Friday, January 26, 2024

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

 

Upcoming Events, Legislative News, Grant Opportunities, & More
(Friday) Extra, Extra
Bronx Chamber of Commerce President's Luncheon

Renaming of the College of Mount Saint Vincent to the University of Mount Saint Vincent

Mayor Eric Adam's Town Hall in Co-op City

Mayor Eric Adam's hold the State of the City at Hostos Community College in Mott Haven

City of YES Proposal

Upcoming Events
From Stress to Success - Health & Wellness Networking Event 1.30.2024 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

2024 Annual Legislators' Reception - 2.5.2024

NYSABPRHAL Legislative Conference 2.16 - 18. 2024

Black History Month Networking Event 2.22.2024 6:00pm - 8:00pm


Women of Distinction - 3.22.2024 11:30am - 2:00pm
Friday Extra 1 26 2024 President's Luncheon
Events Highlight
Bronx Chamber of Commerce Host Our
Annual President's Luncheon

The Bronx Chamber host members from our Presidents, Chairman, and Corporate levels at Sammy's Restaurant in City Island for our annual President's Luncheon.

The luncheon provides networking opportunities and policies updates to premiere level members of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.

If you would like to renew your membership or upgrade your membership, please email: membership@bronxchamber.org
Emerging Professionals in the Bronx

The school formerly known as the College of Mount Saint Vincent is celebrating a name change. The school will now be known as the University of Mount Saint Vincent.

Founded by the Sisters of Charity of New York, the University of Mount Saint Vincent is an academically excellent, authentically inclusive, independent liberal arts college.
For more information about UMSV, Click Here
Mayor Eric Brings His
"Talk with Eric" Series to Co-Op City

Mayor Eric Adams brings his "Talk With Eric" series to the Co-op City area of the Bronx Monday night.

During this conversation, Mayor Adams was joined by our Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and other elected officials to cover a wide range of topics that are impacting our borough and our city.

For more on this Town Hall meeting, Click Here
State of the City at Hostos Community College

New York City Mayor Eric Adams outlined a future-focused vision for working-class New Yorkers in his third State of the City address, delivered at Hostos Community College’s Center for the Arts & Culture in the Bronx.

After driving crime down and pushing job growth to historic highs — all while managing a once-in-a-generation asylum seeker humanitarian crisis — Mayor Adams outlined ambitious plans to continue to deliver for New York City across his priority areas that have been a part of his vision for New York City since day one: making the country’s safest big city even safer, building a forward-looking economy that works for working-class New Yorkers, and making the city more livable for all New Yorkers.
NYC Restaurant Week Is Back

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce worked closely with the NYC Department of Tourism to make sure our borough was fully represented. We are proud to announce nine amazing restaurants are taking part in Restaurant Week. 

and Liebman's Delicatessen in Riverdale, Bronx Beer Hall in Belmont,  Absolitto Cuisine in Morris Park, Suyo Gastrofusion in Highbridge, Flava's Restaurant & Lounge in Melrose, Mae Mae CafeChocobar Cortes,Talavera Cantina, and Rosa's at Park in the Mott Haven section of the South Bronx. 

Restaurant Week is from January 16th, 2024 to February 4th, 2024. During this time, we encourage you to support participating restaurants who are creating jobs for members of our community, plus it keeps money circulating within our community to help grow their businesses.

For more information on 2024 NYC Restaurant Week, Click Here
LEGISLATION & ADVOCACY
City Of YES Public Hearing

At a public hearing hosted by Community Board 9 and the Department of City Planning on Thursday, community members provided feedback on “City of Yes for Economic Opportunity,” a text amendment aimed at creating more flexible zoning regulations for small businesses.

“City of Yes for Economic Opportunity” is one of three initiatives created by Mayor Eric Adams to bolster sustainability, small businesses, and affordable housing through updates to zoning.

The initiative outlines 18 proposals under four goals: expand options for businesses to locate; support growing industries; foster vibrant neighborhoods; and increase opportunities for business growth with proposals like allowing lifetime limits to reactivate vacant storefronts.
Temporary Liquor Permit Expansion

The NYC Hospitality Alliance has been advocating to the amend the Temporary Liquor Permit law that they successfully got enacted a couple of years ago to make thousands of more locations in New York City that are not currently eligible for Temporary Liquor Permits to become eligible.
 
