By Nathan Duke
Bornstein, who was the former director of economic development under two borough presidents, became the new assistant dean for economic development at the school in mid-December. “I love government and the public sector, but I was in the position for 10 years, so change was a good thing,” he said. “The Borough President's Office was a great place to work and a great learning experience.”In his new position at LaGuardia, Bornstein will be responsible for overseeing the college's four economic development programs: the Small Business Development Center; the Center for Corporate Education, which trains the staffs of fledgling companies; government procurement, a training program in governmental contracting for small, minority and women business owners; and New York Designs, which is the only city incubator for various design industries and acts as a temporary rental space for new firms.LaGuardia President Gail Mellow said Bornstein will help to ensure that the college, which is one of the largest employers in the neighborhood, remains a important player in the local economy.”For the past 30 years, LaGuardia has been a key force in the economic development of Long Island City,” she said. “With Mr. Bornstein's experience and knowledge of the borough, the college will seek to broaden its role in the economic development of Queens and the city.”Bornstein began his career in 1979 when he joined the Queens Economic Development Corporation and worked on commercial revitalization projects for the borough, which was facing economic struggles at that time.The borough president proclaimed Nov. 28 as Seth Bornstein Day in Queens at a recent going-away breakfast for the former economic development director.Reach reporter Nathan Duke by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 156.
