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: Joseph P. Kelleher Memorial Golf Tournament Breaks Records MOCs Partners with Bronx Chamber of Commerce HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrion, Jr. Honored by the Bronx Chamber Bronx Chamber Celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride Legislative & Advocacy Updates Lien Bill Update Bronx Chamber Advocating in Washington DC Bronx Chamber Opposes NYC Council Bill, Int. 0617-2022 Upcoming Events Department of Buildings in Your Community, 6/24/2023, Northeast Bronx YMCA, 10:00am Chairman's Legislative Breakfast, 7/13/2023 - The New York Botanical Garden, 8:30am Summer BBQ Reception, 8/3/2023 - Pelham Bay Split Rock Golf Course, 6:00pm

JOSEPH P. KELLEHER MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT BREAKS RECORDS RAISES FUNDS TO SUPPORT BRONX BUSINESSES

2023 Bronx Chamber Joseph P. Kelleher Memorial Golf Tournament broke records with funds raised to support Bronx businesses and work for a fairer NYC business environment. Over 275 Golfers and revelers gathered to celebrate the inaugural Joseph P. Kelleher Memorial Golf Tournament, breaking records for support of the Bronx business community. Golfers teed off at Ferry Point, enjoying a beautiful day and raising critical funds for business programs serving the Bronx. During the day supporters networked with Bronx Chamber members actively shaping New York City's approach to business and economic development. The Bronx Chamber thanks our Tournament Chair, Greg Gonzalez, generous sponsors and supporters, Board of Directors, team, and the staff of Trump Links at Ferry Point for a stellar day supporting the Bronx and NYC.

NYC MOCS & BRONX CHAMBER PARTNER TO PROMOTE BUSINESS PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Mayor's Office of Contract Services & Bronx Chamber bring resources to 138th Street - South Bronx. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce and MOCS brought MOCS in Your Streets to 138th Street in the Mott Haven section of the South Bronx. Businesses received direct services, learned about doing business with the City of NY, and how to become minority / women owned certified through the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. Leading the initiative, Darry Saldana, Business Specialist and Lead of the 138th St. BID Exploration Initiative and Tony Billups, Avenue NYC - Mott Haven Program Manager. For more information, email: programs@bronxchamber.org

BRONX CHAMBER HONORS HPD COMMISSIONER ADOLFO CARRION JR.

The Bronx Chamber leadership team, Congressman Ritchie Torres, and over 250 notable business leaders honor Adolfo Carrion, Jr for his contributions to the Bronx and our business community. Mr. Carrión was appointed Commissioner of HPD by Mayor Adams on January 30, 2022, effective February 7, 2022. Prior to the appointment, Mr. Carrión was the CEO of Metro Futures LLC, a real estate development and consulting firm he founded in 2012, whose focus is the development of affordable housing, mixed-use and economic development projects, and strategic planning in the New York City Metro Area. Previously, Mr. Carrión was also the Executive Vice President of Stagg Group, a housing development and management firm, and Senior Advisor for Corporate Development to the CSA Group, the largest Hispanic-owned architecture and engineering firm in the United States. Between 2009 to 2012, Mr. Carrión served as Deputy Assistant to President Barack Obama, Director of the White House Office of Urban Affairs, and as Regional Administrator for Region II of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  Prior to his tenure in the federal government, Mr. Carrión served as Bronx Borough President and as a member of the New York City Council. Mr. Carrión served as President of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO), is an Aspen Institute Rodel Fellows alumnus, and has served on numerous boards for non-profit and government entities. Mr. Carrión holds a Bachelor of Arts from the King’s College and a master’s degree in Urban Planning from Hunter College. Congratulations Commissioner. Pictured: Representative of Congressman Torres, 2023 JPK Tournament Chair, Commissioner Carrion, Bronx Chamber President Lisa Sorin

BRONX CHAMBER CELEBRATES LGBTQ+ PRIDE

The Bronx Chamber brings out South Bronx LGBTQ+ pride. The Bronx Chamber's Avenue NYC - Mott Haven program, in partnership with ChocoBar Cortes, Third Avenue Business Improvement District, NYC Department of Transportation, and the Mott Haven Merchants Association brings the annual Big Gay Bronx Brunch to Alexander Avenue Open Streets with performances by Jay Love and iconic DJ Johnny Mack. Celebrating Bronx Pride with community! For more information, email: AvenueNYC@bronxchamber.org

LEGISLATIVE & ADVOCACY UPDATES

NYS Legislative Session Updates The NYS Assembly was recalled to Albany on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week to vote on key pieces of legislation. Notably missing from the agenda was the very worrisome, proposed SWEAT Lien and Attachment laws that eliminates due process for business owners, investors, and certain managers.. Included here, please find the Bronx Chamber's Memorandum of Opposition here for your reference. We as a Chamber and as a broader business community must remain vigilant to ensure this bill does not resurface again as it will be detrimental to businesses throughout New York State.

