VISIT BRONXCHAMBER.ORG ● BRONX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS NEWS ● MAY 2017

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

NOMINATIONS REQUESTED

For the first time, mem-bers and friends of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce are requested to nominate suc-cessful professionals to serve on the Board of Directors of The Bronx Chamber of Com-merce. The members of the Board of Directors are prominently featured for special recogni-tion in the Annual Bronx Business Directory & Re-sources Guide with their name, title, company, and photo. The members of the Board of Directors are also listed on the official station-ery and website of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. The Board of Directors of the Bronx Chamber of Com-merce is the policy making body of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. The members of the Board of Directors are prominent individuals and professionals in the business community and highly recog-nized for their business acu-men, integrity, and ethics. Following are specific duties and responsibilities for the members of the Board of Di-rectors:

“You never know where your next big deal is going to come from!” Nunzio Del Greco, President & CEO

VOICE OF THE BRONX BUSINESS NEWS

RIDGEWOOD SAVINGS BANK HOSTS FINANCIAL

SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOP

continued on page 3

On May 4th, Ridgewood Savings Bank hosted a Small Business Work-

shop. In their continued commitment to local success, new and established

local business leaders came out in support of the business community. The

event took place in Hutchinson Metro Center.

Ridgewood’s Vanessa Baijnauth spoke extensively on the importance of in-

creasing visibility within the business community in order to establish and

maintain positive relationships with the businesses in the Bronx. Vanessa

and Ridgewood Savings Bank’s ongoing efforts to increase awareness of the

vast expanse of local business resources is available to help businesses de-

crease costs, increase margins, and compete in a globalized marketplace.

Vanessa’s commitment to the community reaches far beyond her duties at

Ridgewood. She dutifully serves on the Chamber’s Business Development,

Legislative, and as Chairperson of the Young Professionals Committees and

advocate for cultural diversity, opportunity, and the importance of accessibil-

ity to the Bronx community.

Increase the Number of M/WBE Certified

Companies

There are over 30,000 businesses in The Bronx. Only a

small number of the companies are certified M/WBE. New

York State Governor Mario Cuomo and New York City

Mayor Bill De Blasio have established a goal of 30% of

State and City contracts to be allocated to M/WBE firms.

There is a lot of work that needs to be done to increase the

number of M/WBE Certified companies. Outreach, commu-

nication and education is paramount in informing compa-

nies of the tangible benefits and value of being certified to

access approximately $65 billions of dollars annually.

Non-profit and Community Organization Engagement

Create a Forum / Platform for non-profit and community

organizations to network, discuss problems, issues, share

ideas, build relationships to assist in improving services to

their Bronx constituents.

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce will provide the structure

and staff assistance to facilitate to launch and progress of

the Non-Profit and Community Organizations Initiative.

Labor Unions–Business and the Bronx Cham-

ber of Commerce Partnership

There are many unions with great apprenticeship programs

leading to good paying middle class skilled jobs in the

trades including: electricians, plumbers, carpenters, brick-

layers, steam fitters, elevator mechanics and more.

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce will provide the structure

and staff assistance to facilitate to launch and progress of

the Labor Unions – Business Partnership which would ben-

efit all participants and increase employment.

Co-Branding and Sponsorship

Opportunities are Available

Professionals and companies interested in participating in the

M/WBE Certification, Non-Profit, and Community Initiative, or

Labor Union Partnership Opportunities should contact Nunzio

Del Greco, President and CEO of the Bronx Chamber of Com-

merce, via email: Nunzio@Bronxchamber.org

VISIT BRONXCHAMBER.ORG ● BRONX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS NEWS ● MAY 2017 ● PAGE 2

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01

8 M

AJO

R I

NIT

IATIV

ES

FOUNDER Elias Karmon

EMK Enterprises PAST PRESIDENT Lenny Caro

Mercy College CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Joseph Kelleher

Hutchinson Metro Center PRESIDENT & CEO Nunzio Del Greco

Bronx Chamber of Commerce VICE PRESIDENTS John Collazzi

Bronx Times Reporter Hon. June Eisland

Eisland Strategies, LLC Sandra Erickson

Sandra Erickson Real Estate Stephen Jerome

Monroe College April Horton

Verizon Geri Sciortino

Bronx Design Group Lisa Sorin

Westchester Square BID VICE PRESIDENT & TREASURER Anthony Mormile

Tompkins Mahopac National Bank ASSISTANT TREASURER Greg Gonzalez

Manhattan Parking Group SECRETARY Anthony Ross

Children’s Corner Learning Center ASSISTANT SECRETARY Barry Fitzgerald

F & F Insurance LEGAL COUNSEL Jeffrey Underweiser

Underweiser & Underweiser

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

John Calvelli Wildlife Conservation Society

Carl Cannizzaro Ensign Engineering, P.C.

