The Queens Chamber of Commerce, the oldest and largest business association in the borough, is now accepting votes for its Queens’ Best Bakery Competition. Members of the public are encouraged to vote for their favorite establishments serving up the best cakes, cookies, cannoli, and more from among 22 nominated establishments at https://bit.ly/QueensBestBakeryVote through Thursday, July 10.
 
“As voting kicks off, we’re calling on everyone in Queens to support their favorite local bakery,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “These businesses are the heart of our neighborhoods, and this is a chance to give them the recognition they deserve. Whether you're a fan of classic Italian pastries or inventive new treats, cast your vote and help us crown the borough’s best.”

Nominations for the contest were collected over the course of several weeks and include the following businesses:

• Arellano Pandesal (37th Avenue, Long Island City)
• Buuru Bakery (Francis Lewis Boulevard, Rosedale)
• Cafe Bench (Northern Boulevard, Flushing)
• Cannelle Pattisserie (31st Avenue, East Elmhurst)
• De L'or Cakery (Grand Avenue, Maspeth)
• El Cafetal Bakery (Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica)
• El Molino Bakery (Jamaica Avenue, Woodhaven)
• The French Workshop (Bell Boulevard, Bayside)
• Heritage Bread Pudding (Various Pop-up Locations, Long Island City)
• Jhoanes Bakery & Coffee (Broadway, Astoria)
• Joe's Sicilian Bakery (48th Avenue, Bayside)
• Kora (Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside)
• La Antioqueña Bakery (Corona Avenue, Corona)
• La Guli Pastry Shop (Ditmars Avenue, Astoria)
• Lefkos Pyrgos Cafe (Ditmars Boulevard, Astoria)
• Lety's Bakery (37th Avenue, Jackson Heights)
• Martha's Country Bakery (Ditmars Boulevard, Astoria)
• Multisweet LIC (22nd Street, Long Island City)
• NYCakes Boutique (39th Avenue, Long Island City)
• Pan Ugo Bakery (Jamaica Avenue, Woodhaven)
• Parva Bakeshop & Cafe (Northern Boulevard, Jackson Heights)
• Rockaway Beach Bakery (Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Rockaway)

The winner will be crowned with the title of Queens’ Best Bakery at an event on Wednesday, July 16. The winning establishment will receive bragging rights, along with a complimentary membership to the Queens Chamber of Commerce. The second and third place winners will receive certificates.
 
This is the eleventh “Best of Queens” food competition. Prior contests settled debates over the borough’s best pizza, burgers, halal, empanadas, barbecue, tacos, frozen desserts, bagels, pad thai, and tavern.

Press release available for download, below.

The Queens Chamber of Commerce proudly recognizes the retirement of Seth  Bornstein, who is stepping down after nearly four decades of exemplary service to the Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC). Mr.  Bornstein—who began his career with QEDC in 1979 and assumed the role of Executive Director in 2009—is retiring effective July  1,  2025. 
“Seth Bornstein has been nothing short of a visionary leader and tireless advocate for the borough of Queens,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “His commitment to small businesses, entrepreneurship, and equitable economic development has left an extraordinary legacy that will benefit our communities for generations to come. On behalf of the Queens Chamber of Commerce and the entire business community, I thank Seth for his decades of service, partnership, and passion—and I wish him nothing but the very best in his next chapter.”
Under Mr.  Bornstein’s stewardship, Queens has seen transformative initiatives, including the establishment of the borough’s first commercial revitalization programs, which catalyzed the formation of numerous local development corporations and business improvement districts. His leadership also led to the launch of the Entrepreneur Space in Long Island City, the expansion of “Made in Queens,” and growth of the Queens Tourism Council.

