MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES CITY HALL, OTHER CITY BUILDINGS WILL BE LIT BLUE AND YELLOW TONIGHT TO COMMEMORATE ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF RUSSIA’S INVASION OF UKRAINE

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced today that City Hall and other municipal buildings will be lit in the colors of the Ukrainian flag, blue and yellow, tonight to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

 

“New York City is home to the largest Ukrainian population in the United States, and we are proud to stand in solidarity with our Ukrainian neighbors,” said Mayor Adams. “Today, even one year later, we are sending a clear message that New Yorkers will always support our brothers and sisters in Ukraine as they continue to suffer as a result of President Putin’s tyranny. Ukrainians here and everywhere should know that we will continue to stand with them.”

“As a Ukrainian New Yorker and a member of the administration, I am grateful to Mayor Eric Adams for his bold leadership and support to our community in New York City and Ukraine,” said  Mayor’s Office for International Affairs Commissioner Edward Mermelstein. “The lighting of New York City municipal buildings is a strong symbol of our continued support as the effects of this unjust war against Ukraine continue to be felt globally. The return to peace is imperative so the people of Ukraine can rebuild their lives.”

“Since the very beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, the city has shown its commitment to the Ukrainian community in New York City by mobilizing a $2 million response effort to support families impacted,” said Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Manuel Castro. “Today, we reaffirm that commitment, as thousands have been served through our Ukrainian Response Initiative.”

 

“Marking today one year since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, we are grateful to all international partners who stand side by side with Ukraine, and I would like to particularly thank the New York City government for the effective collaboration our Consulate General enjoyed throughout the year, including in all our contacts with the Mayor’s Office,” said Consul General of Ukraine in New York Oleksii Holubov. “The decision taken by Mayor Adams to light today significant municipal buildings, as well as City Hall in the colors of the national flag of Ukraine serves as yet another symbol of solidarity with Ukraine and Ukrainians. At this crucial stage of the war, the Consulate General of Ukraine is looking forward to strengthening teamwork with the city to redouble critically needed support for our country and Ukrainian New Yorkers.”

 

In addition to City Hall, the following city buildings will be lit up starting tonight at sundown:

 

• Bronx Borough Hall: 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451
• The David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building: 1 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007
• Queens Borough Hall: 120-55 Queens Boulevard, Queens, NY 11424
• Staten Island Borough Hall: 10 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301

Councilman Rafael Salamanca Celebrates Black History Month

 

Thursday February 23rd Councilman Rafael Salamanca held his Black History Month Celebration in the Old Lion House in the Bronx Zoo. Councilman Salamanca gave some opening remarks about what Black History Month means to him then called up Rev. Frederick Crawford of the Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church to give the Opening Prayer. The National Anthem and Black National Anthem were sung by Diane Arroya. Also at the event was Assemblywoman Chantel Jackson.  

The honorees were Etta Ritter the new District Manager of Community Board 3, Natalie Cash a video producer at the Wildlife Conservation Society, Ambroise Ngande of the African Advisory Council, Joseph Alston Executive Director of the Union Grove Missionary Grove Church, and Jasmine Crowell who could not make the event due to work duties, and a co-worker picked up the award. After the awards were given out Councilman Salamanca gave a brief closing statement. 

Reverend Crawford giving the Opening Prayer as Councilman Salamanca watches.

Diane Arroya sung both the National Anthem and the Black National Anthem, here she is singing the national Anthem. 

Assemblywoman Chantel Jackson spoke about Black History Month.

The honorees. (L - R) Joseph Alston, Etta Ritter, Councilman Rafael Salamanca, Jasmine Crowell award, Natalie Cah, and Joseph Alston. 

Governor Hochul Announces Plans for I LOVE NY Black Travel Initiative

 

I LOVE NY Will Promote Black Travel Destinations, Events and Cultural Attractions to Encourage Black Travelers to Explore New York State

Builds on I LOVE NY LGBTQ and Accessible NY Programs to Boost New York Tourism Among Diverse Populations

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced plans for an I LOVE NY Black travel initiative, designed to grow New York State tourism and encourage Black traveler visitation. The Governor made the announcement at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater as part of the state's commemoration of Black History Month. The program will build on the success of the state's tourism programs like I LOVE NY LGBTQ and Accessible NY which highlight destinations of interest to and supportive of specific travel communities.

"The new I LOVE NY Black travel initiative will be a celebration of New York's unparalleled Black history, culture, food, and arts," Governor Hochul said. "From sites and museums that bring Black history to life to world-class arts and cultural institutions like the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, New York has so much to offer. I look forward to working with our partners to welcome even more visitors to experience Black culture in our state."

I LOVE NY's Black travel initiative will be a comprehensive program that promotes New York State as a great vacation destination for Black travelers. It will have a dedicated presence on the I LOVE NY website, and a promotional campaign based on market research and stakeholder outreach that highlights existing assets and supports new programming to provide a direct invitation welcoming Black visitors and their families to experience New York's unparalleled Black history, culture, food, arts and events.

