THENEWBXCC - Bronx Business News You Can Use

 

Legislative Updates, New Grants, Events and Much More Please click View/Allow Images so you don't miss a thing!

In this week's Friday Extra, Sara fills in for our fearless leader Lisa Sorin. Topics are: 1. NYC Small Business Resource Network Mixer hosted at the Woodlawn Cemetery. woodlawn.org 2. Brronx Chamber Annual Holiday Party bronxchamber.org/events 3. Congratulations to our newly elected reps!

What You Should Know

Plastic Straw Restriction

As of, November 1, 2021, New York City’s restriction on the use of plastic straws goes into effect. From today until October 31, 2022, the city will be in a warning period, however after this there will be violations issued for not complying. For additional information CLICK HERE

City & State: 2021 Virtual Government Procurement Conference

When all rules changed for procurement during the pandemic many wondered how New York’s business would return. Over the last year or so we have been slowly returning to the city and state and this conference will talk about what it looks like. The Government Procurement Conference will foster business partnerships between the city and state level government, prime contractors, and small, minority, service-disabled veteran-owned, and women-owned businesses. Join on November 18th to hear answers to all of your pressing procurement questions, discover unique opportunities, and create new business partnerships! Learn More & Register Here

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) announced its plan to help bring a new online curriculum to small businesses across the nation: Verizon Small Business Digital Ready. In partnership with Next Street and Local Initiatives Support Corp (LISC), the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready online curriculum is designed to give small businesses the tools they need to thrive in today's digital economy, including access to personalized learning plans, coaching from experts and networking opportunities with diverse, industry-specific businesses.    Click Here to Learn More

Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP)

The Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP) allows people who are out of work and meet certain requirements to start their own business while collecting Unemployment Insurance benefits. If you dream of starting your own business and qualify for the SEAP, you can have the financial support you need to pay your bills while you work on that dream!  You can work full time on your new business while collecting Unemployment Insurance benefits  You don't have to look for jobs while you work on your business  Money earned from your business is not deducted from your Unemployment Insurance benefits  You stay on track for success with training and counseling  You get opportunities to build a network of support to launch your business You must receive a written acceptance into the SEAP before you can start your own business while collecting benefits.

CCIA's "Don't Break Our Tech" campaign

Americans have overcome unprecedented challenges over the past year, but now Congress is playing politics with the products that helped us get through it. Before and during the pandemic, Americans turned to tech products to receive deliveries for their favorite products, find directions to local businesses, and to connect with loved ones. These bills could make all these things harder, more expensive, less convenient, and less secure. We should ask Congress to answer a very simple question: what happens after you implement barriers to innovation in the one area of the economy where competition forces companies to introduce new consumer products and services daily?  View Campaign Here

Upcoming Events

Bronx Chamber Annual Holiday Party & Toy Drive

Join us to celebrate at our Bronx Chamber Holiday Party! Thursday, December 9th 6:30pm - 10:30pm Villa Barone Manor Purchase Tickets Here

Bronx Chamber Member Spotlight

Exclusive Smylen Dental Plan Offer for BXCC Members

Smylen is a new kind of dental plan that eliminates the hassle of seeking dental treatment. Our platform combines a network of top doctors, their absolute best prices, 24/7 customer care, Airbnb-style booking, flexible payments - we do it all and ensure the member experience is top-notch. Smylen provides a seamless interface that saves members money with transparent and comprehensive pay-as-you-go dental care.     Our special Chamber pricing is $7 (single) & $12 (family) per month. To celebrate this new partnership, the Smylen team is offering all Bronx Chamber members a $50 credit towards dental services - with no restrictions or expiration date. :)

Three Certified NYC Women-Owned Businesses Enterprises (MWBE) Take New Roots in The Bronx

Congratulations to our member JVPRNY & Janitorial Multi Services LLC on their Grand Opening. View Here For Press Release

54 Days and Counting I Will Take No Questions on My Dumping 540 Single Adult Males into Bronx Community Board 11

 No, I will not take any questions from reporter Robert Press of the Bronx Chronicle, because he will ask me why I am dumping 540 single adult men into three Bronx Community Board 11 homeless shelters. I know that there are About 101,000 students living in unstable, or temporary, housing in the 2020-2021 school year, according to an analysis of state data released by Advocates for Children. That’s a larger number of children than the entire school district of Denver. Also that my Department of Homeless Services has a policy of not putting more than 25% of a community boards homeless population be single adult males, but who cares that I am putting in over 65% into Bronx Community Board 11. The families and children from Bronx Community Board 11 are elsewhere in the Bronx. 

