Professional boxing is coming to Staten Island this month. The North Shore of Staten Island might look dramatically different in 20 years. A new city plan says it will create quality jobs and reconnect people with the waterfront.
Professional boxing is coming to Staten Island this month. The North Shore of Staten Island might look dramatically different in 20 years. A new city plan says it will create quality jobs and reconnect people with the waterfront.
Professional boxing is coming to Staten Island this month. The North Shore of Staten Island might look dramatically different in 20 years. A new city plan says it will create quality jobs and reconnect people with the waterfront.
of new tax laws for 2011. PAGE 6 JANUARY 2012 BITS & BYTES The best technology of 2011. PAGE 27 COACHS CORNER Youre already accountable. PAGE 2 FROM THE CHAMBER Make positive resolutions this year. PAGE 7 www.sibiztrends.com STEVE WHITE/Business Trends Professional boxing is coming to Staten Island this month, with an evening of pugilism at the Hilton Garden Inn that includes bouts featuring Staten Island lightweight Nicky Lil Nicky DeMarco (3-2, 2 KOs), as well as Staten Island super middleweight Tim ONeill (9-2-3, 5 KOs). Pictured at a press conference announcing the event are, from left, boxers Jorge Diaz, DeMarco and Mikey Faragon, and boxing promoters Gregg Cohen and Sal Musumeci. And in this corner... P u b l i s h e d b y E l a u wi t Me d i a P r e - s o r t e d S t a n d a r d U S P o s t a g e P A I D W i l k e s - B a r r e , P A P e r m i t 9 0 By TIM RONALDSON Business Trends If all goes as planned, the North Shore of Staten Island might look dramatically different in 20 years than it does now. Last month, the Department of City Planning and city Economic Development Corporation re- leased North Shore 2030, a plan that officials say will create quali- ty jobs, reconnect people with the working waterfront through in- creased public access, strengthen existing neighborhoods by sup- porting and creating neighbor- hood centers, and improve mobil- ity for residents and businesses. Through both short-term ac- tions and long-term planning, this report represents an impor- tant step forward in shaping fu- ture public and private invest- ment along Staten Islands North Shore, EDC President Seth W. Pinsky said at the announcement press conference. Our 20 year vi- sion begins today, with projects underway from St. George to Mariners Harbor which will lead to good jobs, increased economic investment, and additional public open space for the residents of Staten Island. The North Shore is twice as dense as the rest of Staten Island, home to 179,000 residents. The maritime industry has tradition- ally fueled the area and shaped its EDC, City Planning outline 20-year plan to revitalize Islands North Shore please see REPORT, page 26 A plan for the North Shore By TIM RONALDSON Business Trends James Molinaro is in full-fledged prep mode. As he is about to enter the second half of his third and final term as Staten Islands borough president, Molinaro wants to make sure that, before he leaves office, some long- discussed projects are off the ground for the next leader. He has a strong outlook for the borough in general and thinks Staten Island could be primed for a banner year in 2012. I think there are some great opportuni- ties for Staten Island. I am very optimistic, he said. I think the economy is better, in a sense. And theres a number of things that are just hanging up there by a little push to come over the finish line. Molinaros wish list for the remainder of his term focuses on three areas: alleviating traffic, building community, and improving the overall quality of life for Island residents. Prez optimistic for borough please see OUTLOOK, page 13 With two years left in office, James Molinaro has a bright outlook for the Island By BILLY SPARKLE Each one of us is already being held accountable in the different areas of our life. We may not know it, and we may not like it, but we all have what I like to call Accountability Partners. Some of those APs can be rather harsh. And the opportunity is to recog- nize these harsh Accountability Partners and upgrade to more gentle, loving and nurturing APs. When we arent present to what is holding us accountable, it could look like we dont have any- thing holding us accountable. But that simply isnt true. Heres an example that illus- trates this point. The bills that get mailed to me each month hold me accountable to the various com- panies I receive services from. If I dont pay attention to these APs by sending in my payments, what usually follows are second and third notices. If I dont pay attention to the second and third notices, what generally follows are threat let- ters (were going to close your service down, or turn off your benefit, etc.). And if I dont pay at- tention to those Accountability Partners , my services get discon- tinued and then I receive some new APs like bill collectors and lawyers. All of these things these APs - are in my life for one specific pur- pose to hold me accountable to the simple agreements Ive made with my service providers. I call these the default APs. If I dont set up my own APs, these are the defaults that hold me ac- countable. What Ive noticed is that the de- fault APs work just fine although they may be a lot harsher than the ones I could set up for myself. Lets look at the area of health. The default APs that show up there are pain, warnings from a doctor, or general lethargy and exhaustion. These APs do hold us accountable they alert us to do something healthy for ourselves. But wouldnt it be better if we cre- ated more nurturing and loving Accountability Partners? What if we created a written meal plan, hired a personal trainer and put scheduled exercise sessions in our calendars? What if we al- lowed those APs to keep us on track? Surely that would be more useful than waiting for the pain or warning of a doctor. Now going back to my earlier example, what are some APs I could set up for myself ? Thats simple. I could create a budget or a spending plan and put every- thing in there that I am planning to spend for the month. Then dur- ing the first week of the month I could go on line and pay the amounts of money that Ive al- ready set aside to appreciate my cell phone company, and my elec- tric company and my mortgage holder, etc. And I dont even have to wait until these bills come in the mail. I could simply go online and pay the bills automatically. I could 2 BUSINESS TRENDS JANUARY 2012 Four Story, 16,000+ square foot development opportunity. Excellent site for condominium, community facility or investment property. Building to be built into hillside with proposed views of the harbor and underground parking garage. Minutes to S.I. Ferry Terminal, shopping and transportation. Asking $799,000. Westerleigh -- 4,500 square foot Commercial building with ample parking on Jewett Avenue for sale or lease. Building is currently a turn key, 206 person restaurant with bar and kitchen. Sale includes an all- brick, fully-detached two family home that is contiguous with the commercial property. 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Silberstein Memorial Award for his extraordinary service to and ad- vocacy for children with special needs, by the Staten Island Mental Health Society. A nationally recognized and pioneering developmen- tal pediatrician, Mevs is the medical director of the SIMHSs Eliza- beth W. Pouch Center for Special People. Pictured is SIMHS Presi- dent/CEO Dr. Kenneth Popler (left) presenting the award to Mevs. Honoring Dr. Clifford A. Mevs Special to Business Trends VizzaV Events presented its Red Carpet Dance School Awards at the College of Staten Island with a show that entertained and highlighted the contributions of dance studio owners and their positive effect on the youth of Staten Island. A portion of the proceeds was donated to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital and The Actors Fund. Pic- tured, from left, are VizzaV staff members Donna Savino, Joan Jeanne Lamberti and Angela Marie Franco. Red Carpet Dance School Awards Fully Licensed and Insured Lic # 1744 B.P.I. 