presented by Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance July 21st, 2020
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Quotes of Day
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In MemoriamJerry Wolkoff, 83Heartland Town Square Developer and prominent New York real estate developer jerry Wolkoff has passed away at the age of 83. Gerald Wolkoff was born in November 1936 in Brownsville, Brooklyn. After the death of his father, Mr. Wolkoff started working at the age of 10 before building a large floor-waxing company by the age of 16. He would later sell that company and go into real estate development. During the 70’s and 80’s Mr. Wolkoff began developing industrial parks on Long Island including the Heartland Executive Park in Hauppauge and Heartland Business Center in Edgewood. He has also been working for years now to try and bring his biggest project to life, the Heartland Town Square. The project would be one of the biggest in the region since Levittown if it can move forward. His son, David Wolkoff, has pledged to see it through as a part of his father’s legacy. Mr. Wolkoff is survived by his two son, David and Adam, his wife of 59 years, Michele, daughter-in-law Stephanie, and grandchildren, Zachary, 18, Tyler, 16, and Alexi, 13. |
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Local Leaders call for Increased Utilization of Critical SBA ProgramsA number of local chamber and minority small businesses came together this morning to call for increased outreach and utilization of critical SBA programs to provide economic relief through the shutdown. This gathering came as two rounds of enrollment for the SBA’s Payroll Protection Program and their other grants and loans have got most big businesses and more small businesses signed up. Many minority owned and the smallest, hard to reach, local shops have still not yet accessed these programs. The deadline is August 8th and the program still has billions of Federal funds left so there are still 18 days to fix this. Outreach strategies that are still needed include calls, emails, marketing campaigns, public service announcements and good old fashioned conversations with neighbors, friends and colleagues. “There is no doubt in my mind that the small business is the backbone of our communities and the PPP will get our small businesses back up and running & spark communities to move toward economic recovery to restore and reopen.” Edna White President of the Greater Gordon Heights Chamber of Commerce and Chairperson of the Economic Development Committee of Brookhaven NAACP “The first round of the SBA’s PPP program went to the big corporations with many banks not processing smaller businesses. The second round reached many small businesses across Long Island and the enrollment rate increased. This last round needs to focus on hard to reach minority and very small Main Street businesses if we are serious about providing access to all communities.” Eric Alexander, Vision Long Island/LI Main Street Alliance “The LI African American Chamber is holding multiple outreach webinars on the SBA PPP program as well. In addition to this other technical assistance is needed to walk people through the application process.” Valerie Anderson Campbell, LI African American Chamber of Commerce The LI Hispanic Chamber of Commerce held multiple Spanish speaking and bilingual zoom calls. “Working together we will accomplish our business goals to get these resources to our small businesses and keep our community safe”, Luis Vasquez, President, LI Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Frank Camarano from the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce spoke of the importance of cutting through the red tape to get these important grants and loans. He committed to having his chambers stay on top of the outreach as we are all working together collaboratively. Vanessa Baird Streeter, Deputy County Executive spoke of the numerous Suffolk County initiatives to support small and minority owned small businesses. She called on those who have been approved, to be ambassadors in spreading the word to others. The focus of her message became the tagline for the press conference, “Apply, Apply, Apply”. Lionel Chitty, Director of the Nassau County Office of Minority Affairs is continuing their outreach to local minority and women owned businesses as the deadline for the program approaches. Tony Barrett owner of Ok Petroleum in Lindenhurst who hosted the event and has not received Federal support to date said “Many of us invested our life savings to open a business and service our surrounding communities.” He encouraged us to reach out and support our local shops “Your local business owner may be your next door neighbor.” “The Hempstead Chamber of Commerce and the CDA is constantly encouraging and looking for ways to encourage our small businesses to survive under the strenuous circumstance. PPP Grants and SBA loans with low Interest rate is a plus and welll need income for our small businesses to survive,” Businesses.Shop Local Clariona Griffith , Hempstead Chamber of Commerce . Community leaders that were in attendance included Regina Hunt from the Greater Bellport Coalition, Dr. Regina Williams from Kingdom Family Ministry in Uniondale, local attorney Ghenya Grant from the Wyandanch Library Board and longtime community leader. Grace Ionidies and John Schneidwin from Suffolk County also joined the event. This event was hosted in the Town of Babylon who has stepped up to support local businesses. Tom Dolan and Marcus Druffin represented the Town “There are a full list of programs started