More than 200 people were Irish for a day as they filled Terrace on the Park to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Queens Chamber of Commerce annual luncheon.
The luncheon, which is always one of the most popular and enjoyable Chamber events each year, had a number of special guests including Mayor Michael Bloomberg, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and District Attorney Richard A. Brown.
“My favorite season is St. Patrick’s,” joked Bloomberg, who addressed the crowd for about 10 minutes during the March 16 luncheon.
Bloomberg also spoke about the census and the importance of making sure that everyone in the city is counted. He said that the city would be making that one of its top priorities in order to ensure that the municipality gets its fair share of funding from the federal government.
In addition, he also spoke about the positive contribution of the Irish-American workforce in both Queens and the city as well as the overall positive impact of immigrants to the economy.
“I think the reason that New York City has not suffered as much as other cities and has recovered quicker than other cities is because of our diverse population,” Bloomberg said.
After Bloomberg, it was Quinn’s turn to talk to the Chamber members.
“The Queens Chamber really does an amazing job supporting the businesses and small businesses in Queens, but they really do a good, loud and clear job of advocating for you as well,” she said.
During the luncheon, which was sponsored by Queens County Savings Bank and Levine Builders, those in attendance were treated to some corned beef and cabbage and Irish soda bread. They also received special St. Patrick’s Day flowers compliments of Booth Florist and had the chance to network and do business with each other before the luncheon.
In addition to hearing from the elected officials, all of the Chamber members were treated to a special performance by the Hirten School of Irish Dance. The young step dancers dazzled the crowd with their Irish dancing and one of the youngest members had a special gift for Bloomberg – a shamrock flower.
