|
Letter from the Executive Director
|
Nat King Cole sang: "Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer..." I think the operative word this summer is "crazy." It has made it difficult to enjoy those "days of soda and pretzels and beer..."
One of the craziest moments that almost drove me to drink was when the President stated that there "were very fine people on both sides" of the violence in Charlottesville. This made me so crazy that I quickly sent a message to the White House noting that "no fine person would EVER stand with others that wave a Nazi flag and that those remarks deeply offended the 16.1 million who fought in WWII - which includes my father who was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge and later helped liberate the Nordhausen concentration camp."
I was looking forward to a martini -- or two -- at the end of that day, but I was invited to a networking event with the Hollis Local Development Corporation. This agency was where I cut my economic development teeth 37 years ago when developing a small shopping plaza that brought much needed services and jobs to the community. I figured I'd drop in, say hello, and head home to those martinis. When I arrived, I saw a few of the original board members -- folks who were well into their careers when I was starting out. I sat down and chatted with them over sandwiches and soda. I talked to one member who had grown up on a farm in the south in an era when opportunities were extremely limited. But she persisted and received a Masters degree, taught for many years, and recently saw her granddaughter graduate from a prestigious college. Another member still works full time in construction and looked at me oddly when I asked if he was considering retiring. Current events were touched upon, but not with despair or resignation. It was more with a "this too shall pass" attitude. I realized that they had seen the world change, and despite backsliding, they seemed confident that the gains our country has made will not be discarded.
There were no martinis that evening, but there was an excellent buffet catered by a local, young entrepreneur. Before I left, I went over to compliment her on the food and told her about our services for small businesses that kick off this fall. She was excited to learn about the Entrepreneur Space and programs such as EAP and StartUP! We'll announce them at our Great Buzz Summer Networking Mixer on Thursday, Aug. 31, at Z Hotel in Long Island City. I told her to come as it would be good place to learn about our programs and meet potential clients. She was enthusiastic, and I hope to see her.
I hope to see you, too.
It was good to spend time with people I've known for over half my life. And it was great to meet a young, energetic entrepreneur. As I walked to my car, there was a slight breeze, and though it was a bit premature, I couldn't help but think of Billie Holiday singing: "Autumn in New York, why does it seem so inviting?... Autumn in New York, it lifts you up when you're let down..."
Sincerely,
|
|
|
|
News You Can Use
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
I'll Meet You at the Great Buzz Summer Networking Mixer at Z Rooftop at Z Hotel, 11-01 43rd Ave., LIC, on Thursday, Aug. 31, from 6 pm to 8 pm. Get in a good mood before the Labor Day Weekend with heavenly views, devilish drinks, and an angelic atmosphere. Catch up with colleagues, make new friends, and learn about QEDC's fall programs which are listed below.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
The 12th Annual StartUP! Business Plan Competition.
Would you like to receive $10,000 for your business? In this competition, you attend classes and then submit a business plan to a panel of judges. They choose the three plans they like the most and award $10,000 to the submitter of each one.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Home Improvement Contractor Training. This three-class, 15-hour course prepares participants to take the contractor licensing exam at NYC Department of Consumer Affairs. It also provides valuable information about running a small construction company in NYC and helps participants put together their license application package.
++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Entrepreneurial Assistance Program. This comprehensive, hands-on business course is designed to minimize the risk and maximize the success of starting or expanding a business. Think of it as a mini MBA. You develop a fully-vetted plan, learn how to conduct research, study with a lawyer, accountant, marketing expert, and technology consultant, and become part of the EAP network.
++++++++++++++++++++++++
The next Business Forum Breakfast is at Queens College's Student Union Ballroom on Friday, Sept. 8, from 8 am to 10 am. AT&T East Region President Marissa Shorenstein will present
"AT&T and the Local Communities."
An audience Q&A session will follow, and breakfast will be served. The event is free and open to the public.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
|
|
 |
|
