FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM MARСH 12, 2020 • QUEENS BUSINESS • THE QUEENS COURIER 37
queens business
Councilwoman Adams hosts small
business and M/WBE forum in SE Queens
BY BILL PARRY
bparry@schnepsmedia.com
@QNS
Seeking to increase economic opportunity
in southeast Queens, Councilwoman
Adrienne Adams recently hosted a forum
for small businesses and minority and
women-owned business enterprises (M/
WBEs) at Resorts World Casino New
York City in Jamaica.
Th e event focused on networking,
resources and culminated with a thought
provoking panel discussion.
“Small businesses and M/WBEs are the
backbone of our community and our
thriving economy so it is important to
understand the challenges these business
owners face and help provide the resources
that allow them to thrive,” Adams
said. “I thank our dynamic panelists for
their insight and all the business owners
who attended to lend their voice to this
important discussion.”
In September of 2016, Mayor Bill de
Blasio created the Mayor’s Offi ce of M/
WBEs to address the disparity in city
contracts awarded to ethnic and gender
groups and their overall representation in
City contracting. Th e Offi ce is responsible
for oversight, policy and accountability of
the City’s M/WBE Program.
“Th e City of New York is committed
to diversity and opening the doors of
opportunity for groups typically marginalized
and overlooked by society,” NYC
Department of Small Business Services
Commissioner Gregg Bishop said. “I will
continue to work with city leaders across
the fi ve boroughs to show my support for
M/WBE businesses and bring awareness
to the issues they face.”
Since 1977, the Queens Economic
Development Corporation has worked
with scores of neighborhoods to revitalize
their commercial districts by creating
business organizations and establishing
business improvement districts.
Entrepreneurs are assisted in the preparation
of business plans through individual
counseling, classes and workshops.
“Small businesses play a signifi cant
role in the health and vibrancy of local
communities,” QEDC Deputy Director
Ricardi Calixte said. “Th ey serve as a
job generator, provide crucial goods and
services, and enhance the quality of life
for area residents. Queens Economic
Development Corporation commends
Council Member Adrienne Adams for
her commitment to bringing resources
to strengthen the capacity of local small
businesses to succeed.”
Queens Chamber of Commerce
President and CEO Th omas J. Grech was
also among the panelists at the forum.
“Th e Queens Chamber is honored to
participate in this event,” Grech said. “We
have worked tirelessly promoting M/WBE
fi rms and organizations to get ready for all
the business opportunities here in Queens
and New York City. As the oldest and
largest business association, with nearly
1,150 members representing over 100,000
Queens-based employees, we pride ourselves
on our own diversity amongst our
Board, Staff and Membership.”
Dr. Simone Lord, the president
of the Southeast Queens Chamber of
Commerce, rounded out the panel.
“Partnerships and collaborations
like this among small businesses and
non-profi ts will provide more economic
growth, exposures and impact for the
entire community,” she said.
First Central Savings Bank
fi ghts to end period poverty
BY MADDISON FARRIS
editorial@qns.com
@QNS
In honor of Women’s History Month,
the First Central Savings Bank is teaming
up with a nonprofi t with the hope
of improving the lives of Queens’ female
residents.
Th e First Central Savings Bank is partnering
with Th e White Lotus Collective
(TWLC) to put an end to period poverty
through the collection and distribution
of menstruation kits throughout Queens,
according to the bank.
Th e kits will include pads, tampons
and an instructional pamphlet.
Th e initiative will also give way to
enhanced education material for various
topics such as menstruation, mental
health, LGBTQ+ health and sexuality,
sexual and reproductive health, pregnancy
and parenthood.
“Th is is especially important to raise
awareness about the access to menstruation
education and resources in our community,”
said Anna-Marie Vallone, a vice
president at FCSB.
Th e fi rst “Build a Box” day will be
on May 2, in Forest Hills. Donations of
women’s hygiene products will be collected
to push period poverty to the sidelines.
Courtesy of Adams’ offi ce
Councilwoman Adrienne Adams (c.) is fl anked by Queens business leaders at a small business and M/WBE forum.
Photo courtesy of
First Central Savings Bank
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