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: Recap of Bronx Chamber leadership's trip to Albany for the Business Council of NY's A.I. conference May 16 Resource Fair for Small Businesses & Job Seekers at Yankee Stadium Mark your calendar for our packed lineup of upcoming Bronx Chamber networking & Signature events in May and June

BXCC SIGNATURE EVENT: KELLEHER MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

Tee off with the Bronx Chamber at the Joseph P. Kelleher Memorial Golf Tournament June 18, 2024 Bally's Golf Links at Ferry Point 500 Hutchinson River Parkway Bronx, NY 10465 Join the Chamber for a day of networking and friendly competition as we honor Mark Stagg of Stagg Group Development! CLICK HERE for more information about the Tournament and to register. Sponsorship Opportunities are going fast - contact Dolores@bronxchamber.org to secure your package. Sincere thanks to our sponsors to date (list in formation): DJ Ambulette Services, Monroe College, BronxCare Health System, Lettire Construction, Simone Development Companies, Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts, Orange Bank & Trust Company, and A&A Maintenance Enterprise.

BRONX CHAMBER IN ALBANY

Bronx Chamber President Lisa Sorin along with Board members John Bonizio of Metro Optics and Taryn Duffy of Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts visited the State Capital this week to attend the Business Council of New York event Strategic Insights: Leveraging A.I. for Your Competitive Edge. There, they heard from industry experts who shared practical tips and examples of how A.I. can benefit businesses' bottom lines in various areas, such as marketing, sales, operations, and customer service. Stay tuned for more updates from the Chamber for Bronx business owners/operators interested in learning more about A.I.'s potential for business growth and development.

MORE UPCOMING BRONX CHAMBER EVENTS

May 16 Resource Fair at Yankee Stadium 12:00 - 3:00pm A One-Stop Shop for Small Businesses and Job Seekers During this FREE event, job seekers will have access to: Free Professional Headshots One-on-One Resume Assistance Employers Seeking New Hires Small businesses that participate in this event will also have access to City agencies on-site, providing resources and assistance.  Participation is free, but advance registration is required

Reserve Your Spot

May 30: Small Businesses, Big Connections Event Pasquale's Rigoletto 2311 Arthur Ave. 6:00 - 8:00pm $25 Members / $30 Non-Members Join us on May 30 in the REAL Little Italy of NYC, Arthur Avenue, to close out Small Business Month! The evening will feature delicious Italian light bites, drink specials, a round of the Chamber's famous "speed networking," and celebration of the contributions of small businesses & their influence on our vibrant Bronx community.

Get Your Tickets

June 6: An Evening of Scotch & Cigars The Bronx Havana Room 3604A East Tremont Ave. 6:00 - 8:00pm $25 Members / $30 Non-Members Join us at the sophisticated Bronx Havana Room on June 6th for an evening of scotch tasting, fine cigars, networking and industry updates. Act fast - space is limited and this event has sold out 2 years in a row!

Get Your Tickets

June 13: Karaoke Night! The Bronx Beer Hall 2344 Arthur Avenue 6:00 - 8:00pm $25 Members / $30 Non-Members Warm up your pipes and pick out your favorite song! The Bronx Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Committee is ready to rock on June 13 - join us for an evening of networking, great food, questionable singing, and drink specials

Get Your Tickets

DIGITAL TOOLS FOR GROWTH

With support from the Verizon Digital Inclusion program, The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is offering a series of webinars aimed at helping small businesses maximize the potential of digital tools and literacy for business growth. Upcoming Dates and Times are as follows: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Wednesday, June 5, 2024 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Wednesday, June 12, 2024 11:00 am to 12:00 pm *All Events Are Virtual* For more information or to register for the next event on May 15th, Click Here

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Olga Tirado is the Founder of O Communications & Solutions, a Public Relations & Communications company focused on media, business development, marketing and event management. In need of these services? Click to connect with Olga

