Business Persons Of The Year

The Queens Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce our 2026 Business Persons of the Year Awards! This year, we again have honorees who exemplify business acumen, street smarts, hard work, success and doing well by doing good. Join us at the elegant Terrace on the Park on Wednesday, December 3rd.

In an effort to bring holiday cheer to those who are less fortunate, we will be hosting our 2026 Toy Drive. New, unwrapped toy donations will be greatly appreciated. Toys will be collected at our registration table the night of the event.

The Queens Chamber of Commerce is committed to ensuring accessibility for all participants. Individuals requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event should contact our office at 718-898-8500 at least two weeks prior to the event so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

| LAST YEAR'S HONOREES |

CHERYL MCKISSACK DANIEL - PRESIDENT & CEO OF MCKISSACK & MCKISSACK

Cheryl McKissack Daniel is President & CEO of McKissack & McKissack, the oldest minority- and woman-owned design and construction firm in the nation. A fifth-generation builder and author of The Black Family Who Built America (Simon & Schuster, August 2025), she carries forward her family's 230-year legacy while shaping the future of infrastructure, equity, and generational wealth. A civil engineer with more than 30 years of experience, Cheryl has overseen over $50 billion in construction, leading projects that have transformed skylines and communities nationwide. Her firm's portfolio includes the New Terminal One at JFK International Airport, LaGuardia Central Terminal Building Redevelopment, Columbia University's Manhattanville Expansion, Coney Island Hospital Campus Renovation, the Lincoln and Harlem Hospitals, and consulting for the MTA—the nation's largest transit system. Her book traces her family's journey from enslavement to entrepreneurship, highlighting the McKissack's pioneering contributions to American architecture and construction while underscoring the broader truth that Black families have been foundational builders of America. A proud Howard University alumna, Cheryl continues to lead with vision and preparedness—honoring her family's history while shaping the future of the built environment.

LARRY ZOGBY - CEO OF RDS SAME DAY DELIVERY

With 40+ years of experience in last-mile delivery and logistics, Larry Zogby is a recognized industry leader and community advocate. A recipient of more than 20 awards from city and state officials, he is known for building a culture of passion and service within his company. During the pandemic, Larry launched One Random Act of Kindness, delivering over 350,000 meals to frontline workers and families in need—a mission that continues today.

He actively supports numerous organizations including City Harvest, Friends of Karen, Queens Together, and the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens. His partnerships with the Queens Chamber of Commerce and Long Island City Partnership further demonstrate his commitment to meaningful community impact.

An advocate for small businesses, fair policy, and inclusion, Larry works closely with Access VR to support individuals with disabilities. Outside of logistics, he brings joy as a skilled magician, performing for hospital patients and at charitable events, and sharing the stage with icons like Cher and David Copperfield.

DR. HELEN ARTEAGA - CEO OF OF NYC HEALTH+ HOSPITALS/ ELMHURST

Helen Arteaga is the CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, a Level I Trauma Center and the second oldest public hospital in New York City. She is the first woman and the first Latina to helm the hospital's executive team. Under Helen's leadership, Elmhurst has been recognized as one of U.S. News and World Report's "Best Regional Hospitals" and as one of the nation's "High Performing" hospitals. Over the past five years Helen has secured millions in public funding for key capital projects for the facility, including $27.5 Million from New York State for a new Women's Pavilion and a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

She has a bachelor's degree from New York University, a Master of Public Health from Columbia University, and a Ph.D. from the City University of New York. In 2025, she was named as one of City and State's Queens Power 100. She has also been noted as one of Becker's Hospital Review's "Women Hospital Presidents and CEOs to Know" for both 2024 and 2025.

Helen is a recipient of the prestigious Joan H. Tisch Community Health Prize from the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund for her distinguished accomplishments in the field of urban public health, and the Mujeres Destacadas award from El Diario NY.

