Committees

Borough Planning
Chair: Henry Wan
Phone: 718-767-3887
Fax: 718-767-3885

Deals with concerns involving development, land use, zoning and real estate in Queens. Also considers all matters relative to aviation - passenger safety issues, noise abatement, air cargo services and topics affecting the two Queens based airports, LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International. This committee also focuses on the public transit systems including improvements to infrastructure, roads and highways and its effect on the business community.

Building Awards
Chair: Frank Macchio
Phone: 917-749-5456
Fax: 718-457-5024

Stimulates and encourages the design and construction of better and more attractive buildings in the borough. Yearly competition awards are presented at the Chamber's Annual Dinner.

Business & Industry
Chair: Drew Manger
Phone: 718-961-5948
Fax: 212-387-2121

Promotes the mutual interest of industry and commerce by helping firms and companies network and build up their client base. Serves as the liaison to governmental agencies which help foster these goals.

City Services
Chair: Gerard Thornton
Phone: 718-545-5200
Fax: 718-545-6641

Reviews highway and public transit policy at the municipal level. Attentive to the traffic flows throughout the county, parking meters, lights and parking. In addition to these goals, this committee works very closely with all New York City agencies. Membership in this committee is limited to those in public safety, transportation and related fields.

Communications and Public Affairs
Chairs: William Martin / Josh Bienstock
Phone: 718-793-4168 / 718-459-8095
Fax: 718-793-0278 / 718-459-5055

The committee is dedicated to increasing the awareness of the Chamber to the general public and to encourage a positive and productive relationship with the community.

Cultural Affairs
Chairs: Jeffrey Rosenstock / Estelle Cooper / Terri Osborne
Phone: 718-760-0686 / 718-760-6565 / 718-286-2669
Fax: 718-760-1972 / 718-760-6563 / 718-286-2955

The committee works to integrate organizations involved in the arts and culture with the business community and enhance their image in the community.

Economic Diversity
Chairs:
Phone:
Fax:

The Committee acts as a resource center for individuals interested in obtaining information on how to start a new business or expand it along with obtaining information regarding grant availability.

Education & Workforce Development
Chair: Charles E. Callahan, III
Phone: 718-779-1430
Fax: 718-779-7423

Working with the Queens Job Service Employer Committee (QJSEC) and the School to Career Program with the New York City School System, this committee has formulated a bond between the Education System and the Business Community for the betterment of Queens County. The Committee works closely with the learning institutions of the Borough to insure the employment of students in the Queens Business Community.

Exposition/Conference Center
Chairs: Joseph Farber, Esq. / Howard Graf
Phone: 718-459-5400 / 718-651-6200
Fax: 718-275-4223/ 718-651-6989

The committee was formed with the sole purpose to investigate the feasibility of the construction of a mid-sized exposition/conference center in Queens County.

Governmental Relations
Chairs: Stanley Legan, Esq.
Phone: 718-321-1800
Fax: 718-321-9040

Reviews bills and develops a platform of positions on issues concerning the business community.

Information Technology
Chairs: Mary Vavruska / Jon Postyn
Phone: 718-956-6442 / 516-767-1272
Fax: 718-956-0365/ 516-504-3361

The information Technology Committee monitors developments in the industry and keeps the membership apprised of current new trends. In addition, it works closely with the Governmental Relations Committee providing input on current trends. It represents the Chamber at Public Hearings related to new technology used by the City to foster easy access to businesses such as 311.

Legislative Advocacy
Chairs: Vincent Petraro, Esq. / Joshua Bienstock
Phone: 212-736-0525 / 718-459-8095
Fax: 212-736-0545/ 718-459-5055

The committee monitors and recommends action on city, state and federal legislation relevant to the business community in Queens in a timely manner. Maintains an active dialogue with all members of the Queens Delegations in the United States Congress, the New York State Legislature and the New York City Council.

Membership
Chairs: Kenneth Koenig / Sonia Lugo*
Phone: 718-458-9002 / 718-275-2300
Fax: 718-458-8622/ 718-896-7971

Recruits prospective members and recommends the election of new members.

Membership Benefits
Chairs: Bruce Bendell
Phone: 718-937-3700
Fax: 718-937-5863

The committee reviews & recommends programs and services that will assist members with their businesses.

Public Health, Safety and Environment
Chairs:
Phone:
Fax:

Concerns itself with health-related matters and their impact on the borough's business community, including such issues as affordable health insurance, worker safety, mental health and treatment. They also keep a close eye on all phases of the environment.

* Denotes Non-Members of the Board of Directors