Senator Jose Peralta and Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul tour small businesses in Queens 

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(East Elmhurst, NY) State Senator Jose Peralta and Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul toured several small businesses along Roosevelt Avenue to listen to the concerns and challenges the owners face in their daily operations. The tour ended with a roundtable discussion with several small businesses operators and community leaders at a Northern Boulevard establishment.   

Senator Peralta and Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who chairs Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council Initiative, were joined by businesses leaders as they visited several establishments along commercial strips in Jackson Heights. The tour included stops at clothing stores, a restaurant, a pharmacy and a home decor business.  

During the visit to the stores, and afterwards at the meeting with business and community leaders, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul offered help and information regarding the State’s economic development opportunities and programs.

“I am glad Lieutenant Governor Hochul joined us here today and visited some part of the District. She had an opportunity to tour the most diverse area in the State, and got an assorted taste of the most traditional stores located in our community,” said Senator Peralta. “The Lieutenant Governor had the opportunity to speak to several business owners in an effort to learn, first-hand, what are the main preoccupations they are facing as the economy continues to improve.”

“Under Governor Cuomo, strategic investments through the Regional Economic Development Councils have reversed New York’s reputation for being anti-business,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “As I travel across the State, I meet with business owners to get a better understanding of the challenges they face. I want to thank Senator Peralta for introducing me to some of the key stakeholders in the revitalization of Roosevelt Avenue. I look forward to continuing our work to bring jobs and prosperity to neighborhoods like Jackson Heights.”

Senator Peralta encouraged people to shop small, and help family-owned establishments to thrive. “It is vital that we support our local stores, and keep revitalizing our local economy. This commercial corridor, like others, is an engine for our local economy, and it has not reached its full potential,” Senator Peralta added. “Although the thoroughfare has some bad actors, such as some establishments acting as fronts for illegal activity, it is important to boost Roosevelt Avenue as it is the path to many of the City’s best attractions, including Citi Field, Flushing Meadows Corona Park and the US. Tennis Center.”

During the two-hour long visit to Senator Peralta’s district, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul visited 10 small businesses. Among the participants at the roundtable discussion, held at the end of the tour, were representatives from Queens Community 3 and 4, the New York State Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Association, the 82^nd Street Business Improvement District, and business owners. “This is a crucial visit, as we are in the midst of a multi-million dollar project to revamp and modernize LaGuardia Airport, which is located in the District, and it will bring economic opportunities for our local businesses and neighbors,” Senator Peralta said.     

New York State has set the objective of awarding at least 30 percent of its contracts to Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE). “For too long, minority and women-owned business enterprises were discriminated when it came to public contract opportunities. With this goal set by the State, we are ensuring that minority and women-owned businesses can get their share when applying for these contracts,” noted Senator Peralta.  

In the past two months, Senator Peralta visited more than 150 stores and restaurants in the District, from Jackson Heights and Corona shops to stores in Astoria, Elmhurst and East Elmhurst.