Senate Resolution No. 1697

BY: Senator ADDABBO

HONORING the Queens Economic Development
Corporation upon the occasion of celebrating its
40th Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and
celebrate those exceptional organizations in the Empire State that work
with skill and diligence each day to provide economic opportunities and
assistance to individuals and businesses in New York; and

WHEREAS, The Queens Economic Development Corporation is one such
extraordinary organization that has contributed in innumerable ways to
revitalizing the Borough of Queens through programming that improves
neighborhoods, creates jobs, assists entrepreneurs and small businesses,
and promotes tourism and business development; and

WHEREAS, The Queens Economic Development Corporation, which was
founded in 1977 to create and retain jobs in the area, is celebrating
its 40th Anniversary of service to the people and business community of
Queens on May 2, 2017; and

WHEREAS, The Queens Economic Development Corporation is a non-profit
group governed by a Board of Directors which represents the many
community and business sectors of the Borough, and is funded by the New
York City Department of Small Business Services, the New York State
Department of Economic Development, the federal Small Business
Administration, local elected officials, and the private sector; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of its four decades, the Queens Economic
Development Corporation has worked successfully and cooperatively with
scores of neighborhoods to revitalize their commercial areas by creating
business organizations and establishing business improvement districts;
and

WHEREAS, The Queens Economic Development Corporation is a focal
point and beacon of economic assistance and expertise in a Borough that
is home to more than 2.3 million people from all over the globe in more
than 90 distinct neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, The Queens Economic Development Corporation, which has
assisted more than 10,000 clients over its 40 years, places an emphasis
on providing aid to low- and moderate-income populations, women,
immigrants, and minorities throughout Queens; and

WHEREAS, The Queens Economic Development Corporation operates a
variety of innovative business assistance programs, including the
Entrepreneur Space Kitchen Incubator, and is also home to the Queens
Tourism Council; and

WHEREAS, Whether the leaders and staff of the Queens Economic
Development Corporation are helping local individuals and businesses
with MWBE certification, promotional events, counseling services,
pro-bono legal aid, or neighborhood revitalization, this organization is

a vital and integral partner in the economic and community life of the
Borough of Queens; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize and congratulate the Queens Economic Development Corporation
upon the occasion of celebrating the 40th Anniversary of its founding as
a welcome economic engine for the Borough, its businesses and its
residents; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Queens Economic Development Corporation.