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Chief Executive RUSSELL CANN Chairman of the Board MICHAEL LaCOUNT, Ph.D. Vice Chairman BARRY RUBENS Chief Financial Officer Business Trends is mailed each month to the business and community leaders of Staten Island. If you would like to receive the paper, but are not currently on our mailing list, you can request to be added to the mailing list by e-mailing your name, title, company, address, phone, fax and email address to janet@sibiztrends.com. To submit a news release, please email news@sibiztrends.com. For advertising information, call 347-682-4867 or email janet@sibiztrends.com. SPEAK UP Business Trends welcomes letters from readers. We look for letters that are 300 words or fewer. Be sure to include your name and phone number with your letter. We do not print anonymous letters. Send letters to news@sibiztrends.com, or 66 Willow Ave., Staten Island, NY 10305. Business Trends reserves the right to reprint your letter in any medium including electronically. in our opinion In 2012, I resolve to... Work out, be nicer, make more money...and vote, come November T he new year is here, and, with it comes a fresh outlook, a rea- son for hope. January 1 at 12 a.m. is the one time each year when everyone can push the re-set button at least theoretically and start anew. We promise ourselves that well get back to the gym (maybe we can stick to that one past March this year?), sleep more and live an overall healthi- er lifestyle. We resolve to be nicer to people, to donate more to charity and to be an overall better human being. We set goals to make more money, spend less money, and to care less about money. All of these are noble goals and worth doing, but they make the list every year, without fail, for just about every human being. In other words, the new year begins with these things in mind every year. So how can we make 2012 different? What can we do make the new year more than just a symbolic flipping of a calendar, a turning of a new leaf, a starting over? Lucky for us (especially us extra lazy folks), 2012 bring us a presidential election, with President Barack Obama running against a yet-undecid- ed candidate, or candidates. Four years ago, Obama was elected on the notion that our country needed a change. Has he brought about that change, in your mind? If he hasnt, does he deserve another four years to do so? Would someone else be better in that role? Those are the questions that will be posed to everyone 18 and older come November. But not everyone will heed that call and answer that question in fact, most voters in this country wont let their voice be heard. Its quite a shame. People in other countries would kill, quite literally, for the opportunity to participate in a democratic government. If theres one thing we should all re- solve to do in 2012, it should be to vote in the presidential election come No- vember. And then, from there, who knows maybe we can all start voting in local and mid-term elections, too! One step at a time, we guess. in your opinion By JOHN J. VENTO President Obama signed the Three Per- cent Withholding Repeal and Job Creation Act on Nov. 21. The law repeals a previous law that would have required 3% withhold- ing from payments more than $10,000 made to government contractors. The cost of re- pealing the withholding tax will be offset by changing the eligibility requirements for certain healthcare credits. The withholding repeal law was amend- ed in the Senate to add the Vow to Hire He- roes Act, which provides incentives for em- ployers to hire military veterans. The law creates the Returning Heroes Tax Credit and the Wounded Warriors Tax Credit. Under this new law, employers may qualify for a Returning Heroes Tax Cred- it of up to $5,600 for hiring a veteran who has been looking for work for more than six months. A credit of up to $2,400 may be available for hiring a veteran who has been unemployed for more than four weeks, but less than six months. The Wounded Warriors Tax Credit provides a credit of up to $9,600 to employ- ers who hire an unemployed veteran with service-related disabilities who has been looking for work for more than six months. These tax credits for hiring qualified veterans apply to individuals who begin work after Nov. 21 through Dec. 31, 2012. Employers who hire veterans who do not qualify for the two credits created by this latest piece of legislation may be eligi- ble for a tax credit under the Work Oppor- tunity Tax Credit, an already existing tax credit for hiring individuals from certain targeted groups including veterans. John J. Vento is a certified public accountant in private practice and president of Compre- hensive Wealth Management, Ltd. He may be reached at (718) 980-9000 or via email at john@ventocpa.com. The effects of new tax law Time Warner Cable goes mobile Time Warner Cable announced it has launched its TWC TV app for Android smartphones, which is a free app enabling Digital TV subscribers to search for pro- gram listings, browse TV schedules, con- trol their set top boxes, program their DVR, and more, from their smartphone. The Android smartphone app follows on the recent launch of the TWC TV app for Android tablet devices. The smartphone and tablet app have the same functionali- ties. Customers can download TWC TV 1.0 from the Android Market, launch it, log in and scroll through the interactive program guide to select preferred programming, or tap the search icon to find shows by title. For more information, visit the Web site www.twcableuntangled.com. By TOM SCARANGELLO As each January first rolls around, it gives me a sense of re- newal. A chance at a fresh start. A new slate. We can put in the past all our failures and look to the fu- ture with a hope that this year will be different! Did you know that people who make resolutions are 100 percent more likely to accomplish them than those who dont? I know what you are thinking; How can people who dont make resolu- tions accomplish them? Exactly! You aint as dumb as you look. Of course, we see many of the same resolutions each year. To lose weight, to stop smoking, to stop cursing, to drink less, to not be late, to stop picking our nose and wiping it on the little rug under the car driver seat, etc., etc. It seems we are always trying to stop things, and what kind of goals are those? Negative ones! Why dont we try something dif- ferent this year? Lets make some positive goals. Lets not try to eat less and lose weight, lets try to eat more often and just make smaller portions, thereby speeding up our metabo- lism and actually settling at our ideal weight. At the same time, lets vow to do some physical ac- tivity three times a week this year. Do you know that if you walked three times a week for 20 minutes each day that you could be 312 miles from your house by next Christmas? Think how much you would save on presents! Lets not stop smoking, lets switch to a Hooka pipe. You will make new friends, save thou- sands of dollars and avoid the Surgeon Generals cancer warn- ings. Admit it, whenever you see someone smoking a Hooka pipe, you think to yourself they have it all figured out. They have reached some deep epiphany that allows them to be seen blowing prickly pear flavored smoke into the night air and not caring that they look like someone from another planet. On second thought, stop smoking and donate the money saved to the charity of your choice. You will feel so much bet- ter for so many reasons. Instead of stopping cursing, curse in another language. This way people wont know you are calling them a smelly part of ones anatomy and may even think you are complimenting them in a cosmopolitan way. You will look much smarter, too, and, they will feel better about them- selves and crave Mediterranean food and not know why. Everyone will be happier, and after all isnt that your real goal in life anyway? Dont be late less, be more early. When you have a three oclock ap- pointment, show up at 2:48. Then berate the people who come after JANUARY 2012 BUSINESS TRENDS 7 Its time for renewal FROM THE CHAMBER please see CHAMBER, page 12 JANUARY 2012 BUSINESS TRENDS 9 even use my calendar as an AP and set little reminders for myself that say, pay all your bills on the 7th of the month. These are much softer, gentle and nurturing Accountability Partners than the lawyers and the bill collectors and those sec- ond and third notice shut down