WEBSITE UPDATES: CITY & STATE LEGISLATION

If you haven't already: Check out the latest Bronx Chamber website updates for city and state legislation policy news impacting your business, plus events, resources and much more. To visit our website, Click Here <

 

FUNDING & CERTIFICATION RESOURCES

NYC Funds Finder NYC's Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and Next Street announced the launch of a new platform connecting small businesses with trusted resources they need to open, grow, and maintain their business. The user-friendly platform –NYC Funds Finder is where small businesses can review funding options, including loans and grants, and request free 1-on-1 financing assistance from the SBS team.  NYC Funds Finder is a partnership between SBS and Next Street and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. Next Street Scale, the platform that powers NYC Funds Finder, was created to address the hurdles that small businesses, especially those run by women and minorities, face in accessing the resources required to grow their business and build wealth.

M/WBE Certification Unlocking Opportunities The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with NYC SBS to help guide you through the application process of getting certified as a Minority/Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE). This certification program, offered by NYC Small Business Services, is a critical initiative aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in government contracting and procurement processes. The program seeks to create opportunities for businesses owned and operated by minority individuals and women, ensuring they have fair access to government contracts and economic opportunities, opens your business up to increased opportunities from New York City agencies, free advertising in the NYC Online Directory of Certified Businesses, mentorship programs and workshops, networking events, and more. The City has committed to awarding $16 billion in contracts to M/WBE certified organizations over the next decade--don’t miss out! Are you eligible? (Qualification checklist below) Business is legally authorized to transact business in New York City Business has been in operation for at least one year Business is more than 51% minority and/or woman owned If you are interested in applying, or for more information on M/WBE certification, contact Chanel Perez at Programs@bronxchamber.org

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!

Defendant Sentenced To Nine Years In Prison For Orchestrating 11 Armed Robberies Across New York City

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JOSEPH SANDERS was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla to nine years in prison in connection with committing 11 armed robberies of bodegas, smoke shops, and other retail businesses across the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Joseph Sanders terrorized hardworking New Yorkers across the City, committing 11 armed robberies.  On multiple occasions, he brutally pistol whipped his victims.  This Office’s career prosecutors continue their exhaustive commitment to keeping those who commit violent robberies off of our streets.” 

According to the Indictment, public filings, and statements made in court:

In the spring and fall of 2022, SANDERS committed 11 armed robberies throughout New York City.  Between March and April 2022, he committed four armed robberies of bodegas and smoke shops located in Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn.  Wearing a mask, SANDERS would enter the businesses, brandishing a silver gun and demanding money.  At times, he would point the gun directly at the terrified cashier.  For three of the robberies, SANDERS was accompanied by co-conspirators, but in all cases, it was SANDERS carrying the firearm.

In November 2022, SANDERS continued his robbery spree.  Between November and December 2022, he committed seven armed robberies of a tax preparation business, bodegas, and smoke shops located in the Bronx and Brooklyn.  SANDERS would enter the businesses brandishing a firearm and demanding money.  During one of those robberies, he kicked open a door, holding a firearm in his hand, then grabbed the sole employee by the arm and led her to a back room.  After the victim told SANDERS that the business had no cash on hand, he took her phone and $200 from her wallet. 

On two occasions, SANDERS violently pistol-whipped cashiers of the stores that he was robbing, before taking thousands of dollars from the cash registers.  Even when not assaulting the victims with a firearm, SANDERS threatened violence, pointing his firearm directly at the victims.  One such example is below, from the November 26, 2022, robbery of a deli:

In total, SANDERS stole $22,374.  At the time of his arrest, a .40 caliber Iberia pistol, which was loaded with ammunition, was found in his apartment. 

In addition to his prison term, SANDERS, 46, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $22,374 and to forfeit the same amount.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (“ATF”) and the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), in particular, the Strategic Patterned Armed Robbery Technical Apprehension Task Force, which is composed of agents and officers of the ATF and the NYPD.