BOB AND MAUREEN SHOULE - EXECUTIVE TEAM OF J.W. HAMPTON JR. & CO., INC

Bob and Maureen Shoule have been the leadership team for decades behind J. W. Hampton Jr. & Co., Inc., a respected Customs Brokerage and Freight Forwarding company based in Jamaica, Queens that is now run by the fourth-generation - their sons Bobby and Michael. Established in 1865, the firm has served generations of importers and exporters for over 160 years, and under Bob and Maureen's direction, it continues to thrive in the modern landscape of international trade.

Bob Shoule Jr., President of the company, brings strategic vision and 6o plus years of industry experience to his role. He oversees the firm's operations, regulatory compliance, and client services, ensuring that the company maintains its longstanding reputation for integrity, reliability, and efficiency.

Maureen Shoule has stepped back over the past fews years in her daily involvement at J.W. Hampton, preferring instead to focus on her role as grandmother and to work on her golf game, sharing pointers with Bob on each hole.

Together, Bob and Maureen and their sons Bobby and Michael uphold the legacy of J. W. Hampton Jr. & Co., Inc. while guiding it into the future. Their shared leadership combines historical knowledge with modern practices, making them a trusted team in the world of Customs Brokerage and international logistics.

| Last Year's Sponsors and Partners |

PARTNER SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSOR

CHOCOLATE SPONSOR

DESSERT SPONSOR

BAR SPONSORS

DJ SPONSOR

PHOTO BOOTH SPONSOR

MEDIA SPONSORS

FRIENDS OF THE GALA

| TICKETS |

Diamond Sponsor | $20,000
Standard Price

20 Dinner tickets
Award presenter
Full-page digital ad
Pre/post event publicity

Platinum Sponsor | $15,000
Standard Price

10 Dinner tickets
Award presenter
Full-page digital ad
Pre/post event publicity.

Gold Sponsor | $10,000
Standard Price

6 dinner tickets
Half-page digital ad
Pre/post event publicity

Silver Sponsor | $5,000
Standard Price

4 dinner tickets
Award presenter
Half-page digital ad
Pre/post event publicity

Bronze Sponsor | $2,500
Standard Price

2 dinner tickets
Quarter-page digital ad
Pre/post event publicity

Cocktail Hour Sponsor | $2,000
Standard Price

Sponsor the Cocktail Hour and put your brand in the spotlight during one of the most fun and social parts of the event!
Details:

• Your logo will be featured on event signage and materials.
• We’ll give your company a special shoutout during the event to thank you for your support.

Bar Sponsor | $1,500
Standard Price

Be the name behind the cheers! It’s a fun and visible way to show your support—and make sure your brand is part of the good times. Details:
• Your logo will be displayed on event signage and materials.
• We’ll give your organization a special thank-you during the event, highlighting your support and helping guests connect your name with a great experience.

DJ Sponsor | $1,500
Standard Price

Bring the beats and keep the party going by sponsoring the event’s DJ! It’s the perfect way to connect your name with the fun, the energy, and the unforgettable soundtrack of the night. Details:

Your Logo will be displayed on event signage and materials.
You'll get a live shoutout during the event, giving your brand a moment in the spotlight.

Dessert Sponsor | $2,000
Standard Price

Help end the evening on a sweet note by sponsoring the Dessert Station. This is a tasteful way to align your brand with a moment everyone looks forward to...dessert! Details:

• Your logo will be featured on event signage and materials
• We'll give your company a warm thank-you during the event, recognizing your support.

Photo Booth Sponsor | $5,000
Standard Price

2 Tickets
Pre/post-event publicity
Logo inclusion in all photos taken at photo booth.

Audio/ Video Sponsor | $5,000
Standard Price

2 Dinner Tickets
Half-page digital ad
Pre/post event publicity.

Friends of the Gala | $500
Standard Price

Show your support in a meaningful way by joining as a Friend of the Gala. This sponsorship is perfect for individuals or organizations who want to contribute to the success of the event.
Thank you for your donation!