Bronx Chamber Advocates for Bronx and NYC Priorities During DC Fly Over The Bronx Chamber's leadership team travelled to Washington DC this week for a two day DC Fly In meeting with federal representatives and agencies to discuss the Bronx and NYC business agenda, the migrant crisis, and economic development plans throughout NYS. The state-wide business agenda focused on topics important to New York State employers, including Antitrust, Energy, Infrastructure, and Workforce Development. The Bronx Chamber team with partners from throughout NYS and the US Chamber of Commerce discussed our agenda with:    U.S Senator Kirsten Gillibrand    The Honorable Adriano Espaillat    The Honorable Andrew Garbarino    The Honorable Mike Lawler    The Honorable Nicole Malliotakis    The Honorable Grace Meng    The Honorable Marc Molinaro    The Honorable Joseph Morelle    The Honorable Claudia Tenney   For more information or to get involved, email: Michael Brady, mbrady@bronxchamber.org

NYC Council Legislative Updates The Bronx Chamber of Commerce in partnership with leading business organizations from throughout New York City have issued an opposition statement to NYC Council Bill, Int. 0617-2022, regarding Sick Time in NYC. This bill would amend the definition of “employee” in the Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (the Act) to extend the Act’s benefits to independent contractors who meet certain conditions. Additionally, the Bronx Chamber is monitoring two other bills that will impact Bronx and NYS businesses: Int 0078-2022 – Sponsor: Gale A. Brewer      Creating an informational campaign concerning workers’ rights under the earned safe and sick time act.    This bill would provide for a public education campaign by the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection in coordination with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to educate employees of their rights under the Earned Safe and Sick Time Act. The campaign will distribute posters and other materials for posting in pharmacies and other private health related institutions, on a voluntary basis. The bill would also invite the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation to distribute and post such materials at locations under its jurisdiction.   Int 0563-2022 – Sponsor: Gale A. Brewer      Provision of sick time earned by employees.    The proposed bill would add a right to file a private civil action to the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA), which allows most private employees in New York City to earn paid sick time from their employers. Under the current law, employees who are denied their rights under the ESTA are limited to filing a complaint with the Department of Consumer Affairs. This bill would allow such employees to also file a case with any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce their rights.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Summer BBQ Networking Reception August 3 at 6:00pm Pelham Bay & Split Rock, 870 Shore Road Bronx, NY Join Bronx Chamber members, elected officials, and friends for a Summer evening of networking, great food & drinks, and conversation. The evening includes live music, barbeque, dancing, and networking. Individuals wishing to golf before hand must contact Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Course directly. 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!

ONE YEAR AFTER THE DOBBS DECISION NEW YORK CITY CONTINUES TO LEAD ON ABORTION ACCESS

 

NYC Abortion Access Hub Has Served Nearly 2,000 People Since November 2022

As the nation prepares to tomorrow mark one year since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization — in which the nation’s highest court ruled to effectively overturn Roe v. Wade after almost 50 years of precedent and strip Americans of their right to access safe, legal abortions — New York City Mayor Eric Adams today highlighted the city’s work to expand access for anyone who wants and needs an abortion within the five boroughs, whether they reside here or not. As the right to abortion care has continued to face attacks around the country over the last year, the city has launched new services and supports for women and people in need of care, including the Abortion Access Hub, which has served nearly 2,000 people since November 2022, as well as the launch of no-cost medication abortion at the city’s sexual health clinics.

“One year ago, the highest court in the nation committed the ultimate assault on women’s rights as they sought to strip Americans of their right to control their own bodies. But in the one year since this battle on reproductive rights was lost, the war continues on, and New York City has stepped up and solidified its place as a safe haven for reproductive freedom,” said Mayor Adams. “While some may continually seek to strip women of the rights to control their bodies, their choices, and their freedoms, New York City will always stand on the side of ensuring women can make their own health decisions.”

“Health care is a human right and that extends to reproductive health care,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “Since the Dobbs decision, New York City has and will continue to stand up for reproductive health care for every person that needs it. Thank you to the dedicated and thoughtful teams at NYC Health + Hospitals and at DOHMH for putting the city’s values into practice and bringing critical services to New Yorkers and those coming to New York City for care.” 

“Reproductive health is health, and New York City is committed to protecting a person’s right to make decisions about their own body,” said New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “We know that rights and responsibilities are not the same as real-world access, which is why we’re bringing additional services and supports online, and created the first-of-its-kind for government New York City Abortion Access Hub to help people navigate potential barriers to abortion from wherever they come from -- especially from parts of the nation where reproductive rights have been restricted by Dobbs and are under continued attack. As the city’s doctor, I’m proud to be a part of an administration and a city that is a safe haven for abortion and unafraid to take bold action to support reproductive rights.”