Sixty-Two Members of Violent Gang Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms Violations in Puerto Ric

 

On April 24, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging 62 violent gang members from Arecibo, Puerto Rico, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, possession and distribution of controlled substances, and firearms violations.

“Thanks to the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FBI, U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and our state and local partners, more than 60 alleged gang members have been charged and over $72 million in drugs have been seized in this operation,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The residents of public housing projects deserve better than to be terrorized by violent drug trafficking gangs, and the Justice Department will be relentless in our efforts to dismantle the gangs that fuel violent crime and profit from poisoning our communities.”

“The allegations in today’s indictments tell a scary story about gang violence in these public housing communities,” said ATF Director Steven Dettelbach. “For all the innocent residents who are trying to raise healthy families in safe communities, law enforcement wants you to know that we are here for you. Living in public housing cannot, and should not, mean being subjected to an atmosphere of gun violence and drug dealing around you and your family. ATF’s number one priority is getting the worst criminals — the trigger pullers and drug dealers — off the streets. When rival gangs declare war on each other in the streets in any city, it is the innocent bystanders that suffer the greatest consequences. I want to commend all the ATF agents and our federal and local partners who worked tirelessly to make Arecibo and all of Puerto Rico a safer place.”

“The arrests in this case underscore the resolve of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its law enforcement partners to uphold the rule of law and bring to justice violent criminals who threaten our communities,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico. “The Justice Department remains steadfast in its commitment to dismantle criminal organizations, hold gang members accountable, and pursue justice for victims.”

“Through the relentless collaboration, between the DEA and ATF, state and federal partners have dealt significant blows to the violent drug trafficking organizations operating within the El Cotto public housing project,” said Special Agent in Charge Denise Foster of the DEA Detroit Field Office. “With over $72 million in street value narcotics seized and over 40 arrests made, our joint efforts underscore our unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal enterprises and safeguarding our communities.”

The indictment alleges that, from 2014 through the present, the defendants worked as part of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed illegal drugs for significant financial gain and profit — including cocaine base (commonly known as crack), heroin, cocaine, marijuana, Oxycodone (commonly known as Percocet), Alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax), Clonazepam (commonly known as Klonopin), and Tramadol — all within 1,000 feet of the Ramón Marín Solá Public Housing Project (PHP), Trina Padilla de Sanz PHP, Manuel Zeno Gandía PHP, Bella Vista PHP, and La Meseta PHP, all five facilities owned by a public housing authority and collectively referred to as El Cotto. The charging documents further allege that the leaders of the DTO that operates within the five PHPs comprising El Cotto met regularly to discuss drug trafficking activities and prevent issues between the members of the organization. The goal of the DTO was to maintain control of the drug trafficking activities within their territory by the use of force, threats, violence, and intimidation.

The defendants acted in different roles to further the goals of the drug trafficking conspiracy, including acting as leaders, enforcers, runners, sellers, and facilitators. The defendants charged in the indictment are:

