​The Queens Chamber of Commerce, the borough’s oldest and largest business association, and Caribbean Business Connections (CBC), announced today a joint effort in support of Help Jamaica: Hurricane Melissa Relief Efforts, organized by the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ).
 
“Our hearts go out to the people of Jamaica as they face the enormous challenges left in the wake of Hurricane Melissa,” said Tom Grech, President & CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce.. “Queens is home to one of the largest Caribbean communities in the country, and we feel a deep responsibility to stand with our friends and partners. Through this collaboration with Caribbean Business Connections, we aim to provide meaningful support to those affected and help them rebuild stronger than ever.”
 
“As proud members of the Caribbean community, we are deeply moved by the outpouring of concern and support from our fellow citizens,” said Lesleyann Samuel, President of Caribbean Business Connections. “By joining forces with the Queens Chamber of Commerce, we hope to not only deliver critical aid but also highlight the strength, compassion, and unity of the Caribbean business community. Together, we can make a lasting impact for families and businesses in need.”
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According to AFJ’s website, the organization’s Board of Directors has created a $1 million Matching Fund to amplify support for relief and rebuilding in Jamaica. Every dollar donated through AFJ’s official channels will be matched by the Board, helping communities recover faster and stronger. Donations to support the cause can be made at https://theafj.org/

Press release available for download, below. 

On Wednesday, October 29, the Queens Chamber of Commerce—the borough’s oldest and largest business association—announced Empire Shop NYC as the winner of its inaugural Queens’ Best Deli Competition. The competition, which launched on September 29, invited locals to nominate and vote for their favorite spots for sandwiches, sliced cold cuts, and everything in between, with the beloved Sunnyside deli emerging as the champion.
 
“Congratulations to Empire Shop NYC for rising to the top and being named Queens’ Best Deli,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “This competition was a celebration of the incredible talent and diversity in our borough’s deli scene, and the quality, creativity, and dedication of the owners and staff at Empire Shop NYC clearly resonated with voters. We’re proud to shine a spotlight on a small business that brings so much flavor and heart to the Queens community.”
 
“We are deeply honored to be named Queens’ Best Deli. This recognition means the world to our family and our team, because behind every sandwich, every smoothie, and every smile, there’s hard work, sacrifice, and passion,” said Katerine Rodriguez, Owner of Empire Shop NYC. “Running a small restaurant is not easy; it takes long days, determination, and a lot of heart. But the incredible support from our community reminds us why we started this journey. Queens is more than just where we work — it’s our home, and we’re proud to serve the people who make this borough so special. We want to sincerely thank everyone who voted for us, our amazing staff who give their all every single day, and the Queens Chamber of Commerce for their continued support of small local businesses. This award inspires us to keep growing, keep improving, and continue sharing the flavors and warmth that define Empire Shop.”

Elected officials representing the area weighed in on the win.
 
“Queens is the home to so many vibrant and exciting neighborhoods,  with each one of them having their own amazing delis serving up delicious food to suit a variety of tastes,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. ”Of course, only one deli can be said to be the best deli in Queens. Congratulations to Empire Shop NYC of Sunnyside for winning the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Best Deli Competition. I encourage all Queens residents to make the trip to Sunnyside to fill their bellies at this amazing deli!"
 
"Huge congrats to Empire Deli! Great sandwiches, a friendly crew, and a true Sunnyside staple keeping neighbors well-fed,” said Assemblymember Claire Valdez.
 
In total, residents nominated 18 businesses for this contest. The top three businesses selected by the public were:

1. Empire Shop (Sunnyside)
2. Leo’s Latticini (Corona)
3. Alba’s Deli (Kew Gardens)

In addition to earning the title of Queens’ Best Deli, Empire Shop NYC received a plaque and a complimentary year of membership to the Queens Chamber of Commerce. The second and third-place winners also received 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. 
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​The Queens Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated the borough’s most outstanding building projects at its 2025 Building Awards Gala, held last night at the iconic TWA Hotel at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The event brought together leaders from the real estate, architecture, and construction industries to honor projects that exemplify innovation, sustainability, and design excellence across Queens.
Now in its 99th year, the Building Awards remain one of the Chamber’s most anticipated traditions, showcasing the projects that not only enhance the architectural landscape but also drive economic growth and improve quality of life for residents.
“Our 99th Building Awards gala was a true celebration of the creativity and dedication that make Queens such a vibrant place to live, work, and build,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “From sustainable housing to transformative commercial spaces, the projects we recognized reflect the best of our borough’s future. We are grateful to the professionals who continue to shape Queens with innovation, passion, and a deep commitment to our communities.”
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.

QUEENS, NY (October 13, 2025) - The Queens Chamber of Commerce, the oldest and largest business association in the borough, is now accepting votes for its Queens’ Best Deli Competition. Members of the public are encouraged to vote for their favorite establishments serving up the best sandwiches, cold cuts, classic eats, and more from among 18 nominated establishments at ​​https://bit.ly/QueensBestDeliVote through Wednesday, October 22.
 
“As voting kicks off, we’re calling on everyone in Queens to support their favorite local deli,” 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 pastrami on rye or inventive new sandwich creations, 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:

• Alba's Deli (Metropolitan Avenue, Kew Gardens)
  
  
• Bad Mon Jerk Chicken and Waffles (Liberty Avenue, Jamaica)
  
  
• Ben's Kosher Delicatessen (Bay Terrace Shopping Center)
  
  
• Brothers Ravioli (Cross Bay Boulevard, Howard Beach)
  
  
• Cherry Valley Deli & Grill (150th Street, Whitestone)
  
  
• Cristina's Deli & Grill (150th Street, Whitestone)
  
  
• Empire Shop NYC (39th Place, Sunnyside)
  
  
• Jhoanes Bakery & Coffee (Broadway, Astoria)
  
  
• Leo's Latticini (104th Street, Corona)
  
  
• Manor Delicatessen (Jamaica Avenue, Woodhaven)
  
  
• Mario's Meats & Gourmet Deli (Metropolitan Avenue, Middle Village)
  
  
• N & R Delicatessen (25th Avenue, East Elmhurst)
  
  
• Nuthin’ Left Deli & Grocery (92nd Street, Elmhurst)
  
  
• NY Grill and Deli (Astoria Boulevard, Astoria)
  
  
• Pardon My Sub (Bell Boulevard, Bayside)
  
  
• Redwood Café (Queens Boulevard, Forest Hills)
  
  
• Sal, Kris & Charlie's Deli (23rd Avenue, Astoria)
  
  
• Tony’s Jamaica Market (Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica)

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.