business trends_february 2016.pdf

8/20/2019 Business Trends_February 2016.pdf

1/20

FEBRUARY 2016

BUSINESS MEETINGSSee this month’s event listings.

PAGE 5

ON THE JOBSee this month’s movers and shakers.

PAGE 16

SCOREThe 3 Rs of thoughtful marketing.

PAGE 6

www.sibiztrends.com

Special to Business Trends

The Tobacco-Free Staten Island Coalition recently held its first meeting at the Jewish Community Center ofStaten Island. With more than 60 organizations participating, the goal of the TFSI Coalition is to launch a tar-geted effort to reduce the burden of tobacco use on borough residents. Pictured here, from left, are JosephineBosco, Robin Vitale, Tiba Mouaki, Nancy Rooney, Michael Sielback, Ashley Zanatta, Jody Ruth Steinhardt, JoelBhuiyan, Guillermo Flores, Bob Cutrona, Jennifer Cutrona, Julia Cuthbertson and Matt Mikaelian.

Tobacco-Free Staten Island Coalition

Women of DistinctionSI chapter of New York State Womento honor longest standing members.

PAGE 18

Mental Health thrift

shop needs volunteersDo you enjoy meeting new peo-

ple? Would you like to work in re-tail? Most importantly, do youhave a few hours a week to spendin a fulfilling service opportuni-ty?

If your answer is yes, the Stat-en Island Mental Health Societyinvites you to join the dedicatedwomen and men who staff andmanage its Great Kills ThriftShop.

The shop, located at 10 BrownAve., carries high-quality, gentlyused clothing, accessories, house-wares, knick-knacks and holidayitems, tagged at the lowest dis-count prices. The hard-workingand devoted individuals who vol-unteer at the store fulfill theirpledge to raise funds that benefitthe SIMHS’ diverse programs forchildren with special needs andtheir families.

No experience is needed, justenergy and enthusiasm. To keepthe store running smoothly,staffers fill a mixed bag of roles.Jobs include sorting and invento-rying donations, hanging and dis-playing clothing in an attractivemanner, keeping the shop decorand merchandise seasonal, help-ing customers select and coordi-nate outfits, collecting money, andkeeping records of donations andsales.

Since its doors opened in 1963,all proceeds have gone back to the

society, adding hundreds of thou-sands of dollars to its coffers andhelping the mental health agencymeet the ever-growing demandfor its services for children with awide range of emotional, behav-

please see BRIEFS, page 2

MONTHLY

UPDATE

By TIM RONALDSON Business Trends

Superstorm Sandy may be three years inthe review mirror, but the effects of her

power are still affecting businesses through-out the region.

The U.S. Small Business Administrationofficially recognized that fact when, late lastyear, it announced a re-opening of its appli-

cation filing period for small business own-ers who seek low-interest disaster loans. Thenew deadline to submit applications for phys-

please see SANDY page 14

SBA re-opens Sandy recover loans


2/20

ioral, developmental and intellec-tual challenges. Last year, the

thrift shop’s contribution helpedthe SIMHS assist more than 5,300Staten Island children.

“As a thrift shop volunteer,your compensation is the satisfac-tion of knowing that you are act-ing to raise the quality of life of the Island’s most vulnerable chil-dren,” said SIMHS Director of Volunteer Services MaryannStriffolino. “Moreover, you are en-abling consumers on limitedbudgets to find just the items theyneed at affordable prices.”

For more information aboutthis rewarding volunteer oppor-tunity, call Striffolino at (718) 442-

2225 ext. 304, or visitwww.simhs.org.

VSB Bancorp announcesgrowth in net incomeVSB Bancorp Inc. closed 2015

on a high note with 51.6 percentgrowth in net income.

The company’s fourth quarterconcluded a year in which it expe-rienced an increase of its coreearnings, growth of its loan port-folio and a reduction in its non-performing loans.

VSB Bancorp, the one-bankholding company for VictoryState Bank, attributes the year’spositive outcome to the use of astrategy designed to increase in-terest income, with an eye onavoiding excessive risk in theevent of an increase in market in-terest rates.

This strategy comprises a

number of components: A rede-ployment of a portion of thebank’s overnight and short-terminvestments into higher-yieldingsecurities investments; an aggres-sive initiative aimed at increasingthe bank’s loan portfolio througha combination of outreach effortsin its community and hiring newloan business development offi-cers to produce more loans out-side of the Staten Island market.

