 On Wednesday, June 26, the Queens Chamber of Commerce and the Queens Tech Council were joined by business, government and community leaders to celebrate the opening of its sixth incubator location in Forest Hills. This location of the Queens Tech Incubator program joins a list of incubators in Jamaica, Far Rockaway, Jackson Heights, and Long Island City, as well as on the campus of Queens College. It is sponsored by Maspeth Federal Savings. “In order to create a strong tech community in the great borough of Queens, we need to support our homegrown startups, and the Queens Chamber of Commerce and the Queens Tech Council are doing that through its thriving tech incubator program,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “We are delighted to be joined by our partners in government to celebrate the launch of our newest location in Forest Hills, and extend a huge thank you to Maspeth Federal Savings for donating the space. With their help, we are providing complimentary office space, as well as mentoring and valuable resources to startups as we continue to grow the tech industry in Queens.” “Maspeth Federal Savings is thrilled to partner with the Queens Chamber of Commerce on their Tech Incubator program,” said Thomas Rudzewick, CEO and President. “Through this collaboration, we will support promising startups and companies that will transform Queens into a thriving tech hub. We are excited to welcome these new ventures into our shared space, providing them with the resources they need to flourish.” In total, across all six locations of the incubator program, 15 businesses have been selected. The first tenant in the Forest Hills space will be DocPro, a health tech firm providing innovative and user-friendly medical software as a service (SaaS) solutions to healthcare providers, empowering them to deliver exceptional patient care. “We’re excited to join the Forest Hills location of the Queens Tech Incubator program, where access to complimentary office space and networking connections will greatly support our collaboration with local primary care doctors in the area, aiming for optimal results for clinics and patients alike,” said Tanwir Hasan, Founder and CEO of DocPro. Applications to the Queens Tech Incubator are reviewed and selected by members of the Queens Tech Council. Companies chosen have access to complimentary office space, mentorship opportunities from existing Tech Council members as well as resources provided by the Small Business Resource Network (SBRN). “Queens is well-positioned to be a leader in tech thanks to initiatives like the Queens Tech Incubator program,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. “This new incubator location in Forest Hills will give Queens an even bigger foothold in this growing sector of the economy. I’m so proud my office is part of the Queens Tech Council and is a valued partner in this important initiative that is expanding opportunities and giving everyone in the World’s Borough the chance to take part in the technology revolution.” "We have seen how successful the Queens Tech Incubator program is and I am thrilled to have this program expand into Forest Hills. I'd like to thank everyone that made this possible, especially the team at the Queens Chamber of Commerce. I look forward to seeing this program continue to flourish," said Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi. “I am proud to support the Queens Tech Incubator program and its mission to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in Queens,” said Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. “By providing startups with essential resources and mentorship, we are helping to build a strong tech ecosystem right here in our borough. Congratulations to all the businesses at the Forest Hills location and across the program for their dedication and hard work." Space is still available at the Forest Hills incubator location. Applications to use the space and join the Queens Tech Incubator program can be found at https://www.queenstechcouncil.com/. Press release available for download, below. 
