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(Friday) Extra, Extra Click here for this week's video: 2023 State of the City Address NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund Launched Small Business Guidance for Projected Public Activities / Gatherings Manpower Group Releases Q1 Employment Outlook Report Legislative & Advocacy Updates Governor Hochul Announces $672M to Assist Businesses and Residents w. Utility Bills Upcoming Events Black History Month Networking Event, 2/15/2023 - 6pm - 8pm

2023 STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

New York City Mayor Eric Adams outlined a "Working People's Agenda" in his second State of the City address, delivered at the Queens Theatre in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Mayor Adams' agenda is built on four pillars that are essential to building a city that meets the needs of working New Yorkers and represent the focus of his administration's work in 2023: jobs, safety, housing, and care. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce joined New York City business leaders and organizations from throughout the City to learn mayoral priorities and looks forward to working with all levels of government during budget and legislative negotiations for the coming fiscal year. "Small businesses are integral to the fabric of New York City," said Lisa Sorin, President of The Bronx Chamber of Commerce. "We value deep investment in innovative programs like the NYC EDC Small Business Resource Network, & the M/WBE program which creates a pipeline of opportunities for both emerging and established entrepreneurs. These programs are on the frontline of our City's recovery and set a national example for small business development. We warmly welcome Mayor Adams' initiatives and look forward to a robust implementation dialogue."

NYC SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FUND LAUNCHED

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce joined Mayor Eric Adams at Nobhle, a footwear and apparel store at 2640 Jerome Avenue, to launch a historic $75 million loan fund to help NYC’s small businesses rebuild, grow, hire, and thrive.  The NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund is a public - private partnership with Goldman Sachs, Mastercard, and the City of New York and complements a deep partnership with trusted Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). This represents the largest-ever public - private fund for small businesses throughout five boroughs and seeks to breaks down barriers to financing. NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund delivers flexible, low fixed-interest-rate capital, including:      No minimum credit score required    Loans up to $250,000 at 4% fixed interest rate.   Free business support from trusted, local, mission-driven lenders    Easy to apply    No application fees     Open to businesses at all stages – from startups to growing to rebuilding   Approximately 1,500 local businesses will be served by the fund — with loans up to $250,000 at a market-leading rate of 4 percent. Flexible terms address historic barriers to ensure broad access to the fund by eliminating credit score minimums, not requiring application fees, serving start-up and growth-stage businesses, and leveraging the deep roots of local organizations to reach businesses in BIPOC and immigrant communities.  Learn more link in bio or by calling 888-SBS-4NYC or emailing outreach@bronxchamber.org

SMALL BUSINESS GUIDANCE FOR PUBLIC ASSEMBLY

Late this afternoon, the video of Tyre Nicols death will be released. This incident which occurred in Memphis is anticipated to have an impact throughout major cities in the United States. While we respect peaceful protest as a means to channel energy for change; we must also prepare our businesses and properties for anticipated protests that may include bad actors which seek to take advantage of the situation. Late yesterday, NYPD met with all NYC business improvement districts, and business organizations to prepare for any actions that may be taken by protesters in the 5 boroughs. At this time, there are no credible threats known in the Bronx or any public plans for a protest. However, we are recommending that businesses are aware of what might occur and prepare by: 1. Removing any sidewalk displays or merchandise from vestibules 2. Alerting your staff to what may happen and instructing them to be aware 3. Review internal public safety plans and having NYPD contact information available to cashiers, greeters, and managers The Bronx BID network has prepared the public and members of the community for District public safety plans. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce remains in active communication with our elected officials, NYPD, violence interrupters, and community stakeholders. Should you encounter an emergency please contact 911.

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

LEGISLATION & REGULATIONS

New York City Department of Consumer Affairs & Worker Protection Updates The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs and Worker Protection issued a Notice of Adoption relating to Tobacco Retailer and Electronic Cigarette Retail Dealer Licenses.   The rule will take effect on February 19th, 2023.

New York State Utility Assistance Announced The New York State Public Service Commission approved a $672 million utility electric and gas utility bill relief late Thursday that will give economic assistance to 478,000 non-low-income New Yorkers and 56,000 small businesses. The program, designed by the Energy Affordability Policy Working Group, aims at covering New Yorkers' bill arrears accumulated through May 1, 2022, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused significant financial hardship for customers, the shuttering of businesses statewide, and the loss of jobs. The relief plan would eliminate 75 percent of recipients' past due bills thanks to a one-time credit, partially resolving the remaining 25 percent's arrears. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the PSC decision on Friday morning. "Every New Yorker deserves affordable energy, yet too many New Yorkers are at risk of having their lights turned off due to financial problems caused by the pandemic," Hochul said. The electric and gas utility assistance plan is the second action conceived as part of helping New Yorkers pay off past-due utility bills. The first one — a $567 million relief program — was announced by Hochul last summer and addressed low-income customers.