letters. When I stopped working as an employee and started my own business, I no longer had the built-in Accountability Partners that come with a job like bosses, co-workers and handed-down as- signments. I soon got introduced to some of the default APs that come with entrepreneurship the un- paid bills and an upset landlord. Well, I couldnt take much of that so I quickly hired a coach, created a daily phone call with a friend who was also starting a business and joined a networking group that met once a week. Aided by my newly created Ac- countability Partners I was soon on my way to having a thriving and prosperous business. So the key here is to begin real- izing that we already have Ac- countability Partners and some of them arent quite as loving or empowering as they could be. If we want to give ourselves a better quality of life, a simple way to accomplish that is to up- grade our Accountability Part- ners. Does that make sense? Youre already accountable. You dont have any say over that. What you do have a say over is how nurturing and supportive your Accountability Partners will be. If you want to enjoy a more prosperous business, then per- haps its time you gifted yourself with a higher quality set of Ac- countability Partners. Coach Billy works with highly com- mitted men & women to produce un- precedented results in their busi- nesses and their lives. Learn more at www.billysparkle.com or contact Billy directly via e-mail at billy@billysparkle.com. Youre already accountable COACH Continued from page 2 Drop us a line Email: news@sibiztrends.com Mail: Business Trends, 66 Willow Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305 10 BUSINESS TRENDS JANUARY 2012 Members are fully licensed and insured. When you hire a NARI-HIC member, you can be sure they have undergone a rigorous screening process that confirms their stability and record of providing the absolute best in service. To choose a contractor with confidence, visit www.hicofsi.org or call (718) 356-2323 ATTENTION: Contractors and Affiliated Businesses -- Enhance Your Reputation Join NARI-HIC of Staten Island PLUS - Meet monthly for networking, benefit from group advertising, and more JOIN NARI- HIC! NARI-HIC of Staten Island is a non-profit Trade Association that promotes - professionalism - quality workmanship - customer satisfaction in the Home Improvement/Remodeling Industry S T A T E N I S L A N D C H A P T E R BLINDS OF ALL KINDS Repairs Sales Installations Decor-Rite 151 Industrial Loop 718- 967-5559 917- 952-7489 18 years Sam e Location Free Divorce Workshop Sat. Jan. 21 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 34 Dumont Avenue Staten IsIand, NY (Grasmere) All your questions about Divorce answered by attorney William J. 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a d JANET DUGO/Business Trends Time Warner Cable held a grand opening event for its new store on Richmond Avenue. Its the companys first store in New York to feature its new retail concept providing customers with an enhanced hands-on experience to sample and learn about TWCs suite of TV, Internet and digital phone products and servic- es. As part of the celebration of the new store opening, Time Warner Cable will donate up to $10,000 to the Staten Island Childrens Campaign by pledging $1 for each person who visited the store over its first few weeks in operation. Pictured doing the honors during a ribbon-cutting ceremony are, from left, Jim Netska of Time Warner Cable, Jay Anderson of the SI Economic Development Corp., Borough President James Molinaro, Donna Long of the SI Childrens Campaign, John Quiqley of Time Warner Cable, SI Chamber of Commerce President Linda Baran, former NY Giant footballer Dhani Jones and Chris Van Name of Time Warner Cable. Cutting the ribbon on a new store 12 BUSINESS TRENDS JANUARY 2012 OPEN HOUSE January 12th, 19th and 26th 9:00am to 10:30am NOTRE DAME ACADEMY Early Childhood and Elementary School Pre-K through 8th Grade 78 Howard Ave Grymes Hill Staten Island, NY www.notredameacademy.org (718) 447-8878 Ext. 307 Become a DOME SAVINGS CLUB VENDOR and reach thousands of potential customers! For more information, call (718) 605-2500 www.domegroup.com Dome Property Management - managers of over 100 condo and homeowners association communities - is now accepting vendors and merchants to participate in the Dome Savings Club, an "offer board" of discounted services and products for the communities it serves. Join national companies like Time Warner Cable, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and local businesses like Jealan Fireplaces and The Pool Therapist. To learn more, visit the Offer Board at www.DomeGroup.com/dscOffers. you. Matter of fact, you could even just make a rule that every- one is late if they arrive after you at any meeting you attend. Come to think of it, then, wouldnt it be true that you could never actually be late, only those who arrive after you would be? And when you think about it, if you did come late, then all those who ar- rived before you would technical- ly be on time. It would almost be a service to others to show up at 3:20 since you would save all the 3:00 to 3:19 arrivers from being late. Not only will you be on time, you will make everyone else more on time. You, my friend, are a great humanitarian. You are on your own with the nose picking problem because I dont pick my nose. I would but I only have two hands. Drinking less is a questionable goal. First, theres the real threat of dehydration. Then theres that study that showed that a glass of red wine each day makes your heart healthier. Then there are the horrible ef- fects this could have on the econo- my. You do not want the unem- ployment of hundreds of dedicat- ed bartenders, waitresses and al- cohol salesmen on your con- science. It gives me the shivers just to think about it. Oh wait that might be the DTs. Uh-oh. I hope its not too late; I must go now and save the economy. If you would like to help let me know and will meet you there! Tom Scarangello, a principal with Scaran Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing, is chair of the Small Busi- ness Committee of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. Make positive resolutions CHAMBER Continued from page 1 Legend Award open to students Legend Business Group is working with COAHSI (The Council on the Arts & Humani- ties for Staten Island) to provide Staten Island high school stu- dents interested in visual art the opportunity to apply for a cash award and exhibit. The Legend Award for High School Artists is open to Staten Is- land students in grades nine through 12. Eligible students interested in the award should submit an appli- cation and work sample to Moni- ca Valenzuela at the COAHSI of- fice by Feb. 1. The application can be found at www.statenislandarts.org. Five fi- nalists will be selected to exhibit their work at the Legend Busi- ness Group Showroom. One finalist will be selected to win the First-Place grand prize of $500. The runner up will receive $250, and the second runner-up will receive $100. The awards will be announced at a public ceremo- ny in April. For more information email mvalenzuela@statenislandarts.org or call (718) 447-3329 ext. 1004. JANUARY 2012 BUSINESS TRENDS 13 39 Victory Boulevard 347-466-5699 1854 Hylan Boulevard 718-667-3636 Offer valid on select products. