John Perricon, the director of the Woodhaven Business Improvement District (BID), wants to help local businesses succeed and as part of that continued effort, the BID hosted a resource fair along Jamaica Avenue on Wednesday, Aug 2.
On the crossroads of Forest Parkway and Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven, a high-traffic and historic area in Queens, the Woodhaven BID invited businesses and residents to visit the several tables featuring representatives from city agencies and local establishments.
“Even though this is a business resource fair, there could also be something of interest to a resident who may need a contact with one of the agencies that’s here,” said Perricon. “If there’s something we can help them with, that’s definitely a medium for them to ask us a question.”
Participating organizations gathered at the fair included Accompany Capital, Diva Multicare Services Inc, Fidelis Care, Pursuit, the New York City Department of Small Business Services, Department of Sanitation and Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.
The Woodhaven BID partnered with Councilwoman Joann Ariola and the Queens Chamber of Commerce to host the Business Resource Fair and made certain to let local businesses know the importance of these city services.
It was great to stop by the @woodhavenbid Business Resource Fair today! So many great organizations were out to help local businesses in our area pic.twitter.com/H6Fw15DXfq
— Joann Ariola NYC Council District 32 (@JoannAriola32) August 2, 2023
“All too often, my office has found that business owners don’t realize just how many resources are available to them,” Ariola said. “That’s why my office has teamed up with the Queens Chamber of Commerce and the Woodhaven Business Improvement District. Together we’ve brought down a number of organizations ranging from insurance companies to law enforcement so that we can let local entrepreneurs better learn about what is available to them. In today’s economic climate, every ounce of help counts, and with these resources, we are hoping to give local businesses the best opportunities to grow and really thrive in District 32.”
On top of giving businesses vital updates on the latest rules and regulations from the city — including a change in how food businesses need to dispose of food waste, which began Monday, Aug. 1 — representatives where able to help interested residents in potential job offers.
Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. also attended the business fair and talked with available business representatives. The senator expects to host a similar event for job seekers at Resorts World Casino in November.
“To me, my best days are when I can find a job for a constituent. I think when you find that person that employment, where they can provide for themselves and their family, I think that’s a great day,” said Addabbo. “So we look for areas and industries of growth. Technology, healthcare, private security, and then we try to match our constituents for this. We want to help anyone regardless of their background, educational background, that they can work if they want to work. That’s why it’s important just to keep finding areas of growth, working with people like Woodhaven bid to find these even local jobs.”
The Woodhaven BID covers all properties facing Jamaica Avenue from Dexter Court to 100th Street.
