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: Bronx Chamber & CM Sanchez Host Financial Literacy Reception Bronx Chamber presents annual LGBTQ+ Business Convening w. Community Partners Bronx Chamber Leads Memorial Day of Service on 138th Street Jerome Gun Hill BID Celebrated during Annual Meeting Legislative & Advocacy Updates Clean Slate Bill Bronx Chamber Releases Gaming Community Investment Metric System Upcoming Events Business to Business Networking w. Councilmember Stevens, 6/7/2023 at 6:00pm - SUYO, 1401 Plaza Drive Joseph P. Kelleher Memorial Golf Tournament, 6/20/2023 - Trump Links at Ferry Point

TALKING FINANCES & BUSINESS IN DISTRICT 14

Talking finances and networking. A great conversation with financial experts during The Bronx Chamber of Commerce's Emerging Professionals: Navigating Financial Literacy in District 14. The program, in partnership with Councilmember Pierina Sanchez, provided expert knowledge in finance, taxes, insurance, investing, and wealth building to emerging professionals and the broader District 14 community. Panelists included: Quincy Luzunaris, Founder | President at Kredit Koncepts, Chris Munoz Founder | President at Level Up Enterprises, Miguel Matos Founder | Founder of Tax Focused Collab, John Cerini, Founder | Bronx Tax Man Corporation Special thank you to the expert panel and the Chamber's Small Business Resource Network for bringing this important event to life. More info: email, outreach@bronxchamber.org

BRONX CHAMBER PRESENTS ANNUAL LGBTQ+ BUSINESS CONVENING W. COMMUNITY PARTNERS

We are serious about diversity, equity, and inclusion for businesses. The Bronx Chamber leadership team partnered with Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, the Queens Chamber of Commerce, and the National Gay Lesbian Chamber of Commerce for the annual NYC LGBT+ Business Convening, hosted at LaGuardia Community College of the CUNY network. The Chamber provided opening remarks, information on certification, the Pride 365 program, M/WBE programs, and the Small Business Resource Network. Additionally, the Bronx Chamber led a panel on addressing challenges and opportunities for businesses entering the mainstream. The Small Business Resource Network, a signature program that has served over 6,000 Bronx business is just one of the resources available to emerging and established businesses. For more information, email: sbrn@bronxchamber.org

The Bronx Chamber leads a panel discussion on barriers and opportunities for businesses entering the mainstream. Michael Brady, SVP of Economic Development & Policy, delivers opening remarks.

BRONX CHAMBER LEADS MEMORIAL DAY OF SERVICE 138TH STREET - GRAHAM TRIANGLE

Remembering those who served with a Day of Service - Graham Triangle, 138th St. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce's Avenue NYC Mott Haven Program joined Third Avenue Business Improvement District, businesses and volunteers in giving back this Memorial Day weekend, by cleaning up and maintaining two South Bronx memorials to fallen soldiers which dot the area around the 138th Street corridor. These areas are Green Thumb parklets and often don't have the support or funding for regular maintenance. Grateful to New York City Parks Department for assisting in the process of getting regular maintenance to these important landmarks. Special thanks to our volunteers, NYC Parks, NYC Sanitation, and NYC SBS for your partnership. For more info: avenuenyc@bronxchamber.org Note: this was the rain date from last weekend's wash out.

CELEBRATING THE JEROME GUN HILL BID

Celebrating our Bronx BIDs. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to assisting our business improvement districts deliver for their businesses. Grateful to join Jerome Gun Hill Business Improvement District for their annual member meeting to learn about area challenges and opportunities. The Chamber is assisting JGHB with BID exploration and formation in areas surrounding the current district. To learn more email: outreach@bronxchamber.org

LEGISLATIVE & ADVOCACY UPDATES

Clean Slate Bill - S211/A1029   State legislative leaders say they're close to reaching a deal to change state law to seal New Yorkers' criminal records after a certain period of time as the legislative session races toward the finish line.  The current version of the legislation would automatically seal the criminal records of about 2.3 million New Yorkers three years after sentencing for misdemeanors and after seven years for felonies. It does not apply to sex crimes. Details continue to be negotiated on the amount of time that should pass before records become sealed, when the clock would start after a person finishes their prison sentence and when state agencies will be prepared to begin sealing those records.

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce has released the following rubric to assist in measuring economic and community impact for gaming organization's seeking support for downstate casino licenses. The Bronx Chamber serves on the coalition for Empire City by MGM, and Caesar's Coalition for a Better Times Square.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Business to Business Networking Reception June 7 at 6:00pm SUYO, 1401 Plaza Drive Bronx, NY Join the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, Councilmember Althea Stevens (District 16), and New York City Department of Small Business Services for a Business to Business Networking reception for merchants, entrepreneurs, and businesses in Council District 16. During the event, businesses will have an opportunity to network and learn about Year 1 business data, challenges and opportunities within CD 16, how to become M/WBE certified, and the Small Business Resource Network. Reserve Your Spot

Joseph P. Kelleher Memorial Golf Tournament June 20 at 7:30am Trump Links at Ferry Point, 500 Hutchinson River Parkway Bronx, NY.  Over 200 notable thought partners, colleagues in business, and influential New Yorkers will tee off for the 2023 Joseph P. Kelleher Memorial Golf Tournament at Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point. The 2023 Tournament features two (2) tee times, breakfast, lunch, cocktails, and the 2023 Awards Dinner honoring NYC Housing, Preservation, and Development Commissioner Adolfo Carrion, Jr.  Reserve Your Spot

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!

