Chamber & Sovereign Bank host economic breakfast

The Queens Chamber of Commerce and Sovereign Bank recently held an economic outlook breakfast where a number of esteemed panelists shared their expertise and opinions about the prospects for the future of the New York City and Queens economies, respectively.
“The Chamber plays a major role in working collaboratively with the political environment, the private sector and the public sector in really creating an environment to create jobs,” said Joseph Campanelli, President and CEO of Sovereign Bank.
During the breakfast, which took place at Terrace on the Park, Bob Lieber, President of the NYC Economic Development Corporation and Maria Fiorini Ramirez, a renowned economic and financial consultant, delivered remarks about some of the economic trends they foresee for New York and the country overall.
Lieber spoke about a number of areas within Queens already undergoing economic development ventures as well as other targeted sites for redevelopment. He talked about areas in Flushing and Long Island City that were in the midst of major projects as well as Jamaica, which the city is trying to get off the ground.
“We’re very focused on Jamaica at this stage,” he said. “I think the comprehensive rezoning proposal, which is underway now is the cornerstone or first step in executing that development plan. I think there are tremendous assets that exist in that part of the community.”
In addition, Al Pennisi, the First Vice President and anticipated next President of the Queens Chamber of Commerce and Kathryn Wylde, President & CEO of the Partnership for New York City, engaged in a panel discussion with Lieber and Fiorini, taking questions from those in attendance about local and national business issues.
Some of the topics covered were Congressional aid to the business community, the cost of healthcare and the need to increase public transportation.
During the discussion, Wylde also brought up the need to diversify the city’s economy and capitalize on its cultural institutions that benefit the economy.
“It’s obviously a huge New York City/five borough strength, and we should do more to emphasize it,” Wylde said.