"Seth Bornstein has combined his amazing leadership ability with a creative flair that has enabled the QEDC to significantly help small businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities in Queens create and retain jobs," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "Under Seth's leadership the QEDC has proudly supported immigrants, women, and people of color, and has done an outstanding job of promoting tourism throughout the borough. I speak on behalf of all 2.4 million residents of Queens in commending Seth for his wonderful work here in 'The World’s Borough,' as we wish him all the best as he embarks on what is sure to be a happy and fruitful retirement.
“For over four decades, Seth Bornstein has been a transformative and steadfast leader in Queens, shaping our borough’s economic development and supporting generations of entrepreneurs,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “Under his tenure, the Queens Economic Development Corporation has successfully implemented impactful programs to foster growth in tourism, tech, and many other industries. Seth’s passion and dedication to our small businesses and Queens communities will be felt for years to come. I’m proud to call Seth a friend, and I wholeheartedly congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement!"
“Seth Bornstein has been a champion for Queens and a tireless advocate for inclusive economic growth across our borough,” said New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “From revitalizing commercial corridors to creating pathways for local entrepreneurs, Seth’s leadership has shaped the economic landscape of Queens for the better. I thank him for his decades of dedicated service, and I wish him continued success and fulfillment in his well-earned retirement.”
“Seth Bornstein’s legacy in Queens will live on long past his well-earned retirement. For over four decades, his work at the Queens Economic Development Corporation has empowered many small businesses, promoted local entrepreneurs, and driven economic growth in every part of our borough,” said New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga. “His leadership has helped to shape a stronger and more resilient Queens, and his impact will influence our community for years to come. I thank Seth Bornstein for his service, unwavering commitment, and determination to support and better the communities we serve.”
"Seth Bornstein's four decades of dedicated work at the Queens Economic Development Corporation, including sixteen years as Executive Director, have been paramount in uplifting the Queens business community. His unwavering drive, foresight, and steadfast commitment have forged an enduring legacy, the impact of which will resonate for years to come. I extend my congratulations to Seth on his well-deserved retirement and thank him for his advocacy and exemplary service to the Queens Community,” said Assemblywoman Alicia L. Hyndman.
“Seth has not only built programs—he’s built trust, opportunity, and hope across every corner of Queens. From Long Island City to Jamaica, from tourism to tech, he’s helped grow an economy rooted in equity and inclusion. I’ve seen firsthand how his work has empowered families and entrepreneurs who simply needed a chance. I’m proud to call Seth a friend, I thank him for all he’s done, and I wish him joy and rest in this next chapter,” said Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz, Assembly District 39.
“Seth Bornstein has left a lasting impact in Queens as a visionary leader for over 40 years. On behalf of the Long Island City Partnership, we thank him for his work leading economic development efforts throughout the borough that have been critical to the success of Queens. As a champion for the borough, Seth has laid the foundation for innovative programs that will have a lasting impact for decades to come. We congratulate him and wish him the best of luck in his next chapter,” said Laura Rothrock, President of Long Island City Partnership.
“Seth has raised the profile of Queens in a manner that few individuals have done and changed the conversation about this borough as a place to do business. His vision and strategic thinking have helped make Queens better,” said Justin Rodgers, President and CEO of Greater Jamaica Development Corporation. “We look forward to working with Ben and the great things to come.”
Seth Bornstein’s involvement with QEDC began as a program manager collaborating closely with successive Queens Borough Presidents, eventually guiding the organization for 16 years as executive director.
Ben Guttmann, a marketing executive from Sunnyside, will succeed Mr.  Bornstein as QEDC Executive Director on July  1.

Press release available for download, below.

The Queens Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce a new partnership with SJ Innovation LLC to launch QueensChamberAI, a suite of AI-powered digital tools and training programs designed to help Queens-based businesses embrace innovation, improve efficiency, and grow in a competitive economy.
"This partnership with SJ Innovation represents a major step forward in how we support our members," said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. "By harnessing the power of AI, we’re not only modernizing our own operations—we’re creating opportunities for small businesses across Queens to become more efficient, more competitive, and better equipped for the future. We’re proud to lead the way in making advanced technology accessible to the communities we serve."
Through this collaboration, SJ Innovation will develop and maintain a comprehensive AI platform tailored specifically to the Chamber’s needs and those of its members. The platform includes two components: an internal AI tool for Chamber staff and a public-facing portal--QueensChamberAI.org—for use by small businesses throughout the borough.