“Despite the numerous attacks on our reproductive freedom, New York City and NYC Health + Hospitals continue to be a safe and supportive environment where New Yorkers can receive confidential, high-quality abortion care,” said Wendy Wilcox, MD, MBA, FACOG, chief women’s health officer, NYC Health + Hospitals. “No one should live in fear of seeking out the health care they need.  I thank the mayor and DOHMH for their continued commitment to reproductive health.”

 

NYC Health + Hospitals offers offer a wide range of services, including primary care, family planning, abortion care, prenatal through delivery care, midwifery services, postpartum care, breastfeeding and lactation services, breast exams, nutrition, behavioral health referrals, preventative care, and vaccinations. Recently, NYC Health + Hospitals expanded systemwide capacity to provide abortion care, increased the number of clinicians who provide abortions, created a systemwide Reproductive Health Working Group to create policies and provide support, and hired a Reproductive Health Navigator to support patients who need extra accompaniment in accessing abortion care.

The city also released new data on the first municipally-funded abortion access call line, launched in the fall of 2022, to connect callers both in New York City and across the country to New York City abortion providers. Since then, the Abortion Access Hub has connected over 1,900 callers to abortion services and resources through New York City abortion providers including NYC Health + Hospitals and other organizations on the ground. Anyone in need of abortion services or support in accessing care can receive assistance by calling 1-877-NYC-AHUB (1-877-692-2482), Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM. For individuals who prefer to start the conversation over text, there is now an online chat feature to connect you to the best phone operator.

New York City also released call data from the Abortion Access Hub’s first six months of operation:

• Most callers live in New York City; and
• More than 400 reported living outside the state, and more than a quarter of those callers were from Texas.

In August 2022, Mayor Adams signed legislation ensuring access to free no-cost medication abortion at the city’s Sexual Health Clinics, becoming the first health department in the country to offer this service. Medication abortion is currently available at the Jamaica Sexual Health Clinic in Queens and Morrisania Sexual Health Clinic in the Bronx, with plans to expand the service to the Central Harlem Sexual Health Clinic in the coming months.

For more information on the city’s sexual health clinics, New Yorkers can visit DOHMH’s website.

 

State Senator Gustavo Rivera on Coverage For All Not Passing the New York State Assembly

 

"I am incredibly disappointed that Coverage For All did not pass the Assembly despite the herculean efforts of Assemblymember Gonzalez-Rojas and our group of dedicated advocates. Together, we had to fight back against misinformation and misguided apprehensions about our legislation in an urgent effort to move this bill.

This was our opportunity to expand much needed healthcare coverage in New York State without incurring any additional cost to the state and to prevent thousands of New York State residents from delaying necessary medical care or incurring detrimental medical debt. Our Coverage For All bill could have been fully paid for by federal passthrough funding under the 1332 waiver program, which the federal government confirmed two weeks ago. In fact, we amended our original bill to give the administration the flexibility to structure the program to ensure its fiscal viability, including the option to implement an enrollment cap.

As leaders of New York, historically a bastion for immigrants that built this state, I would have hoped that Assembly leadership would demonstrate the courage to bring the Governor to the table for this critical policy. Last year, the Governor expressly said that New York would seek federal funds to expand health coverage to eligible undocumented New Yorkers. It is extraordinarily distressing that she did not keep her word by supporting passage of this bill and instead publicly seeded doubt about its feasibility despite the federal government’s explicit guidance for New York to move forward. We were looking forward to working with her to bring millions of dollars to the State to cover this population. Instead, thousands of New Yorkers will continue to rely on the emergency room for healthcare at an incredibly steep cost to the State. I want to thank my fellow warrior, Assemblymember Gonzalez-Rojas, and every single advocacy organization who worked tirelessly to support this bill.” 

This fight is not over. On behalf of hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers who were depending on this policy, I am committed to persevering with our allies to achieve guaranteed healthcare for all.”

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S STATEMENT ON THE WORK REQUIREMENTS IN THE MAYOR'S HOUSING VOUCHER RULE

 

"Ending the 90-day rule is an important but incomplete part of addressing the voucher issues that exacerbate the housing and homelessness crisis in our city. The mayor’s executive action is not a substitute for the broad and lasting legislation passed by the City Council.

"By including work requirements in that order, the administration is actually moving us backward. Particularly given Albany’s inaction on the Housing Access Voucher Program, the city has even greater responsibility to provide housing support. Yet far from streamlining access to housing, this is conservative, counterproductive policy and philosophy that will shut out New Yorkers most in need. 

"I implore the mayor to rescind these requirements, and to enact the full package of legislation that was passed by the City Council and desperately needed by so many New Yorkers."