GREATERNYCHAMBER
Report
20 West 44th Street • New York , NY 10036 • 212.686.7220 • jaffe@chamber.com
www.chamber.com
Chamber Welcomes INSIDE…
Empire State Report Readers Staying Healthy and Fit
first met Steve Acunto, ber is an approved NYS Not-
I publisher and editor of
Empire State Report, in
1985, when we were consult-
for-Profit Regional Chamber,
recognized by the US Cham-
ber. It currently provides excep-
It’s Our Money! Chamber PAC
Reviews State Financial Plan
with State Comptroller
ants to the Westchester tional services to over 10,000
County Chamber of Com- business and civic leaders. It International Partnerships
merce and the Long Island maintains a charitable founda- Strengthen Relations Here and Abroad
Association. Steve published tion approved by the IRS to
their magazines, Long Island assist local chambers, trade Military Affairs
Mark S. Jaffe Celebrating 100 Years of Service
and Westchester Commerce, and CEO. organizations & civic groups;
I developed programs. Our Greater New York and a political action commit-
good work was recognized by Chamber tee to improve the entrepre- MGM Opens at Foxwoods
the Brooklyn Chamber, the neurial business climate and
Bronx Chamber, the Rockland quality of living in the NY Members in the News
Business Association, the Metro Area.
Northern NJ Commerce Association, As the Chamber approaches its
Calendar
and the NYS Restaurant Association. second decade of operation, it is quite
We were retained to help build their significant to be able to increase our
revenue, improve their programing stature and influence. By publishing TO SUBSCRIBE…
and publish their newspapers, maga- the Chamber Report, we are now able
zines and economic development to write about the best of business,
email: jaffe@ chamber.com
guides. We raised substantial funding politics and government to provide the phone: 212.686.7220
The Chamber… currently provides We encourage everyone to help us
get the word out about the Greater
exceptional services to over 10,000 NY Chamber and to subscribe to
Empire State Report. We are counting
business and civic leaders. on your support to continue to grow
our exemplary program.
for all of our clients for over a decade. Chamber's Program of Work to over It helps to make our region a better
In 1996, I became the executive 20,000 business & community leaders place to live in, work in and visit!
director of the Greater NY Chamber. who will read all about it in Empire I encourage everyone to join the
Today, the Greater New York Cham- State Report. Chamber or attend a chamber event!
CHAMBER BENEFITS…
• Networking • Educational Panels • Recognition
• E-mail Blast • Advocacy & Counsel
Memberships (per annum)
Individuals ..................................$295 Community Partnerships........$2000+
Entrepreneurs .............................$495 Full professional membership benefits, web site
Professionals ...............................$695 banner recognition, print ads and special
Corporate .................................$1000 acknowledgements.
STAYING HEALTHY & FIT
G.N.Y.C.C. Hosts NYC Health and Busi-
ness Expo at Baruch College Newman
Conference Center
Story by Kim Fuller; Photos by Carl Goldfarb
n June 5th the Greater New Drive and inform-
O York Chamber of Com-
merce hosted a Health Expo
for N.Y.C. at Baruch College, the
ative lectures such
as: "Improving
your Bottom Line,
jewel of the CUNY system, located Alternatives to
at 151 East 25th St. The GNYCC Consider When
has established itself over the last Purchasing or
decade as having some of the most Designing Health
successful and well attended business Program.” Expert
expos in the greater New York area. panelists included:
“We select exciting venues, such as Carol Hunt, Assis-
New York City's Madison Square tant Attorney
Garden, The Waldorf Astoria, General for Aetna CEO Ron Williams, (left) and Magic
Westchester County Center or the Health Care, Mary O'Brian, repre- Johnson of Magic Johnson Enterprises (right) form
new Empire City Race Track in senting “Physicians for a National a Partnership that will help health advocates Mark
Jaffe of the Chamber and Dorothy Harper of the
Yonkers,” states Chamber President, Health Plan,” and Donna McMan- American Diabetes Association keep their commu-
Mark S. Jaffe. mon from Swift MD, an on demand nities healthier.