Joseph Deglomini Jr. Simone Development

Jose Luis Cruz Lehman College

Joseph Gallito D & J Ambulette Services, Inc.

John Habermann BankUnited

Deya Jourdain New York Yankees

Michael Knobbe BronxNet

Clarence Lildharrie Certified Alarm Technicians

Vincent Mutarelli Capital One Bank

Carolyn Murphy Country Bank

Steven Risso Teddy Nissan

Sigfrido Rivera TD Bank

Eric Soto Con Edison

Steven Squitieri Sanitation Salvage Corp.

Kathy Zamechansky KZA Realty Group, Inc.

Founded in 1894

VISIT BRONXCHAMBER.ORG ● BRONX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS NEWS ● MAY 2017 ● PAGE 3

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

NOMINATIONS REQUESTED

Attend at least 2 quarterly meetings of the Board of Directors which usu-ally take place in conjunction with another event sponsored by the Bronx Chamber of Commerce such as a Heritage Luncheon, Business Expo, or Annual Holiday Party. Serve as an example to the member-ship by attending networking events, greet attendees, and speak highly of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. Serve on at least one or more com-mittees of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce to interact with fellow members to share ideas, common interests, and promote the Strategic Plan of the Bronx Chamber of Com-merce.

TO PROCESS YOUR NOMINATIONS

Please forward name, contact infor-mation and biography (up to 150 words) for each nominee before

JUNE 1, 2017

Political and busi-ness leaders gathered in Albany on the first of May in celebration for the fifth annual Bronx Day. Bronx Day was created as a celebration of the many successes in the Bronx. The event was presented by New York State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr, & Bronx Democratic Chairman Marcos Crespo. The event was well at-tended as buses lined up alongside The Egg Hart Theater Lounge; Albany’s architec-

BOROUGH LEADERS ASCEND TO ALBANY IN

CELEBRATION OF 5th ANNUAL BRONX DAY

(from left) NYS Assemblyman & Bronx Democratic Council Chairman Marcos Crespo, 85th

District ; Nunzio Del Greco, President & CEO Bronx Chamber of Commerce; NYS Assembly-

man Mark Gjonaj, 80th District

(from left) Michelle Dolgow, Executive Secretary to Jeff

Klein; NYS Senator Jeff Klein, 34th District; Nunzio Del

Greco, President & CEO Bronx Chamber of Commerce;

NYS Senator Jamaal Bailey, 36th District

OPPORTUNITY

IS KNOCKING

(718) 828-3900

OR E-MAIL JESSE@BRONXCHAMBER.ORG

OUR MEMBERS ARE THE VOICE OF

BRONX BUSINESS !!

EXTEND YOUR REACH BY

ADVERTISING IN THE NEWSLETTER

continued on page 4

tural anomaly which doubles as a performance arts theater and events venue. Leaders spoke extensively about the importance of preserving the unique cultural character and diversity of the Bronx. The honorees for this year’s Bronx Day include a diverse group of entrepreneurs. Joseph Nicosia, of Nicosia’s Bakery took home Businessman of the Year. Lloyd’s Carrot Cake’s Betty Campbell-Adams’ was honored as Businesswoman of the Year. Innovative Bronx Product Award honoree John Crotty developer and owner of Bronx Hot Sauce. Cultural Institution of the Year Award went to Pregones Thea-ter, a Walton Avenue theatri-cal group that hosts and pro-duces performances by Hispanic artists. Developer of the Year honors went to Joseph Simone & Joe Kelleher, of Simone Development Co, developers of the Hutchinson Metro Center.

BRONX DAY CELEBRATION

VISIT BRONXCHAMBER.ORG ● BRONX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS NEWS ● MAY 2017 ● PAGE 4

DURANTE RENTALS AT

THE 29TH ANNUAL NYC

PARKS CONSTRUCTION

EQUIPMENT & VEHICLE

SHOW

Durante Rentals and their

earth-moving division, New York

Takeuchi, showcased their con-

struction equipment and tools at

the 29th NYC Parks Construction

Equipment and Vehicle Show. The

event hosted by the NYC Depart-

ment of Citywide Administrative

Services and NYC Parks.

Durante Rentals displayed an as-

sortment of construction equipment

around the circumference of the

Unisphere in Flushing Meadows,

including new Takeuchi excavators,

skid steers and track loaders. This

year they are featuring the new

Takeuchi TB216H hybrid electric

excavator. Attendees are encour-

aged to take an up-close look at

these powerful, rugged, cutting-

edge machines and to take ad-

vantage of special show pricing.

