NYC's Five Chambers and TD Announce Neighborhoods Most in Need as Part of Citywide NEP Project

"Bravo to SBS Commissioner and proud Brooklynite Rob Walsh, to the talented President of the Brooklyn Chamber Carlo Scissura and to TD Bank, and its dynamic President Peter Meyer, who all fully understand that the better small business does, the better the entire community -- and all its shops and residents -- do," said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. "I'm thrilled that we are able to expand the Brooklyn Chamber's Neighborhood Entrepreneurship Project to all five boroughs! From helping to organize merchant associations to beautifying streetscapes, this program offers business owners and vendor groups the tools they need to grow and succeed - particularly those in underserved neighborhoods and the areas hit hardest by Hurricane Sandy. Sandy was an equal opportunity storm, hammering businesses of every variety, size, and clientele - but we will rebuild, rebound, and recover better than ever - because as New Yorkers, when we get knocked down, we get right back up - and local shops will play a key role in the recovery effort. How's New York doing? How are our small businesses doing? With the help of TD Bank and the five chambers, they're doing great!"

"I would like to thank TD Bank for their generous contribution. They have allowed us to expand our Merchant Development Program, which began six months ago, in the Borough of The Bronx. This grant further helps our merchants, particularly in East Tremont and City Island, as they look to grow," said Lenny Caro, President of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.

"We are very excited to be working together to support our small business communities citywide. Many thanks to TD Bank for funding this important initiative which will allow us to expand our outreach in each borough and work with other local organizations in creating strong small business sectors in a variety of neighborhoods. In Manhattan, we look forward to continue our work with elected officials and local partners to enhance economic development on Second Avenue in the subway construction corridor on the Upper East Side - over one mile long with 350-plus businesses challenged by the Second Avenue Subway construction for a full eight to 10 years! And in addition, helping the Lower East Side on Avenues A, B, C, and, D to redevelop after the damage sustained by Sandy and strengthen the small businesses in this community," said Nancy Ploeger, President of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.

"Small businesses are the lifeblood of New York City's economy. TD Bank's generous grant and support to our community will help us rebuild and restore the Rockaway peninsula as well as revitalize and reinvigorate the communities of Corona, Jackson Heights, and Elmhurst. We look forward to working with TD and our community partners to make this happen," said Jack Friedman, Executive Director of the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

"The support of TD Bank Group and the TD Charitable Foundation will help the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce provide sorely needed resources to businesses in Midland and South Beach as they struggle to get back on their feet. I commend TD for partnering with the Five Borough Chamber Alliance to re-build and strengthen commercial corridors throughout the city," said Linda Baran, President of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce.