The Queens Chamber of Commerce has received a potentially life saving donation, thanks to RDS Delivery and the Dominic A. Murray 21 Memorial Foundation. Today, at the organization’s offices at the Bulova Corporate Center in East Elmhurst, the Chamber received an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), which was purchased and donated by Larry Zogby of RDS Delivery.
 
The ceremony also honored the memory of Dominic Murray, a young man who died prematurely while playing basketball due to sudden cardiac arrest stemming from a congenital heart defect that went undetected. Melinda Murray-Nyack founded the Dominic A. Murray 21 Memorial Foundation to stop these tragedies due to a lack of awareness, screening and immediate treatment of such a preventable tragedy.
 
“The death of Dominic Murray was a tragic occurrence that could have been prevented with increased awareness and preparedness,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “Installing an AED here at Bulova is crucial to saving lives, and we’re happy we can take that necessary step. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Larry Zogby for his unending generosity and Melinda Murray-Nyack for her tireless advocacy that has, and will continue to save countless lives.”
 
“More than 356,000 people die from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) each year in the United States, including 23,000 young people under the age of 18. Primary prevention (heart screenings) and secondary prevention (CPR and AEDs) increase survival rates,” said Melinda Murray-Nayak, Founder and President of the Dominic A. Murray 21 Memorial 21 Foundation. “The Dominic A. Murray 21 Memorial Foundation is committed to preventing sudden cardiac arrest and death in young people, providing heart screenings for early detection, placement of AEDs, and facilitating CPR/AED training.”
 
"As someone who believes in the strength of our community, I couldn't miss the opportunity to contribute to our collective well-being. This AED donation is more than a device; it embodies our commitment to looking out for one another,” said Larry Zogby, President of RDS Delivery. “We all have a role to play in creating a safer environment, and I'm honored to be a part of this effort alongside the Dominic A. Murray 21 Memorial Foundation and the Queens Chamber of Commerce. Let's continue to encourage a caring environment where we can make a difference and safeguard the lives of those we care about."
The Chamber supported the passage of the Dominic Murray Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act, which was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul on October 25, 2021. The law ensures that schools, students, and parents are provided with critical, lifesaving information on sudden cardiac arrest signs and symptoms and risks to ensure students at risk are evaluated prior to participation in athletics.

Press release available for download, below.

Today, the Queens Chamber of Commerce, the oldest and largest business association in Queens, joined government officials, and business and community leaders at the grand opening of Maxi’s Noodle’s second location. The highly anticipated celebration featured a ribbon cutting at the noodle shop, located at 59-20 Main Street (at 60th Avenue) in Flushing.
“Maxi’s Noodle has long been one of my favorite eateries in Flushing, and I am delighted that they are opening a second location in the neighborhood,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “For a restaurant that started as a pop-up to now have two brick and mortar locations is a testament to the talent, vision and hard work of Maxi Lau. This location is a welcome addition to Queens’ vibrant food scene, and the Queens Chamber is proud to join Maxi and everyone gathered here to celebrate another small business success story.”
“My family and I are so excited to open our second location of Maxi’s Noodle today in Flushing and to share our delicious offerings with our neighbors. I am passionate about food, but I also value the importance of contributing to and being a part of the Flushing community,” said owner Maxi Lau. “I am thankful for the help from the Queens Chamber of Commerce, and I am eager to partner with them on future endeavors.”
“Maxi’s Noodle is a favorite among Queens residents,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-Queens). “I am proud to see another small business like this one growing and contributing directly to our community. Their new location is a great addition to Flushing that will serve the people of Queens for years to come."
“What began as a desire to learn the art of making wontons by hand as her mother did to cope with her untimely death, then a pop-up shop run out of a bakery and eventually a full-fledged restaurant, Maxi Lau and her food have become a Flushing tradition,” said Councilmember Sandra Ung. “But more than just a successful and critically acclaimed restaurateur, Maxi has shown an unwavering commitment to serving others in our community. It is fitting that the newest Maxi’s Noodle is just blocks from New York-Presbyterian Queens, because it was food that Maxi donated that helped nourish healthcare professionals there as they responded to the first wave of COVID. As we begin a new chapter in the story of Maxi’s Noodle, we celebrate not only its remarkable success, but a person and a passion that embodies the heart and soul of Flushing. I wish Maxi the best as she begins this new endeavor!”
Maxi’s Noodle will be open 10am to 7pm. To learn more,visit @maxisnoodle on Instagram or https://maxisnoodle.com.