President Jaffe was recently health care service offering 24 hour
appointed to the position of Corpo- access to doctors that know your
rate Chair of the American Diabetes medical record.
helping to educate its members to
stay healthy. In addition to the
“Now we want to allocate our resources informative lectures, dozens of health
field exhibitors, as well as other busi-
towards helping the health care industry ness exhibitors, were on hand includ-
by focusing on food and fitness.” ing:
A & T Healthcare, the American
Diabetes Association, Baruch Stu-
dent Life, Boro Medical, center care/
Association, as well as the Steering A second panel entitled "Smart Fidelis, Crohn's & Colitis, Harvey
Committee for the NYC Food and Choices" focused on Why Staying Perlow DDS, Health Charities of
Fitness Partnership. He also serves as Healthy & Fit is Important. It fea- NY, Health Corps, Health First,
an advisory board member for tured: Dr. Judith Strauss of Corp rate Health Plus, HIP, GHI, Manhattan's
Health Corps, an agency that gets Wellness, Lisa Cohen of Park Physician Group, Manhattan Water,
recent college graduates interested in Avenue Nutrition and Danielle Koch Mobile Health, NYS Attorney Gen-
health-related fields to teach stu- of St. Vincent's Medical Center. It eral’s Health Division, NY Blood
dents to live healthier lifestyles by was at the Smart Choices panel that Center, NY Cardiovascular, NYC
practicing good food & fitness. Mr. Adrian Jones - representing Aet- Dept of Health, Park Avenue Nutri-
This year’s Health Fair consisted na’s NYC Community Plan - made tion, Pax Europa, St. Vincent's Med-
of a NY Blood Center Donation it clear that Aetna has an interest in ical Center, Swift MD, US Food and
2 GREATERNYCHAMBER REPORT
“We at the Chamber want to improve productivity and
reduce health care costs by making it easier to stay healthy.
That is the message that has been continually highlighted
by the Chamber’s very comprehensive health fair agenda.”
WADO 1290, Staples, USPS, US
Small Business Administration and
WWRL Radio 1600. One of the
highlights of the event was the NYC
Food & Fitness Partnership Lunch-
eon. The luncheon (Sponsored by
the Manhattan's Physician Group)
featured special presentations that
were given by the following groups www.nycfoodandfitness.com
and individuals:
1) The American Diabetes Asso-
ciation - Mary Reed, Director;
2) NYC Food Policy Coordinator
- Ben Thomases;
The Chamber Health Luncheon sponsored by the
Manhattan's Physician Group helped to raise
3) Health Corps Advisory Board
money for the American Diabetes Association & the Members - Dr. Alan Gass, of October 12th White Plains
NYC Food & Fitness Partnership the Westchester Medical Cen- October 26th South Street
ter; Sea Port
4) Duane Reade Diabetes Educa-
tional Center Director - Kaliroi
Brodin.
Contributions were made by the
Chamber Fund to The American
Diabetes Association and Health
Corps. Attendees were encouraged to
join and support the upcoming Dia-
betes Association’s Health Walks
that are scheduled for the dates of
October 12th (White Plains) and
October 26th (South Street Seaport,
NYC).
Leaders of the NYC Food Partnership: FOR ADVERTISING INFO: “Madison Avenue
Ben Thomases, Mark Jaffe, and Dr. Karen Lee, dis-
cussing promotional efforts with Ms. Deni Davis, Contact chamber offices at Advertising at
C.E.O. of Pier 41 Advertising; a community partner 212.686.7220, or
of the Greater NY Chamber. e-mail: helana@chamber.com Brooklyn Prices”
Drug Administration and Village 718.254.PIER
Care of NY. Other participants
included: Con Ed, Crystal Rock,
CUNY, DTM Media Group, www.pier41ads.com
F.I.V.A., Field Center for Entrepre-
neurship, iConomy (A Feature of
DTM Media Group), MetLife, NY
499 Van Brunt Street
State Comptroller’s Office for Brooklyn, NY 11231
Unclaimed Funds, Prudential, Radio
GREATERNYCHAMBER REPORT 3
POLITICAL ACTION... IT’S OUR MONEY
NY Chamber Political
Action Committee Review
NYC Financial Plan with
State Comptroller DiNapoli NYC Councilman David Weprin and Mark Jaffe
with attorneys Chad Friedman and Jessica Mara
Sokol
make the tough choices and be realis-
tic in budgeting. We must start to
spend money like it was ours! The
PAC made it clear that it will fight
hard to elect officials that will mini-
mize waste and excessive spending.
For more information on the NY
Chamber Political Action Committee
contact Mark S. Jaffe, Treasurer, at
212.686.7220 or jaffe@chamber.com.
Chamber Community partners, Aziz Ahmad, Tom Acosta and Mark Jaffe at briefing with State Comptroller Business Class fro
Time Warner Cabl
DiNapoli in Chamber Building on May 12th
n May 12th, NYS Comptroller costs for current municipal employees
O Thomas DiNapoli and NYC
Council Finance Chair David
Weprin came to the historic NY Chamber
and retirees alone are expected to
increase by almost 2 billion in 2009.