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 It is settled. On Friday, June 21, the Queens Chamber of Commerce, the oldest and largest business association in the Queens, announced Donovan’s Pub as the winner of its inaugural Queens’ Best Burger Competition. The contest kicked off Memorial Day weekend, and asked foodies to nominate and vote for their favorite burger establishments from across the borough, with the Woodside eatery emerging as the winner. “The votes have been tallied and Queens residents have made their choice, and we are delighted to honor Donovan’s Pub as the inaugural winner of the Queens’ Best Burger Competition,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “Congratulations to Dan Connor and the entire team at Donovan’s on winning this competition. This recognition is a testament to their commitment to serving up delicious versions of a summer staple. I suggest everyone go check them out!” “We are honored to be voted Queens’ Best Burger in the Queens Chamber of Commerce competition! We know that our borough is loaded with great restaurants, many serving up great burgers, so we are incredibly proud of our amazing team who truly make us Woodside's landmark gathering place,” said owner Dan Connor. “We are also incredibly thankful to the amazing community who support us. They are the reason we work so hard, why we push ourselves to evolve, and why we better ourselves at every opportunity. This community means the world to us, and we will continue to do all that we can to be a comfortable place to meet and enjoy quality food and cocktails. A big thank you to the Queens Chamber of Commerce, not only for including us in this great competition, but for all they do for businesses like ours throughout the borough.” “The World’s Borough isn’t just the proud home of outstanding international cuisine. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best American classics, like the burger,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “It must be in the name, because it’s hard to find a more delicious or juicy burger than the ones they serve at Donovan’s Pub in Woodside. Congratulations to Donovan’s Pub on the well-deserved accolades.” "I’m thrilled to congratulate Donovan's Pub for winning the top spot in Queens’ Best Burger contest," said U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens). “I also commend Ryan’s Irish Bar and Grill and Acey Ducey’s for coming in second and third place. All three are located in my congressional district, underscoring how some of the best food in our borough exists in areas that I’m honored to represent. I thank the Queens Chamber of Commerce for highlighting the important role that restaurants play in our economy and throughout our communities. Once again, congratulations!” "Congratulations to Dan Connor and Donovan's Pub on being selected as Queens’ Best Burger," said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. "Woodside is home to some of the best food not only in Queens but in the world, and I'm so happy to see Donovan's being recognized for their incredible burger." “Donovan’s Pub is a true Woodside staple for both its food and role in the community. Congratulations to Dan Connor and the Donovan's Pub team on winning the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Best Burger competition. I’m looking forward to them holding this title for many years to come,” said Assemblymember Steven Raga. “District 26 is known for some of the greatest food in the Queens, including this newest title of best burgers at Donovan’s Pub in Woodside. Congratulations to this Woodside institution for winning Queens Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Best Burger Restaurant Competition!” said Council Member Julie Won. “Small businesses are cornerstones of our neighborhoods. I encourage my neighbors to support local restaurants and try the top burger in the borough.” In total, 12 establishments were nominated for this contest. After nearly 3,000 votes were tallied Donovan’s Pub was selected the winner. Over the past year, the Queens Chamber of Commerce has held several other “Best of Queens'' food competitions, including tacos, empanadas, bagels, halal, and barbecue. The top three eateries selected by the public were:
In addition to earning the title of Queens’ Best Burger Restaurant, Donovan’s Pub 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 avialable for download, below.
New York City Council Member Vickie Paladino, the Queens Chamber of Commerce, and the Bayside Historical Society invite the whole community to the Annual Independence Day Fireworks Show and Concert on Wednesday, June 26th at Fort Totten. This annual event draws thousands to celebrate a night of fireworks, food and family fun. This year’s celebration promises to be another incredible night with fireworks provided by “Fireworks by Grucci”. “The Independence Day fireworks show and concert is returning to Fort Totten! Along with the Queens Chamber of Commerce and the Bayside Historical Society, we are so happy to bring such a beloved event back to the community,“ said Councilwoman Vickie Paladino. ”Thank you to the Queens Chamber of Commerce, the Bayside Historical Society, the Parks Department, NYPD, FDNY, EMS, US Army, DSNY, Citibus NYC, Fireworks by Grucci, Office of Emergency Management, Borough President Richards, Commonpoint Queens, Citywide Event Coordination and Management Office of the Mayor, City of New York and countless others who worked together to help my office organize this event again. We hope to see all of you out there!” “The Queens Chamber of Commerce is excited to partner with Council Member Vickie Paladino and the Bayside Historical Society once again to bring this great event to Fort Totten” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “Year after year, this event has grown and proved to be a fun day for families. We are grateful to all our partners and sponsors for helping us make it a great evening.” “With funding provided by Council Member Paladino and the Queens Chamber of Commerce, we are proud to announce the return of the BHS annual concert and fireworks show in Fort Totten,” said Paul DiBenedetto, Vice President of the Bayside Historical Society. “BHS at the Castle serves as a cultural destination within the Fort Totten Historic District, and hosting an Independence Day Celebration right outside our front door is a great way for the community to link the past with the present. We look forward to this year’s event being even bigger and better than it’s been in the past.” Admittance to Fort Totten will begin at 5:00pm. There will be fun activities for kids and food trucks on site. The evening will feature musical performances by Chicken Head Rocks and Phil Costa and the Something Special Big Band. Guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs. The fireworks will begin promptly at 9:15pm and attendees must enter the park by 8:30pm. Guests are encouraged to walk or bus to the event. Limited parking will be available at the Little Bay parking lot, underneath the Throgs Neck Bridge, along Bell Boulevard west of Fort Totten, and along Utopia Parkway. Off-site parking with free shuttle bus access will be available at the Clearview Golf Course and the Bay Terrace Shopping Center beginning at 5:30pm. After the fireworks display, the buses will return spectators to their pickup locations through 10:15pm. Alcohol and umbrellas are not permitted at the event. All bags, coolers, backpacks, etc. will be inspected by the NYPD upon entrance. Press release available for download, below.
