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WEEKLy MEETINGS
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PAGE 4
Staten Island
Women
in Business
According to recent findings by the Center
for an Urban Future, an independent Manhat-
tan think-tank that publishes studies about New
York City’s economy, women-owned businesses
in the five boroughs have increased substantially
over the past several years. The report, published
through Capital One’s Future Edge Initiative,
also states that women entrepreneurs in this city
are starting and growing businesses in every sec-
tor and are finding lasting success in their en-
deavors.
But here on Staten Island, women have been
an integral part of the borough’s economic land-
scape for decades. To celebrate their contribu-
tions to our economy and Staten Island’s future
in general, we have compiled a list of some of the
borough’s most influential women in business.
Their work spans from corporate duties to ca-
reers in the non-profit sector – each professional
a powerful part of the Staten Island workforce.
please see pages 8-15
Economy is ‘robust’
SIEDC Economic Indicator Report
shows positive signs for Island.
PAGE 2
2 BUSINESS TRENDS – MARCH 2018
NG_FAM_2099 // Staten Island Business Trends // Suits Walking // NYC // Trim Area: 10.25" x 10" // No Bleed // CMYK // Pdf
4 BUSINESS TRENDS – MARCH 2018
weekly meetings
Monday http://rbcofsi.com.
SI Business Friends: 7:30 - 8:45
606-2111.
Business Network Int’l. (BNI)
info, email jcmexp@aol.com
Staten Island Business Council:
Thursday
Bus. Outreach Ctr of SI/ a.m. Hilton Garden Inn, 1100 South Andrew’s Diner, 4160 Hylan Blvd. 7 Bus. Outreach Ctr of SI/
Network Alliance Chapter: Z-One
WBCLDC Small Bus. Counseling Ave. For information, call Dr. Rich- Lounge, 1821 Richmond Ave. 7 to a.m. Members and invited guests WBCLDC Small Bus. Counseling
– MWBE/BOC Capital: WBCLDC, ard Bove at 718-938-5978 or visit 8:30 a.m. For info, call Timothy only. For info, call 347-855-4488 or – MWBE/BOC Capital: WBCLDC,
705 Forest Ave., 2nd Fl. By appoint- www.sibfnetwork.com. Houston at 718-981-8600. send an e-mail to info@sibizcoun- 705 Forest Ave., 2nd Fl. By appoint-
ment only. For info, call 718-816- cil.com. ment only. Call 718-816-4775.
4775. Bus. Outreach Ctr of SI/ Rotary Club Staten Island: LiGre-
WBCLDC Small Bus. Counseling ci’s Staten, 697 Forest Ave. 12:30 to Bucks Business Network: Hamp- Kiwanis Club of Staten Island:
Kiwanis Club of Richmond Co.: – MWBE/BOC Capital: WBCLDC, 1:30 p.m. Members and guests wel- ton Inn, 1120 South Ave. 7:45 a.m. LiGreci’s Staten, 697 Forest Ave.
LaFontana Restaurant, 2879 705 Forest Ave., 2nd Fl. By appoint- come. For info, call 718-370-3140. For info, call 718-351-2557 or visit 7:30 p.m. For info, call 718-967-
Amboy Rd. 7 p.m. Call 718-420- ment only. For info, call 718-816- www.sibucks.com. 4345 or kiwanisclubofstatenisland.
1966. College of S.I., Small Bus. Dev. com.
4775. Ctr. Business Counseling: CSI, Kiwanis Club of Brighton: Jody’s
College of S.I., Small Bus. Dev. Direct120.com, Ultimate Think 2800 Victory Blvd. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Club Forest, 372 Forest Ave. 7:30 Rotary Club of South Shore: Man-
Ctr. Business Counseling: CSI, No charge. Call the SBDC at 982- p.m. For info, call 718-348-0505. sion Grand, 141 Mansion Ave. 12:15
Tank: Lorenzo’s, 1100 South Ave.
2800 Victory Blvd. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2560. p.m. For info, call 718-987-2061 or
For info, visit www.direct120.com. Kiwanis Club of North Central:
No charge. For info, call the SBDC visit southshorerotary.org.
Kiwanis Club of South Shore: LiGreci’s Staten, 697 Forest Ave.
at 718-982-2560. 7:30 p.m. Call Len Bosso at 718- Rotary Club Mid-Island: New Dako-
LaFontana, 2879 Amboy Rd. 7:30 ta Diner, 921 Richmond Ave. 7:30 to
442-7804.
p.m. For info, call 718-370-2770. Wednesday E.L.I.T.E. (Executive, Leader-
9:00 a.m. Call 718-981-0700.
Tuesday SCORE Business Counseling:
Staten Island Advance Building,
Bus. Outreach Ctr of SI/
WBCLDC Small Bus. Counseling
ship, Interactive, Team, Effort) SCORE Business Counseling:
Staten Island Advance Building,
Greater New Dorp Networking 950 W. Fingerboard Road. 9 a.m. to Networking Group: 1110 South Ave.