“Our strategy is bearing fruit,as we have seen our fourth quar-ter ROA (return on assets) andROE (return on equity) rise to0.65 percent and 7.18 percent, re-

spectively,” said Joseph J.LiBassi, chairman of VSB Ban-corp. “We continue to hold ourunderwriting standards in thiscompetitive market. We paid our33rd consecutive dividend to ourstockholders and now our bookvalue per share stands at $16 – and our net income increased 51.6percent since the close of 2014. Weare focused on stockholder value,which has benefited from thegrowth of our net income, thefourth buyback program and thepayment of cash dividends.”

Apply for NYC TechTalent program

The NYC Tech TalentPipeline’s Series A – Data pro-gram is now accepting applica-tions for its inaugural class!

2 BUSINESS TRENDS — FEBRUARY 2016

$# %"!"

$! %"!

!!"# % "$# & ## "

BRIEFSContinued from page 1

Monthly Update



3/20

FEBRUARY 2016 — BUSINESS TRENDS 3

Special to Business Trends

The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Groupand the Rotary Club of Staten Island joined forces recently to helpveterans in need by hosting a coat drive at Afternoones Restaurant& Bar. Pictured, from left, are Champ Albano, owner of Afternoones;Brian Lincer, The Internicola Law Firm; Linda Baran, Staten IslandChamber Of Commerce; Patrick McGrade, McDermott and ThomasAssociates; Tom Bilotti, Advisors Mortgage; Rob Myers, IDB Bank;Kevin McKernan, The Law Firm of Kevin P. McKernan; Teresa Cirelli,On Your Mark; and Eric Campione, P.A.C. Plumbing, Heating, & AirConditioning.

YPG, Rotary hold coat drive


4/20

There is a great opportunityavailable through the city's Tech

Talent Pipeline initiative. Createdin direct response to industryneed and developed in partner-ship with New York City employ-ers and the General Assembly, theNYC Tech Talent Pipeline’s Se-ries A: Data program will prepareNew Yorkers for in-demand ca-reers as data analysts.

The part-time training is pro-vided free-of-cost to participantsand includes 12 weeks of part-time training and connection tofull-time jobs as entry-level dataanalysts with salaries of $40,000or more.

Classes will begin March 28,

and will be held Monday throughWednesday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.Eligible NYC residents who earnless than $30,000 a year and haveno prior professional data analyt-ics experience are encouraged toapply.

Do you know any New Yorkerswho might be great candidates forthis opportunity?

Applications are due by Feb. 15,

but candidates are reviewed on arolling basis. For more informa-tion and to apply, visit www.gen-eralassemb.ly.

Signature Bank rankshigh on Forbes’ list

Signature Bank, a New York-based full-service commercialbank, announced that it rankedsixth in Forbes’ annual list of America’s Best and Worst Banks2016. Signature Bank is one of only three banks in the nation torank in the top 10 in each of thepast six years. The annual rank-

ing of Forbes’ America’s Best andWorst Banks 2016 was released onwww.forbes.com.

“The changing face of Ameri-ca’s banking and financial land-scape prompted Forbes to adjustthe metrics they routinely usedover the past several years whenevaluating America’s best and


Contact our Commercial Division for

more information about:Sales & Leasing • Investment Property

Multi-dwellings • Industrial/Manufacturing

Retail Space • Raw Land

Warehouses • 1031 Exchanges

Office Buildings

285 St. Mark's Place • Staten Island, NY 10301

718-273-3800www.gatewayarmsrealty.com

Our Knowledge, Experience, Teamwork + Integrity =

Results for You

Now Available

St. George - One of a kind duplex unitavailable for immediate occupancy. 6

bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, eat inkitchen with stainless steel appliances, cherry wood cabinets,granite, Jacuzzi tub & soaking tub, wet bar, formal living/diningrooms, heated sun porch, stackable washer/dryer hook-ups,large garden & use of driveway. In home with old world charmlocated in the historic district of St. George. Walking distanceto SI Ferry & public transportation. $3,995.00 per month, heatincluded.*Corporate leases considered.

St. George - A newly renovated 4-story 80,000 sq. ft."Class A" mid-rise office building with an average floor

plate of 20,000 sq.ft. Landlord will build to suit. Suitesfrom 500 sq. ft. - 20,000 sq. ft. Full floor plates availablefor immediate occupancy. On-site parking & security. CallRob for details.

