10 are honored with Louis R. Miller leadership award

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Being recognized by your peers is an absolute honor, even if that recognition happens only a few short hours after the sun comes up.

9 to receive Business Leadership Awards during breakfast meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Nine Staten Island business leaders will be recognized for their contributions during the annual Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Awards Breakfast held on Feb. 16 at 8 a.m. in the Hilton Garden Inn, Bloomfield.

Protecting small businesses

The members of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce were singing the blues at the group’s fourth legislative breakfast on Friday.

 The annual gathering is intended to allow business owners to convey their concerns and priorities to borough lawmakers, and they certainly had a lot on their minds.

Business Owners Meet With Officials At Staten Island Chamber Of Commerce Breakfast

NY1 VIDEO: Businesses owners voiced their concerns to elected officials Friday at an annual breakfast organized by the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce.

Help put wind in our sails, Staten Island business owners ask legislators

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- It’s tough enough keeping a small business afloat in this soft economy.

But add to that ever-shifting government regulations, with their fines and fees, the skyrocketing cost of employee health care and such borough-specific zingers as bridge tolls, and it’s no surprise local business owners gave an earful to borough lawmakers yesterday at the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce’s fourth

Staten Island Chamber of Commerce inducts officers, new board members

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Civil Court Judge Orlando Marrazzo swore in officers and members of the board of directors of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce and the board of directors of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Foundation at the organizations' end-of-January meeting, held at the Vanderbilt at South Beach.

Restaurants under siege

Owners of restaurants across Staten Island are getting fed up with the city Department of Health over its appetite for collecting fines. Enough is enough, they say, and it’s not hard to understand why.

Their justifiable complaints — echoing those of eateries citywide — have to do with the flawed system of letter grades being enforced by relentless inspectors.

Michael and Brian Farley are the Louis R. Miller Business Leadership awards winners

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- They have made elevators their passion and, in doing so, Michael and Brian Farley have provided a much smoother ride for millions who never even think twice about stepping inside an elevator and pushing a button to get to the next level.

Behind NYC's restaurant grades, Department of Health inspectors are scrutinized

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- For more than a half century, Mauro's was a landmark in New Dorp Beach.

But after its owner and famous namesake died in 2004, the restaurant struggled to survive under new management and eventually closed.

Staten Island toll relief 'on radar,' says Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- We have his attention.

Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy said Staten Island — and its one-of-a-kind bridge toll burden — is on Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s “radar.”

He also called the recent Port Authority toll reduction for multi-trip users a “first big step in the right direction,” and said Cuomo is “looking for ways to save money” for Island commuters in the future.

Dominick Brancato is the Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Award winner

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Long-time American radio personality Casey Kasem had a signature saying whenever he signed off the air: "Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars." That same tag line could easily be said about Dominick Brancato.

Elizabeth Egbert is the Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Award winner

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- According to Oscar Wilde, "Life imitates art far more than art imitates life."

But for some people, art simply is their life. Such is the case for Elizabeth Egbert. Her career has run the gamut of talented and accomplished practicing professional sculptor to art teacher to full-time museum administrator. Her latest reincarnation is as president and CEO of one of the borough's gems, The Staten Island Museum.

Staten Island’s elected officials to meet with business owners on February 3rd

Staten Island, NY. January 17, 2012 –Staten Island’s local delegation will meet with Chamber of Commerce members at a special legislative breakfast to be held on February 3^rd from 8:30am to 10:30am at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn (2512 Arthur Kill Road).

Odds stacked against a casino for Staten Island

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Don't bet on it.

If you were counting on a casino gambling mecca opening on Staten Island, after the recent push for one in Queens and in Brooklyn, you'd probably have a better chance of winning Mega Millions at your corner candy store.

City Council Launches Restaurant Inspection Survey

Council seeks feedback from restaurant owners on City’s food safety inspection process and new letter grading system.

New York, NY– As part of the City Council’s oversight of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and in response to mounting concerns raised by city restaurateurs...

Staten Island business leaders air gripes with rep for Gov. Andrew Cuomo

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. --- Tolls, transportation and jobs, jobs, jobs were on the agenda today during a meeting borough business leaders held with a top Cuomo administration economic development official, one week after the governor snubbed Staten Island in his State of the State address.

