Addabbo, Pheffer Assist in Department of Consumer Affairs' Annual Business Education Day

Queens, NY, October 13, 2010 -- On Monday, October 4, NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. and NYS Assembly Member Audrey I. Pheffer walked with inspectors from the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs and Small Business Services, and visited businesses along Crossbay Boulevard from Liberty Avenue to 159th Avenue for the Annual Business Education Day. 

Their mission was to inform business owners in their district of the Department's
regulations and oversight of the daily conduct of their businesses, so the owners do
not incur fines for violations in dealing with their customers.  As an example,
weighing bakery items on scales inside the counter, out of eyesight of customers,
instead of on top of the counter, plainly visible to customers, violates Consumer
Affairs' regulations.  

“Business Education Day gave us a wonderful opportunity to meet with small businesses
in the area and provide them with a better understanding of some of the rules and
regulations governing small businesses. Our neighborhood stores are the cornerstone
of our community and I was pleased to have this occasion to help raise awareness and
provide this important information,” said Assemblywoman Pheffer.

Added Senator Addabbo, "Many of these businesses have been mainstays for years in
this part of the district, but no matter how long they've been in business, most are
hurting during these tough economic times. So informing them of  the city's guidelines
before they get a costly violation, I believe is helpful. The information we provided
them that day was very much appreciated by the business owners. The goal is to keep
them in business and keep customers coming back."

Included in the discussion with the city inspectors, businesses received pamphlets
on Identity Theft, Department of Consumer Affairs hearings, how to settle a violation,
and information on new business laws.

For more details about the Annual Business Education Day, please contact Senator Addabbo at 718-738-1111 or 718-497-1630.