Saturday, August 6, 2022

Governor Hochul, Amtrak and New York State Department of Transportation Announce Continued Direct Train Service to Great New York State Fair

 The Midway at the Great New York State Fair

Travelers and Visitors Can Experience a Safe, Convenient, Cost-Effective, and Comfortable Way to Travel

 Governor Kathy Hochul, in conjunction with Amtrak and New York State Department of Transportation, today announced the resumption of direct train service this summer to and from the Empire State's largest annual event - the Great New York State Fair. As part of their 20-year partnership, Amtrak customers and Fair visitors can combine the benefits of traveling sustainably and experiencing the best in New York State entertainment and agriculture with fun games, delicious food and one-of-a-kind exhibits. Tickets are available now at Amtrak.com, via the Amtrak mobile app, at station ticket counters or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL for travel between Wednesday, August 24 and Monday, September 5. 

"Visiting the Great New York State Fair is a must-do summer activity, and we are thrilled that Amtrak will continue to make it an accessible destination," Governor Hochul said. "Taking the train allows fair goers to save on gas and other expenses while ensuring a safe, direct ride there. Thank you to our partners at Amtrak for working with us to bring joy to so many New Yorkers and visitors, alike." 

By taking the train, Fair visitors will skip tolls, traffic, and parking fees, and save on gas by arriving steps from the fairgrounds via select Empire Service (Trains 281, 283, and 284) and Maple Leaf (Trains 63 and 64) trains, which will make daily stops at the State Fair (in between stops at Rochester and Syracuse stations), adjacent to the Fairgrounds. The Amtrak station code for the New York State Fair is NYF. Customers can also spend less on their trip with Amtrak's See NY and Save discount when booking online at least five days in advance of travel or via everyday discounts for kids, seniors, military groups and more. Customers will enjoy free Wi-Fi, Business Class seats, the freedom to use phones and electronic devices at all times (no "airplane mode"), a café car, ample leg room and large spacious seats.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "The Great New York State Fair is a one-of-a-kind destination for more than a million visitors every year. The State Department of Transportation continues to invest in passenger rail because it is safe, reliable and hassle-free. As the economy continues to rebound from the pandemic, making connections to the important destinations across the Empire State is vital. The Fair is the premier destination for entertainment, food and entertainment anywhere in upstate New York and I encourage New Yorkers to take advantage of this service - which drops passengers right off at the fairgrounds - later this month."

State Fair Interim Director Sean Hennessey said, "Our partnership with Amtrak grants New Yorkers a fun opportunity to ride to and from the Great New York State Fair in style, air conditioning, and comfort. The Amtrak service is one of the best kept secrets - or hidden gems - when it comes to transportation to the Fairgrounds. We encourage neighbors from New York City, Niagara Falls, Albany, and Amtrak destinations in between to come experience the food, fun, farming and family activities that the Fair offers!"

Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said, "We are proud to continue our yearly tradition of partnering with NYSDOT to provide New Yorkers with the opportunity totravel to the Great New York State Fair via Amtrak. Whether you're coming from New York City, Niagara Falls or anywhere in between, riding the train will add to your Fair experience in a fun, sustainable and relaxing way."

Westbound daily trains originating in New York City at approximately 7:16 a.m., 10:21 a.m. and 1:21 p.m. will stop daily at the Fair at around 1:05 p.m. (Train 63), 4:12 p.m. (Train 281) and 7:01 p.m. (Train 283) respectively. Eastbound trains originating from Niagara Falls, NY at approximately 6:21 a.m. and 12:07 p.m. will stop at the Fair around 9:20 a.m. (Train 284) and 3:03 p.m. (Train 64) respectively, before continuing en route to Albany and New York City.

Amtrak has been offering train service to the New York State Fair since 2002. The Great New York State Fair, operated by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, is hosted at a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year.

The 2022 Fair begins Wednesday, August 24, and continues through Monday, September 5.

Statement from Comptroller Brad Lander on Education Budget Changes

 

“The cuts to school budgets and ensuing uncertainty have created so much anxiety for schools, parents, and the city. The fastest way to fill the gaps facing principals is to use federal stimulus funds set aside for education. The City has the funds to fill the $469 million Fair Student Funding cut to 77 percent of schools, helping to restore them to their FY22 funding levels.

“With the first day of school rapidly approaching, it’s essential to bring clarity to classroom funding so our educators can focus on getting ready for students this fall.”


The Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Bronx Business News You Can Use

 

Upcoming Events, Legislative News, Grant Opportunities, & More

(Friday) Extra, Extra
  • Jerome and Burnside Avenue Strategy Walk Through with NYC SBS Commissioner Kevin Kim and the New York City Councilmember
  • Chamber Team and National Night Out
  • New York City's Investment in Bronx Cultural Institutions

  • Regulations & Legislative News
  • Redistricting Commission Hearing Dates & Locations announced
  • Primary Elections
  • Reminder: NYC Speed Cameras are now 24/7/365

  • Upcoming Events
  • Member Spotlight
  • Woodlawn Conservancy,  Bridge to Crafts Careers Landscape Restoration Program
CHAMBER JOINS NYC SMALL BUSINESS SERVICES COMMISSIONER &
NYC COUNCIL FOR JEROME & BURNSIDE AVENUE TOURS
The Bronx Chamber of Commerce team led by Chamber President Lisa Sorin and Small Business Resource Network Supervisor Darry Saldana hosted a tour of Jerome and Burnside Avenues commercial districts with Councilmember Althea Stevens. Joined by NYC Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin Kim and NYC Council Small Business Services Chair Julie Menin, the afternoon focused on the needs and opportunities of this historic area that recently underwent rezoning under the Jerome Avenue Rezoning Plan.