F O R L E A S E

Your gateway to better business and better living on Staten Island

St. George - Professional Office Building. GreatVisibility from Victory/Bay Street signage expo-sure. Heavily traveled location viacar/buses/walking and near Ferry terminal.Currently available: 2nd flr Office - 2 rooms withhardwood floors. $1,000+electric 2nd flr Office

- close to courts, restaurants, shopping. Bay Street signage ex-

posure. Call Jennifer x13

F O R L E A S E

West Brighton - Forest Avenue Professional Office Building---Desk space available---Private office availableConvenient location near corner of Bement Avenue. Rent in-cludes: Use of conference room, parking, and utiliti es.Monthly rent $300.00 to $900.00 Call Robert x17

F O R L E A S E

F O R L E A S E

Doreen M. Inserra, CPA, PCCertified Government Financial ManagerCertified Public AccountantIndividual & Business Tax Consultant A Professional Corporation

E-File / E-Pay / Direct Deposit

Member

“QuickBooks Professional Advisor Program”Staten Island Chamber of CommerceHonorary Member of SCORE, “Counselors to America’s Small Business”

By Appointment

718-979-5163


Monthly Update



5/20

MONDAYBus. Outreach Ctr of SI/WBCLDCSmall Bus. Counseling –MWBE/BOC Capital: WBCLDC, 705

Forest Ave., 2nd Fl. By appointmentonly. For info, call 718-816-4775.

Kiwanis Club of Richmond Co.:LaFontana Restaurant, 2879 AmboyRd. 7 p.m. Call 718-420-1966.

College of S.I., Small Bus. Dev. Ctr.Business Counseling: CSI, 2800Victory Blvd. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nocharge. For info, call the SBDC at718-982-2560.

TUESDAY

Greater New Dorp NetworkingGroup: 8 a.m. Perkins, 1409 HylanBlvd. For information, call SteveLombardo at 718-702-8623.

Richmond Business Connections:Z One, 1821 Richmond Ave. 8 a.m.For information, call Ronald P.Cutrone at (347) 258-8131.

SI Business Friends: 7:30 - 8:45a.m. Hilton Garden Inn, 1100 SouthAve. For information, call Dr. RichardBove at 718-938-5978 or visitwww.sibfnetwork.com.

Bus. Outreach Ctr of SI/WBCLDC

Small Bus. Counseling –MWBE/BOC Capital: WBCLDC, 705Forest Ave., 2nd Fl. By appointmentonly. For info, call 718-816-4775.

Direct120.com, Ultimate ThinkTank: Lorenzo’s, 1100 South Ave. Forinfo, visit www.direct120.com.

Kiwanis Club of South Shore:LaFontana, 2879 Amboy Rd. 7:30p.m. For info, call 718-370-2770.

SCORE Business Counseling: S.I.Bank & Trust, 1550 Richmond Rd. 9a.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 GardenInn, 1100 South Ave. 7:45 a.m. Mem-bers and invited guests only. CallMichael Anicito at 646-606-2111.

Business Network Int’l. (BNI) Net-work Alliance Chapter: Z-OneLounge, 1821 Richmond Ave. 7 to8:30 a.m. For info, call TimothyHouston at 718-981-8600.

Rotary Club Staten Island: LiGre-ci’s 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 ofCommerce, 130 Bay St. 9 a.m. Nocharge. Call 718-982-2560.

College of S.I., Small Bus. Dev. Ctr.Business Counseling: CSI, 2800Victory Blvd. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nocharge. Call the SBDC at 982-2560.

WEDNESDAYBus. Outreach Ctr of SI/WBCLDCSmall Bus. Counseling –

MWBE/BOC Capital: WBCLDC, 705Forest Ave., 2nd Fl. By appointmentonly. For info, call 718-816-4775.

Richmond County Referral Source:Comfort Inn. 7:00 to 8:15 a.m. For

info, email [email protected] Island Business Council:


WEEKLY MEETINGS

please see MEETINGS, page 8


6/20

in our opinion

Tell us your sweetheart storyHelp us celebrate Valentine’s Day this year


Love is in the air. Valentine’s Day

is still a few days away, but you

can already sense that warm,

cozy feeling inside.

The weather has warmed up recent-

ly. The holidays are in our rearview

mirror, and spring is on the horizon.

Everywhere you go, stores are

preparing for Valentine’s Day. Restau-

rants are promoting prix fixe menus.

Jewelry stores are showcasing their

most brilliant stones. Flower shops

are displaying their most romantic

arrangements.

Newspapers, business and romance

don’t often go hand in hand, but we

want to change that this year.