QUEENS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND CARIBBEAN BUSINESS CONNECTIONS ANNOUNCE AFFILIATION AGREEMENT6/13/2024 The Queens Chamber of Commerce, the borough’s oldest and largest business association, and Caribbean Business Connections (CBC) announced an affiliation agreement that aims to foster stronger ties and promote mutual growth within business communities across Queens. The Caribbean Business Connections honored Joanne Persad of the Queens Chamber of Commerce at their event earlier today in celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month. “We are thrilled to join forces with Caribbean Business Connections,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “This affiliation is a significant step towards building a more connected and robust business community in Queens. By supporting each other’s programs and activities, we can offer our members greater opportunities for growth and collaboration.” "Caribbean Business Connections would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Joanne Persad on her well-deserved award," said Hanif Russell, Co-founder of Caribbean Business Connections. "Our organization is a proud partner of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, and we appreciate all the time and energy that Joanne puts into her work there, and we look forward to working with her in the future." "Being honored by Caribbean Business Connections is a profound acknowledgment of the work I am a part of at the Queens Chamber of Commerce," said Joanne Persad, Chief Operating Officer of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. "This partnership will undoubtedly amplify our efforts to support and empower the diverse business community in Queens." As part of this initiative, the Queens Chamber of Commerce will utilize its communication channels, including This is Queensborough Magazine, e-newsletter, and website, to promote the activities and programs of Caribbean Business Connections. Similarly, Caribbean Business Connections will promote the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s programs and activities through communication methods, ensuring broad visibility and engagement within both networks. Press release available for download, below.
The Queens Chamber of Commerce, the oldest and largest business association in the borough, is now accepting votes for its Queens’ Best Burger Competition. Members of the public are encouraged to vote for their favorite burger in the borough from among 12 nominated establishments at https://bit.ly/QueensBestBurgerVote through Friday, June 14. “Burgers are at the heart of summer get-togethers, and we are so excited to highlight this beloved classic with our contest,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “I know all the nominated restaurants offer different and amazing takes on the summer staple, but I can’t wait to see who sizzles their way to the winning spot!” Nominations for the contest were collected from the public over the course of several weeks and include the following establishments:
The winner will be crowned with the title of Queens’ Best Burger at an event on Friday, June 21, and receive bragging rights, along with a complimentary membership to the Queens Chamber of Commerce. Press release available for download, below.