The Division of Tourism will utilize existing relationships with international travel trade operators to encourage the creation of Black travel itineraries and engage travel journalists and content creators to share all that awaits Black travelers and their friends and families across New York State. I LOVE NY will also collaborate with other State agency partners and local tourism promotion agencies to amplify their Black travel messaging.

The annual economic impact of tourism and travel in New York State as of 2021 is $85.5 billion, and it generates enough in state and local taxes to save every household in the state more than $1,000 annually. The tourism and hospitality sector is the state's third largest industry, supporting one in 10 private sector jobs. Black travelers represent more than 13 percent of the domestic leisure travel market, spending over $109 billion annually.

New York is home to dozens of Underground Railroad sites and one of the largest Juneteenth festivals in the nation. The state has deep ties to leaders like Fredrick Douglass, Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman, and is where hip hop was born. Museums and venues celebrating Black culture, art and heritage can be found throughout the state - from the Jackie Robinson Museum in Lower Manhattan, to the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park in Auburn, to the Colored Musicians Club in Buffalo.

In a survey of Black travelers, 64 percent reported that the availability of Black culture and heritage attractions is important when making a destination choice. Another survey of Black travelers reported that diversity in marketing is a top factor when choosing a travel destination, with 54 percent of U.S. Black travelers more likely to visit a destination with Black representation in advertising. I LOVE NY already includes diverse imagery in its marketing and promotes themes, attractions and events of interest to a wide variety of communities. This new travel program is the next phase of the Division of Tourism's segment promotion work, joining specific invitations and overtures to LGBTQ travelers and guests with accessibility needs.

New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce & Fordham University Scholarships for 2023

Master of Science in Cyber Security Scholarship Opportunity Deadline to Apply: March 15, 2023

The NYCHCC is proud to partner with Fordham University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and Fordham Center for Cybersecurity to provide a qualified Hispanic student with a Scholarship Award. Scholarship Opportunity 1 Scholarship Opportunity 2 Two (2) GSAS Centennial Scholarships, each of which total approximately U.S. $20,686, and consist of the following elements:  A half tuition scholarship of up to 12 credits during the academic year and up to 3  credits in the summer.  Eligibility to participate in the Fordham Student Health Insurance Plan. GSAS will contribute up to U.S. $1,066 if you choose to participate in this plan.  This merit-based funding package is awarded for two academic years and must be renewed annually. Renewal is  contingent upon, among other factors,  meeting GSAS standards for satisfactory academic performance and progress One (1) GSAS Centennial Scholarship, which totals approximately U.S. $41,372, and consist of the following elements:  A full tuition scholarship of up to 24 credits during the academic year and up to 6 credits in the summer.  Eligibility to participate in the Fordham Student Health Insurance Plan. GSAS will contribute up to U.S. $2,132 if you choose to participate in this plan.  T his merit-based funding package is awarded for two academic years and must be renewed annually. Renewal is contingent upon, among other factors, meeting GSAS standards for satisfactory academic  performance and progress. Requirements to Apply  Complete and Submitted Online Graduate Application available at  https://gradadmissions.fordham.edu/apply/  Official Academic Transcripts from all institutions attended - Please have the issuing  institution send transcripts directly to the Office of Admissions (fuga@fordham.edu) via  secure electronic delivery from the issuing institution. If electronic delivery is not available, please request that your transcripts be submitted directly via post, in a sealed envelope, to:  Graduate School of Arts and Sciences,  Office of Admissions, Fordham University,   441 E. Fordham Rd., Bronx, NY 10458.  Please note: you may upload unofficial copies of your transcripts to your online application while the Office of Admissions awaits receipt of your official transcripts. Please ensure that all official transcripts from previously attended post-secondary institutions are submitted in English, or are accompanied by a certified English translation. Transcripts and credentials conversion information is available on the GSAS International Students page.    Official GRE Score Results not required/ should be provided if available.    Resume/CV (submit via the online application)    Statement of Intent (up to 500 words, submitted electronically, via the online application)   Two Letters of Recommendation (submitted directly by referees via the online application) Program information M.S. Degree in Cyber Security  Interested applicants please contact: NYC Hispanic Chamber of  Commerce’s Board Member: Eileen Guzzo @ eileeng@donmor.com

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: NYS Budget & Policy Briefing by Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez Coffee & Conversation with Councilmember Amanda Farias Overview of Bronx Chamber Commercial Corridor & Merchant Organizing Initiatives Legislative & Advocacy Updates Engagement Surveys 5 Borough Jobs Coalition Upcoming Events Member Spotlight Save the Date: iMentor Recruitment Roundtable, Monday, April 3 at 11:00am

NYS BUDGET & POLICY BRIEFING WITH SECRETARY OF STATE ROBERT RODRIGUEZ

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce hosted Governor Kathy Hochul's NYS Budget & Policy Briefing with Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez earlier this week. The afternoon highlighted Governor's legislative and budgetary priorities and provided a deep dive into economic development initiatives shaping the Bronx and New York State. We are grateful to the Secretary of State for delivering the briefing and to our Board member, Liz Neumark, CEO - Great Performances Catering and Hospitality for delivering opening remarks. To view a recording of the briefing, click here.

