Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Bronx Business News You Can Use

 

Upcoming Events, Legislative News, Grant Opportunities, & More

During February we also acknowledge the tremendous contributions, struggles, and achievements of the Black community during Black History Month.  The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is proud to have a diverse membership and during this month we highlight the importance and impact of Black owned businesses and leaders on the Bronx and New York City. I invite you all to join me in celebrating Black History Month during the Bronx Chamber’s annual Black History Month Networking Reception, on Wednesday, February 15 at 6:00pm at the Residence in by Marriot, 1776 Eastchester Road. To register, Click Here. Throughout the evening we will hear from inspiring Black leaders and business owners, sample delicious food, and participate in speed networking to enhance our businesses.

BLACK HISTORY IN THE BRONX - GO BRONX PODCAST

The Go Bronx Podcast walks us through Black History in the Bronx. Did you know that Lincoln Hospital began as a school for “colored nurses?” Or that the first Black jockey competed (and won) at the Jerome Racetrack? What African American notables are interred in Woodlawn and St. Raymond’s cemetery? New York was built on the backs of Black enslaved people. Many fought in the Revolutionary War and even spied for General George Washington. In honor of Black History Month, we delve into the history of Black people in The Bronx and honor the legacy of our brothers and sisters. Find out more in this episode.

BLACK HISTORY IN OPTOMETRY - METRO OPTICS EYEWEAR

UPCOMING EVENTS

New York State Executive Budget Presentation w. Empire State Development Commissioner Hope Knight Tuesday, February 21 from 12:00am to 1:00pm Virtual The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Bronx NYS Executive Budget Presentation by the Office of Governor Kathy Hochul. Hope Knight, President, CEO, and Commissioner of Empire State Development will outline the Governor's budget and policy priorities and how they impact the Bronx, New York City and New York State. To Register: Click Here Coffee & Conversation w. NYC Councilmember Amanda Farias Chair, New York City Council Committee on Economic Development Wednesday, February 22 at 10:00am Virtual Bronx Chamber President Lisa Sorin, and Legislative & Policy Chair, Michael Brady moderate a discussion with Councilmember Farias, on Bronx economic development, workforce development, women's health and wellness, and merchant organizing. To Register: Click Here

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

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. Take in the stunning New York City skyline from the award-winning Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point. The 18-hole links-style course offers golfers a tournament quality experience, top tier entertainment, and dining. 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. To Purchase Foursomes & Sponsorships - 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 in your browser - new events are added weekly!

Six Genovese Organized Crime Family Defendants Plead Guilty To Racketeering

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the guilty pleas of four members and two associates of the Genovese Organized Crime Family to racketeering conspiracy.  Genovese Family associate THOMAS POLI pled guilty before United States District Judge John G. Koeltl on September 29, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Koeltl on April 13, 2023.  Genovese Family Captain NICHOLAS CALISI, Solider JOHN CAMPANELLA, and associate MICHAEL POLI pled guilty before Judge Koeltl on February 8, 2023, and are scheduled to be sentenced by him on June 27, 2023.  Genovese Family Captain RALPH BALSAMO and Soldier MICHAEL MESSINA pled guilty before Judge Koeltl and are scheduled to be sentenced by him on June 28, 2023.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “We remain committed to protecting the people of the Southern District of New York from being preyed on by organized crime.  These pleas demonstrate that those who swear a lifetime allegiance to criminal organizations will be prosecuted, no matter their efforts to insulate themselves.”

According to the Superseding Indictment, the defendants’ statements when pleading guilty, and statements made in related court filings and proceedings:

The Genovese Organized Crime Family is part of a nationwide criminal organization known by various names, including “La Cosa Nostra” (“LCN”) and the “Mafia,” which operates through entities known as “Families.”

Like other LCN Families, the Genovese Organized Crime Family operates through groups of individuals known as “crews.”  Each “crew” has as its leader a person known as a “Captain” and consists of “made” members, known as “Soldiers.”  Soldiers are aided in their criminal endeavors by other trusted individuals, known as “associates,” who sometimes are referred to as “connected” or identified as “with” a Soldier or other member of the Family.  Associates participate in the various activities of the crew and its members.  In order for an associate to become a made member of the Family, the associate typically needs to demonstrate the ability to generate income for the Family and/or that the associate is capable of committing acts of violence.

A Captain is responsible for supervising the criminal activities of his crew, resolving disputes between and among members of the Family, resolving disputes between members of the Family and members of other Families and other criminal organizations, and providing Soldiers and associates with support and protection.  In return, the Captain typically receives a share of the illegal earnings of each of his crew’s Soldiers and associates.

At times relevant to the charges in the Superseding Indictment, NICHOLAS CALISI and RALPH BALSAMO were Captains in the Genovese Family, MICHAEL MESSINA and JOHN CAMPANELLA were Soldiers in the Genovese Family, and MICHAEL POLI and THOMAS POLI were associates of the Genovese Family.

Members of the Genovese Family, including CALISI, BALSAMO, MESSINA, and CAMPANELLA, and associates MICHAEL POLI and THOMAS POLI, engaged in extortionate extensions of credit, financing extortionate extensions of credit, collecting extensions of credit by extortion, extortion, operating illegal gambling businesses, and the transmission of gambling information.

A chart containing the ages, residency information, and the charges to which the defendants pled guilty, as well as the maximum penalties they face, is attached.  

The maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Office of the New York Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force and the Kings County District Attorney’s Office and thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its assistance in this investigation.

Defendant	Age	City Of Residence	Charges	Max Penalties
MICHAEL MESSINA	69	New Fairfield, CT	Racketeering conspiracy	20 years
NICHOLAS CALISI	63	Boca Raton, FL	Racketeering conspiracy	20 years
RALPH BALSAMO	51	Bronx, NY	Racketeering conspiracy	20 years
JOHN CAMPANELLA	47	Bronx, NY	Racketeering conspiracy	20 years
MICHAEL POLI	37	Hawthorne, NY	Racketeering conspiracy	20 years
THOMAS POLI	64	Bronx, NY	Racketeering conspiracy	20 years