by the Town of Babylon IDA and LDC in conjunction with the town, villages and chambers of commerce as a part of the Babylon Is Back initiative. IDA staff is canvassing all businesses (contactless where possible) and is available to assist businesses with local, state and federal assistance. Specifically the Babylon Is Back initiative has the Emergency Assistance Program which offers $25,000 loans and $10,000 grants, a program for $100,000 loans for those rejected for PPP, and PPE reimbursement and stop gap programs for Babylon businesses. We also have a business mentor program and an expeditor for outdoor dining permits”. LI’s Congressional delegation has been working to bring resources to our small businesses. Congresswoman Kathleen Rice’s staff were also out in support of the event. “I was proud to support the establishment of the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program in Congress, and I continue to fight for additional funding to ensure our businesses on Long Island have the resources they need to get through this crisis,” said Rep. Kathleen Rice. “I thank Long Island Main Street Alliance/Vision Long Island and the local chambers for their work to spread awareness of SBA’s small business relief programs. Together, we will make sure Long Island’s economy returns stronger than ever.” Supporters from Pink Tie and 1st Equity Title joined represented by Ray Thomas who runs Black Business Zone which provides a platform for minority owned businesses. Neil Sieden from Asset Enhancement Solutions provided a rundown on the SBA PPP program and the details of applying. His company is walking people through the application process and has been able to turn denials into acceptance. Pastor Hayward from the Bethel AME Church in North Amityville, who works diligently to provide and connect jobs for his congregation, closed the group out with a prayer. Along with the prayer he went to his radio show that will spread the message about this important program. Fitting ending for a message that needs to continue for the next 18 days! Resource Links: Here’s the information for the LI African American Chamber workshop on SBA PPP tonight at 6:30pm Some useful links for upcoming SBA PPP sessions that Asset Enhancement Solutions is hosting. Between today and August 6th, they will be hosting an information session and an application walkthrough workshop each week day. Anyone is welcome to join to learn more about the PPP program and eligibility in the morning (10am daily) and/or attend a session to go step-by-step through the application process (2pm daily). The links to RSVP for the sessions are below: NY Forward Loan Fund is still open and accepting applications. The loan fund provides working capital to help business with the costs of reopening from COVID-19. Eligible applicants include small businesses with fewer than 20 employees, small landlords, and nonprofits. You can find out more about the program and apply at this link: https://esd.ny.gov/nyforwardloans-info. Minority owned gas station Lindenhurst NY looking for funds to stay in business. You can view a video of the press conference here. Long Island IDAs Best in New York State for Job CreationA report has been issued by NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli praising Long Island Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs) as the best in the state when it comes to local job creation. Comptroller DiNapoli broke down the performance of all 10 of New York’s region in his latest annual review. As of Dec 31, 2018, Long Island’s IDAs had helped to provide backing for 45,873 jobs in the region. That number represented more than a quarter of the jobs created statewide by IDAs. It is also the fourth year in a row that Long Island has led the state in this regard. The Suffolk IDA was the best in the region on creating jobs with lower tax incentives, averaging just a $901 investment per job. The Agency also created the most jobs in the review period with 12,881 spread across 137 projects, which is second only to New York City’s IDA. Suffolk gave out a total of $11.6 million in tax breaks during 2018. “Long Island’s eight IDAs have collectively played a significant role in creating jobs and spurring economic growth for the residents of this region,” said Suffolk IDA executive Anthony J. Catapano. “Each and every day, the IDAs focus on identifying projects that strike the right balance in aiding business retention and expansion while also maximizing employment opportunities for residents.” In recent years the IDAs have become much more efficient open about the projects they are backing and why. The funding helps to improve parts of Long Island that are most in need of it while providing economic opportunity to communities. “While there have been past projects that have not shown public benefits, the majority of current redevelopments being supported now have much more transparency and real deliverables for jobs and a positive economic impact,” said Vision Long Island Director Eric Alexander. While there was praise for how Long Island IDAs performed, the comptroller’s report also warned of a slowdown in job growth thanks to the coronavirus shutdown. DiNapoli noted that IDAs may want to be more careful with how they spend their phones as the state adjusts to the new economic realities. However, he also noted that IDAs will play their part in the recovery. “IDAs may have a critical role in helping businesses and communities get back on their feet, with careful review of the tax breaks they offer and the impact on local government budgets,” said Comptroller DiNapoli You can read more at Newsday. |