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Offer code must be used when placing the order. Offer expires 1/31/12. Code: sibt1138 Save $ 4 on your next arrangement or box order. Visit one oI our area locations today! Fast Service Fleet Accounts Flat Rate Serving Staten Island For Over 30 Years Call Phil Your Personal Service Advisor Foreign & Domestic Automatic & Standard Cars, Trucks & Vans Free Towing 718-667-5800 2018 Hylan Blvd Staten Island, NY 10306 www.gibraltartransmissions.com State-Of-The-Art Computer Diagnostics DOUBLE TRANSMISSION WARRANTY With This Ad GIBRALTAR TRANSMISSIONS Like many others, the borough president believes that traffic is Staten Islands biggest problem. With little to no public trans- portation options, especially on the weekends, residents are forced to hop in their car if they want to leave their house. About 18 percent of all registered vehi- cles in New York City are in Stat- en Island, even though the bor- ough accounts for only about 5 percent of the citys population. Every new home that gets built also adds 2.5 cars to the road on average, Molinaro said. Studies are currently being conducted to improve the bor- oughs poor bus service, but in the meantime, Molinaro is work- ing to modernize Staten Islands roadways with the use of smart lights. The first use of such tech- nology was installed recently at the College of Staten Island, and results have already shown an im- provement of traffic traveling eastbound of 17 percent and west- bound of 14 percent. Right now, the light directs the traffic. What Im trying to in- stitute is when the traffic directs the light, Molinaro said. Adding to the overburdened roadways is the fact that Staten Island lacks true downtown com- munities, or walkable places for people to congregate, he said. As such, some of the projects the borough president is most en- couraged by, and focused on help- ing, are a proposed apartment and hotel complex at the former Coast Guard base adjacent to the Ferry Terminal; The Pointe, a luxury condominium complex with waterfront and bridge views; and a renewal of interest in the Stapleton community, which will be fueled by the con- struction of the Homeport proj- ect. My intention was always to make St. George Battery Park City West to make it a self-sus- taining community, Molinaro said. I think everyone is con- vinced that we should do that in St. George. While not all of these projects are approved and ready to go the Economic Development Council still needs to sign off on the Coast Guard base project, which has been in the works for seven years Molinaro is optimistic that they can at least get off the ground before he leaves office. I like to look at the glass as being half full, he said. Im very hopeful. I think we can get a lot done in the next two years. Molinaro said he would like to spend his remaining time in of- fice continuing to focus on the overall quality of life in Staten Is- land, including an area he is espe- cially proud of the boroughs dedication to preserving park- land. Roughly one-third of Staten Island is permanently protected from development. In total, 13,000 acres of the Island are dedicated to parks, with more likely on the way in the near future. (Staten Island) is a wonderful place to live, a wonderful place to raise your children, and a won- derful place to be so close to the greatest city in the world, Moli- naro said. I think we have a great borough. We have the most giving people that Ive ever seen. Whenever there is a need, they re- spond. Whenever you call upon the people of Staten Islandthey respond. Thats something that makes my job so much easier. Prez optimistic for Island OUTLOOK Continued from page 1 Students benefit from CSI Celestial Ball College of Staten Island stu- dents were the beneficiaries when the Third Annual CSI Ce- lestial Ball succeeded in raising more than $500,000 for student scholarships and support. A diverse group of nearly 250 people, comprising community and business leaders, students, faculty, staff, friends of the col- lege, and honorees and their fami- ly members, attended the event at the Richmond County Country Club. CSI President Toms D. Morales presented the Presidents Medal, with the assistance of Provost and Senior Vice Presi- dent for Academic Affairs William Fritz, to the Ball hon- orees who were Denis Hughes (Hon. 11), president of the New York State AFL-CIO; Dr. Mary ODonnell, associate professor and chair of the Department of Nursing; and Rose Volpe, commu- nity activist, founder of the Friends of CSI, and widow of Ed- mond L. Volpe, the first president of the College of Staten Island. Grants, incentives available to buy a home Now just may be the best time in years to buy a house. North- field Community LDC reports there are a variety of grants and incentives available to buyers seeking homeownership in Stat- en Island, making home owner- ship an even more attractive al- ternative to renting. The typical rent on a three-bed- room apartment in a two-family house is $1,500 to $1,700 or more per month. Monthly mortgage payments for the average buyer with a mortgage of $260,000 to $330,000 will range from $1,700 to $2,100. With available government grants and incentives from mort- gage lenders (including reduced closing costs), this monthly hous- ing cost can be as little as $1,300. Government grants that are available include New York Citys Department of Housing Preser- vation and Developments 6 per- cent grant for those earning at or below 80 percent of the area me- dian income. A family of four earning $65,000 qualifies for this grant. There are also a number of bank products available to assist with the purchase of a home in- cluding: 203K mortgages that allow you to combine the pur- chase price of a home with the es- timated cost of any renovation into one mortgage; and SONY- MAs Remodel New York loan that provides below-market interest rates to qualified homebuyers for the purchase and renovation of homes in need of repair. 14 BUSINESS TRENDS JANUARY 2012 www.netpayny.com Providing the best service at the best price, 100% guaranteed The affordable alternative to national payroll companies. 2381 Hylan Blvd. (718) 980-0770 Monthly Update please see BRIEFS, page 15 Drop us a line Business Trends welcomes news and photo submissions. Email: news@sibiztrends.com Phone: 347-682-4867 Mail: 66 Willow Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305 Northfield Community LDC provides services at no charge to assist homebuyers in accessing these programs. For more info., call (718) 442-7351, ext. 227. VETS program to thank veterans for service New York State Assembly Member Michael Cusick and the Chamber of Commerce have col- laborated on a new initiative, called the VETS program, to thank Staten Island veterans for their service. Veterans will be given an identification card that, when presented at a participating business, will enable them to re- ceive a pre-determined discount on goods or services. Businesses wishing to offer a discount will receive a decal iden- tifying them as a participant. Ad- ditionally, each business will be listed on the websites of both Cu- sick and the Chamber for the du- ration of their participation. Those who decide the program is not right for their business can drop out at any time. For more in- formation or to register your business, call the Chamber at (718) 727-1900. Eden II Programs receives $30,000 grant Eden II Programs received a $30,000 grant from The Brooklyn Home for Aged Men to help pro- vide improved services to adults with autism. This award will allow a companion to stay with the programs participants dur- ing hospital-based care to ensure that they are well attended to, and serve as advocates when hospital- ization is necessary. Also under the grant, Eden II will provide specialized instruction and fit- ness equipment for the adults they serve, enabling them to maintaining the best possible health. Eden II Programs has pro- vided services to children and adults with autism since 1976. Serving more than 500 partici- pants yearly in ages ranging from 3 to 60, Eden II offers a wide range of specialized, community-based programs and other opportuni- ties. Project Christmas delivers 1,800 gifts Celebrating its seventh year, JANUARY 2012 BUSINESS TRENDS 15 Agent Funding & Abstract, LLC dba Mortgage Tech Home Finance Registered Mortgage Broker - NYS Banking Department All Mortgage loans arranged with third-party providers. CORRESPONDENT MORTGAGE BANKER LICENSED BY NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF BANKING AND INSURANCE 3e|t cmp|oyeo Borrower |rogroms |urohose or |et|nonoe Lo|| tor oeto||s 71B2265300 4459 ^mboy |ooo, 3u|te 1, 3toten |s|ono, NY 10312 www.Mortgoge1eoh.net cmo||. |ntoJMortgoge1eoh.n et Monthly Update BRIEFS Continued from page 14 please see BRIEFS, page 17 Drop us a line Business Trends welcomes news and photo submissions. Email: news@sibiztrends.com Phone: 347-682-4867 Mail: 66 Willow Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305 MONDAY Kiwanis Club of Richmond Co.: LaFontana Restaurant, 2879 Amboy Rd. 7 p.m. For info, call 718-420- 1966. College of S.I., Small Bus. Dev. Ctr. Business Counseling: CSI, 2800 Victory Blvd. