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(Friday) Extra, Extra Click here for this week's video: Governor Hochul's State of the State Address Mayor Adam's Releases Executive Budget Manpower Group Releases Q1 Employment Outlook Report Bronx Small Business Resource Network Hit 6,200 Business Engagement Benchmark Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Bronx Chamber Office is closed on Monday, January 16 Legislative & Advocacy Updates NYC Council Committee on Small Business Update Upcoming Events Food & Policy Winter Networking Event, 1/19/2023

GOV. HOCHUL DELIVERS STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS CHILDCARE, HOUSING, & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATES

On Tuesday, January 10 Governor Kathy Hocul delivered her second State of the State Address "Achieving the New York Dream." The speech outlines key policy initiatives that will be part of the Governor’s 2023 Legislative Agenda. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce Legislative team worked closely with Governor Hochul’s staff over the last several months, providing suggestions that our members believe would benefit the Bronx and New York State business community. These initiatives included: holding the line on tax increases, expanding P-Tech education programs to create new initiatives to meet the demands of businesses, and creating a small business portal to allow employers to work past the bureaucratic red tape which often dissuades reaching out to agencies in relation to problems or concerns, easing the burden of filing incorporation documents at the New York State Department of State, reciprocal certification of MWBEs, removing barriers for businesses by clarifying sections of the New York State Alcohol and Beverage Control Law, and creating an incentive program that focuses on supply chain resiliency. In addition, Governor Hochul has proposed an initiative that would tie the current New York State minimum wage to inflation. This was not a Bronx Chamber of Commerce initiative and we are working with the Governor's office to explore the proposal and address some concerns of the small business community.

MAYOR ADAMS RELEASES 2024 EXECUTIVE BUDGET

New York City Mayor Eric Adams released New York City’s balanced $102.7 billion Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24). The budget reflects the mayor’s ongoing commitment to promoting an equitable recovery by making investments in affordable housing, keeping city streets clean, ensuring the safety of communities, and promoting a greener, healthier city. The Preliminary Budget also doubles down on Mayor Adams’ commitment to fiscal responsibility by spending limited city resources wisely amid the ongoing economic and fiscal challenges facing the city, state, and nation, and maintaining the city’s budget reserves at a record level of $8.3 billion. “As The Bronx Chamber of Commerce reviews Mayor Adams’ recent preliminary budget, we appreciate the administration's appreciates the administration’s commitment to core city services which position commercial district's for recovery, and expand on business recovery and development programs. Similarly, we are supportive of recent cooperation between New York City and New York State to address affordable housing scarcity, and infrastructure investments," said Michael Brady, Senior Vice President of Economic Development & Policy at the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. "We commit ourselves to working with the administration and the New York City Council to pass a forward thinking budget that learns from pandemic challenges, reimagines the way City agencies operate, and pays close attention to the economic uncertainty ahead. As we invest in a better quality of life for all New Yorkers, we must continue to recognize the intersection of economic and workforce development, invest in the social infrastructures and safety nets that sustain our neighborhoods and communities, and champion efficient and purposeful programs which were developed as a result of lessons from the pandemic." Mayor Eric Adams’ Fiscal Year 2024 Preliminary Budget takes some positive steps—reducing 4,300 vacancies, maintaining the annual General and Capital Stabilization Reserves, having agencies self-fund new needs, and resisting calls to add significant new but unaffordable spending. This budget does not add to the Rainy Day Fund. It maintains the $1.8 billion in the fiscal year 2023 General and Capital Stabilization Reserves. This is prudent given the myriad risks, including $1 billion in fiscal year 2023 reported spending on migrants for which federal funding has not yet been secured. Still, sufficient funds should be available to deposit $1 billion to the Rainy Day Fund. Fore more information, click here. For a statement from the Citizen's Budget Commission, click here.

MANPOWER RELEASES Q1 EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK REPORT

Manpower Group's Employment Outlook Survey results for the first quarter of 2023 are now available! This highly anticipated survey measures employers’ intentions to increase or decrease the number of employees on their payrolls in Q1. Manpower Group surveyed more than 6,000 U.S. employers about their employment plans for January-March.    The good news is, hiring intentions continue to be strong with 45% of U.S. employers planning to add to their payroll in Q1. Subtracting those who plan to decrease staff or make no changes brings the Net Employment Outlook (NEO) to +29%.    Hiring intentions slipped slightly when compared to last quarter and last year.    The report breaks down the results by region and industry:  Top sector is Information Technology with a NEO of +52% --the highest in the world!  All U.S. regions expect NEO declines year-over-year, and Northeast region saw a small increase (+2%) in quarter-over-quarter predictions Please use this report and relevant information to help you make even more informed business decisions. Manpower Group staffs a variety of temporary and permanent positions for clients with facilities throughout New York, the US and Globally. From as small as a one-position staffing need, to higher-volume orders for projects in the hundreds. For more information, please contact Keith Haynes at (646) 939-3402, keith.haynes@manpower.com