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Split the Bill NY Comes to Hempstead on July 22ndAfter three successful events in the villages of Farmingdale, Valley Stream anf Westbury, Split the Bill NY will head to Hempstead for another night of helping local restaurants to boost business. The idea behind the program is simple enough. Customers who purchase meals from participating Hempstead restaurants this Wednesday, July 22nd, can upload a picture of their receipt to splitthebillny.com and be compensated for half their bill, up to $30. Diners will have until 11:59 pm to submit their receipts and must have a PayPal or Venmo account. The Split the Bill program is funded by the Sidgmore Family Foundation, which was founded by Long Island native Randi Sidgmore. Having grown up in Merrick, Ms. Sidgmore and her brother Jeff Gelbwaks are Long Island natives who are looking to give back to local restaurants and mom and pop businesses that are struggling through the coronavirus shutdown. While the program has been successful on a small scale, the foundation is hoping to attract larger donors and expand. “If we could marshal resources from other philanthropists,” said Mr. Gelbwaks, “we could help so many more people, communities and hardworking restaurant owners and their employees.” You can read more at Newsday. You can find out more about the Split the Bill program and see which Hempstead restaurants are participating here. |
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NYMTC Seeking Input on Next Regional Transportation PlanOur region is facing tough challenges. Despite that, considering the future is as important as ever for the region’s vitality. The New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) is working on the next Regional Transportation Plan for the diverse region of New York City, Lower Hudson Valley, and Long Island. Let’s work together to explore and plan for the future of transportation in the region. There are many opportunities to participate. Please join in to help keep our region Moving Forward. Join a Virtual Workshop – Your Opinion Counts! NYMTC will host an identical afternoon and evening session for each of the regions. The Long Island specific workshops will be:
Each workshop will have a presentation and interactive question sessions. It is suggested that participants join by desktop or laptop computer. Meeting materials will be available upon request for those without computer access; please phone 212-383-7203 for assistance. Ways to Get Involved:
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‘Zoom’ to New Heights with Project IndependenceSince the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, the Project Independence and You radio show wanted to continue to provide timely and important information to the senior residents of North Hempstead, caretakers and service professionals. Previous guests and topics included Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Congressman Tom Suozzi, Latest Tips on Frauds & Scams, Financial Concerns surrounding COVID-19 Pandemic, NY State Attorney General Scam Awareness and From Crisis to Calm Coping in an Ever Changing Normal. After listening to an informative guest, be sure to listen to the Talk of the Town to find out about updates, programs and what’s going on around Town! The radio show uses the Zoom platform to organize and coordinate the shows, which is then broadcasted during the normally scheduled time. Project Independence and You airs on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tune in on WCWP 88.1 FM or wcwp.org or download the app! Past episodes are available at northhempsteadny.gov/pi-home. Upcoming Schedule: •July 24 – NYS Senator Anna Kaplan to discuss NYS Senate Updates in regards to Covid-19 Pandemic Don’t forget to listen to Talk of the Town where they discuss everything that is happening in the Town and in the World. Learn about new programs, events and exciting initiatives. Click here to learn more. 2021 Long Island Arts Grant Workshop Schedule ReleasedThe New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Decentralization Grants help to support: · Individual artists in the creation of new work Attendance to one of the following workshops is mandatory in order to apply for a 2021 NYSCA Decentralization grant. The dates, locations and times for the workshops are listed below. Virtual workshops will be presented through ZOOM. Additional information and the login link will be provided after you register for a specific day and time. The dates, locations* and times for the workshops are listed below: You can register for these workshops here. AARP Hosts Disrupt DisparitiesAARP is hosting a series of digital roundtables to discuss how the COVID-19 crisis has affected New York’s 50+ and aging populations, with special attention paid to the racial and ethnic disparities apparent in the impact of the virus. These roundtables are utilized to brainstorm policy solutions that can be supported by community influencers and elected officials, and help implemented. We will be discussing the impact of COVID-19 on the aging population, and cover a range of issues, such as senior meal deliveries, senior centers, and social isolation, while also thinking through policy solutions that would begin to resolve these issues. We would like for all attendees to perhaps bring with them ideas and insights into policy solutions for this conversation. July 22nd 11 am – 12 noon for Nassau. The Suffolk event has passed. For more information, contact Bernard Macias. Long Island Arts Council at Freeport Hosting Live, Free