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. No charge. For info, call the SBDC at 718-982-2560. TUESDAY Direct120.com, Ultimate Think Tank: Lorenzos, 1100 South Ave. For info, visit www.direct120.com. Kiwanis Club of South Shore: LaFontana, 2879 Amboy Rd. 7:30 p.m. For info, call 718-370-2770. Score Business Counseling: S.I. Bank & Trust, 1550 Richmond Rd. 9 a.m. to noon. No appointment nec- essary. No charge. For info, call 718- 727-1221. Business Guild I of the S.I. Cham- ber of Commerce: Hilton Garden Inn, 1100 South Ave. 7:45 a.m. Mem- bers and invited guests only. For info, call Jeff Tieger at 718-698- 1055. Business Network Intl. (BNI) Net- work Alliance Chapter: Z-One Lounge, 1821 Richmond Ave. 7 to 8:30 a.m. For info, call Timothy Houston at 718-981-8600. Rotary Club Staten Island: LiGre- cis Staten, 697 Forest Ave. 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Members and guests wel- come. For info, call 718-370-3140. College of S.I., Small Bus. Dev. Ctr. Business Counseling: Chamber of Commerce, 130 Bay St. 9 a.m. No charge. For info, call the SBDC at 718-982-2560. College of S.I., Small Bus. Dev. Ctr. Business Counseling: CSI, 2800 Victory Blvd. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. No charge. For info, call the SBDC at 718-982-2560. WEDNESDAY Staten Island Business Council: Lorenzos at Hilton Garden Inn, 1100 South Ave. 7 a.m. Members and invited guests only. For info, call 347- 855-4488 or send an e-mail to info@sibizcouncil.com. Bucks Business Network: Hamp- ton Inn, 1415 Richmond Ave. 7:30 a.m. For info, call 877-SIBUCKS or visit www.sibucks.com. Kiwanis Club of Brighton: Jodys Club Forest, 372 Forest Ave. 7:30 p.m. For info, call 718-348-0505. Kiwanis Club of North Central: LiGrecis Staten, 697 Forest Ave. 7:30 p.m. For info, call Len Bosso at 347-592-1937. Rotary Club of Gateway: The Lake Club, 1150 Clove Rd. 7:15 p.m. For info, call 718-447-1509. Score Business Counseling: Cham- ber of Commerce, 130 Bay St. 9 to 11:30 a.m. Appointment necessary. No charge. For info, call 718-727-1221. E.L.I.T.E. (Executive, Leadership, Interactive, Team, Effort) Net- working Group: 1110 South Ave. 8 a.m. New members welcome. For info, call 347-273-1375. College of S.I., Small Bus. Dev. Ctr. Business Counseling: CSI, 2800 Victory Blvd. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For info, call 718-982-2560. THURSDAY Kiwanis Club of Staten Island: LiGrecis Staten, 697 Forest Ave. 7:30 p.m. For info, call 718-967-4345 or go to kiwanisclubofstatenisland.com. Rotary Club of South Shore: Mari- na Grand, 141 Mansion Ave. 12:15 p.m. For info, call 718-987-2061 or visit southshorerotary.org. Rotary Club Mid-Island: New Dako- ta Diner, 921 Richmond Ave. 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. For info, call 718-981- 0700. Score Business Counseling: SI Bank & Trust, 1550 Richmond Rd. 9 a.m. to noon. No appointment nec- essary. No charge. For info, call 718- 727-1221. Rotary Club of North Shore: LiGre- cis Staten, 697 Forest Ave. 7 p.m. For info, call Herb Smith at 718-442- 9047. Business Network Intl. (BNI) High Achievers Chapter: Perkins Restau- rant, 4370 Amboy Rd. 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. For info, call Timothy Houston at 718-981-8600. Business Network Intl. (BNI) High Achievers Chapter: Perkins, 4370 Amboy Road. 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. For info, call Timothy Houston at 718- 981-8600. Business Guild II of the S.I. Cham- ber of Commerce: Hilton Garden Inn, 1100 South Ave. 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. Members and invited guests only. For info, call Bob Williams at 718-356-1952. Business Guild III of the SI Cham- ber of Commerce: Hilton Garden Inn, 1100 South Ave. 7:30 a.m. New members welcome. Call Melody Minkoff at 718-370-0040. College of S.I., Small Bus. Dev. Ctr. Business Counseling: CSI, 2800 Victory Blvd. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For info, call 718-982-2560. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT): 7 p.m. For info. and locations, call John Tidona at 718- 448-7160 or e-mail portrichcert@yahoo.com. SATURDAY Score Business Counseling: St. George Library, 5 Central Ave. 10 a.m. to noon. Appointment neces- sary. No charge. For info, call 718- 442-8560. Score Business Counseling: Rich- mondtown Library, 200 Clarke Ave. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Appointment neces- sary. For info, call 718-668-0413. 16 BUSINESS TRENDS JANUARY 2012 718.351.0590 1361 North Railroad Ave www.esbna.com Member FDIC Jeanne Sarno 347.592.1938 EMPIRE STATE BANK HAS THE RIGHT SOLUTION FOR COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE AND MULTI-FAMILY LENDING RATES ARE AT AN ALL TIME LOW NOW WITH OPTIONAL CLOSING COST CREDIT OF UP TO 1.0% OF LOAN AMOUNT * Commercial Real Estate Mixed Use Properties Multi-Family Fixed and Adjustable Rate Programs Up to 25-year Amortization Personal Loan Officer Local and Fast Decision Making Owner-Occupied Properties Investment Properties* SBA Lending Specialist* *Optional Closing Cost Credit not available for SBA loans and Investment Properties. Optional Closing Cost Credit offer can be withdrawn at any time. Our local staff of seasoned professionals understands just how important it is to give you the loan thats right for you. So whether you are looking to purchase or refinance a property, Empire has the solution to get it done Fast and Easy. WEEKLY MEETINGS Drop us a line Email: news@sibiztrends.com Mail: Business Trends, 66 Willow Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305 Project Christmas brought to- gether New Yorkers who hail from different faiths but cherish the holiday season and good works. Together, the group deliv- ered more than 1,800 gifts to Title I kindergarten children across the city. In addition, another 900 holiday gifts went to children at a homeless shelter and hospital. Staten Islander Frank Petruzzi of Richmond Tours, along with Mike Pacheco Jr., teacher Hany Rashid, firefighter Joseph Perk and retired high school principal Alan Siegel, continued the Proj- ect Christmas mission this year, assisted by many local businesses and individuals. CSI hosts accounting fair for students The College of Staten Island held an accounting fair to intro- duce CSI accounting students to many accounting firms in the area. The event is held every year in late September to coincide with the accounting industrys need for recruiting prior to the busy tax season. In all, nine firms were in atten- dance, including the Internal Rev- enue Service, Pricewaterhouse- Coopers and Integrated Financial Services as well as DeSantis, Keifer, Shall, & Sarcone, and Cice- ro & LaVerde from Staten Island. Joining the firms were 65 Col- lege of Staten Island accounting students seeking internships and full-time career positions. The fair was hosted for a small, targeted group to ensure that all of the students in attendance re- ceived equal time with the firms. Professor Cynthia Scarinci of the business department was instru- mental in enlisting all faculty in identifying potential student can- didates for the fair and then col- laborated with the Career and Scholarship Center to prepare them for the event. JANUARY 2012 BUSINESS TRENDS 17 Ross Spitalnick P: 718-263-3800 x371 ross@muss.com Nicholas Forelli P: 718-263-3800 x307 nforelli@muss.com MUSSDEVELOPMENT LLC BUILDING NEW YORK CITY SINCE 1906 Retail Tenants First Floor Office Tenants Additional Office Space Available DEMOGRAPHICS: Radius 1 Mile 3 Mile 5 Mile Population: 42,470 159,866 300,574 Households: 15,244 57,141 106,423 Median Age: 40.40 39.70 39.10 Avg. HH Income: $95,448 $94,110 $92,094 ELTINGVILLE SHOPPING CENTER 4310-4370, 4434, 4456, AMBOY ROAD, STATEN ISLAND, NY 10312 One Block from Eltingville Train Station & Bus Stop on Richmond Avenue NO. TENANT RSF 4434-1A Medical Office 4,101 4434-1B United Federation of Teachers 2,646 4434-1C Dry Cleaners 1,973 4434-1D Laundromat 2,053 4456-1A United Federation of Teachers 2,186 4456-1B Allstate Insurance Company 1,811 4456-1C Available 3,700 NO. TENANT RSF 4310 Sovereign Bank 3,615 4318 Available 6,245 4324 Subway 838 4326 China Chalet 4,000 4328 Nail Salon 821 4330 Hair Salon 955 4332 Carvel 1,158 4334 Wines & Liquor 1,691 4338 Florist 1,418 4342 Japanese Restaurant 1,428 4344 Jewelers 957 NO. TENANT RSF 4346 Cards & Gifts 1,882 4348 Available 2,400 4350 Pizzeria 3,355 4354 Travel Agent 1,055 4360 Furniture & Bedding 2,679 4362 Tanning Salon 1,814 4364 Available 1,799 4366 Alfonsos Pastry 1,910 4368 Rite Aid 10,162 4370 Perkins Restaurant 4,891