Staten Island Tech TV debuts to critical acclaim

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Staten Island Technical High School officially went on the air last night with its brand-new, state-of-the art television production media center, which not only wowed students and community leaders alike but signaled the completion of one educator’s dream now coupled with the ultimate goal of forging a unique working partnership between the school and the Island community.

Empire State Development head hears concerns from Chamber members

Staten Island, NY. January 11, 2012 – In a proactive move to convey Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2012 agenda outlined in last week’s State of the State address, Ken Adams, the President of Empire State Development, traveled to the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce office to meet with board members and business owners.

Vittorio Asoli is the Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Award winner

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Chef Vittorio Asoli has a philosophy: Food should be simple, beautiful, delicious; it should be fresh, top-quality, healthy and exactly what the customer wants.

Dr. Tomas D. Morales is the Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Award winner

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- When you want to make things happen, Dr. Tomas D. Morales is your man. The president of the College of Staten Island has in four years' time literally transformed CSI from a small community public place of learning to a top-notch institution with an increasingly strong international reputation that simply makes all Islanders proud.

Positive reviews for new Staten Island office where restaurants can fight fines

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The new Staten Island office where restaurateurs can go to fight Department of Health violations and fines has gotten an "A" grade.

A year after increased police presence, a Staten Island neighborhood seems safer

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A year after a spate of crimes against Mexican immigrants in Port Richmond, 17 security cameras have been installed in the neighborhood's corridor, the latest in a series of efforts to improve safety there.

Keep the Cheer Here

Shop at Staten Island's 3/50 Project businesses this holiday season to "Keep the Cheer Here!" Sign on as a supporter of the national 3/50 Project by visiting www.the350project.net.

The least they could do

Ever since the Port Authority proposed substantial increases in tolls on its New York-New Jersey crossings last summer, Staten Islanders and their representatives have cried that the agency must give residents and businesses of this bridge-bound borough — some 6 percent of all tolls collected in the entire United States are collected on Staten Island — some sort of discount.

Port Authority adopts toll discount for residents of Staten Island who travel across spans at least 10 times a month

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Port Authority has given the green light to limited residential toll discounts on its Staten Island bridges -- which could save up to $600 a year for drivers who make frequent trips to New Jersey.

Port Authority approves limited residential toll discounts on Staten Island bridges

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Port Authority has given the green light to limited residential toll discounts on its Staten Island bridges -- which could save up to $600 a year for drivers who make frequent trips to New Jersey.

Young adults recruited for Greenbelt Conservancy Trailblazers

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - SEA VIEW - The Greenbelt Conservancy is reaching out to the next generation of Staten Islanders, and is doing so with a new group geared for borough residents under 40.

John Edward Nikolai is the Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Award Winner

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- g the home fires burning is way of life for John Edward Nikolai. Nikolai has made the presentation of fire, through that ultimate symbol of warmth, contentment and comfort -- the fireplace -- his passion for the last 35 years.

S.I. Chamber of Commerce Holds 50th Building Awards

NY1 VIDEO: The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce held its 50th annual building awards Friday.

Click here to view.

Staten Island pol urgers shoppers to respect handicapped parking spaces

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- With the holiday shopping season in full swing, Assemblyman Michael Cusick and members of his task force appeared at the Staten Island Mall today to kick-off their ninth annual public awareness campaign urging motorists to respect handicapped parking spaces.

Staten Islanders hammered by car insurance rates: fraudulent no-fault claims get a lot of the blame

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  -- A driver in Rochester pays an average of $103 for his no-fault car insurance premium. If that same driver lived on Staten Island, the estimated cost would be an average of $324.

The state as a whole pays the fourth highest premium in the country, behind Louisiana, Washington, D.C. and New Jersey -- and residents of the five boroughs account for a larger share than their upstate counterparts.

Staten Islanders Rally Against Tolls

Staten Island residents rallied in Port Richmond Saturday against what they call unfair tolls, and a petition seeking a fixed rate for residents has already reached over 1,000 signatures. NY1's Amanda Farinacci filed the following report.
"Honk if you hate the Port Authority's toll hike" was the cry from Staten Islanders outside a rally protesting the steep increases Saturday.

Mary Lee Montalvo and Marlene Markoe-Boyd are the winners of the Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Awards

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Almost no one else could ever make Staten Island look so good.

