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 deli. Members of the public are encouraged to nominate and vote for their favorite delis serving up the best sandwiches, cold cuts, and classic eats from across the borough.
 
"We know Queens is home to some truly savory talent, and this competition is the perfect way to show our delis that we love them," said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. "From piled-high pastrami sandwiches to perfectly sliced cold cuts, we're on a mission to find the best of the borough. May the top deli take the crown!"
 
The Chamber is accepting nominations from the public beginning on Monday, September 29 at https://bit.ly/QueensBestDeli. They will close on Wednesday, October 8. Public voting will start on Monday, October 13 and run through Wednesday, October 22.
 
Pending availability, the winner will be crowned with the title of Queens’ Best Deli at an event on Wednesday, October 29. 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 twelfth “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, tavern, and bakery.

Press release available for download, below.

The Queens Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce an innovative partnership with Hydro-Québec, the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE), and Queens College to launch a workforce readiness initiative that will prepare young adults for careers in the growing Green Economy. This new program bridges the gap between education and industry, giving participants the tools they need to succeed in a sustainable workforce. Through a series of workshops, on-site visits, and hands-on learning opportunities, students will gain practical knowledge tailored to the real-world demands of the green jobs sector.
 
“Queens has always been a leader in innovation and opportunity. This partnership not only equips our young people with the skills they need to thrive in the green economy, but also ensures that Queens businesses are directly engaged in creating a more sustainable future. Together, we’re building a pipeline of talent that will keep Queens — and New York — at the forefront of the clean energy transition,” said Tom Grech, President & CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce.
 
At the conclusion of the program, participants will earn a Queens Chamber Workforce Readiness Endorsement — certifying their working understanding of both green industry fundamentals and general business practices. In addition, ten standout participants will be chosen through a competitive process for mentorship, internships, and potential employment opportunities, recognizing their passion, potential, and commitment to environmental impact.

“Engaging and empowering students on workforce readiness is a smart decision for long-term economic development and community building,” said Pete Rose, Senior Director for Stakeholder Relations at Hydro-Québec. “We’re proud to partner on this unique initiative in Queens and to deliver renewable energy to the Big Apple next spring.”
 
"We are very pleased to work with both the Queens Chamber of Commerce and its green industry partners to grow and offer new opportunities for internships, mentoring and employment for Queens College students,” said Frank H. Wu, President of Queens College at The City University of New York. “We are widely known for our excellent environmental studies and business programs, a vital source of talents, skills and ambition. We look forward to a uniquely  productive collaboration."
 
The Chamber is calling on local business leaders to get involved by serving as mentors and industry experts. Mentors will play a direct role in shaping the next generation of leaders, providing insights into employment pathways and promoting best practices in sustainability.

Press release available for download, below.

​September 10, 2025—Today, the Queens Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the exceptional building projects that will be honored at its 2025 Building Awards Gala, which will take place on October 16th at The TWA Hotel at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The event will celebrate excellence in the design, construction, and sustainability of projects across Queens.
 
The Queens Chamber of Commerce has proudly hosted its prestigious Building Awards since 1926. Now celebrating the 99th anniversary, this gala continues to honor projects that not only shape the architectural landscape but also drive the economic vitality of the borough. Through these awards, we celebrate the vision and innovation that ensure Queens remains a vibrant, sustainable, and livable community for generations to come.
 
“Queens continues to grow and thrive because of the outstanding contributions of our real estate, architecture, and construction communities,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “At the 2025 Building Awards Gala, we are proud to recognize the professionals shaping our borough’s future. We look forward to coming together on October 16th at The TWA Hotel—an iconic Queens landmark—for an evening of celebration, connection, and recognition.”

If you are interested in purchasing tickets or would like to learn about sponsorship opportunities, you can find out more on the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s website or email Rae-Anna Persad at [email protected].
 
