The Climate in Queens in Transformative

BY THOMAS GRECH

Last month, the Queens Chamber of Commerce hosted our Annual Business Expo and welcomed nearly 2,000 to Citi Field. Throughout the day, one word stuck in my mind: transformative. 

That is indeed how I view what’s happening with the development taking place across the borough. 

One of the panel discussions during the Expo was “Taking Off: LGA and JFK Opportunities.” It was standing-room only as our five panelists discussed business opportunities that exist for MWBEs and other businesses at both our airports, which are undergoing significant transformations. 

One of the recently completed projects is the new TWA Hotel, which held a grand opening on May 15. I was honored to be among those invited to the celebration.

This marks the beginning of a great new era for the hotel, and it will make JFK Airport more than a place for people to enter and exit Queens, but a destination in its own right for travelers coming in and out of New York City. 

The best part is that it’s right here in Queens. 

Transformative is how I envision what’s taking place in Queens with $30 billion in redevelopment projects across the borough, which means opportunities exist for every business, regardless of size. 

Here at the Queens Chamber of Commerce, we’re poised to be a part of that transformation as we continually advocate, educate, and promote our Chamber members.

I’ve said it before and I’ll continue to say it: I have the greatest job in New York City as the leader of an organization that makes a difference every day in the most diverse place in the world. 

This month we host our Queens Chamber Foundation Annual Golf Outing and Dinner. Join us as we honor Richard Dzwlewicz of TD Bank and Stephen Preuss of Cushman & Wakefield.

Other events on our calendar as we move towards summer include an Introduction to Business Credit workshop and a Chocolates, Cheese & Wine Networking event hosted by Aigner Chocolates.

We close out the month with a bang – literally – as we sponsor for the first time the Annual Independence Day Celebration at Fort Totten  under the direction of Councilman Paul Vallone.

As summer approaches, the staff at the Queens Chamber will be diligently working to bring you events that will offer opportunities to promote and grow your business. Please visit our website at queenschamber.org for event details and to register. 

Thank you for your ongoing support of the Queens Chamber of Commerce.