That may be because the women of MLM Public Relations, Inc., spend all their time -- 24/7 -- with one goal in mind: Promoting the essence of everything that makes Staten Island Staten Island.

In the shadow of Bayonne Bridge, a rally against tolls

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- When opponents of sky-high bridge tolls rally outside Margarella Industrial Construction Corp., Port Richmond, tomorrow morning, they’ll be in the right place, said owner Steve Margarella.

Margarella said that his company, which lays asphalt, spends anywhere between $6,000 and $25,000 a month on tolls at the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and New Jersey-bound spans, depending on the type of jobs and number of trucks used.

The Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Award: Chris Williams

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- For many Staten Islanders, the world around them appears a lot more crystal clear, thanks to Chris Williams.

Veterans Day 2011: Vets' jobs bill passes Senate, awaits House action

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Federal lawmakers who represent Staten Island sought to highlight their advocacy of veterans issues this Veterans Day.

Good news on Staten Island for holidays: There are jobs

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The economy is still in sour shape and jobs remain scarce, ho, ho, ho.

But it's very nearly holiday time and some stores are looking for seasonal hires -- jobs that have the potential of morphing into permanent positions.

'Pick 3; spend 50' at your friendly neighborhood business

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- NORTH SHORE -- "Pick three, spend fifty." That’s the motto of "The 3/50 Project."

In honor of Staten Island’s 350th anniversary, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce has signed on as a supporter of The 3/50 Project, a national, grassroots campaign created to help support mom-and-pop businesses that make our communities unique, diverse and viable.

West Shore businesses participating in the Chamber of Commerce's 3/50 Project

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - WEST SHORE - "Pick three, spend fifty." That's the motto of "The 3/50 Project."

In honor of Staten Island's 350th anniversary, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce has signed on as a supporter of The 3/50 Project, a national, grassroots campaign created to help support mom-and-pop businesses that make our communities unique, diverse and viable.

South Shore businesses participating in Chamber of Commerce's 3/50 Project

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - SOUTH SHORE - "Pick three, spend fifty." That's the motto of "The 3/50 Project."

In honor of Staten Island's 350th anniversary, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce has signed on as a supporter of The 3/50 Project, a national, grassroots campaign created to help support mom-and-pop businesses that make our communities unique, diverse and viable.

3/50 Project to help support mom-and-pop businesses

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - EAST SHORE - "Pick three, spend fifty." That's the motto of "The 3/50 Project."

In honor of Staten Island's 350th anniversary, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce has signed on as a supporter of The 3/50 Project, a national, grassroots campaign created to help support mom-and-pop businesses that make our communities unique, diverse and viable.

Business Guild Two to mark 10th anniversary

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- For a decade now, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce’s Business Guild Two has met every week, to allow business owners, executives and professionals to get to know each other, network, share tips and discuss the borough’s business landscape.

Application Deadline for 50th annual Building Awards Program to be Extended

The application deadline for the Chamber's special 50th annual Building Awards Program is being extended to September 23rd, 2011.

Click here to read the full press release.

New York state Senate wants to help small-business owners

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The recession grinds on, with millions out of work and the poverty rate spiking. Consumer confidence is at historic lows. Banks won’t lend. And small businesses feel strangled by overregulation and ever-increasing taxes, fees and tolls. The state Senate wants to help.

Shop Locally and Save

Shopping in local stores on Staten Island is a lot more than just convenient. It’s a great way to save money while supporting merchants you know and trust. In a lagging economy, where every hard-earned dollar counts, there are all sorts of benefits to be gained by those who shop close to home.

Through business initiative, a shot in arm for Staten Island mom-and-pop shops

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- President Barack Obama tonight is set to unveil a new $300 billion stimulus plan aimed at jump-starting the moribund U.S. economy.

Staten Islanders have their own idea: Stimulate the borough economy from the bottom up and keep it local, local, local.

Keep the Dollars Local

It’s as if The 3/50 Project was created just for Staten Island as it celebrates the 350th anniversary of its founding. While its name is just a coincidence, the project will provide a platform by which the Island can promote itself during this special year.

Borough President Molinaro urges Staten Islanders to be alert as Hurricane Irene approaches the East coast

Visit the New York City Severe Weather website for updates and information on Hurricane Irene 

Staten Island celebrates its 350th birthday

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- As a third generation Staten Islander from West Brighton, Beverly Neuhaus has seen many changes come to her beloved borough.