NYC COFFEE & CONVERSATION W. HON. AMANDA FARIAS CHAIR , COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Sorin hosted Coffee & Conversation with Hon. Amanda Farias, Chair of the New York City Council Committee on Economic Development and Co-Chair of the Women's Caucus this week. The morning highlighted economic development initiatives impacting the Bronx and New York City and legislative priorities of Councilmember Farias. Councilmember Farias focused on new transportation initiatives and her goals for supporting New York City's small businesses through equitable economic development. To view a recording of the Coffee & Conversation, click here.

REMINDER: NYC SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FUND PAUSED

Due to robust community engagement, led by the Bronx Chamber of Commerce and program partners, the NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund reached businesses in need throughout the five boroughs through door-to-door outreach, webinars, events, one-on-one application support, and many other forms of communications. These efforts have led to more than 12,500 applications to the loan program in just three weeks.   Due to high interest, the portal is temporarily closed to allow lending partners to assess completed applications.      New applicants can complete the inquiry form to be notified if the application reopens and learn about additional financing options and ways to receive free City-provided business support.      Businesses that have applied as of Sunday, February 12th at 11:59pm will receive an email from a lending partner with next steps.      Our NYC Small Business Resource Network is assisting in navigating government and working with businesses to more fully understand responses from lenders. If you have a question or challenge with your application, please email: SBRN@bronxchamber.org.    Please note, due to the high volume of requests, businesses may experience delays in their application being processed.

LEGISLATIVE & ADVOCACY UPDATES

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is closely monitoring NYS minimum wage legislation, proposed increases in unemployment benefits, non-compete agreements, and the definition of contractors (1099) and employees (W-2). Additional focus is being given to Criminal Justice Reform, Anti Trust legislation, Alcohol Beverage Control agency Rule Making, Racing and Gaming, as well as broader areas in E-Buildings, transportation, infrastructure, and housing. The leadership team travelled to Albany, NY for the NYSABPRHAL's 52nd Annual Legislative Conference. During our time, members of our delegation shared Bronx Chamber legislative priorities, met with City and State representatives to discuss policy proposals, and worked with relevant agencies to advocate for the economic development of the borough. The team will travel to Albany in early March as the one-house budgets are released.

ENGAGEMENT OPPORTNUITIES

Does Your Business Receive NYS Incentives? We need to hear from you! The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is an active participant in the 5 Borough Jobs Coalition, a consortium of business organizations which advocate for business incentive programs which deeply impact New York City, notably, the Commercial Expansion Program (CEP), Energy Cost Savings Program (ECSP), Commercial Revitalization Program (CRP) / Commercial Rent Tax Special Reduction (CRT), Lower Manhattan Energy Program, and the Lower Manhattan State and Local Sales Tax Exemption. Our Legislative team has successfully advocated to have these programs included in the Governor's Executive Budget Proposal and will be working with the Legislature to ensure they are included in the NYS Budget.  Please complete this brief survey so we can learn how these programs impact your business.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Crear una Idea de Negocio que Funcione Wednesday March 1, 2023 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Virtual El objetivo de este curso es proporcionarle las herramientas para analizar a sus clientes, la industria y los competidores. Saldrá del curso con un plan de acción que puede determinar si su idea es la oportunidad de mercado adecuada. Resevar un lugar

Aplicando para préstamos y subvenciones Tuesday March 7, 2023 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Virtual Únase a este seminario web para obtener información sobre los programas de préstamos y subvenciones y obtenga consejos para ayudarlo. Resevar un lugar

Choosing the Right Legal Structure for Your Business Wednesday March 8, 2023 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Virtual This workshop includes an in-depth discussion about the pros and cons of the available options in New York State, such as sole proprietorship, partnership, "c" or "s" corporation, and the limited liability company (LLC), so you can determine which one is best for you. Reserve Your Spot - Click Here.

Emerging Professionals Mixer Thursday March 9, 2023 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM Fokkus Room & Cocine 138 W Fordham Road  The Bronx, NY 10468 Join the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, Councilmember Pierina Sanchez, and NYC Department of Small Business Services for an evening of bites, drinks, and conversation focused on emerging professionals, solo entrepreneurs and new industries impacting the Bronx and New York City. The evening includes a fireside chat, networking, and access to customized business services through the Small Business Resource Network. Celebration of Irish Heritage Networking Reception Tuesday March 21, 2023 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Rambling House 4292 Katonah Avenue The Bronx, NY 10470 Join the Bronx Chamber of Commerce for an evening of networking and celebrating the Bronx's Irish heritage. The evening features live music, networking, drink specials, Irish fare, and acknowledges the contributions of notable Irish Americans and their influence on Bronx business and economic development. Reserve Your Spot - Click Here. Women of Distinction Luncheon 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 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!