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

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 by emailing: foundation@bronxchamber.org 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

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES 21 JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS AND REAPPOINTMENTS

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced 21 judicial appointments and reappointments to Family Court, Criminal Court, and Civil Court. Specifically, Mayor Adams appointed three Family Court judges, and one Criminal Court judge, and reappointed three Family Court judges, 10 Criminal Court judges, and four interim Civil Court judges.

 

“Helping our justice system operate more efficiently and effectively, and address some of the bottlenecks that resulted from the pandemic, is a critical component of our administration’s vision for a safer city,” said Mayor Adams. “These appointees are committed to carrying out that mission, and we are proud to have them serving our city to make it more just and equitable for all.”

 

“At the criminal justice summit Mayor Adams convened in October, we heard from a diverse array of stakeholders about concrete steps we can take to keep New Yorkers safe,” said Chief Counsel to the Mayor and City Hall Brendan McGuire. “A consistent theme that emerged from the summit was the need for a well-resourced judicial system to address the enormous caseload that continues to delay justice for too many New Yorkers. These judicial appointees have the talent, experience, and dedication necessary to tackle the challenges our city faces, and we thank them for their service to our city.”

 

Mayor Adams appointed the following judges to Family Court:

 

Judge Gigi Parris was first appointed as an interim Civil Court judge in March 2021 and has been presiding in Family Court. She was a former corporate associate with Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, and Family Defense Practice staff attorney with The Bronx Defenders. She also served as a supervising attorney of the Family Defense Team at Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem, an associate court attorney, and last served as supervising court attorney to the supervising judge of Queens County Family Court.

 

Judge Janet McFarland was first appointed as an interim Civil Court judge in March 2021 and has been presiding in Family Court. Judge McFarland was a former Bronx County assistant district attorney. She also formerly served with the Mental Hygiene Legal Service as principal attorney at Woodhull Medical Center, and as a court attorney referee in Richmond County Family Court.

 

Judge Stephanie Schwartz was first appointed as an interim Civil Court judge in December 2021. She began her legal career with The Legal Aid Society, Criminal Defense Division and later served with the New York City Administration for Children’s Services in New York and Bronx counties for over nine years. Prior to her appointment to the bench, she was a court attorney referee in New York County Family Court.

 

Mayor Adams appointed the following judge to Criminal Court:

 

Judge Marty J. Lentz was first appointed as an interim Civil Court judge in December 2021 and has been serving in Criminal Court. She began her career as a law clerk in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. She then served as a staff attorney with The Legal Aid Society for 18 years. Her assignments included the Brooklyn Criminal Defense Practice, Misdemeanor Brooklyn Treatment Court, and Red Hook Community Justice Center.

 

Mayor Adams reappointed the following judges to Family Court:

 

Judge Gregory Gliedman was first appointed as a Family Court judge in January 2019. Judge Gliedman previously served with The Legal Aid Society, Juvenile Rights Division before establishing and maintaining his own practice. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Gliedman was a support magistrate in Richmond County Family Court.

 

Judge Melody Glover has been presiding in Family Court since June 2017. She began her career with The Legal Aid Society and served in various capacities including as assistant attorney-in-charge of the Kings County Juvenile Rights Division. Prior to her appointment to the bench, she maintained a solo practice specializing in family and criminal law while serving with the Queens Law Associates for 20 years.

 

Judge Robert Hettleman was first appointed as a Family Court judge in December 2013 and served for four years. He was appointed to the Family Court again in April 2021. Judge Hettleman was a former New York County assistant district attorney for nearly 15 years, having served in various capacities including as chief of the Child Abuse Unit.

 

Mayor Adams reappointed the following judges to Criminal Court:

 

Judge Giyang An has been a Criminal Court judge since December 2021. Judge An was a former Bronx County assistant district attorney in the Criminal Court, Intake, Narcotics and Trial (Gun Readiness Unit) bureaus. She also served with the Office of the New York Attorney General as an assistant attorney general in the Torts Section of the Claims Bureau, Division of State Counsel.

 

Judge Miriam Best was appointed as an interim Civil Court judge in June 2003 and then appointed as a Criminal Court judge in October 2005. Early in her legal career, Judge Best was a litigation associate for a private firm. She was also a former prosecutor for the Appeals Bureau of the Kings County district attorney’s office and assistant U.S. attorney in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Criminal Division. Judge Best then went on to serve as senior investigative counsel for the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor. Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Best was deputy chief of the Frauds Bureau in the New York County district attorney’s office.