s t a tena r t s Staten Arts Photography www.statenartsphotography.com Steve White 6 Genesee Avenue Staten Island, NY 10308 Phone: 718.317.5025 Cell: 917.446.4029 Email: statenarts@aol.com Weddings Sweet 16s Anniversaries Birthday Parties Much much more! .................................. When the news is sweet, We Tweet! When the news is bitter, We Still Twitter! Follow us at twitter.com/sibiztrends Drop us a line Email: news@sibiztrends.com Mail: Business Trends, 66 Willow Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305 Monthly Update BRIEFS Continued from page 15 18 BUSINESS TRENDS JANUARY 2012 Memory Lane 789 Post Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10310 Phone: 718-448-8032 Fax: 718-667-8431 Weddings, Anniversarys, Corporate Events, Bat & Bar Mitzvahs, Birthdays, Sweet Sixteens and any event you want to be special! Elegant Catering... at Reasonable Prices Proceeds benefit the Alzheimers Foundation of Staten Island Special to Business Trends Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis received the Outstanding Com- munity Service Award from the South Beach Civic Association at their annual holiday party, held at the Crystal Room. Pictured, from left, are Joseph McCalister, Malliotakis and RoseAnn McCalister. Recognized for community service JANET DUGO/Business Trends Soroptimist International of Staten Island took a moment at its an- nual holiday party to recognize two members, Irene Hynes (left) and Dr. Lina Merlino, who each recently celebrated their 50-year anniver- sary as members of the club. Soroptimist recognizes members The Independent Community Bankers of America and Empire State Bank are reminding con- sumers that now is the perfect time to join the go local move- ment by banking locally with a local community bank. By banking locally with a community bank, consumers can make a real difference in the lives of their neighbors and the future of their community, said Sal Marranca, ICBA chairman and president. Community banks give back right in their community. For ex- ample, Empires Staten Island branch, through the leadership of President Phil Guarnieri, sup- ports a variety of local organiza- tions fundraisers and events. Some that benefit from this sup- port are the Art Lab, the Down- town Staten Island Council, the Emergency Childrens Help Or- ganization, Gateway Rotary, the Grace Foundation, Hope for a Healthier Humanity, North Cen- tral Kiwanis, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, the Stat- en Island Economic Development Corporation, and the Staten Is- land Museum. Recently, Guarnieri and the bank were honored by the Staten Island Behavioral Network for their support. Guarnieri also was named a trustee of the Staten Is- land Childrens Museum. Whether located in small towns, suburbia or big-city neigh- borhoods, community banks im- prove Americas communities by funding nearly 60 percent of all small businesses under $1 mil- lion. 20 BUSINESS TRENDS JANUARY 2012 lhclcgrahq - V| dcc 682 IoresI ^ve 718.273.213U FineArtFotos.com WeddingsByFlint.com IKILSSI^L HL^OSH1S Empire State Bank says go local Special to Business Trends The Staten Island Zoo is on its way to having an up-to-date kids classroom, due to the fund-raising efforts of local Realtors and help from Z-100 radio host Elvis Duran. The star of Elvis Duran and the Morning Show added to the enthusiasm as the Staten Island Board of Realtors celebrated its Winter Wonderland Holiday Gala while rais- ing dollars for the Zoo. In addition to raising $10,000 to renovate the childrens learning room at the West Brighton facility, members of SIBOR contributed scores of new toys to Community Health Action of Staten Islands holiday-season toy drive for children in need. Here, SIBOR President Kathy OLeary Garbarino, thanks Duran for adding to the success of the fund raiser. Zoo close to updating kids room Special to Business Trends Students from Bay Ridge Preparatory School in Brooklyn were among the attendees at Project Hospitalitys annual Poor Peoples Dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn, where attendees were served only bread and soup to recognize the plight of the hungry. Poor Peoples Dinner JANUARY 2012 BUSINESS TRENDS 21 We teach your home and business how to act -- whether you're there or not -- by installing a Control4, one-touch automation system. These are just some of the money-saving, convenient, safety-related actions that will happen automatically: LIFE MADE EASY With APB S.E.L.E.C.T. Automation S ecurity & Cameras & Remote Monitoring E nergy Monitoring & Management L ighting Controls E ntertainment (Home Theaters) Computer Networks T echnology of Tomorrow Visit our showroom (by appointment only) APB Security Systems, Inc. 2047 Victory Boulevard Staten Island, NY 10314 718-698-8244 SECURITY & SAVINGS Upon leaving your home, thermostats are pre-pro- grammed to save heating and air conditioning costs. Lights will alternate at night to simulate occupancy. All lights will go on if an alarm triggers and a recorded mes- sage is blasted to a burglar. Upon returning, selected lights will automatically light your home. CONVENIENCE & SAVINGS One button puts your home in vacation mode (HVAC, Lighting, Power-Consumer Electronic Devices, etc. are programmed to save money). One button activates all holiday lighting, and you may heat your pool from your phone. ENTERTAINMENT One remote controls all audio and video throughout your home from a few televisions to a complete home theater room. ENERGY MONITORING & MANAGEMENT We let you monitor every circuit in your home or business to help isolate the waste and begin sav- ing on electricity consumption. NYS Dept of State Lic #12000034292 Control4 Authorized Dealer Member NARI-HIC of Staten Island and CEDIA STEVE WHITE/Business Trends Former President William J. Clinton was among the many who came to honor Staten Islander Laura Gra- ham (at podium) as she received the Seamens Society Safe Harbor Award for her devoted care to foster children at the organizations recent Black & White Gala. A very special guest 22 BUSINESS TRENDS JANUARY 2012 Find out how at dealsbyauction.com (718) 673-6005 Sell Your Property for 1% commission Visit dealsbyauction.com for upcoming auction dates and hot new deals! If you have a small business, chances are you have big plans. Our financial representatives can help you with your long- range business plans. By offering innovative solutions that include risk management, business succession, employee benefits and personal planning, we treat you like youre any- thing but small. Joseph Milano Managing Director The Milano Financial Group (718) 987-8000 joseph-milano.com Sovereign Bank Building 95l2 1hrd Avenue rookyn, NY ll209 College of Staten Island - SBDC 2800 Vctory vd. dg. 2A, Rm. 300 Stuten lsund, NY l03l4 NOW IN TWO LOCATIONS Dean Balsamini Sr., Director 718.982.2560 Special to Business Trends Nicotras Ballroom was the setting once again for the Hilton Garden Inns annual Small Business Holiday Party, where smaller Staten Island businesses come together to party on a large scale. Pictured enjoying the evening are: back row from left, Robert Libertelli, Dave Albertson, Russell Deinstadt, Jim Easley and Rick Freeman; and front row, from left, Fran Impellizzeri, Elisa Tursi, Debbie Manfredi, Tracey Dickinson, Maria Ditta, and Ann Marie Cronin. Lets have a party! JANUARY 2012 BUSINESS TRENDS 23 Parisi Rampulla & Lenza, P.C. 78 Martin Avenue | Staten Island, NY, 10314 (718) 761-3333 Business Law, Wills & Estates www.netpayny.com Providing the best service at the best price, 100% guaranteed The affordable alternative to national payroll companies. 2381 Hylan Blvd. (718) 980-0770 1855 Victory Boulevard Staten Island, NY Room for 2 private offices + 2 staff. 2 blocks from expressway. Walk to most major banks. Includes Receptionist, Phone system, Cleaning, Maintenance, Alarm, Internet, RE Taxes (base year) Shared use of waiting room & 2 conference rooms. 