CHDC Queens

Annual CHDC Business Awards & Theater Party

Pictured below awardee's Donice Redding, Kevin Jemmott, CHDC president Eva Duzant, awardee's Nicole Jean-Remy, Marie Dupiton, and former CHDC director Julia Shaw

CHDC recently hosted the CHDC Business Awards & Theater Party. This event acknowledged businesses and residents in Cambria Heights who are passionate about their community, along with a performance of the play, ResurGENTs: the Reappearance of Hope at the Black Spectrum Theatre.This innovative and entertaining program linked small businesses contributions and the Theater Arts. It was hosted by Cathleen Williams, Esq., Author and the dynamic TV Personality of “I’m Just Saying…,” an insightful talk show on Queens Cable. Williams joined CHDC and other community leaders to spotlight several individuals who go the extra mile to make a difference. The CHDC Community Legacy Award was presented to Kevin Jemmott, Founder & Former President of CHDC. Mr. Jemmott put countless hours into making the vision of Cambria Heights Development Corporation a reality. “Kevin Jemmott has provided a strong foundation for CHDC,” stated Eva Duzant, the current President of CHDC,” we think it is only fitting that he is the recipient of our first Legacy Award.”

The CHDC Community Builder Award was presented to Farmbria Food Center. This store is the anchor supermarket in Cambria Heights and provides a huge international food selection to this culturally diverse community in Queens and parts of Long Island. “As CHDC continues to build relationships with area businesses owners there are several companies who have been there from the beginning, to support our mission, one of these businesses is Farmbia Food Center, “says Julia Shaw, Executive Director of CHDC, “it’s important that we let the businesses know their support is appreciated.”

The CHDC Trailblazer Award acknowledged Dr. Marie Dupiton of CamKids Pediatrics for her many contributions to the international community. “Dr. Dupiton stepped out on faith to establish Energ Fitness Club & Day Spa, but due to the impact of the recession it closed. “In these tough economic times some entrepreneurs dare to dream and make a difference in the lives of others,” expresses Yolanda Billings, CHDC Board Treasurer, “and that is the nature of Dr. Dupiton.”

Pictured below from left CHDC president Eva Duzant, treasurer Yolanda Billings, board member for education Dr.Virgina Norville, board member Gerdie Rene, director Julia Shaw

“CHDC appreciates the support all our volunteers, and chose to spotlight two tireless contributors to the work of the CHDC,” shares Dr. Virginia Noville, CHDC Board member. The CHDC Community Volunteer Award was presented to Donice Redding and Nicole Jean-Remy, who are both residents of Cambria Heights. Ms Redding an active member of the Cambria Heights Civic Association and CHDC. Ms Jean-Remy was born and raised in Cambria Heights and is an active member in the PTA at PS 176, in addition to working with CHDC.

“It’s important that local organizations work together to build a strong economy in Southeastern Queens and CHDC chosen to be a part of the 40th Anniversary of community theater at Black Spectrum,” shares Ms Duzant, “we want to create a tradition of commerce and culture in our community, that’s why we presented our Awards Ceremony along with Community Theater.”

Pictured below from left Julia Shaw, Eva Duzant, Kevin Jemmott, Melva Miller Queens Economic Development, Joe Goldblum Councilman Comrie's Office

Pictured below from left Frank Williams of Thomasina Catering and Carl Clay of Black Spectrum Theatre

Pictured below from left volunteers Nazen Bramwell and Asia Williams

Pictured below from left entrepreneur Leslie Jones, Osun, Julia Shaw, Melva Miller, Cathleen Williams

Pictured below from left to right Phillip Jean-Remy, Dr. Virginia Norville and Nicole Jean-Remy

SHOP CAMBRIA HEIGHTS!

Take a look at our new and updated CAMBRIA HEIGHTS SHOPPING GUIDE featuring the Cambria Heights Commercial District on Linden Blvd from Francis Lewis Blvd to the Nassau County Line. We invite you to use this guide to discover our businesses and Shop Cambria Heights!

To view the shopping guide click here.
You will need ADOBE READER to view the brochure.