– MWBE/BOC Capital: WBCLDC, 8 a.m. New members welcome. For 950 W. Fingerboard Road. 9 a.m. to
Group: 8 a.m. Perkins Restaurant, noon. No appointment necessary. noon. No charge. Call 718-727-1221.
705 Forest Ave., 2nd Fl. By appoint- info, call 347-273-1375.
1409 Highland Blvd. For informa- No charge. For info, call 718-727-
ment only. Call 718-816-4775. Rotary Club of North Shore:
tion, call Steve Lombardo at 718- 1221. College of S.I., Small Bus. Dev.
702-8623. Gateway Rotary Club: La Strada, LiGreci’s Staten, 697 Forest Ave. 7
Business Guild I of the S.I. Ctr. Business Counseling: CSI,
139 New Dorp Lane. 7:15 a.m. For p.m. Call Christine DeHart at 718-
Richmond Business Connections: Chamber of Commerce: Hilton 2800 Victory Blvd. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
info, call Adam at 718-986-0219. 448-4725.
Z One, 1821 Richmond Ave. 8 a.m. Garden Inn, 1100 South Ave. 7:45 For info, call 718-982-2560.
For information, call Ronald P. a.m. Members and invited guests Richmond County Referral Source:
Cutrone at (347) 258-8131 or visit only. Call Michael Anicito at 646- Comfort Inn. 7:00 to 8:15 a.m. For please see EVENTS, page 26
MARCH 2018 – BUSINESS TRENDS 5
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732-358-5200
T
he proliferation of a new scam wrongly deposited. use paper records should keep them Richard Donnelly
involving the filing of fake tax While it’s true the victim should locked up and should shred docu- Ceo of newspaper media group
from the IRS and, via threats of im- handle this information carefully. business out of the “latest company Business Trends welcomes suggestions and
prisonment, try to bully the victim While most widespread identity theft to have its security breached” head- comments from readers – including any
information about errors that may call for a
into sending the money that was is electronic, businesses that still lines.
correction to be printed.
Berelson Bonner Buchell, Calder Cirelli Contrino Coomer Cugno, Sorrentino DeHart Flores Gerenser
CORPORATE BUSINESS Inn in September 2001. to assistant manager of business on to work in the press office of “I come from a family of en-
“We opened four days after services. After managing the Borough President Molinari be- gineers, so I have always been
Lois nicotra the horrific events of September New York State Entrepreneur- fore taking a position with the fascinated by the field,” she said.
Owner, The Nicotra Group LLC 11,” Nicotra said. “It was such a ial Assistance Program and the SIEDC’s newly launched tour- “And I gravitated toward the dis-
Lois Nicotra was a newlywed difficult time. We built this hotel New York City Small Business ism council. cipline of electrical engineering
working as an elementary school with the intention of hosting Services Minority and Women- “I worked here for two years because it is not mundane: Elec-
teacher and studying for her weddings and other wonderful owned Business Enterprise for before being hired by Staten Is- tricity is invisible and therefore
master’s degree when her hus- events and found ourselves host- 10 years, she relocated to Staten land Cable,” Gutman said, detail- hard to understand. I found it an
band Richard asked her to help ing dozens of repast luncheons Island to work with the Staten Is- ing her positions in both mar- extremely challenging and re-
balance the books of his fledging for the grieving families of Stat- land Business Outreach Center. keting and public affairs. “After warding field in which to work.”
business. en Island instead.” “My position as deputy di- 14 years with the company, I re- O’Connell, who earned her
“When we first got married, But the Nicotras say the trag- rector of this organization has turned to the SIEDC.” degree in electrical engineering
he was running his first store edy allowed them to be a place of three components,” Flores ex- Serving as senior vice presi- from the New Jersey Institute
in Manhattan and asked me to welcome for people in both good plained. dent since 2013, Gutman handles of Technology and an MBA in
help with the payroll,” Nicotra times and bad. And in the past “I currently oversee the Wom- everything from human resourc- finance from Montclair State
said, detailing the Everything 17 years, they have singlehand- en’s Business Center, working es to city contracts and works University, joined the staff of
Yogurt franchise her husband edly turned that once desolate with women and minorities, cer- closely with the SIEDC staff and Con Edison in 2003 as an associ-
launched on Wall Street in 1975. West Shore of Staten Island into tifying and helping them grow finance team on the organiza- ate engineer. She has held vari-
“We lived in the tiniest two-room a bustling business hub. their small businesses. I also tion’s daily operations. ous positions over the past 15
apartment then and I did it all by “Sometimes I look around provide one-to-one technical as- “I think one of the best as- years with responsibilities in-
hand sitting on the edge of the this Corporate Park and cannot sistance to clients with any as- pects of this job is my ability to cluding electrical construction,
bed using the ironing board as believe that this is all a reality,” pect for their business, whether have so much community in- project management, capital
my desk.” Nicotra said, speaking of the it’s assisting with business and volvement,” noted Gutman, who project planning and operations
The franchise – which would seven Class A office buildings, marketing plan development has also been honored for her and maintenance in various bor-
eventually grow to encompass 198-room Hilton Garden Inn, or creating a social media page. work with numerous Staten Is- oughs.