Yesterday, the Queens Chamber of Commerce, Queens’ oldest and largest business association, announced the launch of the Queens Innovation Foundation, a nonprofit foundation that will accelerate the growth of the tech sector in Queens and establish the borough as the epicenter of AI-fueled start ups, emerging tech and innovation. The announcement took place at the Chamber’s annual Queens Business Expo at Citi Field. The focus of the Queens Innovation Foundation will be building on the work of the Queens Tech Council and the Queens Tech Incubator program. The Queens Tech Incubator program currently operates five incubators across the borough housing fifteen businesses, 70 percent of which are Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises. The foundation aims to raise $40 million to launch the World Innovation Center, a collection of programs that will help expand the incubator program, and offer capital and programmatic support to participating start-ups. Additional programs will be created to help and incentivize international and domestic companies seeking to relocate to Queens, create events for world’s leading tech innovators to network and gather, and upskill Queens residents for jobs in the sector. “With our rich diversity, transportation infrastructure, world-class colleges and universities, and thriving arts and culture scene -- Queens is uniquely positioned to serve as the hub for tech innovation,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “The Queens Innovation Foundation will support the growth of the tech sector in our borough by attracting new tech businesses to Queens, and ensuring the innovative start-ups we have in our borough continue to grow and thrive here. Sixty years after the World’s Fair, we are primed to reestablish Queens as the global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.” The Queens Tech Council launched in February 2021, with a focus on building an economy that embraces innovation and promotes tech adoption. This includes supporting tech companies from existing giants in established industries to startups working doing cutting edge work. Council members include representatives from Google, Facebook, Amazon, Pursuit, LIC Partnership, Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, Crown Castle, JetBlue Ventures, Cornell Tech, and The Business Incubator Association of New York State. This year’s Queens Business Expo featured over 140 exhibitors, including all fifteen startups in the Queens Tech Incubator program in a pavilion sponsored by Google. There were also two panel discussions focused on AI. The first focused on leveraging AI to reduce costs and increase revenue in business, featuring Arvind Rajagopalan of Verizon, Marjorie Velazquez of Tech:NYC, Bozanka Vitanova of TeamLift, Bob Knakal of BKREA, and Linda Essumai of KPMG. The second panel featured the Women in AI Award winners – which were announced at the expo – on key strategies for launching AI startups. The five winners of the Women in AI Awards were also announced. They are:
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Empire State Development celebrates the Queens Chamber of Commerce's new Queens Innovation Foundation, which will have a positive, profound impact for the borough's economy and beyond. By providing the support needed for next gen businesses, the Chamber's fund will ensure Queens is creating the cutting-edge ecosystem that expands economic opportunity and promotes job growth in the high-growth tech sector.” "For over 100 years the Queens Chamber of Commerce has been making an impact on the entire city by attracting new businesses and fostering entrepreneurship," said NYC Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin D. Kim. "The launch of the new Queens Innovation Foundation will supercharge that impact. I want to congratulate President Thomas Grech and everyone at the Queens Chamber of Commerce on this achievement, and look forward to continue working towards our shared goal of building the City of Yes for small business." "It has been beyond impressive to see the progress the Queens Chamber's Queens Tech Council has made in the past couple of years in pulling together all of the elements necessary for a vibrant entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. Tom Grech has pulled together some of the top names in tech, launched five incubators, attracted entrepreneurial talent from around the world, and now the final piece of making this all come together, is launching this investment fund. Now when people talk about the tech scene in NYC, they will not only be talking about Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn, but Queens will be a part of that conversation as well,” said Marc Alessi, Executive Director of the Business Incubator Association of New York State. "Historically Queens has been the borough of strivers - from all over the world. As such the Queens Economic Development Corporation welcomes the launch of the Queens Innovation Foundation. We look forward to working with the Queens Chamber of Commerce in working together to provide resources for our borough's emerging entrepreneurs,” said Seth Bornstein, Executive Director, Queens Economic Development Corporation. “The tech sector in the borough is thriving, yet still growing as AI creates new possibilities. The tremendous work by the Queens Tech Council to position Queens as a nurturing environment for companies cannot be overstated. Now with the Queens Innovation Foundation, the incentive for tech firms to bring their talents here will have an additional economic impact in communities,” said Justin Rodgers, President & CEO of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation. “Thanks to Tom Grech and the Queens Chamber of Commerce for spearheading these vital initiatives.” “Queens, and Long Island City, is already an important hub for the tech sector, and the launch of the Queens Innovation Foundation will accelerate the growth of our local startups,” said Laura Rothrock, President of the Long Island City Partnership. “This initiative will cement Queens as a leader in global innovation and technology, attracting cutting-edge businesses and talent to our borough. I am excited to support this mission, which will drive economic growth and create new opportunities for residents across Queens. Our diverse community and rich cultural offerings make Queens an ideal place for tech companies to thrive, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact of this initiative." “The Queens Innovation Foundation is the next step in New York's tech renaissance,” said Marjorie Velázquez, Vice President of Policy at Tech:NYC. “Tech incubators like this are exactly how we solidify New York’s position as a tech hub while ensuring that the jobs it creates are available to all. Queens is one of the most diverse spots in America, and embracing and harnessing that diversity is crucial to how we grow our tech scene. We’re excited to see what new innovators and entrepreneurs will come up with as a result of this program.” Press release available for download, below.
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