By Ivan Pereira
Justin K. Rodgers will promote business expansion in downtown Jamaica by working closely with city, state, and federal agencies to identify new economic opportunities and help develop them. Rodgers, 28, will also help to develop and promote ongoing projects in the neighborhood, which was recently rezoned by the city as part of a plan to increase its commercial activity.”While downtown Jamaica has experienced significant economic expansion in recent years, the rezoning by the city of New York last September creates unprecedented opportunities for new growth,” Rodgers said in a statement.Rodgers previously served Greater Jamaica, a southeast Queens non-for profit development corporation, as manager of business services, helping firms get assistance from the government and other organizations. He also assisted in making infrastructure improvements to stores in Jamaica by helping to get better street lights and sanitation clean ups and introduced 15 businesses to the New York State Empire State Program, a tax relief program designated for area minority businesses.”As a proven member of Greater Jamaica Development Corporation's team, Justin Rodgers has been instrumental in bringing about improvements that have enhanced the value and beauty of this community,” said GJDC Chairman Lamont Bailey. “In his new position, Justin will play a vital leadership role in boosting the local economy and reaping maximum value from the recent rezoning.” Rodgers, who lives in Jamaica, earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Florida A&M University and a master's degree in sports management from Adelphi University. He was a program director of the National Pro-AM City Leagues Association in Long Island City, program manager for the Sports Foundation in the Bronx, and analyst of global markets for JP Morgan Chase. “Working in coordination with Jamaica's neighborhood and civic leaders, we will dedicate ourselves to new business creation, new housing and new transportation-related development,” Rodgers said.Reach reporter Ivan Pereira by e-mail at ipereira@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 146.