250 stores nationwide – began to Nicotra’s Ballroom & Confer- And I provide workshops on var- land organizations including the “I currently have the respon-
take off and Lois had a choice: ence Center, Above Rooftop, Lo- ious small business and technol- Staten Island Historical Society, sibility of delivering safe and
Continue her teaching career or renzo’s Restaurant Bar & Caba- ogy topics and assist with work- Council on the Arts & Humani- reliable power to customers on
join her husband’s business. She ret, and the 107-room Hampton force development.” ties for Staten Island, the Staten Staten Island,” O’Connell said.
chose the latter. Inn & Suites that now occupy Flores also assists the Forest Island Zoo and New Direction As Con Edison’s vice presi-
“We worked so well together,” that original site. Commons Avenue Business Improvement Services. “It is extremely fulfill- dent of electrical operations, she
she said of her life and business Café, a restaurant that donates District commercial corridor ing to work with so many com- is also responsible for the Cen-
partner. “And, of course, he is 100 percent of its profits to Stat- and serves on the BOC SBA munity groups and non-profits, tralized Meter & Test Organiza-
very handsome and convincing.” en Island initiatives, is among Women’s Business Center Advi- supporting all of their efforts tion that installs, replaces and
The couple continued to grow Nicotra’s pride and joy. sory Board. and programs.” tests electric meters, the Electric
the business for 20 years, ex- And even more expansion is “The past 17 years have been And Gutman’s daughter, Meter Shop that supports the 3.5
panding into markets all over scheduled for the future. very rewarding,” Flores said. Emily, is an important part of million electric meters and the
the country. After renting a “We are currently embark- “I started as a receptionist and her work-life balance. Astoria Transformer Shop that
small business space in Port ing upon the largest project in have been able to grow and learn “There are many challenges refurbishes underground dis-
Richmond for close to a decade, our portfolio,” Nicotra said. about all of these beneficial ser- that go along with being a work- tribution transformers and net-
they decided to purchase their “Corporate Commons Three vices. Watching clients succeed ing mom,” Gutman concluded. work protectors.
first office building on a desolate will feature 330,000 square feet and helping their businesses “We often struggle to do our job A woman working in a mostly
strip of South Avenue in 1993. of space with a rooftop organic thrive is the best part of my job.” without letting motherhood male-dominated field, O’Connell
“At that point, we were han- farm, weather station and char- color who we are in the work- says she has faced challenges
dling more aspects of the busi- ter school. We are very excited to gina gutman place. But all of my career choic- during the span of her career,
ness with regard to franchising launch this new venture.” Senior Vice President, es have been family focused, and but notes the key to overcoming
– hosting conventions, meeting Staten Island Economic I think it’s those decisions that them is confidence.
with prospective franchisees – nina flores Development Corp. keep us grounded.” “I think one of the key things
and we were sending the people Deputy Director, Staten Island After graduating from Syra- for a woman in any industry is
coming to meet us to hotels in Business Outreach Center cuse University with a degree in michele o’connell to have the endurance to handle
New Jersey because there was After studying business ad- journalism, Gina Gutman gravi- Vice President of Electric difficult situations with a high
no place to stay here on Staten ministration in college, Nina tated toward a career in public Operations, Con Edison degree of emotional intelli-
Island,” Nicotra said. Flores started her career as a relations: Landing her first job Michele O’Connell was in- gence,” she concluded. “I think
After years of research, plan- receptionist with the Brooklyn as a PR assistant with the Staten spired to go into the field of engi- it’s important to be able to assert
ning and construction, the cou- Economic Development Corp., Island Children’s Museum, the neering because it was challeng-
ple opened the Hilton Garden eventually working her way up Pleasant Plains native moved ing. please see WOMEN, page 9
MARCH 2018 – BUSINESS TRENDS 9
Gutman Intoccia Langworthy Nicotra O’Connell Parenti-Norden Profeta Rassias Remauro Rosenthal
dina rosenthal
yourself with confidence while Board certified in general living skills, started to wonder Executive Director, Staten Island ues to be our mission: Bringing
still maintaining empathy. Hon- surgery, she specializes in per- what I was living for.” Children’s Museum new and exhilarating programs
esty and trust should also never forming nipple-sparing and are- But during a routine visit to that meet the changing needs
be underestimated – obstacles ola-sparing mastectomies with her doctor, who was helping her Dina Rosenthal was study- and changing demographic of
arise in any career, it’s how you immediate reconstruction. She with the transition of losing her ing chemistry at Ithaca College Staten Island.”
handle them that defines the out- is also experienced in providing vision, she found out she was when she took some mandatory And over the past 20 years,
come.” partial breast radiation. pregnant. liberal arts courses and fell in Rosenthal, an openly gay
The Todt Hill resident is also “I had a purpose again,” she love with art history. So she con- woman, has changed, too.