KRVC - Riverdale Pride is THIS Sunday, June 4th!

Join Us for THIS Sunday for RIVERDALE PRIDE! June 4th, 11-2pm at RNH

KRVC is devoted to serving ALL members of our  community at a high level. We have a decades  long track record of doing just that. We have  always been and will continue to be inclusive of  everyone with all different views, races, genders,  affiliations, backgrounds, beliefs and orientations.  KRVC is especially proud of our newest project,  4Bronx, founded and directed by Laura Levine-Pinedo, as the mission of 4Bronx is to serve and celebrate the  beautiful diversity of our community. Please join us this Sunday for this amazing community event. _ Please also join us for all these other great Community Events this month! Sunday, June 11th Wednesday, June 21st Sunday, June 25th

Assemblymember John Zaccaro - Announcing Our First Annual Family Fun Day

 

Dear Friends, I'm excited to announce our First Annual Family Fun Day event!   Please join me and your neighbors from the 80th Assembly District  to celebrate our diverse community, make new friends, sample  delicious food, enjoy games for kids of all ages, and visit  with some of the fantastic community organizations we’ll have  on-hand.  I look forward to welcoming you to our community  office and sharing in what promises to be an exciting day for all.  When: Saturday, June 17, 2023 Time: 12:00pm - 4:00pm Where: District 80 Community Office 2018 Williamsbridge Rd If you have any questions, please feel free to contact my community  office at (718) 409-0109. Looking forward to seeing everyone then!

VCJC News & Notes 6/2/23

 

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center
News and Notes

Here's this week's edition of the VCJC News and Notes email. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful! Reminders Shabbos Shabbos information is, as always, available on our website, both in the information sidebar and the events calendar. Here are the times you need:   Shabbos Candles Friday 6/2/23 @ 8:03 pm Shabbos morning services at 8:40 am.  Please join the services if you can do so safely.  Shabbos Ends Saturday 6/3/23 @ 9;07 pm Kiddush will be given by Merrill Penn in honor of his brother Marvin’s yahrzeit.   Sunday, June 4.  Annual Membership Meeting A hybrid Zoom & In-Person General Membership meeting will be held in the main Sanctuary.  Breakfast will be served about a  half hour before the meeting at 9:30 am with the meeting to start at  10AM.  All VCJC members are urged to make every effort to attend this important meeting.  We cannot transact the business of the meeting without a quorum. The agenda will be the elections of all Officers, as well as Trustees.  If you are a member, you may request the Zoom login information electronically via email to vancortlandtjc@aol.com before the office closes on Friday.      Donate for Shavuos Yizkor!  It is customary to make a charitable donation in conjunction with Yizkor.  If you wish to donate to VCJC as part of your Yizkor observance this past Shavuos, it can be done in person at the office, by check, or online through our website 4. Reminders Tell us about your preferences for the Center Light via email We are considering offering the Center Light by email (as an alternative).  It might be as a pdf, which might not work very well on mobile devices.  It might be as highlights or summaries with links to read more.  It could be a different format than that.  We are soliciting your input about this.  You can respond to this newsletter and tell us: if you prefer postal mail or would like email instead, if you would find pdf acceptable or would prefer a more mobile-friendly format, if you think this is a good idea (to save money and make the Center Light more accessible) or a terrible idea. Shiurim on the website There are now several audio shiurim on the VCJC website. You can access them via the right column on any page or the blog summary page.  Let us know how you like them or if you have any suggestions for how they are presented.  Van Cortlandt Jewish Center 3880 Sedgwick Ave Bronx, NY 10463

Permits Filed For 711 East 214th Street In Williamsbridge, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed to expand a three-story structure into an eight-story residential building at 711 East 214th Street in Williamsbridge, The Bronx. Located between Hollands Avenue and White Plains Road, the lot is near the Gun Hill Road subway station, serviced by the 2 and 5 trains. Everett B. Mitchell Property LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 74-foot-tall development will yield 44,500 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 61 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 729 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar, a 34-foot-long rear yard, and 31 parking spaces.

Ryan Hung Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the project calls for a vertical expansion. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Bronx Pride Flag Raising at Bronx Borough Hall

 

Before going outside to raise the Pride flag there was a ceremony inside Bronx Borough Hall with five honorees who were presented awards for their work in the pride community.  The Honorees were Tabytha Gonzalez the New York City Commissioner on Human Rights, Sandra Perez Executive Director of NYC Pride, Tony Jermin Storyteller, Creator, Podcaster, and Marketing Guru, Analia Santana Youth Honoree Manhattan College Junior Class of 2024, and Dr. Viraj Patel Montefiore Einstein who also received the John F. Wade Memorial Award Honoring Exceptional Leadership within the LGBTQIA+ Community.