Chamber of Commerce adopts 'buy local' mantra

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce is encouraging local merchants to join a new campaign designed to lure shoppers into neighborhood stores.

In a lagging economy, the Chamber has signed on as a supporter of The 3/50 Project, a national grassroots effort to support independently owned businesses.

Staten Island Building Awards applications now available

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for its annual Building Awards program, slated for Dec. 2, at 11 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, Bloomfield.
 

Effort underway to put new face on North Shore

NORTH SHORE
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Staten Island’s North Shore waterfront could take on an entirely different cast in the not too distant future, now that the city of New York has called for proposals to develop 14 prime acres near the Staten Island Ferry.

Staten Island commuters eye rail link on rebuilt Bayonne Bridge

To proponents of the project, raising the clearance of the Bayonne Bridge will ensure the health of the Port of New York and New Jersey and the survival of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity that depend on it.

Tolls hiked at Hudson River crossings

The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey announced Friday that it will seek to significantly raise the tolls on Hudson River crossings and all of its bridges and tunnels.

Push is on to support neighborhood businesses

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Local businesses need your support — and deserve it.

They are at the heart of each community in this borough and represent the livelihoods of your family and friends.
 

At Credit fair, Staten Island small business owners connect with banks, financial experts

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Even as she worked as a full-time care provider at Staten Island University Hospital, Desiree Newsome would often roll around her great grandmother’s words in her mind: "Cleanliness is next to godliness."
 

Nearly 2,000 jobs evaporated in the borough between 2008 and 2009

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Even on a hot day, midweek, at the peak of summer season, the business strip at the foot of Sand Lane was unnervingly quiet.
 

Rep. Michael Grimm talks recession at Staten Island Chamber of Commerce breakfast

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Rep. Michael Grimm addressed members of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce general membership breakfast this morning at the Renaissance, Grant City.

Sick-pay votes boost bill in NYC

Connecticut legislators are about to pass a bill to make their state the first in the nation to require employers to provide workers with paid sick time. And City Council members in Philadelphia are expected to vote Thursday on a bill mandating up to seven paid sick days per year for workers.

NYPD hails 'Police Officers of the Year' for restraint in capturing gunman

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Two police officers who used "amazing" firearm restraint to capture a suspect who had fired three shots into the air at a crowded event earned the borough's 2010 Police Officer of the Year Award.

Does NYC need living wage law?

At a time when new jobs are needed to help resurrect the local economy, business organizations say another proposed City Council bill could not only stunt growth but also set it back.

The liabilities of a 'living-wage' law

To hear advocates for the so-called “living-wage” bill now pending in the City Council tell it, it’s all so simple: Just force developers on projects that get city money to pay their employees higher wages (up to nearly 60 percent higher than the state’s current minimum wage of $7.25 an hour) and - presto - it will magically raise the standard of living for low-paid workers.
 

Atlantic Salt's mixer for shakers launches celebration of New Brighton waterfront

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- This weekend’s annual Atlantic Salt Maritime Festival and Concert got an early launch last night with a gala party on the New Brighton waterfront that also highlighted the past and future of Staten Island’s maritime industries.

Staten Island Chamber of Commerce puts finger on the pulse of small business owners

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A busy stretch of Victory Boulevard in Castleton Corners harks back, in some ways, to a sweet, bygone time: Chain retailers are widely outnumbered by quaint mom-and-pop stores, where owners put in long hours, mingling with regular customers and minding the till.

Under new law, NY employers must get wages right—or it'll cost

A new state law intended to stop crooked bosses from cheating workers out of wages had employers across New York scrambling last week to get into compliance with more stringent record-keeping requirements—and left many of them grumbling about added expenses and potentially costly litigation.

Staten Island entrepreneurs applaud bills aimed to help small businesses

A series of bills aimed at aiding small businesses and promoting entrepreneurship by generating access to capital, creating tax-free savings accounts and expanding tax credits was advanced today by U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand as a means to spur job growth.

Designers offer Islanders home decorating tips at Home Show

Interior designers from Golden Key Interiors were on hand at the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce's annual Home Show last weekend, offering homeowners tips on how to make their homes a peaceful sanctuary with paint, proper lighting and accessories.