dr. cynara coomer active in the community: She said. tinued her education at Virginia “I’ve seen tremendous growth
Chief of Breast Surgery, Staten serves as a member of the Board Five years later, Bonner Commonwealth University, and acceptance here on Staten
Island University of Trustees and on the Executive and her husband Joe have two earning a master’s degree in the Island,” she said. “Twenty years
Hospital-Northwell Health Committee for Development for daughters, Nuala and Aoife. discipline and landed a job at ago, I was unwilling to share
A native of South Africa, Staten Island Academy and is an Shortly after the birth of her the Children’s Museum of Rich- details of my personal life. But
Dr. Cynara Coomer originally active member of Bright Pink, a daughters, she started an on- mond, Va. the world has changed, people’s
pursued a career in journalism non-profit that educates health- line resource and blog, www. “I’ve always worked in muse- attitudes have changed, and the
before switching gears to study care professionals regarding ge- blindmotherhood.com, to chron- ums – after high school I worked Staten Island community has al-
medicine. Earning her medi- netic risk and familial risk for icle the challenges she faces on a at the South Street Seaport Mu- ways been so warm and welcom-
cal degree from Loma Linda breast cancer. daily basis. seum, and while I was still in ing. I am proud and privileged to
University School of Medicine “I started the website be- grad school, I worked at a bunch be a part of it.”
in Southern California, she ful- cause I felt very alone,” she said. of small historic houses,” Rosen-
filled her surgical residency at NONPROFITS “There are all of these mommy thal said. “I’ve always been fasci- doreen cugno
SUNY Downstate Health Scienc- blogs out there, but none of nated by the arts.” and luanne sorrentino
es Medical Center before being HOLLY BONNER them spoke directly to me. Rosenthal took a position at Co-Founders, St. George Theatre
appointed an assistant professor Director of Accessibility Services, When I launched blindmother- the Science Museum of Virginia For years, Doreen Cugno and
of surgery there. City Access New York hood, I realized how many other next, traveling to schools across Luanne Sorrentino spent unend-
Taking an interest in surgery Holly Bonner was only 19 mothers there are just like me. the state to present science work- ing hours working with their
from the start, Coomer devoted a when she was first diagnosed I had moms and dads calling, shops. She was then offered a mother, Rosemary Cappozalo, to
lot of time to her cardiac subspe- with breast cancer and 28 when Skype’ing, texting, glad to know position at the National Muse- save the historic St. George The-
cialty, but as she completed her the disease returned. After sev- that someone else was in their um of American History at the atre from being torn down. They
residency, she began to explore eral rounds of radical chemo- same situation.” Smithsonian Institution, where donated their life savings, hosted
other options. therapy and aggressive treat- Bonner, who holds degrees in she ran an educational program countless fundraisers and even-
“I worked with a lot of can- ments of radiation, the social human services and social work, about how science influenced tually brought the building’s
cer patients and began to feel worker lost her eyesight at the has held positions at Camelot American progress. In 1998, crumbling structure back to
as though that was my niche,” age of 32. Counseling, Seamen’s Society when a position became avail- life. But according to Cugno, the
Coomer said. “The treatment essentially at- and Concord High School. In able to head the Staten Island whole process didn’t feel real
“I had a heart and connection tacked my optic nerves and I de- addition to her role as mother Children’s Museum, Rosenthal, until Tony Bennett walked onto
for women with cancer. I looked veloped optic neuritis,” Bonner and blogger, she is the director a Brooklyn native, took the op- the Stapleton stage.
at various areas to specialize said of her vision loss. “Thrust of accessibility services for City portunity to come back home. “He shook my hand and said
in and that’s where my calling into a much darker world, I went Access New York, an organiza- “I love living and working in ‘thank you for bringing me
was.” from the role of social work tion that assists individuals with this community,” the Randall here,’” Cugno said, detailing the
Before coming to Staten practitioner to the part of dis- developmental and sensory dis- Manor resident noted. “Staten legendary singer’s first perfor-
Island University Hospital, abled client in need of services.” abilities. She also is the director Island has this wonderful ‘small mance at the theater. “It was sim-
Coomer was a breast surgeon at Unemployed, newly disabled of education and outreach for town in a big city’ feel, and it’s ply surreal. After so many years
Mount Sinai Medical Center and and faced with the news that the IlluminArt Productions, a non- very easy to connect with the of hard work and perseverance,
Lenox Hill Hospital in New York disease had most likely robbed profit that utilizes the power of residents and families of this that was the moment when it all
City. At both hospitals, she estab- her of the opportunity of start- theater to help children develop borough.” came together for me.”
lished a clinical practice devoted ing a family, Bonner fell into a solutions for social problems. Under Rosenthal’s leadership, Fascinated by the local gem
to treating breast diseases of all deep depression. She recently finished writing a the museum has doubled in size for years, the trio launched a
kinds, both benign and malig- “I was 32, had two master’s children’s book on blind parent- – not only its physical footprint non-profit in 2004 to save the
nant. degrees and required someone ing. but also in the number of people theater, which had no electrical
Her time at SIUH has been to come to my house and teach “I think my mission in life is it serves and employs. power, no plumbing and water
spent building and promoting me how to make a grilled cheese to prove that anything can be “This has always been a place pouring through the ceilings.
