Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Putnam County

 

The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of a civilian, who died on January 10, 2023, following an encounter with members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD).

On the morning of January 10, PCSD deputies responded to reports of a domestic incident near Fields Corner Road and Barrett Road in the town of Southeast. As the deputies approached the scene, they saw a man allegedly assaulting another individual with a knife. Two deputies fired their weapons at the man, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Deputies recovered a knife at the scene.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person, by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

These are preliminary facts and subject to change.

Oneonta Man Sentenced To 60 Months In Prison For Conspiring To Commit Sex Trafficking Of A Minor

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that TOBY MURCHISON was sentenced to 60 months in prison for conspiring to commit sex trafficking of a 16-year-old girl.  MURCHISON was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vincent L. Briccetti.  MURCHISON previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “Toby Murchison preyed on a 16-year-old girl who had run away from home.  Murchison placed this young woman in harm’s way by conspiring to have her engage in commercial sex and benefited financially from her misfortune.  It is difficult to imagine more outrageous conduct, and today’s sentence signals the tenacity with which this Office will prosecute those who take advantage of minor victims.” 

According to the allegations contained in the Information and other court documents filed in White Plains federal court:

In or about April 2021, MURCHISON conspired with one or more people to recruit a 16-year-old victim (“Minor Victim-1”) to engage in commercial sex acts in and around Newburgh, New York.  MURCHISON met Minor Victim-1, who had run away from home, in the Newburgh area.  MURCHISON and a co-conspirator helped Minor Victim-1 to procure “dates” (i.e., meetings with men to engage in commercial sex acts) and then secured hotel rooms, including in Newburgh and Fishkill, in which Minor Victim-1 would meet the men for “dates” and perform sex acts in exchange for money.  Minor Victim-1 then gave some or all of the proceeds from those commercial sex acts to MURCHISON. 

In addition to his prison sentence, MURCHISON, 43, of Oneonta, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release. 

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of Homeland Security Investigations New York, Resident Agent in Charge Hudson Valley, and the Dutchess County Sherriff’s Office. 

Governor Hochul Announces $1.5 Million in Federal Funding to Three Communities for New Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Pilot Project

 

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Now Partnering with Buffalo, Schenectady and Yonkers Police Departments to Develop and Launch Project

Alternatives to Arrest and Trust Building Programs for Justice-Involved Youth

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that police departments in Buffalo, Schenectady and Yonkers are sharing $1.5 million in federal funding over five years to implement pilot programs designed to provide alternatives to arrest for justice-involved youth and build trust between youth and police in the three cities. New York was one of only seven states to successfully apply for the funding, which will allow each department to address needs of youth who are at-risk of becoming involved with the justice system.   

"New York State is committed to ensuring that our justice system is fair to support our youth and improve public safety for all New Yorkers," Governor Hochul said. "I'm proud to announce this $1.5 million in federal funding, which will support our state's efforts to help law enforcement and community leaders partner together to ensure that our youth have the services and opportunities they need to build healthy futures and safe communities."  

Each police department will receive $514,000 over the next five years and work with the state Division of Criminal Justice Services Office of Youth Justice to tailor pre-arrest diversion and trust-building programming designed to reflect the voice and story of young people who encounter law enforcement most frequently in those communities: runaway and homeless youth, and youth of color. This pilot program is part of Governor Hochul's comprehensive strategy, using federal and state funding, to reduce and prevent gun and violent crime; empower communities; and improve the effectiveness and fairness of the state's criminal and youth justice systems.  

Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, "This programming builds upon Governor Hochul's commitment to meeting needs of all youth, especially those who are most vulnerable, across New York State. I commend police officials in Buffalo, Schenectady and Yonkers for their willingness to partner with us and work with stakeholders in their communities to develop and support programs that can have a profound, meaningful and positive effect in the lives of young people."  

Governor Hochul secured $227 million in state funding in the current fiscal year - the largest investment in a generation - for initiatives that support law enforcement and community-based programs, including $28 million for Project Rise (Respond, Invest, Sustain and Empower); $20.9 million for SNUG and community-based gun violence initiatives; and $18.2 million for law enforcement agencies that participate in the state's Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative, among others.   

In applying for the federal grant, staff from the DCJS Office of Youth Justice used data related to arrests, poverty, and runaway youth to identify potential pilot sites. Buffalo, Schenectady and Yonkers will use evidence-based research to help improve services and address challenges through collaborative partnerships, reduce risk factors, enhance protective factors, and increase the opportunity for a youth to be diverted from entering the youth justice system.