This week, Senator Ramos and Assemblymember Epstein introduced legislation that will amend the Temporary Liquor Permit law to allow more premises to get one.

For more information, Click Here 
Fiscal Year 2025 Discretionary Funding Applications Released

The applications for discretionary funding are now available.

The FY2025 application was posted on the Council’s website on Thursday, January 4, 2024, and the submission deadline will be on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.

For more information, or to apply,



2024 Annual Legislators' Reception

The 2024 Legislators' Reception is the premier networking event and the biggest of its kind in Albany.

 All are welcome to attend and mingle with members of the New York State Legislature and top New York State government officials.

The event will follow meetings of our Board of Directors, Government Affairs Council / President’s Council, and other Committee Meetings.

For more information or to register, Click Here
53rd Annual NYSABPRHAL Legislative Conference

Join NYSABPRHAL for their 53rd Annual Legislative Conference on February 16- 18, 2024, in Albany, New York.

This conference's mission is to engage New State residents of a minority descent in a dialogue about issues and policies that have an impact on their daily lives and communities.

The workshop forums that take place on Saturday during the conference will focus on a plethora of issues including, but not limited to, healthcare inequities, how to become a legacy leader in the new cannabis industry, housing insecurities, criminal justice reform, enhancing equitable distribution of wealth, closing disparities within the educational system, MWBE opportunities and many more engaging topics.

For more information or to register for this event, Click Here
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
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
JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN THE BRONX

Seeking a candidate to work alongside Owner and Broker of Commercial Real Estate Company to provide general administrative assistance. We are searching for an individual with an outgoing personality who is comfortable interacting with Landlords/Owners and potential clients.

We are asking candidate to work out of the office 2 days per week (preferably Tuesdays and Thursdays) between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.

For more information or to apply, Click Here
LOSS PREVENTION TECHNOLOGY SURVEY

Loss Prevention Technology Survey, The Bronx Chamber of Commerce and our partners have issued a brief survey titled, "The Future is Here for Retail Theft Prevention." The survey seeks to understand business needs in the area of retail loss prevention. Take the Survey - Click Here
UPCOMING EVENTS
From Stress to Success: Health and Wellness Networking Event

Tuesday, January 30th, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Mott Hall Charter School
1260 Franklin Avenue Bronx NY

Step into 2024 radiantly! Join The Bronx Chamber of Commerce, Assembly Member Amanda Septimo for an evening of health and wellness
A Celebration of Black History Networking Event

Thursday, February 22nd, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Residence Inn by Marriott New York
1776 Eastchester Road Bronx NY

Please join the Bronx Chamber of Commerce as we celebrate our borough's black businesses and leaders who are making a difference in our community.

Enjoy happy hour drink pricing and complimentary hors d'oeuvres while you meet and mingle with fellow Chamber members and new prospective members during Speed Networking.

March 3rd - 5th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Jacob Javits Center
429 11th Ave NY NY

The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York is a once-a-year event that focuses on serving the food service industry in the Northeast.

Vendors offer you the opportunity to see the best in the restaurant and food service industry, from the newest food trends to the best technology to fit your restaurant and everything in between.

This is your opportunity to find the latest and greatest for your operation.

This is a ticketed event, for pricing and more information, Click Here

March 22 11:30 am to 2:00 pm
Villa Barone Manor
737 Throggs Neck Expwy Bronx NY

For 19 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.
 
Join us this year as we honor a new class of scholars and celebrate the strong women leaders of our community!
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!

Attorney General James Takes Action to Stop Idaho’s Regressive Abortion Restrictions

 

Idaho is Attempting to Criminalize Those Seeking Out of State Abortion Care

 New York Attorney General Letitia James joined a multistate coalition of 19 attorneys general opposing an Idaho law that threatens to criminalize any action taken by an adult to help a minor from Idaho access abortion care in another state without parental consent. The coalition of attorneys general filed an amicus brief with the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit urging the court to uphold a lower court’s injunction blocking the enforcement of the law. Attorney General James and the coalition argue that Idaho’s actions target legal health care services in other states, including New York, and could deter health care providers, organizations, and individuals in other states from providing important health care resources to minors in need.