That reporter Robert Press will also ask me why there is a $139 million dollar Pelham Parkway roadway reconstruction, a new larger water distribution system being installed that has messed up a section of the parkway for over a year, along with new larger storm sewer installation, and completely replacing the North Service road, making it smaller by taking away parking on one side, with no community oversight. There was a Pelham Parkway Task Force run through the local community board, which brought out the community concerns. It seems that task force was disbanded, and the consultant on the project told the community board that a community task force is not needed to oversee the project. Mr. Press wanted to know why the task force was disbanded, and there is no community oversight on such a large project.

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - NOVEMBER 7, 2021

 

111,486 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours     

25 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.   

"The weather is getting colder, and friends and family will be spending more time indoors, increasing the risk of transmission and threatening the incredible progress we've made so far," Governor Hochul said. "The vaccine is the way out of this pandemic, and I encourage parents and guardians to please get your children vaccinated soon so we can all enjoy the holidays safely this year."

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

• Test Results Reported - 173, 651
• Total Positive - 4,603 
• Percent Positive - 2.65% 
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 2.53% 
• Patient Hospitalization - 1,805 (-21)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 222 
• Patients in ICU - 392 (-10) 
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 229 (-1) 
• Total Discharges - 209,877 (+269)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 25 
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 45,789 

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only. 

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 58,181

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings. 

• Total vaccine doses administered - 27,742,948
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 111,486 
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 533,716 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 84.8% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 77.1% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 88.2% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 79.2% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 71.9% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 65.2% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 74.9% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 67.1%   

DEC ANNOUNCES NOV. 20 START FOR REGULAR FIREARMS SEASON FOR DEER AND BEAR HUNTING IN NEW YORK’S SOUTHERN ZONE

 

New Opportunities and Responsibilities for Hunters

 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today that regular firearms season for deer and bear in the Southern Zone begins on Saturday, Nov. 20. DEC encourages hunters to review new safety regulations and changes this season that will enhance their hunting experience.

“New York’s hunters are among the state’s most important conservationists,” Commissioner Seggos said. “Hunters help to balance deer and bear populations with local habitats and land uses while providing more than 11 million pounds of quality, locally grown, organic meat to sustain families. With more opportunities to venture afield this season, I encourage New Yorkers to continue practicing the key tenets of hunter safety for a safe and enjoyable time outdoors.”

Regular Firearms Season for Deer and Bear in New York’s Southern Zone runs from Nov. 20 through Dec. 12

The Southern Zone regular hunting season, which runs until Dec. 12, is New York's most popular hunting season, and approximately 85 percent of New York's 550,000 licensed hunters participate. Harvest during this season accounts for nearly 60 percent of the total statewide deer harvest and 30-60 percent of the statewide bear harvest. 

Following the regular deer and bear seasons in the Southern Zone, late bowhunting and muzzleloading seasons run from Dec. 13 through Dec. 21, and again from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, the latter of which is an extension from past years. Hunters taking part in these special seasons must possess a hunting license and either bowhunting or muzzleloading privileges. 

In the Northern Zone, the regular deer and bear hunting season opened Oct. 23, and closes on Dec. 5. The Northern Zone includes the Adirondacks, Tug Hill Plateau, Eastern Lake Ontario Plain, and the Champlain and St. Lawrence valleys. A late bowhunting and muzzleloading season for deer will be open in portions of the Northern Zone from Dec. 6 to Dec. 12.

