September 4, 2018
THANK YOU TO OUR E-NEWSLETTER SPONSORS!
MEMBER NEWS
East Shore LDC aiming to revitalize area

The Atlantic Ocean beachfront and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Boardwalk served as the perfect backdrop to announce the establishment of the East Shore Local Development Corporation (ESLDC) on Thursday at the South Fin Grill in South Beach.
 
The mission of the ESLDC is to enhance the economy of the East Shore by promoting public and private investment, encouraging the redevelopment of property in an environmentally-friendly manner, and providing beautification and security services to make the area more appealing for all residents and businesses. 
East Shore Local Development Corporation's mission: Post-Sandy revitalization

East Shore Local Development Corporation Formed to Revitalize Area Hard Hit by Superstorm Sandy
Commercial Organics Requirements

The New York City Department of Sanitation announced new commercial organics requirements for New York City businesses. Certain businesses are required by law to separate their organic waste. New minimum requirements were unveiled in August, and if your business meets the criteria, you must comply with the business organics rules.  

Establishments covered by Business Organics Rules

As of August 15, 2018:
  • Food service establishments with a floor area of at least 15,000 square feet.
  • Food service establishments that are part of a chain of 100 or more locations in the city of New York.
  • Retail food stores with a floor area of at least 25,000 square feet.

As of July 19, 2016:
  • Food service establishments in hotels with 150 or more rooms.
  • Arenas and stadiums with a seating capacity of at least 15,000 people.
  • Food manufacturers with a floor area of at least 25,000 square feet.
  • Food wholesalers with a floor area of at least 20,000 square feet.

Businesses covered by these rules must separate staff-handled food scraps, plant trimmings, food-soiled paper and certified compostable products from garbage and other recyclables.

For more information on commercial organics requirements, visit www.nyc.gov/businessorganics
2019 Paid Family Leave Benefit

On Friday afternoon, the Department of Financial Services announced the 2019 Paid Family Leave benefit amounts and employee contribution rate. The information was posted on the Paid Family Leave website and can be found here .

As provided for in statute, the benefit rate will increase to 55% of an employee’s average weekly wage to a maximum of 55% of the state’s average weekly wage, effective January 1, 2019. In addition, employees will have up to 10 weeks of paid family leave in 2019 (subject to the 52-week look back). For 2019, the state’s average weekly wage will be $1,357.11. Therefore, the maximum weekly benefit will increase to $746.41.

The employee contribution rate will increase slightly as well, from its current 0.126% of gross wages to 0.153% of gross wages up to the state’s average weekly wage, so that the maximum annual employee contribution will increase to $107.97 (about $2.07 per week).

Our October HR webinar will focus on Paid Family Leave and what employers need to do as we come to year end 2018 regarding tax reporting, carry-over benefits, the look-back period, and more. In addition, we will discuss 2019 benefit levels and employee contributions. (Our September webinar will address the state’s new sexual harassment law.) You can find registration for all of our fall HR webinars here .

Have you taken the Staten Island Business Survey?
Yes
No
SAVE THE DATE - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2018
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING & SHOWCASE EVENT
Calling all Staten Island High School Students!

If you know any Staten Island High School Student looking to start their own business, social movement, or boost their college resume, invite them check out the  Young Entrepreneurs Academy ! The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce is recruiting for the 2018/19 class. Applications are due September 15!
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
The Legacy of the Calabrese Family Continues

It would be an understatement to say Mid-Island Little League’s journey in the Little League World Series captured the attention of Staten Islanders the last few weeks as their games became the buzz around the borough. Although the Travis squad was eliminated Thursday night after dropping a 7-3 decision in the losers’ bracket final, the run for the title was one the players and coaches will never forget.
Northfield Bank Announces David V. Fasanella to Join as Executive Vice President and Deputy Chief Lending Officer
Northfield Bank announces Damien Kane has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Director of Marketing
Congratulations Empire State Bank on their brand new location - now open!

Please join them for a ribbon cutting celebration on September 20th!

The Team At The Victory Boulevard Banking Center Is Ready To Help 

The New Banking Center Hours:

Monday – Wednesday: 8:30 am – 5:00pm
Thursday – Friday: 8:30am – 6:00pm
Saturday: 8:30 am – 2:00 pm
Sunday: Closed 

You can call the Victory Boulevard Banking Center at 718.303.6900.
MEMBER BENEFITS
All Chamber Business Owners and their employees have exclusive access to the Working Advantage discount network which allows you to save up 60% on ticketed events and online shopping.

Through Working Advantage you can save on:

  • Movie Tickets
  • Theme Parks
  • Ski Tickets
  • Broadway Shows
  • Sporting Events
  • Hotels and Travel
  • Health and Fitness
  • Museums and City Passes
  • Merchant Gift Certificates
  • Online Shopping
  • …and much more!

This exclusive program is just another added value to our members and employees at zero cost. Please refer to your Membership Guide for the Working Advantage code. If you have any questions, call 718.727.1900 or email Membership.
MEMBER BUSINESS TIP
Outdoor elements can negatively impact the exterior of your home and property. It is never too early to think ahead and prepare your home for the imminent cold weather. The end of summer is a good time to get a jump start on a few outdoor projects that will prevent the need for emergency repairs during the harsh winter season.

This summer’s stormy weather created more debris than usual. Leaves, twigs, and fallen branches were thrown all around, and may have clogged or damaged your gutters. The heavy rainfall also contributed to the growth of mold and moss, and even poisonous wild mushrooms throughout our region - more so than in year’s past. These slimy and smelly microbes, when mixed with fallen leaves, can create a terrible mess and the buildup of sludge. What’s worse, is that this mixture fosters the perfect environment for insects. Be sure to clear away these damaging materials from your yard to avoid further damage to your home, deck and foundation.
OUR AFFILIATES
Coggno has 1,000's of training courses available in topics such as Human Resources, Business Management, Sales & Marketing, Safety, Accounting, Social Media and more. Training is delivered online, available 24/7 and many come with certificates of completion.
Chamber Events & Workshops
Business Events & Workshops
Did You Know You Can Earn Credit Towards Your Membership Dues?
Sign up a new member yourself by bringing in their application and check to the Chamber office, and earn a membership dues credit of $100!

Refer a prospect that we convert into a new member and earn a membership dues credit of $25!
Stay Connected #sichamber
Sign up for SIChamber Mobile Text Alerts!
Texting " sichamber " To " 95577 ".
Msg&Data rates may apply.
Staten Island Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 41277, Staten Island, NY 10304
718.727.1900  | sichamber.com