Press release available for download, below.

It is settled. Today, in honor of National Bagel and Lox Day, Middle Village Bagels was declared the winner of the inaugural Queens’ Best Bagel Competition, held by the Queens Chamber of Commerce, the oldest and largest business association in Queens. Over the past several weeks, foodies nominated and voted on their favorite bagel establishments from across the borough, with the Middle Village eatery emerging as the winner.
 
“Bagels are not only a breakfast food, they are a staple in New York City enjoyed throughout the day, and Queens has some of the best out there,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “Congratulations to co-owners Frank Barbone and Joseph LaRosa and the entire team at Middle Village Bagels on winning this competition. This recognition is a testament to their commitment to serving up delicious deals to their loyal customers. I’ve tried the bagels and can vouch for the quality and taste!”
 
"It is an honor to have Middle Village Bagels win the title of 'Queens Best Bagel.' We take great pride in putting out a great product. We would like to thank our staff and, most importantly, our loyal customers who took the time to vote for us over the past few weeks," said co-owners Frank Barbone and Joseph LaRosa. "One thing is very clear: New York City is the Bagel Capital of the World and for us to be named as having the best bagel in the borough is an incredible honor. Thank you to the Queens Chamber of Commerce for this opportunity."
 
“Even with our unmatched culinary diversity across the five boroughs, arguably the most quintessential New York City staple when it comes to food is the bagel. And like so many other kinds of food, we definitely have the best bagels here in Queens,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Congratulations to Middle Village Bagels for being crowned the best of the best when it comes to the bagel by the Queens Chamber of Commerce.”
 
“Simply put, Queens bagels are the best!,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-Queens). “I congratulate Middle Village Bagels for coming in first place in the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s Best Bagel competition and I’m thrilled that a bagel establishment in my district has been crowned the winner. I also commend all 55 establishments that were nominated. Thanks to the Queens Chamber of Commerce for continuing to shine a light on the different types of outstanding food in our borough.”
 
“A huge congratulations to Middle Village Bagels for being voted as ‘Queens’ Best Bagel’! As a cornerstone of our community since 2018, Middle Village Bagels has consistently served up more than just great food; it has long nurtured a sense of belonging and community pride,” said Assembly Member Catalina Cruz. “This award is a testament not only to your delicious bagels but also to the strength of our community’s small businesses. I look forward to your continued success.”


In total, 55 establishments were nominated for this contest and after more than 3,000 votes were tallied Middle Village Bagels was selected the winner. Over the past year, the Queens Chamber of Commerce has held three other “Best of Queens'' food competitions, including pizza, empanadas, and barbecue. This was the closest vote of all the competitions, with the top three eateries separated by a margin of less than 50 votes.
 
The top three eateries selected by the public were:
 

1. Middle Village Bagels (Eliot Avenue, Middle Village)
2. Utopia Bagels (Utopia Parkway, Whitestone)
3. Rockaway Bagels (Beach Channel Drive, Rockaway Park)

 
In addition to earning the title of Queens’ Bagel, Middle Village Bagels received a plaque and a complimentary year of membership to the Queens Chamber of Commerce. The second and third place winners also received certificates.

Press release available for download, below.

Today, the NYC Small Business Resource Network (SBRN) announced that Wells Fargo has provided funding that will help 500 small businesses across New York City get online and grow their business. The $500,000 grant will support the SBRN’s Open + Online initiative, a free resource to help business owners establish or improve their digital presence, with a focus on minority and women-owned enterprises (MWBE). Interested businesses can apply to participate at openandonline.smallbiz.nyc.
 