the Florina Rusi Marke Compre- sandwich,” she said. “I was in done – it’s just about finding a for families with young children The orchestra seats, carpeting,
hensive Breast Center, an all-in- a really bad place, and despite way to adapt to the hardships to play and experience enrich- stage lighting and sound system
one care facility that opened in months of training in technol- that you’re given,” Bonner con- ment activities in a hands-on
2015. ogy, mobility and adult daily cluded. way,” she said. “And that contin- please see WOMEN, page 12
10 BUSINESS TRENDS – MARCH 2018
MARCH 2018 – BUSINESS TRENDS 11
12 BUSINESS TRENDS – MARCH 2018
O
ne of Valarie’s pleasures in life is to make people happy. She does this in Foundation’s Educator of Excel- semblyman Matthew Titone and
many ways, but specifically by creating memorable itineraries based on her lence Award, the Elija Chariot served as the president of the
clients’ preferences. In particular, she knows full well what honeymooners are Award and the Louis R. Miller Young Democrats Club before
looking for, and has assisted with many Destination Weddings and advises her clients Business Leadership Award. taking the position with On Your
how to pull it off successfully. While her main focus is on luxury travel, Valarie never “When I started working in Mark, serves on the board of the
turns a blind eye—she’ll help you whenever she can. this field, one out of every 2,500 Staten Island Business Outreach
children was diagnosed with au- Center and is also part of the
Scanning the globe, she keeps current by attending trade shows, webinars, but most tism; today the diagnosis is one Chamber of Commerce’s Young
importantly travels to those destinations which are of utmost interest. Valarie enjoys out of every 68,” Gerenser said. Professionals Group.
doing site inspections at the many all-inclusive resorts, those that are adult-only and “And while it is so unfortunate
those which are family-friendly. Why wouldn’t you want the personalized attention/
that the numbers have exploded
hand-holding that Valarie can provide? Don’t go it alone – call Valarie today!
like that and the number of chil- PROFESSIONALS
In addition to her many certifications, Valarie is Co-Director of the Staten Island Nacta dren needing services just keeps
Chapter, a published author, and winner of the Top 25 Travel Agents Nationwide in growing, it is so comforting to be VIENNA PROFETA
2012. She enjoys mentoring students and her hobbies include hosting events/parties,
V a l a r i e C o n t r i n o , C T A part of a community like Staten Senior Vice President
cooking and spending time with her family. Island that is so supportive and of Development, Eger Foundation
generous.”
“ C r e a t i n g M e m o r a b l e V a c a t i o n s S i n c e 2 0 0 1 ” teresa cirelli
More than 30 years ago, Vi-
enna Profeta began lobbying for
Director of Community Relations better hospice care.
and Fundraising, On Your Mark
Valarie has earned S p e c i a l i s t T i t l e s with Avalon River Cruises, Vegas, Disney, Sandals/Beaches, “After my father’s illness and
The best part of Teresa Cirel- passing, I was inspired to be-
Norwegian Cruise-Lines, Hawaiian Islands and Italy, to name a few.
li’s day comes when she slips out come involved with hospice,”
of her office and grabs a cup of Profeta said. “There were so
Ready to start planning YOUR vacation? coffee at the On Your Mark Café. many wonderful people who
Contact C o n t r i n o T r a v e l T o d a y a t 7 1 8 - 7 6 1 - 4 8 4 6 “If I’m having a stressful day cared for him as he reached
V a l a r i e @ c o n t r i n o t r a v e l | w w w . c o n t r i n o t r a v e l . c o m or just feel a little burnt out, I the end of his life, but I felt as
come here and see these guys though there should be more for
singing and dancing, working families who were going through
and loving life and it just re- such a sad and emotional time.”
charges me,” she said, speaking So Profeta, a longtime mar-
on her cell phone from a table keting exec with experience in
inside the Forest Avenue coffee
shop. “This place makes me feel please see WOMEN, page 13
MARCH 2018 – BUSINESS TRENDS 13
SPECIALIZING IN
MEN’S WORK CLOTHES
including outerwear,
footwear and accessories.
VOTED AS STATEN ISLAND’S “BEST MOM AND POP APPAREL STORE 2017-2018
MARCH 2018 – BUSINESS TRENDS 15
Number of residents
commuting to
Manhattan decreasing
is an expected growth in the
SIEDC
Continued from page 16
retail sector (5,000 jobs) due to
projects such as Empire Outlets,
Riverside Galleria, Amazon, the
Boulevard at New Dorp and the
median household income. Stat- Staten Island Mall expansion.
en Islanders also earn slightly • Between 45-50 percent of
more than New York State resi- residents now commute to Man-
dents on average, and the bor- hattan where the rate was once
ough boasts a nearly $25,000 edge easily more than 60 percent. A
over New York City as a whole. shift has been seen in the local
• Like most boroughs outside economy, with more residents
of Manhattan, Staten Island has working within the borough or
experienced relatively stable commuting in private vehicles to
employment since 2008. There New Jersey.
