By Bill Parry
Thousands of business people took part in the 25th annual LIC Partnership Trade Show at Corona’s Terrace on the Park Wednesday.
Companies from major banks and mortgage companies to small vendors and restaurants set up exhibitions to promote their goods and services.
“The turnout is great and this year we sold out all of our tables in six rooms,” said Dana Frankel, the partnership’s director of economic development.
“There’s more exhibitors than ever,” said Swain Weiner, president of Greiner-Maltz Investment Properties. “It shows the confidence and support that’s exploding in western Queens these days.”
Weiner is also president of the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce, so he is no stranger to the art of networking.
“It’s business to business,” he said. “Everyone’s building relationships, establishing contacts and making new ones. It’s a great venue.”
The LIC Partnership is the area’s business improvement district and the business development corporation with the goal of attracting business. Active recruiting for the event has a lot to do with the number of companies taking part.
June Henry, a consultant for Organo Gold Coffee, worked a busy table because they were giving away free samples of their herb-infused coffee. The independent vendor made the trip from Brooklyn to take part after she was recruited.
“We were at the Javits Center a few weeks back,” Henry said. “Someone from the partnership liked our coffee and asked us to join them for their show.”
Joe Lara, of Big Apple Circus, was another first-time exhibitor, wearing a clown nose as he passed out brochures.
“I’m a Queens guy from Forest Hills. I’ve always heard of this event and thought it was a good way to promote the circus because we’re coming to Queens from mid-May to mid-June,” he said.
Even though it was billed as the largest trade event in Queens with a record turnout of more than 3,500 visitors and 130 exhibitors, Dana Frankel, the partnership’s director of economic development, did have one regret: It was not in Long Island City.
“This used to be done at the Water’s Edge, but it outgrew the restaurant and we needed more space,” she said. “Unfortuneately, there isn’t a venue large enough back in LIC. It would be great to have it back in the neighborhood.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4538.
