It’s a Wonderful Life

BY THOMAS GRECH

PRESIDENT & CEO

As I glance at my calendar, I can hardly fathom it is December already. In a year that has been one for the record books, we can breathe a sigh of relief that 2020 will soon be the past.

The holiday season brings with it the things we treasure most. Time spent with our loved ones, bringing joy to others, and one of my favorites, the classic movies.

Reflecting back over the past 11 months, we’ve no doubt endured our share of challenges with this pandemic. However, the Queens Chamber has continued to work diligently on behalf of both our members and non-members alike.

On March 11, we hosted what became our final in-person event of the year, the annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon at Antun’s of Queens Village. That afternoon, we were joined by NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea and our special honoree Dan “Dee” Tubridy of the Bungalow Bar.

Sadly, less than a week later businesses closed for what became a 90-day lockdown to combat the relentless pandemic known as COVID-19. Naturally, we didn’t let that stop us here at the Queens Chamber.

Immediately, our staff begin doing outreach to our members to check in and let everyone know we were there to help. During those months of lockdown, we hosted a COVID-19 town hall designed to help businesses more forward, launched our weekly Facebook LIVE broadcast with business leaders and elected officials from the community making a difference during difficult times, and highlighted five businesses each week who were doing what they do best: supporting their community.

We also provided access to PPE for local businesses to aid in keeping our community healthy, which is an ongoing process. My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones this year, and the Chamber takes pause and reflection to honor the outstanding members we’ve lost this year as well.

I’m beyond thankful for the opportunity to serve this amazingly diverse community we call home. At the end of the day, it really is a wonderful life. Here’s wishing you and yours all the best this holiday season. Thank you for your continued support of Queens Chamber.

Remember, we are United and Queens Strong!