While New York State has a formal diversion process, it occurs after an arrest. Those cases are sent to probation departments, which determine whether they proceed to Family Court or can be diverted (also known as adjusted). The programs developed through the grant will allow for the state to pilot pre-arrest diversion or alternative to arrest opportunities, which could potentially increase equity in the justice system and access to alternatives to incarceration while bolstering trust between law enforcement and the community.    

Through the grant, Office of Youth Justice staff will help identify services currently available to homeless and runaway youth in Erie, Schenectady and Westchester counties; explore policy and eligibility requirements to identify barriers for at-risk or justice-involved youth to access programming; and identify any service gaps and needs for those youth. Data also will be used to support implementation of evidence-informed or evidence-based programming to fill those gaps

Office of Youth Justice staff also will assist with implementing trust building in each community, using a newly designed Trust Building facilitator's guide. Modeled after reconciliation and trust building work at the National Network for Safe Communities, the guide helps "communities and law enforcement to come to a position of respect and trust by recognizing real historical harms and experiences, building empathy, and finding common ground and a mutually supported way forward."   

The guide provides a framework and technical assistance to lead facilitators for conducting monthly trust building meetings with stakeholders. Law enforcement leaders and other public officials acknowledge harm done and listen directly to the affected community to create a consensus record of past and present harms; repair the relationship by taking steps to reduce the effects of past harms and prevent them from repeating. The meetings are used to outline lessons learned, develop concrete changes for public safety best practices based on listening and collaboration.   

The federal Justice Department's Office of Justice Programs, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention awarded the funding to New York and five other states. Priority was given to projects in areas with persistently high poverty. Federal performance measures will be used to gauge participation, training, program additions and expansion, and policies created as a result of the pilot program.  

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services is a multi-function criminal justice support agency with a variety of responsibilities, including law enforcement training; collection and analysis of statewide crime data; maintenance of criminal history information and fingerprint files; administrative oversight of the state's DNA databank, in partnership with the New York State Police; funding and oversight of probation and community correction programs; administration of federal and state criminal justice funds; support of criminal justice-related agencies across the state; and administration of the state's Sex Offender Registry. Follow the agency on Twitter and Facebook.  

SIX TRINITARIOS GANG MEMBERS SENTENCED FOR 2018 FATAL STABBING OF LESANDRO “JUNIOR” GUZMAN-FELIZ

 

Pleaded Guilty to First-Degree Manslaughter Brings End to Prosecution of 13 Defendants 

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that six members of the “Los Sures” set of the Trinitarios gang have been sentenced to prison for their roles in the 2018 fatal stabbing of Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz, bringing an end to the case.

 District Attorney Clark said, “These six defendants, members of the Los Sures Trinitarios set, chased Lesandro ‘Junior’ Guzman-Feliz and dragged him out of Belmont bodega where he was stabbed by five other defendants. Their unconscionable actions led to the death of the 15- year-old boy. The shocking viral video of the attack left the Bronx community—and the world— horrified at such complete disregard for human life.

 “Our prosecution against all 13 defendants involved in the murder ends today. It brings closure in the criminal justice aspect but does not bring an end to the pain Junior’s family and friends still suffer. They will never recover from their immense loss, but we hope it brings some peace to the community in knowing that these defendants will be in prison for years.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendants, Danilo Payamps Pacheco, 26, Ronald Urena, 33, Jose Tavarez, 26, Danel Fernandez, 26, and Gabriel Ramirez Concepcion, 30, were sentenced today by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Ralph Fabrizio. Fernandez was sentenced to 18 years in prison, Urena was sentenced to 15 years in prison; Concepcion and Pacheco were sentenced to 12 years in prison, and Tavarez to 15 years in prison. Luis Cabrera Santos, 29, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on January 10, 2023. All were sentenced to five years’ post-release supervision. The defendants had pleaded guilty to first-degree Manslaughter.

  According to trial testimony, on the night of June 20, 2018, Diego Suero, the leader of the “Los Sures” set of the Trinitarios gang, and Frederic Then, second-in-command, summoned members to Suero’s home and ordered them to commit violence against another set of the Trinitarios called “Sunset.” The members were in two vehicles when they came upon Junior and chased him to a bodega where he tried to hide. The teen was punched and dragged out of the store by the six defendants and hacked with knives and a machete by Jonaiki Martinez, Jose Muniz, Elvin Garcia, Antonio Rodriguez Hernandez Santiago and Manuel Rivera. Four were sentenced in 2019 to prison terms ranging 23/25 years to life in prison and one defendant was sentenced to life in prison. Suero and Then were sentenced to 25 years to life in prison in 2022.

 District Attorney Clark also thanked NYPD Detectives Frank Orlando of the Bronx Homicide Task Force and Joseph Flores of the 48th Precinct for their work on the investigation.