The initiative features custom-built AI agents designed to support Chamber operations, a training subdomain offering certification programs for small business owners, and both virtual and in-person workshops to ensure widespread adoption and ease of use.
“We believe AI should make life easier—not harder,” said Shahed Islam, CEO of SJ Innovation. “Partnering with the Queens Chamber to launch QueensChamberAI is our way of giving back to the borough that helped shape us. This platform will help local businesses save time, work smarter, and grow faster—with tools built for real-world needs.”

The platform is expected to launch in summer 2025. For more information and updates, visit www.QueensChamberAI.org.

Press release available fro download, below.

Yesterday, more than 2,000 business leaders, entrepreneurs, and local officials gathered at Citi Field for the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Queens Business Expo, the borough’s premier networking and business development event. With more than 140 exhibitors and a high-profile panel featuring representatives from the New York Mets, Hard Rock International, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, and New York City Football Club (NYCFC), this year’s Expo celebrated Queens’ emergence as a national hub for sports, entertainment, and economic opportunity.
The day was highlighted by a panel discussion titled “Queens: The New American Crown Jewel of Sports & Entertainment,” which explored the major investments and initiatives transforming the Willets Point neighborhood and surrounding areas. Panelists discussed how the area is evolving into America’s preeminent sports and entertainment district, home to legendary institutions like Citi Field and the USTA National Tennis Center—and soon, to transformative developments like Etihad Park and the proposed Metropolitan Park project.

“With Citi Field, the USTA National Tennis Center, a new soccer stadium on the way, and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine 50 acres of underutilized land—Queens is positioned to become the beating heart of New York’s sports, entertainment, and hospitality economy,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “These are catalytic projects that will create thousands of good-paying union jobs and cement Queens’ status as a world-class destination.”

The central focus of the discussion were Etihad Park and Metropolitan Park – two projects that will transform the Willets Point neighborhood and bolster the local economy. Etihad Park, which will open for the 2027 season, will be the first fully-electric Major League Soccer stadium in the country. The stadium will anchor a broader development that includes community-centered public space, affordable housing, retail, a school, and a hotel—all part of Mayor Eric Adams’ Willets Point Transformation Plan. In addition, the US Open’s grand unveiling of a three-year, $800 million renovation plan for the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium and the historic Billie Jean King National Tennis Center grounds was an important part of the conversation.  Projected to be completed ahead of the 2027 tournament, the self-funded initiative — the single largest investment in US Open history — is a reflection of tennis’ immense growth over the past five years.
There was also tremendous excitement about the potential of Metropolitan Park, a proposed $8 billion casino and entertainment complex from Hard Rock International and Mets owner Steve Cohen. The project would deliver a dynamic new district featuring a full-scale casino, restaurants, a hotel, a “Taste of Queens” food hall, and a 25-acre public park. The development would also bring critical infrastructure upgrades, including a reimagined Mets-Willets Point subway station and improved pedestrian and vehicular access.

“Queens has long been the gateway to all the excitement of the New York City area, but is now even more of a destination in its own right thanks to the many amazing attractions opening here in 'The World's Borough,'" said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "Queens truly is the place to be for those seeking an outstanding sports or entertainment experience. So I deeply thank the Queens Chamber of Commerce for shining a light on our borough's emergence as a sports and entertainment hub."

"This is about more than entertainment, it’s a real investment in our community with lasting impact. East Elmhurst and Corona are becoming catalysts for economic growth, drawing new business and opportunity to Queens. I’m proud to be at the forefront of it. We’re not just imagining a better future; we’re building it, together. What Assembly District 35 is creating is something all of Queens can be proud of," said Assemblymember Larinda Hooks.
"This is what community-first development looks like. From soccer, tennis, and baseball to public parks to affordable housing, Queens is now a hub for sports and entertainment and an example of what community partnership can bring. I'm proud to work alongside my colleagues and community members to bring this vision to life," said Council Member Francisco Moya.