The Jerome Avenue Neighborhood Planning Study aims to take a broad, comprehensive look at current and future community needs to identify a wide range of strategies and investments, including key land use and zoning changes, to support Jerome Avenue’s growth and vitality. This study looks at the two-mile stretch of Jerome Avenue, as well as the surrounding neighborhoods in Community District 4, 5 and 7 in the Bronx.

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce has taken active steps to work with area businesses and property owners to explore methods to strengthen the area's commercial corridors.
THE BRONX CHAMBER & NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
From Edenwald to Mott Haven, The Bronx Chamber of Commerce joined local precincts, elected officials, residents, and community organizations to foster deeper police and community relationships during the annual National Night Out. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. 

Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all fifty states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August (Texas and select areas celebrate on the first Tuesday in October). Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and much, much more.
UNIVERSAL HIP HOP MUSEUM & CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS RECEIVE SUPPORT FROM NYC GOVERNMENT
Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Culture Affairs, joined by Bronx electeds and community leaders announced a $5.5 million investment for the Universal Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx.

The museum will open in a 52,000-square-foot space at the Bronx Point development at Mill Pond Park. The museum's new facility will include several gallery spaces, a black box theater, interactive exhibits and administrative offices
.
The Universal Hip Hop Museum is the only state chartered educational museum dedicated to celebrating and preserving local and global contributions to hip hop music and culture. Mayor Adams contributed $2 million of the $5.5 million investment. Another $2 million was provided by the Bronx Borough President and $1.5 million was allocated by the City Council.
LEGISLATION & REGULATIONS
The NYC Redistricting Commission released draft maps of proposed changes to New York City Council district lines. It is vitally important that we pay attention to these proposed changes and provide feedback. The Bronx and New York City need you to be engaged in drawing the lines for our government's City Council district maps.

Provide Feedback:
Public testimony can be submitted by email to publictestimony@redistricting.nyc.gov or by mail: 253 Broadway, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10007.
NYS Primary Elections
The August Primary election is scheduled for August 23, 2022 with Early Voting from August 13th to August 21st and will include elections for these offices:

  • U.S. House of Representatives 
  • State Senate

​For more information or to see where you vote, click here
NYC Speed Cameras Go Live 24/7/365 Effective August 1st
Following Governor Hochul's recent law modifying how speed cameras in New York State operate, New York City Department of Transportation announced a Citywide multi-agency "Day of Awareness" to promote the expansion of the City's speed camera program to 24/7/365. As a month-long multi-media public-awareness campaign comes to a close, the cameras will go 24/7 next Monday, August 1st. The City's speed camera program is highly effective when allowed to operate, but 31 percent of on-street traffic fatalities occur in camera zones at times when cameras were previously not permitted to operate.

SAVE THE DATE - 2022 GALA: CELEBRATING OUR MEMBERS
Thursday September 29 - 6:30PM
Marina Del Rey, Bronx NY

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


For more information, email dolores@bronxchamber.org
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, August 16 at 10am
E-Commerce for Your Business

Join The Bronx Chamber of Commerce and the team from RC Marketing to explore e-commerce integration for your business. This virtual event provides additional marketing support for your business.

Don't miss out on hearing directly from the experts.

Wednesday, August 17 from 10am to 12pm
Signing a Commercial Lease: What You Should Know and Ask.

Join The Bronx Chamber of Commerce and New York City Department of Small Business Services to learn the ins and outs of commercial leasing and what you as a business owner should know and ask as you open or expand your brick and mortar operations.

For the complete Bronx Chamber Events Calendar, featuring educational workshops, networking events and other opportunities hosted by the Chamber, its members, & partners, please visit and bookmark our website events calendar link in your browser - new events are added weekly!
2022 Chamber Video Debut
Get to know (or re-familiarize yourself with) the work of the Bronx Chamber and the many ways we serve as your A.C.E. in business through our three pillars: Advocacy - Connections - Education
Many thanks to our media partner BronxNet Community Television
Chamber Member Spotlight
Woodlawn Cemetery - Crematorium - Conservancy

Woodlawn Conservancy is pleased to announce the third cohort of the Landscape Restoration Program, a sector-based internship under the Bridges To Crafts Careers portfolio.

In the fall, Woodlawn will offer 25 paid internships for young people interested in careers in landscaping and horticulture. This cohort is graciously funded by the Advance & Earn initiative, which was launched this spring by the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD). The Door, a youth development agency with holistic workforce programs and Woodlawn’s longtime partner in running the Preservation Training Program, will be overseeing the expansion of the sector training. To learn more & apply, Click HERE