Excitement building over Chamber of Commerce's Home Show this weekend

Attendees at this weekend's Staten Island Chamber of Commerce's Home Show will do well to keep their eyes on the prizes, including a central-air system and a state-of-the-art asphalt driveway.

Small Business Forum Aids Entrepreneurial Staten Islanders

Chambers target 'living wage' bill

City's 5 Boro Chamber Alliance to fight Council bill that would require tenants of city-subsidized developments to pay workers more than minimum wage.
 

Grimm is asked to support Commuter Toll Fairness Act

On behalf of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, our 900 members and their 20,000 employees, I am writing to ask that you support the Residential and Commuter Toll Fairness Act of 2011 (HR 792) by becoming a co-sponsor.

116th Annual Gala Video Re-Cap

Click here to view!

Reps. Grimm & Meeks Introduce Bill to Protect Toll Discounts for Residents

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Representatives Michael Grimm (R-SI/Brooklyn) and Gregory Meeks (D-Queens) introduced legislation to protect the toll discount program to residents

Staten Island woman was jobless, desperate -- but now a new life

She lost her job in December 2008, when the shipping company she had worked for in Lower Manhattan for two decades abruptly shut down.

Louis R. Miller Leadership Awards bestowed on 9 Staten Islanders at Excelsior Grand affair

The setting for yesterday’s recognition breakfast was the Excelsior Grand, New Dorp. More than 260 members of Staten Island’s business community attended in solidarity with their own.

Chamber announces new chairman and board of directors

Surrogate Robert Gigante swore in Staten Island Chamber of Commerce officers and members of the board of directors yesterday at the Richmond County Country Club, Dongan Hills.

Where's the train?

The Port Authority’s plan to raise the Bayonne Bridge to allow a new generation of supersized container ships to pass underneath is picking up steam.

"Safe Zone" Initiative Provides Video Surveillance For Port Richmond

After a string of alleged hate crimes took place in Port Richmond last year, the Staten Island neighborhood is receiving surveillance cameras and brighter street lights and more than local 50 shops are being dubbed "Safe Zones" in an effort to improve safety in the area.

New safety measures aim to make Port Richmond a safer place to live, work, shop

City officials are making good on their promise to fight back against the spate of beatings that plagued Port Richmond last summer by installing surveillance cameras, creating “safe zones” where those who feel threatened can go, and installing new lighting.

 

By any name, congestion pricing is bane to Staten Island's Ignizio

For one Staten Island lawmaker, the back-from-the-grave resurrection of congestion pricing is about as welcome as a zombie invasion.

Staten Island Chamber of Commerce holds legislative breakfast

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- It's all about creating jobs, jobs, jobs, Staten Island elected officials told business leaders here yesterday.

Making way for transit on the Bayonne Bridge

The Port Authority is looking to raise the Bayonne Bridge. Will the work allow for better transit connections?

New Leader Of S.I. Chamber Sees Challenges, Rewards In Year Ahead

The organization that works to promote business in our borough is undergoing a change in leadership. NY1's Bree Driscoll spoke with Solomon Chemo who is taking over the position of Chairperson of the Board of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce.

Transit touters: Bayonne Bridge makeover raises the stakes

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Advocates for a North Shore transit connection to New Jersey are pushing the Port Authority to commit to including such a link in the plans to raise the roadway of the Bayonne Bridge.
 

Staten Island trails the other boroughs in chain-store growth

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The growth of national retail chains on Staten Island has slowed to a trickle.

Assemblyman says Staten Island's small businesses need an MTA toll break, and he offers an idea

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Staten Island small businesses should get a toll discount on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Assemblyman Michael Cusick said yesterday.

Staten Island Chamber of Commerce honors long-term members

Among the long-term members honored by the Chamber of Commerce are Mario Giammarco of Bernard Herold & Co. Inc.; Rob Smith of Staten Island Community Television; Allen Bentson, Allen C. Bentson Agency; Linda M. Baran, president/CEO of Staten Island Chamber of Commerce; Lucille Chazanoff of Royal Press; Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Smith of Rapid Sewer Cleaner, and Rosemarie Scampas, chairwoman for SICC and Inform Business Inc.

MTA honcho spreads a little sunshine here with hints of Staten Island transit improvements

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- While the MTA remains strapped for cash, with fare and toll hikes on the horizon next month, its chairman, Jay Walder, addressed the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce yesterday to tell business leaders that he hears their concerns and has plenty of new ideas, with the caveat that it may take some time to get the borough's transit system where it needs to be.