New Opportunities for Youth Hunters, Longer Hunting Hours, and New Dress Code

New this year, 12- and 13-year-old hunters can hunt deer with a firearm when accompanied by a licensed, experienced adult in counties that ‘opted in’ to the pilot program. Established by the New York State Legislature through 2023, this pilot program applies only to upstate counties that choose to participate. The program does not apply to Westchester or Suffolk counties; Erie and Rockland counties did not opt in to participate. The remaining 52 upstate counties opted in. Also new, DEC extended the daily hunting hours to run from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset, allowing hunters to utilize the full daylight period. Hunters should check the sunrise and sunset times before hunting each day.

All hunters pursuing deer or bear with a firearm are now required to wear fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink clothing, either a hat, vest, or jacket visible in all directions. New York hunters have an excellent safety record, but this change will make hunting even safer.

Hunters are reminded to follow the basic rules of firearm safety:

1. Point your gun in a safe direction;
2. Treat every gun as if it were loaded;
3. Be sure of your target and beyond; and
4. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
   

When hunting in tree stands, hunters are advised to use a safety harness and a climbing belt, as most tree stand accidents occur when hunters are climbing in and out of the stand. Also, hunters should never climb in or out of a tree stand with a loaded firearm.

Let Young Bucks Go and Watch Them Grow

By choosing to Let Young Bucks Go and Watch Them Grow, New York hunters now see and take more older bucks than ever before. Older deer have larger antlers and yield more meat, vocalize more, and create more rubs and scrapes.

Hunters are Key Partners in Protecting New York Deer from Chronic Wasting Disease

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) continues to spread in other states, and hunters can help to prevent CWD in New York, which is fatal to deer. If introduced, CWD could spread rapidly and be practically impossible to eliminate once established. Hunters can help protect New York’s deer herd from CWD by following these tips:

• If hunting any type of deer, elk, moose, or caribou outside of New York, debone the animal before bringing it back. See CWD Regulations for Hunters. DEC will confiscate and destroy illegally imported carcasses and parts;
• Do not use deer-urine-based lures or attractant scents, as these could contain infectious material. Choose synthetic lures instead;
• Dispose of carcass waste in a landfill, not on the landscape;
• Report any deer that appears sick or acting abnormally; and
• Hunt only wild deer and support fair chase hunting principles.

Impact of EHD on Deer Populations Remains to be Seen

The outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) that killed deer in portions of New York this summer and early fall will impact the experiences of hunters in the hardest hit areas. EHD is a viral disease caused by a biting midge that affects deer but is not infectious to humans. The outbreak ends when frost kills the midges. New York had its fourth and largest EHD outbreak this summer, with about 2,000 dead deer reported. The hardest hit areas were in eastern Ulster, western Dutchess, and western Columbia counties. The disease does not affect deer populations uniformly, and hunters may see variable impacts with few deer on some properties hit hard by EHD and plenty of deer elsewhere. DEC will continue to monitor the impact of EHD through the hunting season and make any necessary management adjustments next year.

Take It – Tag It – Report It

With DEC’s HuntFishNY mobile app, reporting a deer or bear harvest is easier than ever. Through this mobile app, hunters, anglers, and trappers can access electronic licenses and report the harvest of deer, bear, and turkey immediately while afield on a mobile device in seconds. Hunters may still use the phone report system (1-866-GAME-RPT) or report online, but the mobile system is faster, more convenient, and easier for hunters to accurately enter information. Reporting harvests is required by law, so hunters are encouraged to Take It, Tag It, Report It! 

Other Reminders for the 2021 Southern Zone Regular Hunting Season

Choose non-lead ammunition for high-quality meat and reduce risk of lead exposure to non-target wildlife.

Hunger Has A Cure... The Venison Donation Program is a great way to help those less fortunate while also assisting with deer management in New York.

For specific descriptions of regulations and open areas, hunters should refer to the 2021-2022 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide available on DEC's website (www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/37136.html). Hunters are urged to review regulations and safety tips contained in the guide. Hunters may also be interested in reading DEC’s booklet, Hunting the Black Bear in New York, or DEC’s unit-by-unit Deer Hunting Forecasts.

Let Young Bucks Go Infographic.jpg

There’s time for everything on the island, including this #SOMOSPR2021 fashion report: @jamaaltbailey

 

Bronx Democratic Party Leader State Senator Jamaal Bailey at Somos 2021.