“Everyone should be able to freely access legal abortion care, no matter who they are or where they live,” said Attorney General James. “Idaho’s law would put minors in danger and jeopardize abortion access nationwide by targeting health care services in other states. I want to thank my fellow attorneys general for joining this effort to oppose this unjust and harmful policy.”

Idaho’s Attorney General has explicitly interpreted the law’s restrictions on abortion access to apply even when an abortion occurs in another state where abortion is legal. Violations of the law are punishable by two-to-five years in prison and can also be civilly enforced by the minor’s guardians. In November 2023, a judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho granted an injunction halting the enforcement of the law. The Attorney General of Idaho then appealed that decision to the Ninth Circuit.

The Idaho Attorney General’s interpretation of the law threatens to punish legal activity in these states and make it harder for health care providers to care for minors. Providers across the country have seen an increase in patients seeking abortions from states like Idaho that have enacted abortion bans following the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision. If allowed to take effect, Idaho’s law could create costly delays and more roadblocks for patients seeking abortion care, including vulnerable minors. As the coalition notes, one study found that a third of minors who choose not to inform their parents about their reproductive health care decisions “have already experienced family violence and fear it will recur.” Making it harder for those minors to access abortion care independently would put them even more at risk.

Joining Attorney General James in calling on the Ninth Circuit to uphold the decision halting enforcement of Idaho’s law are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. 

Governor Hochul Announces Action Against Real Estate Brokerage Firm for Charging Excessive Broker Fees to Prospective New York Tenants

Governor Kathy Hochul New York State Seal

Governor Secures $260,000 Settlement Against New York City-Based City Wide Apartments, Inc – Including Penalties and Restitution

Builds on Governor’s Consumer Protection and Affordability Agenda to Protect New Yorkers and Reduce Costs

New Yorkers Are Encouraged to Report Licensee Misconduct to the New York State Department of State Here

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a settlement with New York City-based real estate brokerage firm City Wide Apartments, Inc. after a state investigation found that the firm charged excessive broker fees – in one instance collecting over $20,000 in additional fees – to tenants looking for housing.

“With our state staring down a housing crisis, excessive broker fees are not just unfair – they’re a threat to hard-working families looking to call New York home,” Governor Hochul said. “This settlement doubles down on my administration’s crackdown on deceptive business practices and starts the process of making dozens of families whole, and I will continue fighting to protect New York consumers and make our state more affordable and more livable.”

Under the terms of the settlement, City Wide has agreed to pay $260,000 in penalties and restitution, including a $50,000 fine and $210,000 in restitution to dozens of tenants. The agreement builds on Governor Hochul’s consumer protection and affordability agenda, announced as part of the Governor’s State of the State, to protect New York consumers and help keep hard-earned money in New Yorkers’ pockets.

New York State Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, “Excessive brokers’ fees add substantial costs to the already high price of renting property. The New York Department of State recognizes the need for fair and transparent practices in the real estate industry and this settlement is a testament to our commitment to protecting the rights of tenants. For those who think they can take advantage of tenants seeking housing, you can rest assure the Department will hold them accountable.”

The New York State Department of State’s Licensing Services Division, which licenses real estate sales agents and brokers, launched an investigation into alleged wrongdoings by City Wide, beginning in August 2022 following a report by the New York Post. The investigation revealed the brokerage violated the Real Property Law, by collecting one or more real estate commissions containing excessive fees which did not reasonably relate to legitimate services actually performed on behalf of tenants.

City Wide and its agents fully cooperated with DOS’ investigation and have committed to changing their business practices and how commissions are structured moving forward.

A broker’s fee must represent charges for actual services provided. Real estate licensees are obligated to act with honesty in their dealings with the public and cannot charge exorbitant commissions that have no reasonable relationship to the work involved in earning the commission.

When working with licensed agents and brokers, the Department reminds prospective tenants:

  • To confirm the agent and firm are properly licensed by checking our website at https://dos.ny.gov/licensing-services;
  • Commission fees are negotiable;
  • Remember to get a receipt for any funds paid;
  • Where possible, provide all fees with traceable funds; and
  • Never pay a commission to the name of the licensed salesperson (commissions should always be paid to the name of the real estate company).