This is Durante Rentals third con-

secutive appearance at this free

event. Last year’s show had the

highest attendance to date with

attendees enjoying free vendor

giveaways, complimentary lunch,

and interactive product demonstra-

tions. “We love exhibiting at this

show,” said Adam Zunic, Durante

Rentals Director of Marketing. “You

feel the enthusiasm of the crowd as

soon as you enter the exhibition

area around the Unisphere. The

NYC Parks crew

continued from page 3

New York Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul & Nunzio Del Greco, President & CEO Bronx Chamber of Commerce

PRESIDENT & CEO NUNZIO DEL GRECO

HONORED BY CITY & STATE MAGAZINE

At the First Annual 2017 Corporate Social Responsibil-ity Conference, Bronx Chamber of Commerce Presi-dent & CEO Nunzio Del Greco received The first ever Diversity in Leadership Award for his great strides in the bor-ough to increase diversity represen-tation in the work-force.

Tom Allon, CEO & President City & State Magazine; Ale’ Federico, VP Sen-ior Relationship Manager TD Bank; Nunzio Del Greco, President & CEO Bronx Chamber of Commerce continued on page 7

continued on page 5

PREPARATIONS IN PLACE FOR

BEST OF THE BRONX

ANNUAL GOLF OUTING AT TRUMP LINKS

(from left) Richard Priore, Morgan Stanley; John McEvoy, Altice; Joseph Kelleher, Simone Development Group & Bronx Chamber Chairman; Phil Cardone, Events Direc-tor Bronx Chamber of Commerce; Nunzio Del Greco, President & CEO Bronx Chamber of Commerce; Yvette Brissett-Andre, Unique People Services; Geri Sciortino, Bronx Design Group; Verahn Chamblee Bronx Beauty Show; Vanessa Baijnau, Ridgewood Savings Bank

In anticipation of the Best of the Bronx Annual Golf Out-

ing, the Events and Golf Committees held a joint session in order

to finalize the arrangements in lieu of the Bronx Chamber’s sec-

ond largest event. The Golf Outing events’ popularity has grown

substantially since last year. Sponsorship opportunities were

gobbled up shortly after the initial announcement regarding the

event and RSVP’s are ahead of schedule.

The event is Monday, May 22nd and scheduled to begin at

11:00am with check-ins and breakfast as players warm-up.

Shotgun Start will take place at 1:00am. Lunch and beverages

will be served on the course by the Trump Links Staff. As the

evening draws in, dinner & cocktails will follow, accompanied by

silent & live auctions at 5:30pm. The Bronx Chamber would like

to thank both Events & Golf Committees for their dedication and

commitment to preparing what is shaping up to be a wonderful

event to commemorate Bronx business success.

does a great job of creating an

extremely festive atmosphere.”

The show highlights vendors like

Durante Rentals and New York

Takeuchi who support NYC’s

Clean Fleet and Vision Zero initia-

tives. There will be other vendors

offering a wide array of products

to improve vehicle safety includ-

ing cameras, truck side guards,

systems to track and manage

fleets, and systems to avoid or

mitigate collisions. The show also

highlights construction vehicles

and equipment with alternative

fuels and emissions reducing

technologies, along with the lat-

est in light and heavy-duty vehi-

cles, trucks, horticultural equip-

ment, tools, fleet services, and

more.

VISIT BRONXCHAMBER.ORG ● BRONX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS NEWS ● MAY 2017 ● PAGE 5

MEMBER TESTIMONIAL

“ISE Office Plus was a member of The

Bronx Chamber of Commerce when

they first started but hadn’t been for

many years. In 2014, when my

partners and I took over the company,

we thought it was a good idea to

become a member again... and we’re

so glad we did! The Bronx Chamber

has been great and offers so many

networking opportunities. The staff is

extremely helpful and we’re grateful for

the service they provide!”

KERRI DAMON 4422 Bronx Blvd. Bronx, NY 10470

Phone: (718) 324-0006 x234 Fax: (718) 324-0531

kerri@iseop.com

continued from page 4

VISIT BRONXCHAMBER.ORG ● BRONX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS NEWS ● MAY 2017 ● PAGE 6

2017 BEST OF THE BRONX

GOLF OUTING HONOREES

YVETTE BRISSETT-ANDRE-BEST OF THE BRONX AWARD joined Unique People Services (UPS) in 2008. She brings over 20 years of experience in the areas of finance and budgeting, program development, contract negotiation, low-income housing development, proposal writing and a wealth of knowledge regarding funding regulations. Her success in acquiring new awards and contracts for the agency has proven to be one of her hallmarks, thus creating opportunities that benefit indi-viduals with special needs. Un-der her leadership, UPS’s budg-et has grown from $16 million to $22 million, which includes the construction of a 69-unit, low-income housing development in the Bronx. Yvette has worked collaboratively with various community officials and boards throughout the agency’s service areas and sits on various coalitions and stakeholder groups. Yvette holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from CUNY/Baruch and a Bachelor’s of Science from SUNY/Plattsburgh. She is a National Urban Fellow and inaugural participants in their America’s Leaders of Change program.

