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MTA BUS NETWORK REDESIGN IMPLEMENTED

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chair and CEO Janno Lieber joined Lisa Sorin, President of The Bronx Chamber of Commerce, NYS and NYS agency representatives, and elected officials on Fordham Road to launch the implementation of the MTA Bus Network Redesign Plan. The implementation announcement is a new collaborative effort to tangibly improve transit service for New Yorkers, with an emphasis on advancing critical projects to make buses faster, more accessible, and integrated with other transportation options. This initiative aims to comprehensively modernize New York City’s bus network and improve bus service in each borough. These projects are a rare opportunity to take a fresh look at the bus network.  The Bus Network Redesign Plan includes:   Joint Effort Will Bring Faster, More Reliable Bus Service, 150 Miles of New and Enhanced Bus Lanes, Busways Over Four Years   Technology Improvements Will Enhance Bus Lane Enforcement and Transit Signal Priority to Speed Up Buses   MTA Commits $200 Million to Expand Countdown Clocks, Upgrade Public Announcement Systems in Over 70 Subway Stations   City, MTA Reaffirm Collaboration on Subway Safety and Quality-of-Life Improvements To learn how this plan impacts the Bronx, please Click HERE. To read the Crain's New York article featuring the Bronx Chamber's response, Click HERE

CHAMBER GOLF OUTING SETS NEW RECORD & RAISING FUNDING FOR ENHANCED CHAMBER OPERATIONS

The annual Bronx Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing gathered Bronx and New York City business owners and leaders of small business agencies for a day of networking on the Links at Ferry Point on Tuesday, June 21. The 2022 outing set records for selling out all foursomes and dinner tickets and also set a new financial record for funds raised in support of Bronx small businesses. The annual event supports the vital operations of The Bronx Chamber of Commerce and allows the organization to continue its mission of being the voice for over 27,000 Bronx businesses. This year the Chamber recognized the significant impact long time business supporter and financial institution Orange Bank and Trust Co. has had on the Bronx and celebrated their entry into the Bronx increasing accessibility and financial lending options for Bronx businesses and residents. Orange Bank is celebrating over 130 years of serving the New York area. The Kelleher Cup, long synonymous with this iconic borough event, was awarded to Stagg Group for their prowess on the green. For photos from the event, Click HERE

BUSINESSES GET A BOOST IN NEW YORK CITY BUDGET

The New York City FY23 budget significantly enhances services for small businesses and central commercial corridors by investing millions into the fabric of our neighborhoods and communities. The New York City Small Business Resource Network (SBRN), Mayor Eric Adams, and New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) announced the extension of SBRN programming through 2023 thanks to a $1.5 million investment from the City of New York and Mayor Eric Adams’ commitment to support small businesses in his Blueprint for New York City’s Economic Recovery. The SBRN is a public-private partnership between the NYCEDC, Partnership for New York City, the five borough chambers of commerce, and the Peter G. Peterson Foundation. "COVID-19 highlighted the urgent need for high-quality and accessible business services in real time, meeting businesses where they are at," said Lisa Sorin, President of The Bronx Chamber of Commerce. "The Small Business Resource Network is just that - providing vital services to the backbone of our economy - businesses that make New York, New York. In sum, we have reached and provided real time services to over 10,000 New York City businesses, ensuring that our City's recovery is equitable and forward thinking. I am grateful to Mayor Eric Adams, the New York City Council, the Peterson Foundation, and the Partnership for New York City, as well as my colleagues across NYC's five Chambers of Commerce for their commitment to this program and this needed investment in the fabric of our local economies." Seventy-six percent of full program businesses are minority- or women-owned. Since its launch in 2020, the SBRN has provided free, one-on-one support to more than 10,000 small businesses, helping them access critical resources to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and meet the needs of the changing economy, including grant and loan applications, marketing assistance, business strategy, and digital tools. Additionally, Mayor Adams included $5.7M to the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) for “BIDs Support and Formation” in the FY23 Adopted Budget. While the full $5.7M is only for FY23, $400,000 is included for FY24-FY26, indicating the laying of foundation for agency-level support of an ongoing program. We understand that some portion of this funding will be used for “back office support”, some portion for BID formation, and the majority for direct grants to smaller BIDs for operational support. This is the first time that a Mayor has made such a direct commitment to supporting BIDs with direct financial aid. For the New York City Schedule C - for Discretionary Funding, Click HERE For the New York City Capital Allocations, Click HERE

CANNABIS FORUM: TRANSFORMING AN INDUSTRY & ECONOMY

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce joined the Office of the Bronx Borough President, NYS Senator Jamaal Bailey, NYS Cannabis Control Board, New York City Department of Small Business Services, Bronx Defenders, and the Bronx Community Foundation for an open forum featuring a panel discussion on the legalization of cannabis and how we can transform this industry to serve as an economic engine for communities that have been historically criminalized and hurt by the war on drugs. The event was live-streamed by BronxNet and moderated by News 12 Reporter Marisa Marcellino. The 90-minute panel discussion covering the legalization of cannabis; retail dispensary operations and compliance; social equity and access; and opportunities for funding and business development, was followed by a question-and-answer session and networking. The forum was an opportunity for the community to ask questions, raise concerns and learn more about the local growth and future development of the cannabis industry.

BRONX CHAMBER DELIVERS TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF PENN STATION REDEVELOPMENT PLAN

The New York State Senate hosted a public hearing this morning on the multi-phase project, formally known as the Pennsylvania Station Area Civic and Land Use Improvement Project. The project stands to create a world-class, commuter-focused transportation facility and includes investment in our city's workforce, job opportunities, and increased regional connectivity - especially in the Bronx, where we are well positioned to harness the power of our healthcare, life sciences, and industrial sectors. The hearing will review the status of the $6 billion project, including its potential financial impact on the city and state. Senators heard testimony from MTA Chair Janno Leiber, along with officials from the Empire State Development Corporation and The Bronx Chamber of Commerce, as well as members of the Manhattan Community Boards 4 and 5. To read The Bronx Chamber of Commerce testimony, Click HERE

SAVE THE DATE - 2022 GALA: CELEBRATING OUR MEMBERS

Thursday September 29 - 6:30PM Marina Del Rey, Bronx NY 2022 Bronx Chamber of Commerce Gala Celebrating Our Members Join us for fun, networking and fundraising at this can't-miss Bronx Chamber Signature Event recognizing the importance of Chamber members and the vital services the Bronx Chamber of Commerce provides to the borough and New York City. Take a look at the 2021 Gala - Click HERE Click HERE for Sponsorship packages, securing your table & dinner ticket details. For more information, email dolores@bronxchamber.org

Upcoming Events

Thursday, July 7 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm LGBTQIA+ Business Reception Ponce Bank, The Bronx Community Foundation, The Bronx Chamber of Commerce, and Third Avenue Business Improvement District in partnership with the Office of the Bronx Borough President will announce a first of its kind LGBTQIA+ business empowerment initiative on Thursday, July 7, 2022 at 6:00pm at Ponce Bank, located at 980 Southern Boulevard in the Bronx.   The initiative seeks to empower LGBTQIA+ businesses and residents while building localized community wealth in the Bronx. Click HERE To Register