New York State takes licensee misconduct seriously and the Department of State investigates complaints filed on a case-by-case basis. Anyone who believes a real estate licensee may be acting in a prohibited manner or with untrustworthiness, is encouraged to contact the Division of Licensing Services and submit a complaint form, available online at https://dos.ny.gov/preliminary-statement-complaint-0

Governor Hochul’s Consumer Protection and Affordability Agenda

The settlement agreement builds on Governor Hochul’s consumer protection and affordability agenda to protect consumers from deceptive business practices, lower costs, and help keep money in New Yorkers’ pockets. As part of her Executive Budget, the Governor proposed measures to strengthen consumer protections against unfair business practices; establish nation-leading regulations for the Buy Now Pay Later loan industry; advance the first major increase in paid medical leave benefits in more than three decades; and implement the nation’s most wide-ranging proposal to eliminate co-pays for insulin on certain insurance plans; and combat medical debt.


Russian National Sentenced for Involvement in Development and Deployment of Trickbot Malware

 

A Russian national was sentenced to five years and four months in prison for his involvement in developing and deploying the malicious software known as Trickbot, which was used to launch cyberattacks against American hospitals and other businesses.

According to court documents and public reporting, Vladimir Dunaev, 40, of Amur Oblast, Russia, provided specialized services and technical abilities in furtherance of the Trickbot scheme. Trickbot, which was taken down in 2022, was a suite of malware tools designed to steal money and facilitate the installation of ransomware. Hospitals, schools, and businesses were among the millions of Trickbot victims who suffered tens of millions of dollars in losses. While active, Trickbot malware, which acted as an initial intrusion vector into victim computer systems, was used to support various ransomware variants.

“This sentencing demonstrates the department’s ability to place cybercriminals behind bars, no matter where they are located,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “In cooperation with our partners around the world, we will continue to bring cybercriminals to justice.”

“Dunaev developed malicious ransomware and deployed it to attack American hospitals, schools, and businesses in the Northern District of Ohio and throughout our country, all while hiding behind his computer,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “He and his co-defendants caused immeasurable disruption and financial damage, maliciously infecting millions of computers worldwide, and Dunaev will now spend over five years behind bars as a result. Dunaev’s case demonstrates that the Justice Department and our office will use all available resources to investigate and prosecute cybercrime, and we thank our international partners for their cooperation in helping us stop cybercriminals like Dunaev and bring them to justice.”

Dunaev developed browser modifications and malicious tools that aided in credential harvesting and datamining from infected computers, facilitated and enhanced the remote access used by Trickbot actors, and created a program code to prevent the Trickbot malware from being detected by legitimate security software. During Dunaev’s participation in the scheme, 10 victims in the Northern District of Ohio, including Avon schools and a North Canton real-estate company, were defrauded of more than $3.4 million via ransomware deployed by Trickbot.

“The FBI relentlessly investigates criminal activity impacting the American people even when the perpetrators reside beyond our borders,” said Assistant Director Bryan Vorndran of the FBI’s Cyber Division. “Combating malicious cyber actors is a team sport, and we are proud of the coordinated effort that brought about this sentencing.”

“This case and subsequent sentencing sends a strong message to cybercriminals and other bad actors who target individuals and businesses with malicious intent,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen of the FBI Cleveland Field Office. “The complexities of this case required careful coordination among our domestic and international partners and their commitment to meticulous investigative work. I am proud of the synchronized effort to see that justice was served.” 

In 2021, Dunaev was extradited from the Republic of Korea to the Northern District of Ohio. On Nov. 30, 2023, Dunaev pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit computer fraud and identity theft and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud.

The original indictment returned in the Northern District of Ohio charged Dunaev and six other defendants for their alleged roles in developing, deploying, managing, and profiting from Trickbot.

In June, one of Dunaev’s co-conspirators, Alla Witte, who was a Trickbot malware developer and Latvian national, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit computer fraud and was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison.

In February and September 2023 the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued financial sanctions against multiple suspected Trickbot members.

The FBI Cleveland Field Office investigated the case.

The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with the International Criminal Affairs Division of the South Korean Ministry of Justice to secure the arrest and extradition of Dunaev.