 

Judge Dale Fong-Frederick was appointed as a Criminal Court judge in October 2022. He formerly served with The Legal Aid Society, Criminal Defense Division in Queens County as a senior staff attorney. He subsequently went on to serve with the New York County Defender Services and was principal law clerk to a Criminal Court judge briefly before returning to The Legal Aid Society. Judge Fong-Frederick was also a former solo practitioner. He then became employed with the New York State Unified Court System and served in various capacities. Prior to his appointment to the bench, he presided as a court attorney-referee in Kings County Surrogate’s Court.

 

Judge Eugene Guarino was appointed as a Criminal Court judge in January 2017. He was first appointed as an interim Civil Court judge in June 2016, serving in Criminal Court. Judge Guarino began his legal career with the Queens County district attorney’s office before starting a private practice. Prior to his appointment, Judge Guarino was principal court attorney in Queens County Criminal and Supreme Courts.

 

Judge Melissa Lewis was appointed to the Criminal Court in December 2021. She formerly served with the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office for 14 years in the District Court Misdemeanor Trial Bureau, County Court Felony Trial Bureau, and Major Offense Bureau. She last served as a deputy bureau chief of the County Court Felony Trial Bureau and as director of recruitment. Prior to her appointment to the bench, she served with as deputy chief of staff at the New York State Unified Court System.

 

Judge Sara Litman has been a Criminal Court judge since October 2022. She was a former Kings County assistant district attorney who eventually became a senior assistant district attorney in the Sex Crimes Bureau. She subsequently joined the New York State Unified Court System as a principal law clerk in Supreme Court in Kings and Bronx counties, and last served as a principal court attorney in Kings County Supreme Court.

 

Judge Marisol Martinez Alonso was appointed to the Criminal Court in January 2019. She was first appointed as an interim Civil Court judge in February 2018, presiding in Criminal Court. Judge Martinez Alonso previously served with the Bronx County district attorney’s office for more than 16 years in various bureaus including as the former deputy chief of a Trial Bureau.

 

Judge Gia Morris has been a Criminal Court judge since January 2013. She was first appointed as an interim Civil Court judge in September 2011, serving in Criminal Court. She was an associate for private law firms, a former prosecutor in Kings County, and held executive positions in city and state investigative agencies, including as inspector general with the New York City Department of Investigation. Prior to her appointment, she served as assistant commissioner for investigations at the New York City Department of Corrections.

 

Judge Michael Ryan has been a Criminal Court judge since October 2022. He was a former prosecutor with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, up until his appointment to the bench. During his tenure, he was assigned to various bureaus and held several titles, including but not limited to serving as a deputy bureau chief of the Early Case Assessment, Rackets and Criminal Court Bureaus, and as bureau chief of the Human Trafficking Bureau and Investigations Division. He last served as chief of the Criminal Courts Unit prior to his appointment to the bench.

 

Judge John Zoll has been serving in Criminal Court, first as an interim Civil Court judge, appointed in September 2011, and then as a Criminal Court judge, appointed in January 2013. He was a former solo practitioner and a criminal defense attorney for Queens Law Associates and The Legal Aid Society. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Zoll was a principal court attorney and supervising court attorney in Criminal Court.

 

Mayor Adams reappointed the following judges to Civil Court:

 

Judge Diego Freire was first appointed as an interim Civil Court judge in December 2021 and has been serving in Criminal Court. He started his legal career with The Legal Aid Society, Queens County Criminal Defense Practice, where he served for 14 years. Prior to his appointment, he held the dual titles of senior staff attorney in Adolescent Intervention and diversion attorney.

 

Judge Anthony Battisti was first appointed as an interim Civil Court judge in December 2021 and has been serving in Criminal Court. Judge Battisti was a former prosecutor with the Queens County District Attorney’s Office before starting a law partnership. Prior to his appointment, he ran his own practice for 27 years in Queens, specializing in criminal defense cases.

 

Judge Liberty Aldrich was first appointed as an interim Civil Court judge in June 2021 and has been serving in Family Court. Prior to her appointment to the bench, she served with the Center for Court Innovation for nearly two decades, including as general counsel, director of Gender-based Violence and Family Court Programs, as well as managing director. She was also the senior director of the Domestic Violence and Immigration Law Projects at Safe Horizon. During her tenure with Mobilization for Youth Legal Services (now known as Mobilization for Justice Legal Services), Judge Aldrich helped establish Legal Information for Families Today, a non-profit information service for family court litigants.

 

Judge Cynthia Lopez was first appointed as an interim Civil Court judge in June 2021 and has been serving in Family Court. She formerly served with the New York City Administration for Children’s Services for 20 years where she held various titles in Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island, and Brooklyn, including as supervising attorney of the Manhattan and Staten Island Family Court Legal Services. Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Lopez served as the borough chief of the Brooklyn Family Court Legal Services.