ATTENTION
2017 SIBOR Realtor of REAL ESTATE
the Year Recipient! AGENTS
Salmon Real Estate announced that Christine J. DeHart was recently recognized as the
2017 SIBOR Realtor of the Year Recipient. AND BROKERS
“I love what I do, and I know what I do matters to each client. Staten Island born and
raised and being the youngest of 6, I am deeply rooted in my community.” Being an ex-
You can be
emplary leader that knows how to deliver quality customer service to her clients every featured in
day, while embracing emerging business techniques, has made Christine J. DeHart a
role model for all aspiring real estate professionals. “As Realtor’s it is about clients that
the next issue!
have entrusted us to do the best job we can do every day.” Combine your
Her dad was a plumber, builder and owned property on Staten Island to which Christine real estate market
managed for many years. Real estate has always been her passion. She was a full-time knowledge with your
property manager for the family’s real estate holdings, and is now a licensed Associate product and appear
Broker at Salmon Real Estate.
in this column, or
The Christine is very community minded and family oriented and enjoys donating her time. showcase your listings
DeHart “One thing that I am extremely proud of is the work that I have done for North Shore or business card in
Hart Real Estate TeamRotary. As an acting past and present President of my Rotary Club, it allows me the
opportunity to assist and support my community.” Christine is also on the board of On
this section.
al Estate Team Your Mark and is very active in the Bowling Against Breast Cancer Campaign. In her Your g
in
spare time Christine plays golf, and most of all enjoys spending time with her family at RE Liste!
the Jersey Shore with her beloved Golden Retriever Finn. H e r
Staten Island, NY - Salmon Real Estate, The DeHart Real Estate Group provides up to
date information listing some of the borough’s best real estate that includes residential
and commercial properties.
We now offer all Real Estate and Purchases Wordwide.
Your ad
For all your Real Estate
needs contact
Christine J. DeHart
could be Salmon Real Estate
Associate Broker
here. The
DeHart
917.417.9450
For more information
to advertise, call Bonnie
646.481.4026 or email
Real Estate Team Bonnie@SiBiztrends.com
20 BUSINESS TRENDS – MARCH 2018
Steve White
6 Genesee Avenue
Special to Business Trends
Staten Island, NY 10308
Phone: 718.317.5025 Cell: 917.446.4029 Staten Arts Photography From left, Mark Rothenberg, director, New York Metro Area
SCORE, and Anthony DeFazio, immediate-past chairman of SCORE
Email: statenarts@aol.com www.statenartsphotography.com Staten Island, share the moment as Bart Sharp, a member of the
Island chapter, receives the district’s Mentor of the Year Award. In
addition to Staten Island, the district includes Dutchess, Orange,
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MARCH 2018 – BUSINESS TRENDS 21
22 BUSINESS TRENDS – MARCH 2018
Give Back
Soroptimist International improving lives of women for 63 years
By JESSICA JONES-GORMAN vidual and collective potential.” produces plays about substance
Business Trends Want to give back? The official mission of the abuse and bullying, educating
Soroptimist International of Staten Island holds meetings the first group’s advocacy work and on- students throughout the bor-
Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Li Greci’s Staaten. To the-ground projects is to ensure ough,” Cooper said. “We’ve also
When the Staten Island chap- become a member, complete the membership form online at www. women and girls have an equal supported an adult daycare pro-
ter of Soroptimist International soroptimistsi.org or obtain a form at any meeting. For more infor- voice in creating strong and gram that provides respite for
was founded in 1955, the group mation, email SIStatenIsland@Soroptimist.net. peaceful communities, now and caregivers of those with demen-
consisted of a handful of profes- in the future. Here on Staten Is- tia. We’ve funded programs with
sional women who were dedi- land, the group hosts nine busi- Emma’s Place and Camp Good
cated to improving the lives of of women and girls worldwide. ing to 15 clubs within five years, ness meetings each year and Grief, which offers a free camp
other women throughout the The name Soroptimist, which is with a growing concern for one major fundraiser – a Ruby for grieving children and teens
world. best interpreted as “the best for women in their communities. Award luncheon that is being and also participated in the
“In the beginning, there was women,” was coined from the “It just sort of spread through- hosted this year at the Vander- Warm Your Heart project, which
a limited membership – one Latin soror meaning sister, and out the country and soon the bilt on March 18. works on crocheting hats, gloves
woman from every profession optima meaning best. world,” Cooper said, noting So- “The funds we raise are used and scarves for the homeless.”
– one doctor, one lawyer, one ac- “Women weren’t allowed to roptimist International of Paris to support our major programs Staten Island Soroptimist also
countant and so on – who all had join Rotary clubs and other or- was founded in 1924, followed of service, which includes the supports larger initiatives, col-
to be recommended to the group ganizations, so this group, spear- by the creation of a Soroptimist Live Your Dream award,” Coo- lecting funds and supplies when
before joining, all with the com- headed by Violet Richardson, de- International Association in per said. disaster struck areas of Florida,
mon goal of improving the sta- cided to start their own,” Cooper 1928. Today, through its global “It is a financial award that Puerto Rico and Haiti.
tus of women,” noted Jayne Coo- said. network of four Federations and each club gives to a female head “Part of the philosophy of
per, president of the borough’s The California group’s first its dedicated volunteer member- of household who has returned this organization focuses on the
philanthropic group. “But project was to “Save the Red- ship of more than 75,000, the to college or a technical training fact that during disaster, women
through the years and decades, woods” – the great ancient trees group is driven by its mission program and is in need of finan- often recover more slowly,” Coo-
the group grew and flourished were being felled and the club of transforming lives through cial assistance.” per said.