2 assigned off street parking spots. Current tenants include Appraiser as well as Real Estate, Insurance, Financial & Travel Agencies. Contact Jon Salmon at Salmon Real Estate (718) 273-1200 or Jon@SalmonRealEstatecom for more information. Professional Office Suite for Rent If you are looking for professional office space, our location cannot be beat! Situated along the busy financial corridor of Victory Boulevard near Manor Road, this high trafficked location not only provides inclusive office space at an attractive and affordable price, but the synergies that can be gained by as- sociating and locating in a busy professional building. When you take into consideration all that is included, locating your business here becomes the obvious choice. JANET DUGO/Business Trends The Chamber of Commerce honored some of its longest-standing members at its Board of Directors holi- day luncheon at DaNoi Restaurant. Pictured are some of the honorees, from left: John Kotz of Richmond Chandelier Co., a 25-year member; Jill, Ethel and Clifford Holtermann of Holtermanns Bakery, 50-year members; Mark Irving of Consolidated Edison, a 75-year member; and Julie and Pete Monzi of Shamrock Paints, 25-year members. Chamber honors long-standing members JANET DUGO/Business Trends Santa Claus stopped by Casale Jewelers in Dongan Hills to help continue the stores annual tradition of raising funds for the Cooleys Anemia Foundation with a holiday light display. Pictured, from left, are Ter- rie DiFilippo of the Cooleys Anemia Foundation, Mr. Claus, Cory Schifter of Casale Jewelers and Cammie Brandofino of the Staten Island Chapter of the Cooleys Anemia Foundation. What do you want for Christmas? 24 BUSINESS TRENDS JANUARY 2012 Join the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce! Your business resource center, the Chamber provides: Business Referrals Daily Networking Opportunities Legislative Involvement Community and Media Access "Help Desk" Hotline Member-to-Member Discounts and much more! For more information about joining the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, contact Jennifer Fontana at 718-727-1900 or jfontana@sichamber.com Meet Your Partners in Success Special to Business Trends The Eden II Programs received a grant from the Drive for Autism Foundation to purchase iPads for its students. Autistic individuals whose condition prevents them from speaking are making breakthroughs with the help of the tablet devices and special applications that allow them to communicate, some for the first time. Here, Anthony and Carol Ann Trezza, trustees of the Foundation, speak with Eden II Exec- utive Director Joanne Gerenser (left). Eden II receives grant Special to Business Trends Local community leaders helped staff celebrate the Grand Re-Open- ing of Island Shores Senior Residence. The ceremony marked the fi- nalization of a two-year long renovation project, which included new bathrooms, windows, air units and building facade. Pictured, from left, are Carol Dunn of the Inter-Agency Council for Aging, Assem- blywoman Nicole Malliotakis, Joe McAllister of the South Beach Civic Association and Lori Bowen, director of Island Shores Senior Residence. Island Shores re-opens STATEN ISLAND NETWORKPLUS TUESDAY, JANUARY 10 Time: 6:30-9:00 p.m. Location: Oriental Plaza, 1845 Rich- mond Ave. For information, call 716-992-7770 NYS WOMEN INC. (RICHMOND CNTY.) WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11 Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: Caf Bella Vita, 1919 Hylan Blvd. For information, call 718-816-5991 RICHMOND CNTY. BANKERS ASSOC. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11 Location: Mikes Place, 4677 Hylan Blvd. For information, call Lou DellaBovie at 718-370-7037 INDEPENDENT ASSOC. OF ACCOUNTANTS OF SI THURSDAY, 12 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: Bocelli, 1250 Hylan Blvd. For information, call 718-948-0810 POWERFUL YOU! WOMENS NETWORKING GROUP THURSDAY, JANUARY 12 Time: 7:00 10:00 p.m. Location: Richmond Diner, 3954 Richmond Ave. $31, includes dinner For information, call 718-608-1640 WELLS FARGO FREE HOMEBUYER WORKSHOP THURSDAY, JANUARY 12 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: 651 Willowbrook Rd. For information, call 718-982-1700 NYS WOMEN INC. (STATEN ISLAND) TUESDAY, JANUARY 17 Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: LiGrecis Staaten, 697 Forest Ave. For information, call 718-226-6462 BUSINESS LEADERS TOASTMASTERS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: 43 Ramona Ave. For information, call Arlene Trunzo at 718-317-0949 INTERNET NETWORKING CLUB WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18 Time: 7:00 9:00 p.m. Location: W. Brighton LDC Office, 705 Forest Ave. For information, call 718-816-4775 NETWORKING PLUS THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 Time: 8:00 a.m. Location: Golden Dove, 3281 Rich- mond Ave. For information, call 718-966-6289 FREE DIVORCE WORKSHOP SATURDAY, JANUARY 21 Location: William J. Leininger Law Office: 34 Dumont Ave. For information, call 718-979-5200 SMALL BUS. DEV. CTR. SEMINAR: FED. & NYS LAW UPDATES FOR SMALL BUS. OWNERS TUESDAY, JANUARY 24 Time: 8:30 a.m. Location: College of Staten Island, Building 1P For information, call 718-982-2560 NEW DAY TOASTMASTERS THURSDAY, JANUARY 26 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: SI Univ. Hosp., Seaview Ave. For information, call 718-816-5991 AMERICAN ASSOC. OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN PRESENTATION ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 Time: 1:00 p.m. Location: Wagner College, 631 Howard Ave. Union Building, Rm. 201 For information, call 718-273-5574 24-7 NETWORKING SALES MONDAY, JANUARY 30 Time: 9:00 a.m. Location: Z-One Restaurant, Rich- mond Ave. For information, call 973-697-8872 WORLD OF WOMEN MONTHLY MEETING MONDAY, JANUARY 30 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: Marina Grand, Mansion Ave. For information, call 718-948-8175 JANUARY 2012 BUSINESS TRENDS 25 MUSSDEVELOPMENT LLC BUILDING NEW YORK CITY SINCE 1906 Ross Spitalnick P: 718-263-3800 x371 ross@muss.com Nicholas Forelli P: 718-263-3800 x307 nforelli@muss.com Retail Tenants NO. TENANT RSF 768 Village Maria Pizzeria 1,050 770 Chinese Restaurant 1,120 772 Dry Cleaners 1,150 778 Grocery Market 8,118 778A CVS 24,332 MANOR ROAD SHOPPING CENTER 754-778 MANOR ROAD, STATEN ISLAND, NY 10314 Excellent Visibility from the SI Expressway DEMOGRAPHICS: Radius 1 Mile 3 Mile 5 Mile Population: 32,964 302,319 497,982 Households: 11,635 107,001 183,295 Median Age: 40.30 37.30 37.60 Avg. HH Income: $94,759 $82,949 $80,002 NO. TENANT RSF 754 JP Morgan Chase 3,600 754A Available 1,700 756 Available 2,600 760 Liquor Store 1,025 762 Carvel 900 764 Dunkin Donuts 1,150 Business Calendar Drop us a line Email: news@sibiztrends.com Mail: Business Trends, 66 Willow Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305 character, currently employing 2,200 people with an average salary of $51,000, officials said. But the North Shore holds po- tential that the plan, which can be viewed online at www.nycedc.com/northshore, hopes to unlock, mainly through four strategies: n Promoting quality jobs and workplaces that strengthen mar- itime and industrial businesses, expand waterfront business op- portunities, and connect local res- idents with more diverse employ- ment opportunities nReconnecting people with the working waterfront through in- creased public access, new views of the working waterfront and supporting Community Board 1s efforts to designate a continuous multipurpose pathway along Richmond Terrace n Supporting and creating neighborhood centers through more local retail, services, and housing options for North Shore residents and visitors n Improving connections and mobility for residents and busi- nesses through targeted and coor- dinated intersection and trans- portation improvements The North Shore 2030 Plan of- fers us a promising look into the future of our North Shore, Councilmember Debi Rose said. The plan capitalizes on our strengths our unique position in New York Harbor by opening ac- cess to the working waterfront, by revitalizing our once booming neighborhood centers, by increas- ing transportation options and, in turn, spurring real economic growth thats so desperately need- ed in our communities. North Shore 2030 focuses on six targeted opportunity areas St. George, New Brighton, West