 

MTA Head: Island's Concerns Are Being Heard

While the MTA has thrown toll hikes, service cuts and fare increases at Staten Islanders, the chairman of the agency says the transit picture is not all bad news for residents. NY1's Amanda Farinacci filed the following report.

S.I. Mall Begins Shoplifters Shame Campaign

Prosecutors on Staten Island are hoping that public shaming will discourage would-be shoplifters.

ARC $$ could boost transit here

 The following is in reference to mayor’s suggestion that the federal Access to the Region’s Core (ARC) funds be used to pay for an extension of the No. 7 subway line to Secaucus, N.J.:

Albert P. Melniker Award to be awarded posthumously to Dr. Lance Martin

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Building Awards Program was the brainchild of the late Albert P. Melniker one of Staten Island’s pre-eminent architects, who passed away in 2002 at the age of 91.

S.I. Builders Recognized At Annual Luncheon

Builders across Staten Island were honored Friday at the 49th Annual Building Awards Luncheon in Bloomfield.

State Legislature OKs Savino-sponsored wage-protection bill

State Sen. Diane Savino hailed Assembly passage yesterday of a bill she sponsored in the Senate, which she said would protect workers from "unscrupulous employers" who "steal" their earnings by paying less than minimum wage.


 

New York-New Jersey Subway Raises Hackles, Hopes

Could New York's subway be going suburban?

A proposal to extend the No. 7 line across the Hudson River has straphangers atwitter, with some wondering how the new connection might change the character of the city's beloved trains.


 

MTA chairman Jay Walder to address Staten Island Chamber of Commerce

MTA Chairman and CEO Jay Walder will be the guest speaker at the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce general membership breakfast on Dec. 7.

The event will be held at 8:30 a.m. at Celebrate at Snug Harbor on the grounds of the Snug Harbor Cultural Center at 1000 Richmond Terr. in Livingston.

Atlantic Salt Maritime Festival Returning...Get Involved

The Atlantic Salt Maritime Festival is back! Get involved this year. Find out how on November 18, 3:00 p.m. @ the Chamber.

After Business Community Pressure, MTA Approves Modified Toll Hikes

On September 16, the MTA held a public hearing at the St. George Theatre to get feedback on their plan to increase tolls and fares.

Gloves off on Grymes Hill in Staten Island congressional contest

The debate was sponsored by the Advance, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce and NY1.

Business reps check in along Forest Avenue

Business owners and managers along Forest Avenue, from Manor Road to Barrett Avenue, got some special attention on Oct. 13, when they received visits from City Council member Debi Rose (D-North Shore) and members of her senior staff; representatives from the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce (SICC); Victoria Larsen Cerullo, the Staten Island representative from Mayor Bloomberg’s office; Bernadette Nation, director of the Business Outreach Team for New York City Small Business Services, and Robert Myers, senior account finance manager at the Staten Island center of New York City Business Solutions.

Yes, We Discriminate

I always try to frequent a restaurant that is a member of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. Matter of fact, if I’m choosing between two restaurants and one is a Chamber member, and one is not, I always discriminate and eat at the Chamber member’s place.

QUINN SAVED WOMEN'S JOBS

City Council Speaker Christine Quinn's decision to shelve the Paid Sick Leave bill this past week was an unmitigated profile in courage and will burnish her image as a leader.

Council speaker to oppose mandatory paid sick days

Christine Quinn said to side with business opponents of controversial measure to require five to nine paid sick days a year. Labor groups wouldn't budge on compromise. Will City Council supermajority back down?
 

Transportation Secretary Listens In On Islanders' Concerns

About 50 community leaders packed the meeting room at the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Tuesday afternoon for the chance to meet United States Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in person. LaHood couldn't make it in person, so those representing the Island had to settle for a phone conference instead.

U.S. Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, listens to Islands traffic woes

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The cries of a transit-starved "forgotten borough" were heard at the top yesterday, as U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood listened to the transportation problems facing Staten Islanders and got local leaders' fix-it list.
 

Businesses schooled on new health care law

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- It's complicated, confusing and likely to change over time, but the Affordable Care Act is now law, and owners of small businesses must learn how to fulfill its mandate to provide health coverage to workers.