The winning building projects being recognized in 2025 are:


NEW CONSTRUCTION
 
Office Buildings
Maspeth Federal Savings Tech Center
Architect: MJM+A Architect
Builder: H.M Hughes Co., Inc.
Designer: Design Lab Group, LLC
 
Public Buildings
Queens Public Library - Far Rockaway Branch
Architect: Snohetta
Builder: EW Howell Construction Group
 
Residential (Multi-Family)
Malt Drive (Residential Project & Park)
Architect: SLCE Architects
Builder: Bud North GC LLC and Bud South GC LLC, managed by TF Cornerstone
 
Mixed Use (Residential/Commercial/Industrial)
NuSun Tower
Architect: FXCollaborative Architects
Builder: Sunlight Development
 
Commercial
The Borden Complex
Architect: KSS Architects, LLP
Builder: March Construction
 
Industrial
JFK Modern Air Cargo Facility
Airport Operator: The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Facility Developer: Realterm
Builder: VRH Construction
Facility Tenant: WFS
Architect: KSS Architects
 
Hotels & Motels
The Westin Flushing LaGuardia Airport
Architect: Raymond Chan Architecture P.C.
Builder: Century Development Group


PUBLIC WORK INFRASTRUCTURE & CIVIL PROJECTS
Public Buildings
116 Precinct Station House
Architect: Dattner Architects
Builder: Citnalta
Client: NYC Department of Design and Construction
 
REHABILITATION, ALTERATION OR ADDITION
Commercial
Northern Parc
Architect: Design Group In
Builder: Nextcom Construction Inc + SD 90

Schools & Colleges
P.S./M.S. 43
The School "By-the-Sea"
Architect: Velocity Architecture & Engineering Group, D. P. C. / A Company of BRAVO Group
Builder: RSN Construction Co. Inc.

Press release available for download, below.

The Queens Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that its President and CEO Thomas J. Grech and its Immediate Past Chair Howard Graf will be honored at the inaugural Queens Foundation for Architecture (QFA) Legacy Awards Gala on Thursday, September 18, 2025. The celebration will take place at Flushing Town Hall and will bring together architects, civic leaders, and community members to recognize visionary leadership in architecture across the borough.
 
Grech will receive the “Advancing Architecture Through Community Engagement” Award, one of the three major honors presented at the Gala. This award recognizes individuals and organizations whose work has contributed to the built environment and economic growth in the borough. Under Grech’s leadership, the Queens Chamber of Commerce has been a driving force behind economic growth in the borough. His efforts to promote thoughtful development, strengthen commercial corridors, and support small businesses have had a lasting influence on Queens’ architectural and economic landscape.
 
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Queens Foundation for Architecture,” said Grech. “Queens is home to some of the most vibrant, diverse, and dynamic communities in the world. At the Chamber, we believe that architecture and design are essential to building strong, inclusive neighborhoods—and that when we invest in our physical spaces, we invest in our people. I’m grateful to our partners, members, and the QFA for this incredible honor.”

Graf will receive the President’s Award for Excellence in Architectural Practice.
 
“I am truly humbled to receive the President’s Award for Excellence in Architectural Practice. Throughout my career, I have believed that architecture is about more than buildings—it’s about people, communities, and the shared spaces that bring us together,” said Graf. “Queens has long been both a source of inspiration for me and I am proud to have contributed to shaping its vibrant built environment. I thank the Queens Foundation for Architecture for this honor, and I share it with my colleagues, mentors, and the many partners who have supported this journey.”
 
Hosted by the Queens Foundation for Architecture and the AIA Queens Chapter, the Legacy Awards were created to celebrate visionary leadership in architecture and design. In addition to the three Legacy Awards, the Gala will also commemorate the AIA Queens Chapter’s 80th Anniversary and formally recognize the service of its Past Presidents.
 
New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. will serve as guest speaker for the evening’s program. Other honorees include Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. and Queens Department of Buildings Commissioner Ira Gluckman. Proceeds from the event will support QFA’s scholarship programs and ongoing work to promote architecture as a tool for education, equity, and engagement.
 
To learn more about the Gala or to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.aiaqueensny.org/events/legacy-gala-awards-fundraiser.

Press release available for download, below.