BRONX SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE NETWORK HITS 6,200 BUSINESS ASSISTANCE MILESTONE

Small Business Resource Network reached a milestone on January 9 - assisting 6,200 Bronx small businesses with high-touch, customized, in-person business services. Ranging from navigating government to securing grant funds to building capacity of employees or working through staffing challenge, the Small Business Resource Network provides authentic and customized business services from New York City businesses. Additionally, the program has created business reports by Council and Assembly districts to ensure business are being assisted in a timely manner and case follow up remains transparent and shared in real time with elected officials. The program is generously supported by the New York City Economic Development Corporation from a $1.5M allocation from NYC Mayor Eric Adams, and a $500,000 allocation from the New York City Council. The program was created by the Partnership for New York City with a founding investment from the Peterson Foundation. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce

LEGISLATION & REGULATIONS

New York City Council Committee on Small Business Updates The New York City Council Committee on Small Business along with the Committee on Governmental Operations will hold a joint hearing on Thursday, January 26th at 1:00pm in the Committee Room, City Hall, New York, NY, and via Zoom web-conference. The Committees will be hearing the following legislation: Int. 0815-2022 (Menin), in relation to the rules of construction for unspecified ranges of civil penalties. Int. 0491-2022 (Menin), in relation to reducing civil penalties where food service establishments donate leftover food.  The hearing is posted online here: LINK.

NYS Leadership Updates The Bronx Chamber of Commerce leadership team and Board of Directors were invited to and attended the inauguration of NYS Governor Kathy Hochul as the first woman to be elected Governor in the history of New York State. During the inauguration Governor Hochul pledged her support for a safer, more affordable and business forward New York. Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Senate and Assembly announced changes in leadership this week. For a list of NYS Assembly and Senate leadership, click here. For a complete listing of Governor Hochul's appointments, click here.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Electric and Gas Utility Bill Credit Program for Low-Income Families A one-time, low-income utility bill credit is now available to help low-income electric and gas utility customers pay off past utility bills. This credit, which will be applied to affected customers' bills by the utilities, requires no action by existing low-income customers enrolled in the EAP to receive the benefit. The bill credit is expected to be applied to customers' accounts by August 1, 2022. Any eligible low-income customer that enrolls in EAP before December 31, 2022 will be included in the bill credit program. Learn more about the program here. Temporary Assistance (TA) funding may continue to be utilized to pay utility arrears when the applicant presents with an emergency or immediate need, after first exploring the availability of HEAP. A payment can be made to prevent termination if it is determined that an immediate threat of shut off is present and the applicant/recipient (A/R) is otherwise eligible. Heating and Cooling Assistance (HEAP) 2022-2023 The regular HEAP season opened on November 1, 2022. More information including 2022-23 benefit amounts and eligibility requirements can be found here. The Emergency HEAP Benefit opens on January 1, 2023. The Emergency HEAP Benefit provides assistance to those who are in a heat related emergency. More information including 2022-23 benefit amounts and eligibility requirements can be found here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

January 18 from 9:00am to 10:30am: Building Your Business Google Ad Campaign & Maximize Your Marketing: Join The Bronx Chamber of Commerce and PS Digital on 7-Steps on How to Effectively Design & Build Your Google Ads Campaign. Click HERE To Register January 19 from 11:00am to 1:00pm: Business Finance 101: Getting Started Join The Bronx Chamber of Commerce and NYC Department of Small Business Services for a webinar for entrepreneurs unfamiliar with business financial management, Business Finances 1 introduces its key terms and concepts in everyday language. Click HERE To Register January 19 from 5:00pm to 7:30pm: Industry Insight - Food & the Economy Networking: Join the Bronx Chamber of Commerce for an evening of networking, cocktails, and glorious food as we launch our food and economy series delving into the impact of food on New York City and the nation. The evening highlights a growing trend in the food economy - veganism, and it's impact on our local and regional supply chain and business development. Networking will be abundant as we welcome Liz Neumark, Founder and CEO of Great Performances and Phillip Grant, CEO of Hunts Point Produce Market to lead a fireside chat of all things vegan, business development, and produce. Click HERE To Register January 25 from 10:00am to 11:00am: Coffee & Conversation with Hon. Althea Stevens: Join The Bronx Chamber of Commerce for a moderate a discussion with Hon. Althea Stevens, Chair of the New York City Council Committee on Youth Services and Co-Chair of the Bronx New York City Council Delegation, on workforce development, braided learning, childcare impact on business, merchant organizing, and development projects. Click HERE To Register

Women of Distinction Luncheon Save the Date Friday, March 31, 2023 from 11:30am to 2:00pm Villa Barone Manor 737 Throggs Neck Expressway Bronx, New York For 18 years, the Women of Distinction Luncheon has recognized outstanding women leaders for their contributions to the Bronx community. Each year with the support of local Bronx businesses and Bronx Chamber members we are able to provide scholarships to deserving college-bound female students through the Bronx Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Ticket & Sponsor Opportunities available 1/20/2023. Bronx Gamechangers Night w. the NY Yankees Tuesday, April 4 - 6:30pm Doors Open 7:05pm Game Time Yankee Stadium Luxury Suites 1 East 161st Street Bronx, New York Celebrate the Spring season with The Bronx Chamber of Commerce as the New York Yankees take on the Phillies! Enjoy an all-inclusive luxury suite, private stadium entrance, open bar, dinner, and a great view of the diamond while networking with industry leaders, thought partners and supporters working to make the Bronx thrive. Advance Ticket Purchase, Click Here

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!

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