"NYCEDC mission is to help build a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy across the five boroughs of New York City – and Queens is helping lead the way with investments in Long Island City, Jamaica, Far Rockaway, and more,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President & CEO Andrew Kimball. "One only needs to look at the Willets Point development, where the city is making a generational investment that will bring the largest new affordable housing development in over 40 years, not to mention new public open space, hotel, much needed infrastructure and the city’s first soccer specific and fully electric stadium that will be 100 percent privately financed, making Queens the premier sports and entertainment hubs in New York City."
"Queens has always been the cultural heart of New York, and now it’s getting the destination it deserves. Working hand-in-hand with NYCFC, the Mets, USTA, and community partners, we’re creating a once-in-a-generation district that turns parking lots into parks and a community first vision into lasting impact," said Michael Sullivan, Chief of Staff, Point72.
"Queens has long been a stage for sports and entertainment, from the World’s Fair to the US Open to world-class concerts. Hard Rock is proud to build on that legacy by partnering with local leaders to create a new era of hospitality, live events, and economic opportunity. Together, we’re creating a district that honors the borough’s rich history while shaping its future,” said Sean Caffery, President of Casino Development & Chief of Staff, Hard Rock International.

“It is an honor to become members of the Queens community with Etihad Park under construction and on schedule to open in 2027,” said Brad Sims, New York City FC CEO. “We’re excited to be part of this emerging sports hub that will be a truly world-class and unmatched destination within New York City and the entire country.”
“From a new sports hub to creating thousands of jobs and billions in economic impact, we couldn’t think of a better place than Queens to build our future home,” said Jennifer O’Sullivan, New York City FC COO. “Over the past few years, we’ve started working closely with our future neighbors and cannot wait to fully move into Etihad Park following its completion in 2027.”

“The USTA is proud to call Queens home, and our $800 million investment in the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center reflects our deep commitment to this community. As the US Open continues to grow into a larger and larger global cultural event, we’re excited to help transform the borough into a world-class destination for sports, entertainment, and economic opportunity,” said Danny Zausner, Chief Operating Officer, USTA National Tennis Center, Inc.

In addition to networking and the panel discussion, special guest Mookie Wilson, beloved Mets legend and 1986 World Series hero, took hundreds of photos with attendees, emphasizing the strong bond between the Mets and the Queens community.
The Queens Business Expo is the largest event of its kind in the borough, offering unmatched opportunities for networking, collaboration, and business-to-business growth. This year’s event featured companies and service providers from across the borough and beyond, showcasing Queens’ position as a key driver of the region’s economic vitality.

Press release available for download, below.

The Queens Chamber of Commerce, the oldest and largest business association in Queens, has announced the next “Best Of Queens” competition, looking for the borough’s best bakery. Members of the public are encouraged to nominate and vote for their favorite establishments serving up the best cakes, cookies, cannoli, and more from across the borough.
 
"We know Queens is home to some truly sweet talent, and this competition is the perfect way to show our bakeries that we love them," said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. "From flaky croissants to gooey brownies, we're on a mission to find the crème de la crème of the borough. May the best bakery rise to the top!"
 
The Chamber is accepting nominations from the public beginning on Friday, June 13, at https://bit.ly/QueensBestBakery. They will close on Monday, June 23. Public voting will start on Monday, June 30 and run through Thursday, July 10.

The winner will be crowned with the title of Queens’ Best Bakery at an event on Wednesday, July 16. The winning establishment will receive bragging rights, along with a complimentary membership to the Queens Chamber of Commerce. The second and third place winners will receive certificates.
 
This is the eleventh “Best of Queens” food competition. Prior contests settled debates over the borough’s best pizza, burgers, halal, empanadas, barbecue, tacos, frozen desserts, bagels, pad thai, and tavern.

​Press release available for download, below.