Brighton, Port Richmond, Mariners Harbor-Arlington, and Jersey Street. In total, the report encompasses a five square mile area from St. George to Howland Hook, extending one mile inland to Forest Avenue. To help jumpstart the plans vision, officials outlined 51 short-term initiatives called the North Shore Action Agenda. Some of the items include: n The establishment of the In- dustrial Business Zone program and Significant Maritime and In- dustrial areas designation from the citys Waterfront Revitaliza- tion program, which will help promote the creation and reten- tion of quality jobs on the water- front n Continued coordination with local stakeholders and private de- velopment community to deter- mine necessary infrastructure in- vestments and feasible develop- ment plans for the Ferry and Ball- park parking lots in St. George n Seeking funding to develop new public access area at Rich- mond Terrace Wetlands in Mariners Harbor The North Shore waterfront is quickly becoming the in place to be, Leticia Remauro, Communi- ty Board 1 chairman, said. Our coastline contains a diverse mix- ture of residential, commercial, retail, transportation and indus- trial uses, so it was important to us that the city create a plan that will blend these varying interests and insure that every plot of land is used to its maximum potential. We believe that the North Shore Waterfront Study achieves that goal. 26 BUSINESS TRENDS JANUARY 2012 A plan for the North Shore REPORT Continued from page 1 Drop us a line Email: news@sibiztrends.com By BILL DUBOVSKY Situation The start of a new year is a good time to review past perform- ance. While I dont buy or use any product or service that hasnt been reviewed as at least very good by others that I respect, some things do get better over time and some disappoint. This article will review three of my overall favorites from 2011. What is it? The Bose QuietComfort 15 Acoustic Noice Cancelling Head- phones. Noise-cancelling head- phones use microphones both in- side and outside each earcup to sense and reduce outside noise electronically. They also use snug cushion materials to further re- duce unwanted noise and insure a comfortable fit. You can even use these head- phones without an audio source to just mask outside noise, or with the audio cable provided to listen to music or the audio tracks of in-flight movies. An op- tional cable can turn the head- phones into a smart phone head- set! They require a single AA bat- tery that lasts about 20 hours. Pros It is impressive to press a but- ton and instantly shut out most of the rest of the world while you are being entertained or just nap- ping, in absolute silence. You can use them with any iplayer, CD player, or with the airlines audio system. They are lightweight and comfortable with better than av- erage frequency range and clarity. Cons A bit pricy at $300. I would not recommend using them if you have to be aware of your sur- roundings (traffic, phone ringing, people trying to get your atten- tion) because you are really iso- lated from your environment. Bottom line If you travel often or have lots of outside distractions while youre listening to your favorite tunes, you should seriously con- sider these headphones. They are awesome. What is it? DropBox a free, Web-based file hosting service operated by Drop- box, Inc. that uses cloud comput- ing to enable users to store and share files and folders with others across the Internet using file syn- chronization. It has a freemium business model that allows you to store, for free, up to 2 GB of your docs, pho- tos and videos in the cloud mak- ing them available anywhere on all your devices and/or in a pub- lic or shared folder, where they can be made available to all or just certain people. You can buy extra space such as the Pro 50 plan (50 GB for $99/year) or the Pro 100 plan (100 GB for $199/year.) You can also earn up to 8 GB free by referring DropBox to others. Unlike Gmail that allows you to send up to 25 MB of data to a recipient via email, or YouSendIt lite, 50 MB, DropBox will give you the full 2 GB for free. Pros Its free, works well, and is easy enough to use. It uses SSL trans- fers for synching and stores your data via AES-256 encryption for security. Cons None really. Amazon has a sim- ilar service, Cloud Drive with 5 GB along with Cloud Player which is designed for sharing MP3 files with all your devices (except iTunes) but can also store documents and video. Apple has a competitive service called iCloud. Other competitors include: Win- dows Live SkyDrive, Box.net, SugarSync, Mozy, ZumoDrive, SpiderOak, Wuala and Ubuntu One. Bottom line The future of data is in the cloud and DropBox is a free, easy and most useful first step in see- ing the potential of this new way of interacting. Especially useful for getting content to and from iPad2! What is it? The best new technology I used in 2011 was the iPad2. In many ways its like a large iPhone with a bigger clearer screen. It runs many of the same apps that you can run on your Apple devices, and your stored files are con- tained either within your apps or in the cloud, meaning a com- puter or service that contains your files and sends and receives them to the device wirelessly. There is almost an app for any- thing and I really like reading magazines and electronic books over the device while traveling, waiting on lines, or waiting for appointments. Pros Its small, convenient, easy-to- use, pretty fast, and fun. I find that I am using it more than my laptop since the faster boot time is a plus when looking something up. I love the Bamboo app that al- lows you to write or draw on the tablet with special stylus and save, print, email, or archive your notes. This works great for mind mapping, sketching a network configuration, or just doodling. Cons Besides being a bit pricy, I miss the file manager functionality. The apps have improved greatly and enable me to get content to the device, but it can take some work. I miss not being able to run DVDs or transferring files via USB drives and it also takes some practice to get the feel of the vir- tual keyboard. I would have liked stereo sound on the device and the lone speaker can get muddled if you have the cover wrapped around. Bottom line The iPad marks the dawn of a new way to work and interact much the same way that smart phones did for mobile workers. My updated recommendation would be to go for the extra bucks and get the 3G version so you could get your data even when there is no free WiFi available. Bill Dubovsky has a proven track record of business success spanning over 30 years in helping hundreds of organizations improve their prof- itability. He founded Comtel Informa- tion Services, a telecommunications services brokerage. He may be reached at bill@comtelinfo.com or at 800-213-4884. JANUARY 2012 BUSINESS TRENDS 27 Advertising programs in STATEN ISLAND BUSINESS TRENDS are a fraction of the cost of the alternative of direct mail campaigns. And we can give you verified statements from the US Postal Service to prove that we reach your market. Each month, STATEN ISLAND BUSINESS TRENDS is mailed to all of the boroughs business and community leaders using a mailing list that weve developed from a number of leading Staten Island business and community institutions as well as top-rated list vendors. By advertising with us, you get to communicate your message to that entire audience. To download our current media kit, visit www.sibiztrends.com. Or call us today to discuss your marketing and advertising needs. Janet Warren Dugo, Publisher janet@sibiztrends.com 347-682-4867 Editor-In-Chief- Dan McDonough, Jr. (dan@sibiztrends.com) Publisher- Janet Warren Dugo (janet@sibiztrends.com) 66 Willow Ave. | Staten Island, NY 10305 Phone 347-682-4867 | Fax 866-745-9380 www.sibiztrends.com WEVE GOT YOUR FUTURE CUSTOMER Fact is, weve probably got a few hundred or thousand of your future customers. And we could be telling them all about you every month! Here is the best technology of 2011 BITS & BYTES Telecom Tech Tip of the Month Depending upon their specific calling patterns, some clients are con- sidering the best of both worlds Verizon FiOS for broadband Internet access and Time Warner Cable Business Class for telephone service. 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