“Wells Fargo is a proud supporter of this important initiative because we understand how crucial it is for local small businesses to have a digital presence in order to build their brands and connect with a wider customer base,” said Krissy Moore, Senior Vice President – Community Relations Northeast Region at Wells Fargo.  “While economic challenges continue for small businesses in New York City and across the country, we are focused on opening up more avenues to economic advancement and strengthening the small business community for the long-term. Our goal is to help as many small businesses as we can with a strong emphasis on supporting the needs faced by diverse small business owners and providing them with the digital tools and services they need to compete in the 21st century economy.”

The SBRN is a comprehensive approach to small business resiliency that offers free, personalized guidance and support to help businesses grow and thrive. The SBRN is driven by a team of dedicated Business Support Specialists who work one-on-one with small business owners, helping them gain access to a range of programs and services including grants and loans, connections to legal counsel, business coaching, marketing guidance, and technology support.

Originally launched as a pandemic recovery effort, the SBRN continues to support small businesses via a collaborative partnership between the five boroughwide chambers of commerce.  The SBRN has reached close to 50,000 businesses, providing direct support to over 13,000, with 76 percent of businesses served being MWBEs.
 
“It is crucial that we  help minority and women-owned small businesses improve their digital presence, so they can continue to drive New York City’s economic recovery. We are so thankful that Wells Fargo has stepped up to support the important work the Small Business Resource Network is doing through the Open + Online program. This funding will have a tremendous impact on hundreds of small businesses, helping them grow and better serve their customers and communities,” said Lisa Sorin, President of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce;  Randy Peers, President and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce; Jessica Walker, President and CEO of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce; Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce; and Linda Baran, President and CEO of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the Five Chamber Alliance.
 
In 2021, the SBRN launched Open + Online - a free resource to help small businesses establish or improve their digital presence. This program, supported by funding raised by the Partnership for New York City, was conceived to address the digital divide, and targeted MWBE entrepreneurs with little to no online presence. To date, Open + Online has completed almost 1000 digital projects, including basic websites, e-commerce websites, SEO consultations and logo/branding design.

“Open + Online is a valuable resource to help entrepreneurs to compete in an increasingly digital marketplace. Wells Fargo’s support  will greatly expand access to technology tools for  minority- and women-owned businesses across the five boroughs,” said Kathryn Wylde, President and CEO of the Partnership for New York City.
 
“We live in a digital world and through Wells Fargo’s generous grant, small businesses throughout New York City will have the tools and resources needed to thrive in today’s online marketplace,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President & CEO Andrew Kimball. “The expansion of NYC’s Small Business Resource Network’s Open + Online initiative will also translate to more resources for MWBEs, whose success is critical to building an inclusive economy that works for all New Yorkers.”
 
“Every entrepreneur knows that building a strong digital footprint is vital to success,” said New York City Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin D. Kim. “The partnership between Wells Fargo and the NYC SBRN will help minority- and- women entrepreneurs to do just that. Their success online is key to their success in business, and to the success of the City of Yes.”
 
“I’m very thankful for the Small Business Resource Network’s Open + Online initiative. As a minority and LGBTQ+ business owner, this has helped my home based small business be more accessible to potential customers,” said Arnaldo Felix Silva, owner of Sweet Isla Bakery. “My digital program manager helped give my business a beautiful online presence that aligns with my vision and helps me to honor my Puerto Rican culture. Programs like this are a blessing for small business owners since most of the time we struggle with the starting costs of having a website or getting much needed professional help. I will be forever thankful for this program.”
 
“MoJazz Dance is so deeply grateful and fortunate for the support and services we received through the Open + Online Program. From our initial point of contact, the digital program manager understood and accommodated our challenging schedule and paired us with an outstanding website designer who was an absolute delight to collaborate with,” said Audrey Madison, Founder and Artistic Director of MoJazz Dance. “In one month, our designer patiently guided us with discussions and written to-do lists, and executed desired revisions based on our feedback notes. She truly captured the essence and spirit of MoJazz Dance. Our program manager supported our knowledge and abilities to maneuver the technical functions of the site and developed our confidence to do so. Our final product is absolutely amazing and we are elated to extend our digital presence with a website that truly reflects who we are.”

Press release available for download, below.