United as One Queens

On March 19, hundreds of Queens Chamber of Commerce members representing every facet of the Queens business community boarded buses, drove themselves, took the train and made their way to our State Capitol to celebrate the 3rd Annual Queens Day in Albany.

Watching our local Queens community interacting with our elected officials and expressing their concerns on matters effecting their businesses was priceless.

It was a full day packed with group meetings with 23 of our elected officials from the Assembly and State Senate, floor introductions in both chambers, and the witnessing of the passing of several important bills.

We also enjoyed a lunch at Cornerstone with remarks by assemblymen Clyde Vanel and David Weprin. One of many highlights was the gathering for our group photo on the “Million Dollar” staircase in the Capitol.

The day drew to an exciting close as we celebrated with elected officials from throughout the entire state at a reception with food direct from Queens. Over 50 food purveyors, wineries, and distilleries treated us to a wide range of their finest offerings.

Borough President Melinda Katz provided remarks, as did numerous other New York State elected officials who were proud to see Queens represented at the Capitol. These included Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.

Queens Day in Albany holds a special place in my heart because it’s people connecting with people to bring about change in their businesses, communities and the borough itself that we all know and love.

I’m proud to serve as president and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce in the most ethnically diverse borough in our great city.
I share the events of our day in Albany with hopes of inspiring those who have never experienced it. This is the highest level of engagement you will have as a Queens Chamber of Commerce member.

I get inspired every time we make this trip, walking those historic halls where the future of Queens and our state rest in the hands of the ones we entrust to be our voice.

This day could not be possible without the efforts of many. Our elected officials, Queens food purveyors, Borough President Melinda Katz and her amazing staff, who volunteered throughout the day, our wonderful Queens Chamber members who made the trip and, of course, the small but mighty staff at the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

Thanks to everyone of you, and all who made this day one for the record books.

Throughout Queens Day in Albany, I proudly wore my “NY Loves Amazon” button in support of the non-stop effort to recapture 25,000 jobs that would greatly impact Queens. I plan to fight the good fight to bring back Amazon to Queens.

The efforts the Queens Chamber and the other chambers in the City of New York go through to keep and retain jobs would astound you. We are going to use the same grassroots effort that drove Amazon out to bring them back.
We are also taking this effort to businesses and government officials at the “grasstop” level as well. Stay tuned.

I’ve said it numerous times: the Queens Chamber is about participation and involvement. As members, it’s truly important that you take advantage of every opportunity afforded for your business to grow and thrive.

Queens Day in Albany is a perfect example of how engagement directly impacts your business. There’s no better time than now to get actively involved with Queens Chamber.

We have events planned that will impact your business and provide a return on your membership investment. Visit our newly relaunched website at queenschamber.org for details.

Contact me by phone or email to begin making a difference in your business and community. We are always available to assist with your needs. Your membership is greatly appreciated!