Councilman Mark Gjonaj's NYC Moving Forward Week in Review - 11/5/2021

Dear Friends, I hope you and your families are doing well as have entered the month of November and it is officially winter with the Daylight Savings Time starting Sunday, November 7th. Last week we sponsored a series of wonderful Halloween events in the community for children and families in our district from Morris Park to Allerton Avenue to City Island with the biggest event still coming up - the Fall Rag-A-Muffin Festival on November 13th on 3573 Bruckner Boulevard. We salute Governor Kathy Hochul signing the Stop Loud and Excessive Exhaust Pollution (SLEEP) Act (S784 and A471) which would increase enforcement against motorists and repair shops that illegally modify the mufflers and exhausts systems of either cars or motorcycles to make them excessively noisy. Noise has been such an issue for the quality of life of our constituents and we hope this bill will help. Please note there is an Upcoming Bronx Bus Redesign Public Meeting on November 9th impacting Bus Routes in our District as seen in a flier complied by our office in this Week in Review. Have your voices heard and sign up at: https://new.mta.info/bronxbusredesign In the spirit of Thanksgiving, as every year our office will be giving out turkeys to constituents in need in District 13. Please call our office to RSVP at 718-931-1721. First come, first serve while supplies last. As every year I am humbled to sponsor the Veteran’s Breakfast kicking off the 37th Annual Bronx Veterans Day on November 14th 2021. Please remember we are here for you, contact my office with issues or concerns at 718-931-1721 or email at MGjonaj@council.nyc.gov. Sincerely, NYC Councilman Mark Gjonaj District 13, Bronx

Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Help Protect Brooklyn Homeowners from Aggressive Solicitation

 

Legislation S.2929-B/A.6375 Requires Department of State to Hold Hearings to Determine if a Real Estate Cease and Desist Program Is Necessary in Kings County

 Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation requiring the Department of State to hold hearings and conduct an investigation to determine if Brooklyn needs to be designated as a real estate cease and desist zone, which will help prevent aggressive real estate solicitation from brokers or agents at private residences.   

"The last thing homeowners should have to deal with are unwanted solicitations at their door," Governor Hochul said. "This legislation brings us one step closer to protecting Brooklyn homeowners from aggressive real estate solicitations."

If the Department of State finds a zone is warranted, homeowners in Kings County would be able to place their names and addresses on a real estate cease and desist list, providing them with a choice to opt out of receiving unwanted real estate solicitation at their homes. The new law is effective immediately. The Department of State approved a similar measure for Queens County more than 80 years ago, and under the new law, homeowners in Kings County would enjoy the same protection.   

State Senator Kevin Parker said, "I applaud Governor Hochul for making homeowners a priority and signing my legislation into law. This law will protect homeowners from illegal solicitation of their property and will designate zip codes in my district as cease and desist zones. Moving forward homeowners will have the choice to formally opt-out of receiving unwanted offerings from brokers and agents. This is a very important layer of protection for senior citizens who often times fall victims to these solicitations."

Assemblymember N. Nick Perry said, "Many homeowners in parts of Brooklyn are being besieged by aggressive solicitations by real estate brokers. These sometimes predatory home-buying practices occur totally void of any concern about what happens to the neighborhood and the residents who chose those homes because of the character of the community. This law should serve to slow down the pace that these communities are transformed and at least prevent current homeowners from facing daily harassing contact by unwelcome buyers."

EDITOR'S NOTE:

We left in the two Brooklyn elected officials who are quoted, and ask why was this for only Brooklyn, and did not include the Bronx? Where are our Bronx elected officials?

55 Days and Counting

 

It's back to my Monday morning media availability tomorrow, so I better brush up on what went on in the city over the weekend, check on the COVID numbers, and get ready for those pesky reporter questions, I don't really don't want to answer. 

What will I be asked tomorrow by those pesky reporters, how was your vacation in Puerto Rico? Who paid for your vacation? Did you get any backing in your bid for Governor? Which parties did you attend? I really don't know, or care.