QLIMG Opens On Linden Blvd Cambria Heights by Kevin Jemmott

A new QLIMG medical office formerly located in Queens Village opened at 206-20 Linden Blvd and it is a great addition to the commercial corridor and community. I remember when they were looking to move to Francis Lewis Blvd and Springfield Blvd and I contacted the real estate agency representing their current location and suggested that this was the place for them to open. The community welcomes this state of the art facility.

I recently sat down and had a conversation with Ms Barbara Armistead the Community Outreach Director of QLIMG (pictured left) and was pleased to find an energetic, professional with great ideas for the medical well being of the community. She proudly told me that they accept most health plans including HIP and went on to say that they have implemented Electronic Medical Records so that physicians can look up your medical records by computer instead of searching through a medical records room.

Ms Armistead said, some of the services they are offering include primary adult medicine, pediatrics, OBS/GYN, surgery, podiatry, social services, nephrology, ancillary services, patient education classes, x-ray, mammography, ultra sound and more. For further information call (718 479-6600)

NEW CAMBRIA HEIGHTS RETAIL MARKET ANALYSIS

The Cambria Heights Development Corporation (CHDC), under contract with the NYC Department of Small Business Services, has engaged the services of Robert B. Pauls LLC – Real Estate & Planning Consultants to conduct a retail market study of the Linden Boulevard shopping district in Cambria Heights, Queens. It is the intent of the CHDC to utilize this study to identify development opportunities, encourage the development of vacant and under-utilized retail space, reinforce commercial activity and broaden the mix of goods and services offered to the area’s community.

The study is an invaulable tool for current business owners in Cambria Heights, perspective business owners and residents. CLICK HERE TO VIEW ANALYSIS

CONSUMER SURVEY RESULTS

CHDC and the businesses on Linden Blvd value the opinions and perceptions of the community. To find out what was on their minds Consumer surveys were distributed to shoppers on the Cambria Heights Linden Blvd business corridor. Questions regarding how much shoppers spend to how they feel about sanitation, appearance and the variety of stores were asked. The results of the 500 respondents were as follows:

Where do you live? Cambria Heights 51%, St. Albans 18%, Jamaica 6%, Elmont 6%, Valley Stream 4%, Laurelton 3%, Other 12%

How often do you shop on Linden Blvd? Daily 17%, Several Times a Week 18%, Once a Week 37%, Once a Month 18%, Rarely 10%

About how much do you spend each time you shop? $25 34%, $25-$50 27%, $50-$100 25%, $100-$150 8%, $150-$200 4%, $200-$250 2%

How would you rate sanitation/cleanliness of the commercial corridor? Excellent 9%, Good 61%, Fair 28%, Poor 2%

How would you rate security/safety? Excellent 4%, Good 62%, Fair 30%, Poor 4%

How would you rate the street lighting? Excellent 3%, Good 69%, Fair 27%, Poor 1%

How would you rate the variety of stores available to you? Excellent 4%, Good 38%, Fair 41%, Poor 17%.

How would you rate parking? Excellent 4%, Good 24%, Fair 32%, Poor 40%

How would you rate the overall appearance of the shopping corridor? Excellent 3%, Good 53%, Fair 39%, Poor 5%

CHDC Presents a Business Symposium

On Tuesday, June 30, 2009 the CHDC held a Business Symposium at Thomasina's Catering Hall. Over 100 local businesses attended and received advice on everything from how to improve their business through good customer relations to financial resources to enhance their business. Entrepreneurs and business owners also had a great opportunity to network with other businesses and local media. The event was televised on Fade to Black ch 135 Time Warner Cable and will run on subsequent programs.

The keynote speaker was the editorial director of Black Enterprise Magazine and co author of Good Is Not Enough and Other Unwritten Rules for Minority Professionals. Other business presentations included :

Using Technology To Improve Your Business- Kevin Jemmott, Verizon

Small Business Survivial - Andrew Morrison President Small Business Camp

New Entrepreneur Resources- NYC Business Solutions

Alternative Financing for SE Queens-Greater Jamaica Development Corp

Relationship Banking - Chase Bank

Food Safety Information - NYC Dept of Health