and membership became open to lobbied the legislature, taking on education, empowerment and by Funds from the luncheon “They need assistance to help
women from all walks of life.” powerful lumber companies and enabling opportunities. also support the group’s Dream their children and families and
The borough branch was winning public support, which “Our local club has approxi- It, Be It mentoring program, that is what we aim to provide.
one of the many Soroptimist resulted in a major portion of mately 80 members,” Cooper which targets girls in second- While the bulk of our work is
offshoots that developed rap- the forest being set aside as pro- said. “We work with the Federa- ary school who face obstacles to done right here in our own com-
idly during that era. Founded in tected land that still exists today. tion of Americas, following their their future success. It provides munity, we do support women
Oakland, Calif., in 1921, the very Additional Soroptimist clubs standards, which are deeply girls with access to professional worldwide.”
first Soroptimist club sought to soon followed along the Pacific rooted in the vision that women role models, career education Cooper, a social worker who
bring about change to the lives and Atlantic coasts, amount- and girls will achieve their indi- and the resources to live their has been with the organization
dreams. for 23 years, joined the group
“Education is key for women because she felt its values were
in all areas of life, and the So- closely aligned with her own.
roptimist programs stress that,” “It’s an amazing group of
Cooper said. wonderful women,” she con-
The local chapter also collects cluded. “With my involvement in
and purchases items for victims Soroptimist, I have been able to
of domestic violence and sup- meet and help other women from
ports other non-profit organiza- all over the world who share my
tions and their work. same goals of care, compassion
“We helped obtain a grant for and concern. It is truly a life-
Illuminart, an organization that changing experience.”
Call: 718-727-1221
SCORE is the most recognized Email: info@scoresi.org
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MARCH 2018 – BUSINESS TRENDS 23
Reaching all of
STATEN ISLAND’S
Learn about many of our non-profits in our
to MISS
want • Are you a non profit looking to grow and
promote
A news-monthly yourtocause
dedicated to the
a discussion Staten
of the centralIsland
issues affecting Staten
Island’s economic health, quality of life and community leadership.
Community?
every m
October 3 ...................Corporate Event Planning
646.481.4026 | Bonnie@SiBizTrends.com
24 BUSINESS TRENDS – MARCH 2018
Groundhog Day
on the job
Katherine fitzgerald
Staten Island in industrial organizational psy- Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, in South Beach. In addition, It’s services in the fields of engi-
Chamber of Commerce chology with a focus on organi- Inc. Our Pleasure properties include neering design, planning and
zational behavior, magna cum Arirang Hibachi Steakhouses in urban design, and facilities con-
The Staten Island Chamber of laude in May. She received her tom savvides both New York and New Jersey, sulting services.
Commerce recently announced bachelor’s of science degree in Staten Island as well as The Grand Plaza in In her role as lead civil engi-
a new workforce development psychology and business man- Economic Development Corp. Staten Island. neer, Ryckman directs the engi-
and human resource service to agement at the College of Staten The Staten Island Economic Tranchina graduated with a neering team and is responsible
employers on Staten Island as Island with cum laude. She has Development Corp. recently bachelor’s of science degree in for overseeing all aspects of site/
a benefit to Chamber member a publication in the Journal for welcomed a new 2018 Business civil engineering from Princeton civil engineering design, draft-
businesses and organizations. Vocational Rehabilitation on em- Council member – Tom Savvides University. After several years ing, plan review and approval,
Employers can now have job ployment skills in individuals of Richmond County Country working in the construction and and coordination of technical
listings created and posted on with autism. Club. engineering field, Tranchina activities on civil and site design
various job search platforms; “I’m excited to expand and en- For more than a century, Rich- joined his brother Joe when Ari- projects of varying complexity.
screening and assessments of hance the Chamber’s programs mond County Country Club has rang Hibachi in Brooklyn was She is assigned to multiple coast-
potential candidates; and access by developing new relations and maintained its status as New formed in 1992. For the past 18 al protection and resiliency proj-
to a broader network of college analyzing market data. I plan to York City’s only private country years, he has worked in the hos- ects spanning the five boroughs
candidates. Small businesses use my academic and employ- club. pitality industry. as principal civil engineer and
and mom-and-pop stores make ment experience to create and It was organized on April 18, Tranchina has been a member project manager.
up 80 percent of the SI Chamber lead diverse programs to facili- 1888, and officially incorporated of the Board of Meals on Wheels
membership. These businesses tate the career development of in 1891. The majority of found- for the past eight years. He was mark intoccia
will particularly benefit from Staten Island residents,” Fitzger- ing members were members an ambassador for the SIEDC Staten Island
these new human resource tools ald said. of the Richmond County Hunt for four years before being pro- Economic Development Corp.
