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: Autumn Soiree Gathers Business Leaders at Woodlawn Conservancy Visit Mott Haven Promotion Released Tour De Bronx Veteran's Luncheon: Honoring Your Service to Our Nation Legislative & Advocacy Updates Bronx Chamber of Commerce Appointed to NYC Small Business Commission One Stop Shop NYC Portal Passes City Council Unanimously Election Day, November 8th Funding Opportunities NYS SEED Program for Early-Stage Businesses Small BID Grant Program Launched Upcoming Events Save the Date, Annual Holiday Party, December 8th Member Spotlight Housing Empowerment Series with Mable Ivory and Chase Bank

AUTUMN SOIREE BRINGS NETWORKING & TOURS TO WOODLAWN CONSERVANCY

Woodlawn Conservancy opened their iconic gates to The Bronx Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, October 20 for the Autumn Soiree bringing together business leaders and elected officials for a one of a kind tour of the renowned Woodlawn Cemetery. Guest's networked and toured this historic gem in the Bronx and learned stories of its inhabitants. With delicious drinks and food provided by Havana Cafe, guest took the inaugural trolley tour of illuminated art deco funerary art showcasing the architectural splendor of one of the nation's most famous burial sites while getting to know fellow New York City business owners and elected officials. Guests enjoyed speed networking, legislative updates, and got a sneak peak at the newly released September 2022 NYS Jobs Report. Be on the look out for November's networking event and the latest news and information from your Bronx Chamber of Commerce.

Speed Networking at Woodlawn Conservancy led by Bronx Chamber President Lisa Sorin Discussing the future of business and the Bronx with Ret. Col. Joan Davis, and Amy Gordon of Visions & Monroe College

MOTT HAVEN MARKETING PLAN LAUNCHED AVENUE NYC COMMERCIAL DISTRICT NEEDS ASSESSMENT TO BE RELEASED IN WINTER 2022

In 2021, The Bronx Chamber of Commerce was award an Avenue NYC Grant from New York City Department of Small Business Services to conduct commercial revitalization work in the Mott Haven area of the South Bronx. The Avenue NYC Commercial Revitalization Grants fund community-based development organizations (CBDOs) to carry out programs targeting commercial districts in low- and moderate-income communities. The three year program includes data analysis, community revitalization projects, marketing, and community capacity building for businesses. At the end of Year 1 a Commercial District Needs Assessment was completed and provided a roadmap to address challenges and opportunities. In addition, marketing was completed to assist in positioning the area for future growth. This was completed in partnership with 394 South Bronx businesses, Story Telling Inc. and BRIC Media to capture the spirit of Mott Haven and is part of a comprehensive plan to assist this South Bronx neighborhood.

TOUR DE BRONX TAKES TO THE STREETS TOUR DE BRONX & LA CENTRAL YMCA OPENING SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER

On Sunday, October 23 the annual Tour De Bronx will take to the streets as the largest independent group bike ride in New York State. Produced by the Bronx Council on Tourism, the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, and the Office of the Bronx Borough President the Tour De Bronx is an in-person 25-mile ride through the best of the Borough, highlighting Bronx Greenways, Residential Neighborhoods, Historical Districts, Waterfronts, and Tourist Attractions. Virtual tours of 40-miles and 10-miles will be made available on October 24th! Please register separately for the virtual tours. For more information and maps, or to volunteer, click here.

VETERAN'S LUNCHEON: HONORING OUR HEROES NOVEMBER 10, 2022

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce continues our tradition and our duty of honoring veterans who committed their lives to protecting our nation so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have in the United States. Please join the Board of Directors and the leadership team of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce as we celebrate the service of 50 veterans during an annual luncheon and recognition ceremony at Pasquale Rigoletto's, 2311 Arthur Avenue on Thursday, November 10, 2022. Under the Board leadership of Anthony Mormile and John Bonizio the Chamber salutes those who sacrificed so much for our communities and our country. If you are a Veteran that would like to attend, please email: events@bronxchamber.org. If you or your firm would like to sponsor the event and sustained programming for veterans please email, admin@bronxchamber.org. This event is complementary to all Veterans, but registration is required.

COFFEE & CONVERSATION LAND USE & OUR ECONOMY HON. RAFAEL SALAMANCA, JR

The Coffee and Conversation series, presented by The Bronx Chamber of Commerce, brings together decision makers, influencers, and thought leaders shaping the economic future of the Bronx and highlights priorities identified by Bronx Chamber members. Land Use & Our Economy features Councilmember Rafael Salamanca, Jr., Chair of the Land Use Committee, to discuss Bronx economic development projects including Hunts Point, and the Kingsbridge Armory, as well as zoning text amendment reforms and his thoughts on the Bronx and NYC economy. The program launched with Hon. Julie Menin, Chair of the NYC Council Committee on Small Business addressing business concerns, fines, small BID grant funding delays, and NYC Small Business Service Oversight. It has since included solution oriented approaches to financing with the US Small Business Administration, access to State resources with Empire State Development, and will continue with City, State, and Federal partners bringing direct services and resources to our members. This action packed hour-long, virtual webinar is something you can do from work, the gym, your office - and addresses the very specific needs of our business community. Make sure you check out the full schedule and register!