ConcertsThe Long Island Arts Council at Freeport will be hosting live, free summer concerts at the Esplanade on the Nautical Mile. Events will take place Thursday nights from 7pm to 8:30pm COVID-19 requirements that must be followed • Attendees need to bring their own chairs Here’s the line-up of performers. Please check our website for updates, possible changes, and rain date location. July 23 July 30 Aug 6 Aug 13 Aug 20 Aug 27 September 3 September 10 Calendar Briefs and WebinarsThe following is a list of upcoming and ongoing calendar events. Check back on each publication for updates: • Virtual Walks: The Health Education Council will be holding Virtual Walks every Monday at 12:30 pm EST and Wednesday at 3 pm EST, with a Spanish language virtual walk each Friday at 3 pm EST. If you’re interested in taking a walk with friends while still practicing social distancing you can head to the the website here to sign up for a virtual walk. A Spanish speaking version is available here. You will then receive a zoom link and all you’ll need is a smart phone and a good pair of shoes and you’ll be in business! • Webinar with Shark Tank’s Daymond John. Join Entrepreneur and AARP Brand Ambassador Daymond John and Work & Jobs for a free webinar, What’s Next: Small Businesses & Second Careers, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday, July 22. The webinar targets small business owners and 50+ workers looking to be their own boss. Register here. For more information, contact Felicia Brown. |
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Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk Announces 2020 Veterans Build in BellportHabitat for Humanity of Suffolk is happy to announce that applications are now open for our 2020 Veterans Build in Bellport, NY. This home is already under construction and should be ready for the new homeowner this fall. Too many of our brave men and women serving this country, are coming home from their tour of duty and still battling the rising cost of housing. In honor of their service, we are giving special preference towards eligible veterans and their families for this home. Who is eligible?
APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED AND COMPLETE (with all required documents & credit check fee) NO LATER THAN August 15th. If you are interested in applying, please do so ASAP. Qualified applicants may be accepted and approved before 8/15 if application volume is high so don’t delay! You can download the Application form here. NYS Launches Rent Relief ProgramThe COVID Rent Relief Program will provide eligible households with a one-time rental subsidy that will be sent directly to the household’s landlord. Applicants will not need to repay this assistance. The Covid Rent Relief Program is not first come, first served. Applications will be accepted throughout the two-week application period. HCR will prioritize eligible households with “greatest economic and social need” accounting for income, rent burden, percent of income lost and risk of homelessness. The rental assistance payment will cover the difference between the household’s rent burden on March 1, 2020 and the increase in rent burden for the months the households is applying for assistance. Households can apply for up to four months in rental assistance. Eligible households must meet the following criteria:
HCR has created a dedicated call center to provide residents with help Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. Call the COVID Rent Relief Program Call Center at 1-833-499-0318 or email at covidrentrelief@hcr.ny.gov You can apply for assistance and check FAQ’s here. New York State Accepting Applications for NY Forward Loan FundNew York State has opened pre-applications for the New York Forward Loan Fund. Loans from this fund are available to small businesses, nonprofits, and small landlords in New York State that did not receive a loan from either the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for COVID-19 in 2020. New York Forward loans must be fully repaid over a 5-year term with fixed annual interest rates of 3 percent for small businesses and landlords. Small businesses may apply for the lesser of $100,000 or up to 100% of the average monthly revenues in any 3-month period from 2019 or the first quarter of 2020. This loan can be paid back over five years with first year being interest only. However, if small businesses have received either a PPP loan or an EIDL loan from SBA, they would not be eligible to apply. NYS has set a goal of 18% of total funds under this Program for Long Island Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as industries and regions reopen however, priority for New York Forward Loans will be given to industries and regions that have been reopened. Resources are available to assist in preparing applications for small businesses, landlords and nonprofits in industries and regions that have not yet reopened. To view more details, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, click here: If you need technical assistance through this process, please contact an Entrepreneurial Assistance Center near you and inform the counselor that you need help for the NY Forward Loan application. You can find your closest contact center here. |
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CDC Guidelines on Protecting Yourself from COVID-19Know how it spreads
Everyone Should…Wash your hands often
Avoid close contact
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
Cover coughs and sneezes
Clean and disinfect
Monitor Your Health
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