through increased support and Club, which had formed a year moted to cabinet member in 2009 The Staten Island Economic
assistance with the SI Cham- jessica kooris earlier in 1887. and then to the board of direc- Development Corp. recently wel-
ber’s human resource services. Equity Valuation Associates These founders wished to for- tors in 2011. comed Mark Intoccia of Mark’s
The SI Chamber also wel- Jessica Kooris is affiliating malize their organization and He acts as an assistant coach Bake Shoppe as a new Business
comed Katherine Fitzgerald as with Equity Valuation Associ- provide a place to partake in the for his son’s flag football team Council member.
its new talent and workforce de- ates for New York City Board of popular sports of the time. With- and is active in many fundrais- Intoccia took his first job in a
velopment specialist. She joined Standards and Appeals engage- in only a decade of opening its ing efforts on Staten Island. bakery at age 15. He worked side-
the Staten Island Chamber of ments, economic and market doors, RCCC established a dis- Tranchina is also on the board by-side with the lead baker and
Commerce in late December and analyses and other real estate tinguished reputation as a fine of directors of the Staten Island owner, watching and learning,
is motivated, energetic and pas- consulting assignments in all establishment for fox hunting, Chamber of Commerce and is a developing his sill set and culti-
sionate about helping business- five boroughs of New York City. lawn tennis and golf. member of the Brooklyn Cham- vating his craft.
es and institutions fulfill their Kooris brings to EVA an im- ber of Commerce as well. He went on to take classes in
workforce needs. Some of her pressive 10-year record as a real marcello sciarrino cake design at the International
job responsibilities will include estate project manager and has Staten Island igor yakovlev Culinary Center in New York
connecting employers to talent- collaborated on hundreds of fea- Economic Development Corp. Staten Island City. After much thought and
ed job seekers on Staten Island; sibility studies submitted to the The Staten Island Economic Economic Development Corp. consideration, Intoccia and his
providing employers with in- BSA. She will be working closely Development Corp. recently The Staten Island Economic wife Amanda decided to take a
formation related to human re- with Rebecca Pytosh on these as- welcomed Cabinet member Mar- Development Corp. welcomed a chance, sell their house and pur-
source policies, procedures and signments. cello Sciarrino of Island Auto new Business Council member sue his passion.
programs; overseeing the Cham- EVA is a full-service real es- Group. – Igor Yakovlev of Beezy Beez
ber Assist Online Job Board; and tate appraisal and consultant Serving drivers in Brooklyn, Honey. michele o’connell
acting as the employer liaison company doing assignments in Jersey City, Avenel, Long Island Beezy Beez Honey produces Staten Island
for Youth WINS, a multi-organi- all five boroughs of New York City, Union and Old Bridge, they some of the best raw honey from Economic Development Corp.
zational workforce partnership. City as well as Central New Jer- are a dealership group selling the New York and New Jersey The Staten Island Economic
Fitzgerald has extensive re- sey. hundreds of new vehicles rang- area. Development Corp. announced
search and workforce develop- ing from Chrysler Group to Their warehouse is located that Michele O’Connell of Con
ment experience. Before joining john polignone Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen and in Staten Island where they pro- Edison is its member for Febru-
the Chamber, she assessed per- Weichert Realtors beyond. duce, pack and bottle their raw, ary.
formance and trained more than – Appleseed Group local honey. O’Connell is vice president of
500 individuals for employment Weichert, Realtors – Apple- mark tranchina Staten Island and electric servic-
or school and tracks progress to seed Group recently announced Staten Island michelle ryckman es. She is responsible for the safe,
increase retention rates. She will John Polignone has joined its Economic Development Corp. Staten Island reliable and economic operation
work very closely with the com- Staten Island office. Polignone The Staten Island Economic Economic Development Corp. of the electric distribution sys-
munity to develop opportunities joins a dedicated team of knowl- Development Corp. announced The Staten Island Economic tem serving Staten Island; the
for Staten Island residents by edgeable agents at Weichert, Re- its member of the month for Development Corp. recently wel- centralized Meter & Test Organi-
focusing on labor market trends altors – Appleseed Group, who January was Mark Tranchina, comed Michelle Ryckman, presi- zation that installs, replaces and
and data. She will enhance con- bring many years of combined vice president of It’s Our Plea- dent and CEO of Insight Civil tests electric meters; the Electric
nections with local businesses to real estate expertise to their cli- sure Hospitality Group. Engineering, as a new Business Meter Shop that supports the 3.5
expand job opportunities and as- ents. It’s Our Pleasure proper- Council member. million electric meters; and the
sist with recruitment and train- Weichert, Realtors – Apple- ties include The Grand Oaks Insight is a certified women- Astoria Transformer Shop that
ing needs. seed Group, located at 2043 Rich- Country Club, The Vanderbilt owned business enterprise com- refurbishes underground distri-
Fitzgerald is graduating with mond Ave., is an independently at South Beach, South Fin Grill, mitted to providing comprehen- butions transformers and net-
her master’s of science degree owned and operated affiliate of Deck Blu and Boardwalk Café sive technical and professional work protectors.
26 BUSINESS TRENDS – MARCH 2018
Weekly meetings
Community Emergency
EVENTS
Continued from page 4
Response Team (CERT): 7 p.m.
Call John Tidona at 448-7160 or
portrichcert@yahoo.com.