LEGISLATION & REGULATIONS

Bronx Chamber of Commerce Appointed to NYC Small Business Commission Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Department Of Small Business Services announced Formation Of Small Business Advisory Commission. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce has been appointed to serve on the Commission, as well as on the Adams Commission for the NYC Department of Buildings. Michael Brady will represent the Bronx Chamber of Commerce on the Small Business Commission, and Darry Saldana and Miguel Matos will represent the Bronx Chamber of Commerce on the Adams Commission for Department of Buildings. The Small Business Advisory Commission builds on Mayor Eric Adams’ commitment to forge strong partnerships with the City’s business community and slash through regulatory barriers to accelerate the economic recovery. Mayor Adams established the Commission in Executive Order 15 to improve the regulatory ecosystem impacting small businesses, outlined in the Mayor’s economic recovery plan, “Rebuild, Renew, Reinvent: A Blueprint for New York City Economic Recovery.“   The Commission will deliver input on new policies, laws, and regulations, as well as on existing rules, fines, fees, and violations. It will serve as a critical link between business leaders and city government, and support business growth while preserving public health and safety. The Commission will serve as a critical link between business leaders and City government, and support business growth while preserving public health and safety.

One Stop Shop NYC Business Portal & Vacancy Alert Signed Into Law by Mayor Eric Adams New York City Mayor Eric Adams signed two bills to promote a broad-based, equitable economic recovery in New York City. One of the bills — Intro. 116 — fulfills a key commitment from the mayor’s “Renew, Rebuild, Reinvent: A Blueprint for New York City’s Economic Recovery,” to create an “NYC Business Portal” that will offer all required applications, permits, licenses, and other documentation needed to open and operate a business in the city on a single, user-friendly digital interface. Intro. 116 — sponsored by New York City Councilmember Julie Menin — would require the commissioner of the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) to create a “One-Stop Shop NYC Business Portal,” that would offer all applications, permits, licenses, and related documentation needed to open and operate a small business in the city in a single, easily accessible, and easy-to-navigate location. A user could submit and check on the status of applications, permits, and licenses through this portal as well as settle or pay any outstanding balances on notices of violation. The SBS commissioner also must review the effectiveness and efficiency of the portal every three years, including through a survey of participating small businesses. Intro. 383 — sponsored by New York City Councilmember Gale Brewer — would require that supplemental registration statements for commercial properties be filed by August 15 (for the period from January 1 through June 30) and February 15 (for the period from July 1 through December 31) each year, rather than a single filing on June 30, as required under current law. Supplemental registration statements would be required for any property that is vacant at the end of a given reporting period. It would also require that the New York City Department of Finance (DOF) release this supplemental registration statement data within 60 days of the reporting deadline, compared to within six months under current law. The bill’s goal is to increase the frequency and timeliness of reported data on commercial vacancies in the city.

DEC Announces 13 Additions to New York State Birding Trail

 

325 Sites on Statewide Trail Provides Birding Opportunities for All New Yorkers, Regardless of Age, Ability, Identity, or Background

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the addition of 13 new locations to the New York State Birding Trail. These new locations bring the total number of birding trail locations across the state to 325, providing a variety of quality birding experiences for New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy.

“Fall is one of the most beautiful and scenic times to experience the outdoors in New York and it’s a prime time to visit the new State Birding Trail sites,” said Commissioner Seggos. "Birdwatching is one of New York’s fastest-growing recreation and tourism activities and these areas are open for visitors of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and experience levels to enjoy. I encourage New Yorkers and visitors to take the opportunity to explore these new locations and experience the state’s world-class birding opportunities.”

DEC manages the New York State Birding Trail in collaboration with partners that include the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The statewide trail network includes promoted birding locations that can be accessed by car or public transportation, providing an inclusive experience for all visitors to enjoy birds amid beautiful natural settings with little or no cost or investment in equipment.

State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, “Exploring the New York State Birding Trail is a great way to for people to see and learn about our state’s fascinating species of birds in their native habitats. These new additions to the trail offer even more places to enjoy and appreciate the natural world – and we encourage all to visit."

The newly added locations are on a mix of public and private lands across the state:

• Capital Region: Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail;
• Capital Region: Ann Lee Pond Nature and Historic Preserve;
• Capital Region: Lawson Lake County Park;
• Capital Region: Noonan Preserve;
• Catskills: Landis Arboretum;
• Central – Finger Lakes: Rice Creek Field Station;
• Central – Finger Lakes: Sterling Nature Center;
• Hudson Valley: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum;
• Hudson Valley: 6½ Station Road Sanctuary;
• Long Island: Smithtown Historical Society;
• NYC: Battery Park City;
• NYC: Madison Square Park; and
• Southern Tier: College Lodge Forest.

In addition to State-owned and managed locations for the Birding Trail, publicly and privately managed sites can complete a simple self-nomination process to be considered for inclusion on the trail. Sites all meet criteria to help ensure a positive experience for visitors throughout the state. Additionally, each site will post signage noting it as an official location on the birding trail. For information on the nomination process, see www.ibirdny.org.

New segments of the Birding Trail were opened in a phased approach from October 2021 through August 2022. DEC continues to solicit input from a wide range of New Yorkers and organizations that represent Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities and is making trail information available in both English and Spanish. Bird walks will be held in collaboration with organizations working with BIPOC communities. 

The New York State Birding Trail map is available at www.ibirdny.org and provides valuable information on each site such as location, available amenities, species likely to be seen, directions, and more. Digital information on the Birding Trail will be updated periodically, so budding outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to check back often.

DEC encourages birding enthusiasts to visit I Bird NY for more information on where and how to observe birds, upcoming bird walks, a downloadable Beginner's Guide to Birding (available in Spanish), and additional resources.

DEC manages and oversees nearly five million acres of public lands and conservation easements and plays a vital role in both protecting New York’s natural resources and providing opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors. From fishing on scenic streams, hiking and rock climbing, swimming and boating, birding, and nature study, or simply relaxing in a tent under the stars, there are endless adventures to be found. Visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/, connect on Facebook, or follow on Instagram and Twitter.