Commitees

Borough Planning
Chair: Henry Wan
Phone: 718-767-3887
Fax: 718-767-3885

Deals with concerns involving development, land use, zoning and real estate in Queens. Also considers all matters relative to aviation - passenger safety issues, noise abatement, air cargo services and topics affecting the two Queens based airports, LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International. This committee also focuses on the public transit systems including improvements to infrastructure, roads and highways and its effect on the business community.

Building Awards
Chair: Mayra DiRico
Phone: 718-396-2583
Fax: 718-457-5024

Stimulates and encourages the design and construction of better and more attractive buildings in the borough. Yearly competition awards are presented at the Chamber's Annual Dinner.

Business & Industry
Chairs: Drew Manger*/ Betty Ann Tamberg
Phone: 718-961-5948 / 718-246-6810
Fax: 212-387-2121 / 718-246-6836

Promotes the mutual interest of industry and commerce by helping firms and companies network and build up their client base. Serves as the liaison to governmental agencies which help foster these goals.

City Services
Chairs: Thomas Eagar / Gerard Thornton
Phone: 718-545-5200 / 718-545-5200
Fax: 718-335-1000 / 718-545-6641

Reviews highway and public transit policy at the municipal level. Attentive to the traffic flows throughout the county, parking meters, lights and parking. In addition to these goals, this committee works very closely with all New York City agencies. Membership in this committee is limited to those in public safety, transportation and related fields.

Communications and Public Affairs
Chairs: William Martin / Robert E. Nyman*
Phone: 718-793-4168 / 201-342-2401
Fax: 718-793-0278 / 201-342-2405

The committee is dedicated to increasing the awareness of the Chamber to the general public and to encourage a positive and productive relationship with the community.

Cultural Affairs
Chairs: Jeffrey Rosenstock / Estelle Cooper
Phone: 718-760-0686 / 718-760-6565
Fax: 718-760-1972 / 718-760-6563

The committee works to integrate organizations involved in the arts and culture with the business community and enhance their image in the community.

Economic Diversity
Chairs: Cheryl Miller / Deborah Davis*
Phone: 888-629-2410 / 718-261-9871
Fax: 888-629-2410 / 718-261-1802

The Committee acts as a resource center for individuals interested in obtaining information on how to start a new business or expand it along with obtaining information regarding grant availability.

Education & Workforce Development
Chair: Charles E. Callahan, III
Phone: 718-779-1430
Fax: 718-779-7423

Working with the Queens Job Service Employer Committee (QJSEC) and the School to Career Program with the New York City School System, this committee has formulated a bond between the Education System and the Business Community for the betterment of Queens County. The Committee works closely with the learning institutions of the Borough to insure the employment of students in the Queens Business Community.

Exposition/Conference Center
Chairs: Joseph Farber, Esq. / Howard Graf
Phone: 718-459-5400 / 718-651-6200
Fax: 718-275-4223/ 718-651-6989

The committee was formed with the sole purpose to investigate the feasibility of the construction of a mid-sized exposition/conference center in Queens County.

Governmental Relations
Chairs: Stanley Legan, Esq. / Albert F. Pennisi, Esq.
Phone: 718-321-1800 / 718-459-6000
Fax: 718-321-9040/ 718-459-6875

Reviews bills and develops a platform of positions on issues concerning the business community.

Information Technology
Chairs: Mary Vavruska / Jon Postyn
Phone: 718-956-6442 / 212-408-2006
Fax: 718-956-0365/ 212-408-0021

The committee monitors developments in that specific industry and keeps the membership apprised. Provides input to the Governmental Relations Committee and represents the Chamber on public hearings involving issues related to the industry.

Legislative Advocacy
Chairs: Vincent Petraro, Esq. / Joshua Bienstock
Phone: 212-736-0525 / 718-459-8095
Fax: 212-736-0545/ 718-459-5055

The committee monitors and recommends action on city, state and federal legislation relevant to the business community in Queens in a timely manner. Maintains an active dialogue with all members of the Queens Delegations in the United States Congress, the New York State Legislature and the New York City Council.

Membership
Chairs: Kenneth Koenig / Sonia Lugo*
Phone: 718-458-9002 / 718-275-2300
Fax: 718-458-8622/ 718-896-7971

Recruits prospective members and recommends the election of new members.

Membership Benefits
Chairs: Bruce Bendell / Joseph Previte, Esq.
Phone: 718-937-3700 / 718-459-6000
Fax: 718-937-5863/ 718-459-6875

The committee reviews & recommends programs and services that will assist members with their businesses.

Public Health, Safety and Environment
Chairs: Elizabeth Letterese* / David Golub*
Phone: 718-670-1579 / 718-263-2225
Fax: 718-445-4596 / 718-261-0758

Concerns itself with health-related matters and their impact on the borough's business community, including such issues as affordable health insurance, worker safety, mental health and treatment. They also keep a close eye on all phases of the environment.

* Denotes Non-Members of the Board of Directors