At the same time, unanticipated
For 25 years, Time Warner Ca
Business Class has delivered
following services to busines
in New York and New Jersey
building to brief business and community increases in energy costs will cause bil-
leaders on the Financial Plan of the City of lions in additional spending. It is • High-Speed Internet
New York. Concerns over what appears to important to know the true costs of all
• Cable TV
be a significant economic slowdown led to these services and how to pay for them
the important briefing. without overburdening our taxpayers. • Business Class Phone
The good news was that compared It was pointed out that in addition • Video & Music Services
with prior recessions, this downturn is to education and health, other public • Private Networks
expected to be mild. Although unem- investments must also be funded.
ployment is expected to go up, the Growth in the Metro Area will con- Find out what Time Warner C
current movements to support small tinue to overburden our public trans- can offer your business.
businesses and entrepreneurs will help portation system (as higher gas prices
reduce the overall loss of jobs. force people from their cars) and we Call (212) 598-1750 o
During Q&A DiNapoli was cau- will need to invest to keep our city visit www.twcbc.com/
tioned to watch over the real cost of mass transit on track. We must also be Refer to code GNYCC0708
unfunded mandates like the Cam- concerned about providing affordable
paign For Fiscal Equity (which we housing for our working people.
must pay for even during hard times). The NY Chamber PAC will look
It was noted that health insurance for leadership in Government that will
4 GREATERNYCHAMBER REPORT
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Chamber Applauds Millenium and many other supporters including:
City Councilman Thomas White, NY
Challenge Corporation: Investing Daily News, Western Union, Carib
World News & CaribPR.com.
in Peace Through Jobs Shanie Persuade, 1st Vice Presi-
he Millennium Challenge Corpo-
T ration, "MCC" is an innovative,
independent US Government
agency designed to work with some of the
The Chamber has been a long time
advocate for the boosting of
poorest countries in the world. It believes developing nations’ economies…
that aid is most effective when it reinforces
good governance, economic freedom and
investments in people. As a government We are pleased to note that MCC's
corporation, MCC is managed by a Chief program of providing large scale
Executive Officer who sits on a nine mem- grants to developing countries has
ber board that includes the US Secretary of been able to help several of the Cham-
State, the US Secretary of the Treasury and ber's International Community part-
the US Trade Representative. ners including: Benin, Burkina Faso,
Ghana, Madagascar, Mali, Namibia,
Rwanda, Senegal, Uganda, Zambia
and Guyana.
The Chamber has been a long time The Chamber's City Hall Ceremony
advocate for the boosting of develop- honoring developing Countries with Bill MCreary,
ing nations’ economies and has held Kim Fuller and Councilman Thomas White
induction ceremonies for over 60
nations, including those from the dent, announced the organizations
European Union, Latin America, goal “to help Guyanese business
Caricom, Asia and Africa. We want to owners and professionals access the
show the world that Free & Fair American Markets”. With the sup-
GNYCC Board Member Howard Teich, MCC’s
CEO Ambassador John Danilovich & Chamber Enterprise can help improve the port of the Greater NY Chamber,
CEO Mark Jaffe at General Electric Boardroom Global Economy. the three hundred people in atten-
in NYC. dance and other strategic partners
(including the Queens Chamber of
Commerce and the Queens Eco-
The MCC's CEO was in NYC on
April 2nd, 2008 at the Headquarters
Chamber Helps nomic Development Corporation), it
appears that the Guyanese American
of the General Election Corporation
to pledge its continued support to help
Launch Guyanese Business and Professional Council is
reduce global poverty through the pro- American Business off to a great start!
motion of sustainable growth. This
concept of development and growth and Professional
grew out of the 2002 Monterrey Sum-
mit in Financing for Development
Council
The Chamber helped to launch the
where President Bush called for a new
Guyanese American Business and
compact for global development that
Professional Council. The new organi-
linked greater contributions from
zation held their first Dinner and
developed nations to greater responsi- Awards Banquet at the opulent
bility from developing nations. These Crown Plaza LaGuardia on June 6th.
greater responsibilities were to include Many Business Leaders & Dignitaries
good government that would root out were in attendance. The Gala featured
corruption, respect human rights and Queens Borough President - Ms. Mark S. Jaffe and Shanie Persuade, 1st VP at
adhere to the rule of law. Helen Marshall (a Guyanese Native) Crown Plaza LaGuardia
GREATERNYCHAMBER REPORT 5
MILITARY AFFAIRS
100th Anniversary Celebration Thank You For Serving!