1. Melquisedec Navarro-Lorenzo, also known as Melqui and La M
2. Joel Caraballo-López, also known as Flaqui
3. Luis Amezquita-Lorenzo, also known as Berto and Bethoven
4. Reinaldo Ortiz-González, also known as Chiqui, Compi Rey, Rajao, and Viejo
5. Alex Montalvo-Novoa, also known as Alex Chiquito
6. Jonathan Joel Franco-Mercado, also known as Gancho
7. Ivan Acosta-Rodríguez, also known as Luis Ivan Acosta Rodríguez, Luis Ivan Santiago Pérez, Ivan El Negro, Billy The Kid, and Wakala
8. Albert De Jesús-Schelmety, also known as Macu and Macuco
9. Renso Marcial-Rodríguez
10. Josué Cedeño-Feliciano, also known as Camboya
11. César Cardona-Mena, also known as Chivas
12. Lydia M. Pagán-Arocho, also known as Tata
13. Luis Méndez-Medina, also known as Tommy El Gago and Tommy El Loco
14. Jonathan Robles-Maldonado, also known as Paramédico and Jonathan Paramédico
15. Joseph Sanabria-Alequin, also known as Pitbull
16. Yefrain Molina-Viruet, also known as Harry Potter
17. Erick Juarbe-Rodríguez, also known as Erico
18. Ramón Colón-Crespo, also known as Papito
19. Jonathan Feliciano-Torres, also known as Duende
20. Abdiel Yadiel Carrión-Rosado, also known as Gemelo
21. Yadiel Abdiel Carrión-Rosado, also known as Gemelo
22. Emmanuel Pérez-Rodríguez, also known as Manny, Manes, and El Duraco Del Castillo
23. Obrian D. Mercado-Rivera
24. Ashley J. Rodríguez-Pérez, also known as Chal and Char
25. Jimar I. Álvarez-Maldonado, also known as Gordo
26. Jimel J. Ortiz-Delgado, also known as Miky and La Jota
27. Bryan Medina-Herrera, also known as Bryan Dialysis
28. Rafael Valle-Delgado, also known as Rafa Valle
29. Mitzuel Torres-Rivera
30. Jan C. Cuevas-Correa
31. Alexander Serrano-Colón, also known as Calle 13
32. Joselito Rodríguez-Álvarez, also known as Bombili
33. Ángel M. Felix-García, also known as Bully
34. Ángel Cortés-Soto, also known as Ángel el Bizco
35. Evans Y. Herrera-Quiñones, also known as El Enano
36. Luis O. Valentin-Rivera, also known as Luis Paramédico, Paramédico Valentin, and Omar
37. Jesús D. Rodríguez-Martínez, also known as Spock and Danny
38. Héctor Y. Rodríguez-Miranda, also known as Negri/Negrito
39. Michael Jordan-Lugo, also known as Jordan and Goldo
40. Kenneth Medina-Velázquez, also known as Kenny
41. Edgardo J. Ríos-Santana, also known as Coco
42. Kelvin Hernández-Bonilla, also known as Yampi and Yapi
43. Carlos Rodríguez-Herrera, also known as Carlitos and Hermano de Brian Dialysis
44. Natanael Franco-Mercado, also known as Nata, Hermano de Gancho, and Cirilo
45. Amisael Flores-Martínez, also known as Misa
46. Giovanni Molina-Viruet, also known as Giovannie and Giovanny
47. Alvin Y. Torres-Santiago, also known as Wisin and Yamil
48. Emmanuel Serrano-Feliciano, also known as Nana
49. Brandom L. Díaz-Navarro, also known as Brandon
50. Joshua Vargas-Feliciano, also known as Buda
51. Geovanell Mercado-Marrero, also known as Kiko
52. Jorge Cintrón-Cordero, also known as Ogui
53. Adonis J. Rosado-Serrano
54. Jonathan Ayala-Torres, also known as Menor, Siete Pestes, and Jon
55. José Santiago-Quiles, also known as Ewan
56. Liuzkany Rivera-Arroyo, also known as Kany and Luzkany
57. Adrián M. Lezca
58. Kevin X. Pérez-Molina, also known as Chino
59. Jair X. Galarza, also known as Marciano
60. Shaquilomar Molina-Soto, also known as Shaquille
61. Israel Rivera-Rivera, also known as Gemelo
62. Dexie Marie Narpiel Nieves, also known as La Flaca, Depsi, and Petunia

If convicted on the drug trafficking charges, the defendants face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. Thirty-six of the above-listed defendants also face one charge of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted on the firearms charge, the defendants face a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison, to be served consecutively to any penalty imposed on the drug trafficking charges. Upon conviction, all defendants are subject to a narcotics forfeiture allegation of $72,868,600. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