Senator Gustavo Rivera on NYC Health Department’s 2021 Data on Severe Overdose Epidemic

 

“The data released yesterday by our City's Health Department shows unprecedented overdose and fatality levels in NYC that are beyond heartbreaking. The report clearly indicates that our tempered approach is not working. According to the report, we lost 2,668 people to overdose in 2021, up 78% from 2019 and 27% from 2020. The Bronx is bearing the brunt of this epidemic with the highest rates of overdose death, concentrated in the communities I serve where poverty and underinvestment are rampant. 

 

We urgently need a robust response to this crisis including evidence-based measures to keep New Yorkers who use drugs alive and provide the healthcare and support they need. I am very concerned that Governor Hochul's administration has disregarded overdose prevention centers as a key component in fighting the opioid overdose crisis despite being a proven and vital approach. 

Overdose Prevention Centers do not enable drug use. Period. 

They offer destigmatized, private settings that save people’s lives while offering harm reduction services, food, showers, laundry, and safety. The historic first-in-the-nation facilities operated by OnPoint NYC have prevented over 650 overdoses since their opening in 2022. Those are 650 people who would likely not be alive today if they had overdosed somewhere in the community at large.

Last month, the Hochul Adminsitration rejected the Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Board’s recommendation to allocate money from the Opioid Settlement Fund to expand these centers, claiming they violate federal and state law. This is a tragic mistake. Rhode Island, for instance, has already earmarked $2 million from its settlement dollars for their Overdose Prevention Centers expected to open in the near future. New York should follow suit especially since, our State has historically been a vanguard in public health crises when we recognized the need to act boldly and decisively. We have an obligation to continue that legacy now.

 I call on the Hochul administration to embrace Overdose Prevention Centers and harm reduction strategies. I remain ready and willing to work with her office and with every stakeholder who wants to stop overdose deaths and earnestly address this public health crisis. For the sake of thousands of New Yorkers we've lost to overdose and those grieving the loss of loved ones, we must work in partnership to bring an end to the agony of these senseless deaths."

NY State Senator Gustavo Rivera rivera.nysenate.gov

Advisory: Elevator Safety and Standards Advisory Board Meeting

 

Meeting Notice

The New York State Department of Labor will hold an Elevator Safety and Standards Advisory Board Meeting on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, from 12 PM to 1 PM. This meeting is open to the public and will be livestreamed via Zoom. It will be recorded and posted to the Department of Labor website within 24 hours of the meeting’s conclusion. Attendees are not required to register to attend.

When: January 17, 2023, at 12 p.m.

What: Public meeting 

Who: Elevator Safety and Standards Advisory Board

Where: In Person Locations:

• 199 Church St., 3^rd Floor

             New York, New York, 10007

• Averell Harriman State Office Building Campus,

            Building 12, 1st Floor, Albany, NY, 12226

The public may also view the meeting by visiting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84432987726. 

There is no public comment period during the meeting.

The meeting will be recorded. The video will be posted on our website at: https://dol.ny.gov/newsroom

MAYOR ADAMS TO DELIVER STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

 

Speech to Be Held at Queens Theatre

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced that on January 26^th he will deliver his second mayoral State of the City address at the Queens Theatre in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, where he will discuss the past year’s accomplishments, the current state of the city, and share new plans to improve the lives of all New Yorkers.

 

“In 2022, our first year in office, we committed to ‘Get Stuff Done’ for New Yorkers — and we delivered,” said Mayor Adams. “But we know that our city, and especially working-class New Yorkers, continue to face significant challenges. I look forward to outlining our vision for keeping New Yorkers safe, strengthening our economy, tackling the housing affordability crisis, and providing care to all those in need. We are going to make 2023 our Aaron Judge year.”

 

WHEN:          Thursday, January 26^th

TIME:            12:00 PM

WHERE:        Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Avenue S, Queens, NY 11368

 

Due to extremely limited capacity, this event is by invitation only. 

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - NYC Ultimate Trail Running Series Coming to Van Cortlandt Park

 

NYC Ultimate Trail Running Race Van Cortlandt Park • Bronx, NY Saturday, March 4, 2023 Races start at 10am   Join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and King of the Mountain  Events for this first-of-its-kind NYC Ultimate Trail Running  Series!    This timed race features 8K* (4.97 miles) filled with rolling  single-track trails, mixed with stairs, wooden boardwalks, and  sections of paved and double wide paths.    Early bird registration of $35 ends on January 31, 2023.   Want to walk the course? We’ve got you covered! Simply  register as a walker.    *This event is a USATF New York Association Championship. Register Now

This run supports Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and our work  maintaining trails!