SANDRA ERICKSON- BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR Sandra Erickson began her career in real estate 38 years ago as a Realtor with aspirations of owning her own busi-ness. In 1984, she attained that goal by starting Sandra Er-ickson Real Estate. In addition to an active property owner/management business, Ms. Erickson is currently developing and preserving multi-family, af-fordable housing in the Bronx. Through this and other housing preservation programs, Ms. Erick-son has been a partner in the revi-talization of neighborhoods while continuing a commitment to quali-ty, affordable housing.

She shares her enthusiasm for growth in the community – real estate, economic development and community affairs – with her participation in numerous organi-zations.

Ms. Erickson is a Board Member of the NYS Department of State, Board of Real Estate. She is a 17-year Board Member

of Bronx Community Board 7, serving on the Land Use & Housing Committee. Sandra is a charter member and Vice President of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.

Sandra serves as the Vice Chair of BIC NY, an affiliate of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corpora-tion (BOEDC).

GREG GONZALEZ- BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR Greg was born and raised in the Bronx and has exem-plified a lifelong commitment, both personally and pro-fessionally, to enhancing the Bronx Community. His drive and leadership skills were apparent early on. He’s a proud member of St. Raymond’s High School “Wall of Fame” for his athletic achievement as Captain of its baseball and basketball teams, as well as his academic accomplishments, and he remains active with his alma mater as a member of its Advisory Board. Today, Greg is deeply in-volved in many Bronx civic and philanthropic endeavors. He serves as Chairman of the Board of the Albert Ein-stein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University’s Profes-sional and Leadership Divi-sion Board. In addition, he serves as Assistant Treasur-er of the New Bronx Cham-ber of Commerce and is on the Board of Directors of the Fordham Road Business Improvement District. Greg is also a Board Member of the New Rochelle Police Foun-dation and a fourth degree Knight of Columbus. For all of his efforts, Greg has been honored as Businessman of the Year by Somos Uno, Regional Aid for Interim Need, The Bronx Historical Society, The Bronx Cham-ber of Commerce and the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club. Professionally, Greg is an owner of the Manhattan Parking Group (“MPG”), established in 1965. MPG cur-rently owns, leases and manages over 100 locations throughout the New York Metropolitan Area. In the Bronx alone, MPG operates more than 20 locations, including facilities for The Department of Finance, The Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center, The Botanical Garden, Union Hospital Center, Lincoln Hospital, The Bronx Ter-minal Market at Gateway Center and the Bronx Hous-ing Court. Greg attended New York University and is a graduate of City College of New York. He and his lovely wife, Evelyn, reside in New Rochelle, New York with their three daughters Jillian, Kaitlyn and Kelsey.

30th ANNUAL SOMOS CONFERENCE NUNZIO DEL GRECO

HONORED BY CITY &

STATE MAGAZINE

staff. Throughout his 33-year career, Nunzio’s commitment to social responsibility has been unwavering. He has groomed leaders, from diverse backgrounds, to be officers and governors serving on his organization’s board of gover-nors. Prior to serving as President of the Bronx Chamber of Com-merce, he served as CEO of the Bronx-Manhattan Associa-tion of Realtors. Nunzio’s rep-utation, record of integrity, and leadership are his proud-est achievement throughout the length of his career. The staff here at The Bronx Chamber of Commerce would like to formally thank and con-gratulate Nunzio Del Greco for his leadership, accolades, and significant contributions to the Bronx community and being a stalwart of corporate social responsibility.

VISIT BRONXCHAMBER.ORG ● BRONX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS NEWS ● MAY 2017 ● PAGE 7

continued from page 4

UPCOMING CHAMBER

EVENTS

May 22

2017 Annual Golf Outing at

Trump Golf Links

June 15

B2B Networking:

Residence Inn

July 13

B2B Networking:

Applebee’s Atrium

THE BRONX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WOULD LIKE TO

THANK AND SALUTE CORPORATE SPONSORS, CHAIRMAN’S

CIRCLE, AND PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE MEMBERS

VISIT BRONXCHAMBER.ORG ● BRONX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS NEWS ● MAY 2017 ● PAGE 8

ONE

FORDHAM

PLAZA