The Master of Ceremonies was Tym Moss who also gave a rousing performance after the award ceremony. Reverend Carmen Hernandez gave the Invocation and Benediction, and the FDNY Color Guard with FDNY member Ester Ford singing the National Anthem. After the ceremony there was food and refreshments for the attendees before going outside to raise the Bronx Pride Flag. 

At the entrance to the Rotunda of the Bronx Borough Building balloons were set up in the colors of the pride flag as Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson holds her pride sign and pillow with some of the attendees. 

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson holds up several pride flags as she speaks about raising the Pride Flag on June first.

Tym Moss was the Master of Ceremonies, and did a spectacular musical number during the event.

Tym Moss received a special award from Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson as Chief of Staff Justin Cortes and Deputy Bronx Borough President Janet Peguero are also in the photo.

(L - R) Honorees Analia Santana, Dr. Viraj Patel, Sandra Perez, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, Honorees Tabytha Gonzalez, Tony Jermin, and Tym Moss. 

It was then outside to raise the Bronx Pride Flag as Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson turns the crank to raise the Bronx Pride Flag. 

The Bronx Pride Flag is raised to the top of the flagpole next to the Bronx County Building. 

NYC Comptroller Updates DOC Dashboard Deaths in Custody Count to UNKNOWN After DOC Halts Public Disclosure

 

After Department of Correction officials said that they would not continue a policy of reporting deaths to the public, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander updated the Comptroller’s Department of Correction (DOC) Dashboard to say deaths in custody were “unknown.”

In recent weeks, DOC officials failed to notify the public about at least two deaths: Rubu Zhao, 52 and Joshua Valles, 31. Jail officials reportedly also sought to prevent the release of a federal monitor’s report that noted with alarm on Friday, May 26 “serious and disturbing incidents involving harm to incarcerated persons” that were not properly disclosed to the monitor.

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander reiterated his call for a federal receiver to step in to manage the city’s jails:

“DOC leadership apparently doesn’t care about the humanity of the people in its custody enough to even report honestly when they die. The appointment of a federal receiver to operate Rikers is a moral and operational necessity to confront the jail system’s utter disregard for transparency and accountability. The lives of people awaiting trial are not disposable and their deaths cannot be swept under the rug,” said Comptroller Brad Lander.

The Comptroller’s dashboard monitors pervasive issues in the City’s jails, including staff absenteeism, missed medical appointments, and incidents of violence among detained people and staff. It also tracks the jail population every month and length of stay. The Comptroller’s office publishes data to this dashboard monthly to provide increased transparency and accountability over the City’s jail system. The most recent update was May 15.

Team AOC - What to Know About the debt Ceiling Bill

 

Late last night, the House passed the so-called ‘Fiscal Responsibility Act,’ which includes conservative policies that Kevin McCarthy demanded in exchange for raising the nation’s debt ceiling.

House Republicans hurt the hungry, our climate, and student loan borrowers — all in the name of so-called ‘fiscal responsibility’ — while absolutely refusing to close any tax loopholes for the rich. Republicans also refused to walk back any of Donald Trump’s or President Bush’s tax cuts, which cost nearly $10 trillion and include tax breaks on yachts and private jets.¹

Congress voted to increase the debt ceiling three times under President Trump without ever demanding any budget or policy concessions because we know it is deeply dangerous for lawmakers to threaten to crash our economy. If Congress doesn’t raise the debt ceiling, then we default on our debts — which would crash the stock market and immediately cost millions of jobs.

Kevin McCarthy held the lives and savings of working people hostage. So Alexandria joined 46 other Democrats and voted NO on this debt ceiling deal. Alexandria stands up to hypocritical policies from Republicans that hurt everyday people.

So what did Republicans ultimately get from this debt ceiling bill?

• More work requirements for anti-poverty programs. Research shows that ‘work requirements’ do not increase employment but do increase hunger. Most people on food stamps already are working — those who don’t work largely do not because of mental or physical illness. These requirements just add another layer of paperwork to an already difficult process. The bill specifically increases work requirements for 700,000 participants from 49 to 54 years old.²
• Fewer environmental protections. The bill makes it harder for communities to stop proposed fossil fuel pipelines and other pollution near their homes. The bill also allows the Mountain Valley Pipeline to move forward — a 300-mile pipeline for carrying fracked gas from West Virginia to Virginia.³
• Student loan repayments will begin again. Starting September 1, 45 million Americans with federal student loans will have to restart payments even if the Supreme Court hasn’t ruled on Biden’s student debt forgiveness program. 90% of people eligible for the President’s student debt relief earn under $75,000 annually. Resuming payments without offering them relief would cause enormous hardship.

Alexandria is in Congress to fight back against dangerous, extreme hypocrisy that has become all to common place in Washington. She’s fighting to recreate a system that actually works for the people it’s meant to represent.

In solidarity,

Team AOC