Governor Hochul Announces $143 Million Investment in Critical Water Infrastructure Projects Across New York State

 

Approval of Financial Assistance Authorizes Municipal Access to the Capital Needed for Shovel Ready Projects that Reduce Risks to Public Health and the Environment

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $143 million in financial assistance for seven water infrastructure improvement projects, the latest action to upgrade New York's water and sewer systems, reduce water pollution, and safeguard vital drinking water supplies. The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved low-cost financing and previously announced grants, authorizing municipal access to the capital needed to get shovels in the ground for critical drinking water and sewer projects in New York City and the Finger Lakes, Mid-Hudson and North Country regions.

"These low-cost financings and grants are the building blocks for municipalities to modernize and protect their critical water infrastructure," Governor Hochul said. "My administration will continue to tackle clean water issues head-on with strategic investments that will benefit New Yorkers for generations to come."

The Board's approvals include financings through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, as well as grants already announced pursuant to the Water Infrastructure Improvement grant program.

Clean Water Project Funding Approved:

1. Village of Penn Yan in Yates County - $167,500 short-term interest-free financing, $132,750 WIIA grant and $132,750 CWSRF grant for disinfection improvements at the wastewater treatment plant.
2. Village of Philadelphia in Jefferson County - $774,320 short-term interest-free financing and $625,680 short-term market-rate financing for disinfection improvements at the wastewater treatment plant.

Drinking Water Project Funding Approved:

1. New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority (two projects)
   1. $100,000,000 short-term market-rate financing to excavate and construct Shafts 17B-1 and 18B-1 in City Tunnel No. 3 in Queens to provide to provide redundancy for the city's water system as well as allowing better flow control and management of the water system.
   2. $22,000,000 short-term market-rate financing to design and construct the Croton Water Filtration Plant and associated facilities.
      
2. Village of Harriman in Orange County (two projects)
   1. $538,551 WIIA grant to install a granular activated carbon treatment system for the removal of emerging contaminants from Well No. MH-1A.
   2. $284,955 WIIA grant to install approximately 600 linear feet of 8-foot ductile iron water main from the existing distribution system located on Harriman Heights Road to Well HH #3.
      
3. Village of Watkins Glen in Schuyler County - $13,500,000 short-term interest-free financing, $3,000,000 DWSRF grant, and $2,000,000 WIIA grant for a new intake screen, new raw water pump station, new pressure filters at the water treatment plant, upgrades to existing filters and underdrains at the water treatment plant, a new approximately 500,000-gallon storage tank, existing storage tank upgrades, replacement of approximately 40,000 linear feet of water main and upgrades to the SCADA system at the water treatment plant.

New York continues to increase its investments in clean water infrastructure. Most recently, in the 2023 State of the State agenda, Governor Hochul committed to invest $500 million in clean water funding in her upcoming budget, bringing New York's total clean water infrastructure investment to $5 billion. To leverage these investments and ensure ongoing coordination with local governments, Community Assistance Teams will provide proactive outreach to small, rural, and disadvantaged communities to help them access financial assistance to address their clean water infrastructure needs.

In addition, with voter approval of the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act in November, there are additional, historic levels of funding to update aging water infrastructure and protect water quality; strengthen communities' ability to withstand severe storms and flooding; reduce air pollution and lower climate-altering emissions; restore habitats; preserve outdoor spaces and local farms; and ensure equity by investing at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of resources in disadvantaged communities.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

The Croton Water Filtration Plant has been completed and is already in operation. The cost was over three billion dollars from an original estimate of six-hundred million dollars.

Statement from Speaker Adrienne Adams and Finance Chair Justin Brannan on Fiscal Year 2024 Preliminary Budget

 

“As our city continues to recover from the pandemic, we must prioritize smart investments that maintain essential services to keep all New Yorkers healthy and safe. We also must prioritize solutions to the staffing challenges that have hindered city agencies in delivering key services to New Yorkers, such as housing and food assistance. To that end, many of our concerns with the Mayor’s November Plan remain with the Fiscal Year 2024 Preliminary Budget. The Council will be more closely examining the details of this Preliminary Budget and holding oversight hearings on agency budgets and the efficiencies in current city spending as it relates to the overall priorities of New Yorkers. We intend to be a partner in efforts to secure additional funding support at the federal and state levels for the City’s response to asylum seekers and other critical services. Our vision for an equitable New York includes commitments to funding CUNY, libraries, early childhood and K-12 education, and critical health and social safety net services that make New York City a cleaner, healthier, and safer place for all New Yorkers. This Council is deeply committed to protecting the essential services that help us achieve that important goal.”

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Bronx Business News You Can Use

 

Upcoming Events, Legislative News, Grant Opportunities, & More

(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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