Cemetery. That evening,
more than 1,000 VIP’s cel-
ebrated at the Marriott
with the Secretary of the
Army, Pete Green, as the
honorable keynote speaker.
The awe-inspiring day
left no doubts about the
importance and rich history
of the Army Reserve. Since
1908, Army Reserve Sol-
diers have served in two
World Wars, the Korean,
Vietnam and Persian Gulf
Command Sergeant Major Leon Caffie,
Congressman John Shimkus, Lieutenant General Wars, the Global war on Terror and
Jack C. Stultz, Mark Jaffe, and Eleazar Kauderer numerous other contingencies. Today’s
seen here at Arlington National Cemetery at the Reserve is a skill rich, community Patrick Qualtieri of the United War
Tree Planting Ceremony. based, operational and expeditionary Veterans, Roger Newman of the May-
force that is an integral part of the or’s Office of Veteran’s Affairs as well
world’s greatest Army. as City Councilman Hiram Monser-
ate to make this event a great success.
he Chamber celebrated the 100th
T Anniversary of the US Army
Reserve in Washington DC this
past April 23rd.The celebration started
Veterans
On May 20th at HBO Headquar-
ters in NYC, a heartfelt video tribute
that will be sent to all active troops
through-out the world was previewed.
with a re-enlistment ceremony on the Across America For more info how to pay your
South Lawn of the Capitol.Today, with is a nonprofit initiative that helps respects to our armed forces and veter-
more than 20,000 Army Reserve soldiers veterans and disabled veterans com- ans, contact our offices.
forward deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan and pete for quality employment. It was
18 other countries, plus 7,000 mobilized founded six years ago by Dr. Ray
and serving here in the US, it is important Healey and Wes Poriotis, a champion
that we support our reservists. for veteran’s employment. Wes is the
As the force enters its 100th year chairman of the Center for Military SAVE THE DATES…
and celebrates its proud history, the and Private Sector Initiatives.
Army Reserve is asking more from its In April 2009, The Center will host
November 8, 2008
soldiers and the Chamber wants a veteran’s employment and confer- USS Intrepid Returns
employers to realize how important it ence in NYC that will bring together •
is to have these warrior citizens ready companies and unemployed veterans.
for duty. We are currently working on The goal will be to ensure that each November 11, 2008
a request from the Pentagon to help one of the Veterans that attends the NYC Veterans Day
get the word out to business leaders conference will have access to a good
that their understanding of how the job and/or help starting their own Parade 11am - 3pm,
Army Reserve trains its own is critical business.
to the current war on terrorism. After The plan for the conference grew VIP COCKTAIL
the re-enlistment ceremony, members out of a year long congressionally Reception to follow!
of the Chamber’s Military Affairs mandated and Dept of VA sponsored
Committee were asked to attend a study of Veteran’s employment that Guests $50
wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb the Chamber took part in. We will be
of the Unknowns and a tree planting working with members of our military
Sponsorships
ceremony at Arlington National affairs committee including start at $500
6 GREATERNYCHAMBER REPORT
MGM Grand Opens at Foxwoods
he $700 million MGM Grand at
T Foxwoods, located adjacent to
Foxwoods Resort Casino, North
America’s largest resort casino, opened to
the public on May 17 following a star-
studded gala celebration filled with one-
of-a-kind entertainment and excitement.