ATF, the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB), Arecibo Strike Force, and DEA investigated the case, with the collaboration of the FBI, USMS, Bayamón Municipal Police, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Puerto Rico Public Housing Authority, and Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney and Chief of the Gang Section Alberto López-Rocafort, Deputy Chief of the Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa Zapata-Valladares, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Pedro R. Casablanca and R. Vance Eaton for the District of Puerto Rico are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Comptroller Lander & NYC Pension Trustees: Shareholders Should Reject Election of Out of Step Saudi Aramco CEO to BlackRock Board

 

Conflicts of interest and detrimental views on climate raise concerns about compatibility and signify a major step backward for the company

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, on behalf of the New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS), filed an exempt solicitation urging BlackRock shareholders to ‘VOTE NO’ against the board election of Saudi Aramco CEO Amin H. Nasser. As shareholders, Comptroller Lander and fellow NYCERS trustees believe that Nasser’s role with Saudi Aramco poses conflicts of interest that compromise his ability to fulfill board responsibilities. Nasser has been an advocate for the expansion of fossil fuels and moving away from decarbonization efforts.  

The solicitation to shareholders notes, “Nasser is not qualified to serve as an independent member of BlackRock’s Board, which is responsible for ‘[o]versight of near- and long-term business strategy (including sustainability).’ His nomination represents a step backward for the company, aligning BlackRock with outdated perspectives and practices that are incompatible with the pressing need for climate action and responsible business practices as reflected in BlackRock’s own commitments.” 

At a time when the climate crisis has never been more urgent, the public comments of Nasser are in direct conflict with BlackRock’s stated climate commitment of “supporting the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner.” The solicitation brings into question the progress BlackRock can truly make with the board election of Nasser and cites the company’s withdrawal from Climate Action 100+. 

Despite BlackRock’s positioning of Nasser as an independent director, Aramco has conducted sizeable, related-party transactions with BlackRock within the past three years. One of the largest transactions was a 49% equity interest in Aramco Gas Pipelines Company for $15.5 billion by a consortium of investors co-led by BlackRock. 

The close relationship between Saudi Aramco and BlackRock may compromise Nasser’s independence as a director. According to the NYSE listing standards, a director cannot be independent if he is “a current executive officer of a company that has made payments to, or received payments from, the listed company for property or services in an amount which, in any of the last three fiscal years, exceeds the greater of $1 million, or 2% of such other company’s consolidated gross revenues.” Even if a director passes this test, he still may not be independent. Ultimately, the board must make a final determination of independence based on all relevant facts and circumstances. 

BlackRock has not disclosed its Aramco-related fees or tariff payments enabling investors to assess whether such payments may be material to their own proxy voting decision-making. 

The solicitation also cites human rights concerns, and notes that “in his capacity as the CEO of Aramco, Nasser received a June 2023 letter from independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council, expressing concern and requesting clarification with respect to allegations that Aramco had engaged in one of the largest ever climate-related breaches of international human rights law by a business.” BlackRock has committed to incorporating the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles in their “strategy, culture, and day-to-day operations,” raising further questions about the alignment of Nasser with BlackRock’s overall business strategy. 

As of February 28, NYCERS has approximately $43 million invested in BlackRock. Additionally, BlackRock manages approximately $19 billion on behalf of NYCERS. 

The full exempt solicitation has been filed with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) as of May 1, 2024. 

In addition to Comptroller Lander, trustees of the New York City Employees’ Retirement System are as follows: 

Mayor Eric Adams’ Appointee Bryan Berge, Director, Mayor’s Office of Pension and Investments; New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams; Borough Presidents: Mark Levine (Manhattan), Antonio Reynoso (Brooklyn), Donovan Richards Jr. (Queens), Vito Fossella (Staten Island), and Vanessa L. Gibson (Bronx); Henry Garrido, Executive Director, District Council 37, AFSCME; Richard Davis, President Transport Workers Union Local 100; and Gregory Floyd, President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 237.