Highlighting Staten Island’s treasures, Gov. Kathy Hochul lauds borough at annual SIEDC conference

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A standing-room-only crowd of Staten Island’s business elite gathered in the Trevi Garden Tent at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bloomfield on Wednesday to listen in on a discussion about the borough’s economic future, headlined by remarks from keynote guest speaker Gov. Kathy Hochul. And in her first visit here since being sworn in this past January, the politician said the future of local economic development starts with small business.

Hochul praised the borough repeatedly from the podium, saying she has an affinity for Staten Island, because it reminds her of own hometown in Buffalo.

“I’m always struck by the fact that Staten Island is place of real Americans,” she said. “True patriots. People who step up and put on a uniform often -- police officers, firefighters, first responders -- and all of you entrepreneurs who benefit from their service call this borough home and I’m always touched by that. There’s something in the DNA of people who call Staten Island home -- they are extraordinary.”

Awards were given for Staten Island’s Top 20 Under 40, a collection of young professionals under the age of 40 who have made an impact on Staten Island.

Recipients of the 20 Under 40 award included:

1. Vincent Argenziano, Richmond County Public Administrator

2. Jenna Baratta, Where Little Minds Grow, Owner

3. Dr. Joseph Basile, Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) / Northwell Health

4. Karalyn P. Buono, Esq., Thomson Law

5. Anthony Causi, Police Officer Rocco Laurie Intermediate School (I.S. 72)

6. Jeanna DellaRagione, Esq., Tunnels to Towers Foundation

7. Rebecca Delvecchio, office of state Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton

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