The celebration kicked-off with an
exclusive cocktail reception and dine-
around highlighting celebrity chefs
Michael Schlow of Alta Strada, Tom
Colicchio of Craftsteak and Alan
Rosen of Junior’s, to name a few. The Alicia Keys during her performance in
excitement continued with red carpets the MGM Grand Theater on May 17th
featuring a wealth of famed celebrities
and a private David Foster production the existing property. Guests can
by world renowned entertainers Josh delight in the hotel’s 825 luxurious
Groban, John Mayer and Grammy guest rooms and suites, featuring top-
Award-winning artist Alicia Keys. At notch technology in a comfortable Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas on the
the stroke of midnight, Sean “Diddy” and modern atmosphere. For further Red Carpet
Combs (a member of the Chamber), relaxation and enjoyment, the new
hosted the ultra-xclusive late night resort casino offers two 18-hole
“Diddy’s Den” and DJ AM spun at the championship golf courses, the G-
opening of Shrine, an Asian-inspired Spa, operated by Boston-based entre-
kitchen, lounge and nightclub. preneur Gretchen Monahan, and the
“We are thrilled to have commemo- 4,000-seat MGM Grand Theater
rated the highly anticipated opening of featuring the world’s hottest perform-
MGM Grand at Foxwoods with spe- ances (including Gloria Estefan’s pre-
cial guests of the casino, including mier three-day engagement over
“With the opening, MGM Grand at
Foxwoods has catapulted New England to
incredible new heights in the world of
luxury hospitality and entertainment…”
close friends, family and renowned Memorial Day weekend). The hotel
celebrities,” said Gillian Murphy, Sen- also offers a variety of gaming
ior V.P. and General Manager of options, including 1,400 slot
MGM Grand at Foxwoods. “With the machines and 53 table games offering
opening, MGM Grand at Foxwoods everything from blackjack and
has catapulted New England to roulette to craps, Spanish 21 and 3-
incredible new heights in the world of Card Poker. The property also pro-
luxury hospitality and entertainment,” vides guests with fresh outlets for
Murphy added. retail therapy, with shops including
Connected to Foxwoods Resort Bally, Dunhill, MGM Grand Effects
Casino by a covered moving walkway, and MAC Appeal, an authorized
MGM Grand at Foxwoods adds an reseller of all things Apple.
additional two million square feet to
GREATERNYCHAMBER REPORT 7
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Successful NY CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Entrepreneur Shares September 4 – BBQ Networking,
Her Secrets Yonkers, 5-8:30pm. Sponsored
s. Louise Weadock, the by Yonkers Hispanic Federation
M President and Founder of
Access Nursing Services
claims the secret to her success is the
& Allstate Insurance at 641
Yonkers Ave. $25 Guest Contri-
bution... Members FREE!
five P’s - Passion, Partnership, Perse-
verance, Patience and Prayer. After
starting her company in 1985 with a September 7 – Vintage Bar &
second mortage, this registered nurse Restaurant, White Plains, 5:30-
with a masters in public health has 7:30pm. Network & Support
grown Access Nursing to a company the American Diabetes Associa-
generating FORTY MILLION dol- Equal Opportunity tion. $20 minimum contribu-
lars annually.
With over 3,000 employees, Access a Must for Everyone! tion includes dinner & drinks.
he Chamber is proud to part- $100 includes ADA Sponsor
Nursing is helping to provide much
needed additional staffing of Medical
Centers and home care with profes-
sionally trained and certified nurses
T ner with the US Equal
Employment Opportunity
Commission. The EEOC helps to
Walk Shirt & Verbal Recogni-
tion.
fully capable of providing care for the enforce federal laws prohibiting job
discrimination including: Title VII of September 12 – NY Athletic Club
disabled and the elderly. The firm has
established itself as a corporate giant the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which Luncheon (59th & 7th Ave)
in NYC’s very diverse business com- prohibits employment discrimination noon till 2pm. $50...Meet
munity. based on race, color, religion, sex, or Deputy Secretary of Defense
national origin, and the Equal Pay Act
Gordon England & learn about
of 1963 (EPA), which protects men
and women who perform substantially the USS New York.
equal work in the same establishment
from sex-based wage discrimination. September 19 – Chamber Open
In order to further ensure equity for House, 5-7pm. Come meet
everyone, the EEOC is currently look- chamber staff & network with
ing at discrimination in the public
top leaders inside our historic
schools to help protect our students.
We applaud their efforts and look for- building. $15 guest fee includes
Access Nursing Booth at Madison Square ward to our continued partnership drinks & refreshments. Mem-
Garden Business Fair! with them. If any worker or employer bers FREE.
has any questions or concerns with
As a guest speaker at the Cham- regard to possible discrimination, the
September 21 – Film, Stage and
ber’s luncheon held at Madison local office for the EEOC is located at
33 Whitehall Street in NYC and is Showbiz Expo, 10am-6pm,
Square Garden Business Expo, Ms.
Weadock stated: “… I only wish I had run by Director Spencer H. Lewis, Jr. Hilton NYC at 1336 6th Ave.
joined the Chamber earlier in my career, (Phone: 1-800-669-4000 or visit their Members FREE.
it would have saved me a lot of time and web site www.eeoc.gov). Must RSVP: 212.404.2345.
aggravation.” www.accessnursing.com
914-747-9696. October 17 – Save the Date…
TO POST YOUR EVENT: EMPIRE BUSINESS FAIR
Contact events@chamber.com at Yonkers Raceway.
Luncheon, Exhibits,
e-mail: helana@chamber.com Seminars and Reception
or call our offices 212-686-7220