m. – Beats in Bliss Plaza with Thalia Spanish Theater: For the grand finale of Beats in Bliss Plaza, we have invited Thalia Spanish Theatre to perform their popular Variety Show. The show will give the audience a taste of their upcoming fall season offering, Queens of the Night (“Reinas de la Noche”). Located at Bliss Plaza at 46th street under the 7 train