We are working on special, fabulous-

ly-romantic stories about local couples

who have been together for impres-

sively long times.

It’s hard to believe, but even suit-

wearing business people like us have

love stories to tell.

So we’re calling on you, the business

leaders of Staten Island, to send in

your special love story for us to share

with everyone.

• How did you and your

husband/wife first meet?

• Where was the first place you went

on a date?

• What is the most romantic thing

you have done together?

• What makes you stand out as a

couple?

• What lessons do you have to share

with budding romances and young

couples alike?

Send in your romantic story, and a

photo of you and your special some-

one, to our news email, which is listed

to the right.

We want to share your story during

this season of love.

66 Willow Avenue

Staten Island, NY 10305

718-775-3154

JOE EISELEPublisher

TIM RONALDSON

Executive Editor

STEVE COPPOLA

Director

RICHARD GRADO

Director

ROBERT CUTRONA

Director

LAWRENCE RAMPULLA Director

JANET WARREN DUGO

Publisher Emeritus

DAN McDONOUGH, JR.

Chairman

Business Trends is mailed each month to t he

business and community leaders of Staten

Island. To be added to the mailing list, e-

mail joe@sib iztrends .com. To submit anews release, email [email protected].

For advertising info, call 718-775-3154 or email [email protected].

By BRIDGET WESTON POLLACK

Everyone knows they need to markettheir business to reach potential customersand drive sales. But if your marketing ef-forts aren’t guided by a thoughtful plan,that time and energy might be wasted.

Instead of trying to conquer your cornerof the business world by marketing every-where all the time, it’s important to planyour marketing thoughtfully. Your plandoesn’t have to be overly ambitious. But itdoes need to help set you up for success,rather than leaving you feeling frazzled oroverwhelmed.

Before you pick your Twitter handle or

start handing out coupons, think abouthow you want to achieve these three mar-keting “Rs:”

Represent your brandYou might already have a logo and

branding materials, but it’s time to takethat branding to the next level. Envision

seeing your logo in various advertisingand marketing forms – on community bul-letin boards, in newspaper ads, on bus shel-ters. Where do you want to see your logo?Where do you want to hear people talkingabout your brand?

For example, you’d never advertise anupscale cafe with a flyer on a telephonepole. But a well designed flyer posted in abustling neighborhood might be a greatmatch for a dog-walking service. Can yousee your moped shop featured in a glossyluxury magazine? Maybe not – maybe yournearest college student newspaper makes

more sense.This exercise isn’t about figuring out the

best place to pay for advertising. It’s aboutthinking about how your brand fits intothe world around you. Who’s the customerwalking through your door on any given

day? What do you want them to think orfeel when they arrive?

Thinking about how to represent yourbrand helps you focus on your marketingapproach.

Raise awarenessOnce you’ve thought about your brand

aesthetic, it’s time to figure out how toreach your target customer. Try to get asense of their lifestyle and set your market-ing efforts to match.

Targeting older customers? They mightnot be on Snapchat, but they’re probablycrazy about Facebook. Seeking youngercustomers? Sign up for Periscope, but

maybe skip a traditional blog.Not sure how your customers want to

learn about you? Ask them. Hearing theirpreferences can guide where you spendyour time to see the greatest return as youwork to raise awareness of your business.

Business not open yet? Now’s the time topick your family’s brains, email your

friends or even strike up a conversationwith your local barista during a lull. Every-one loves to share their opinion – some-times you just have to ask!

Reward customersSome big-box stores seem like they offer

a different sale every day. Sales are great,but how are you going to use them to at-tract –and keep – customers?

Sales, promotions and rewards pro-grams can overwhelm you if you don’t con-sider them in advance. Think about howyou feel about flash sales, discount pro-

grams and markdowns at other businessesyou frequent.

Do some programs keep you comingback, while others fail to keep your inter-

The 3 Rs of thoughtful marketing

please see SCORE, page 12

Share your story

Want to share your story of love duringthis Valentine’s Day? Send in your story,and a photo of you and your significantother, to our news email address to theright.


7/20


8/20

Andrew’s Diner, 4160 Hylan Blvd. 7a.m. Members and invited guestsonly. For info, call 347-855-4488 or

send an e-mail to [email protected].

Bucks Business Network: Hamp-ton Inn, 1120 South Ave. 7:45 a.m.

For info, call 718-351-2557 or visitwww.sibucks.com.

Kiwanis Club of Brighton: Jody’sClub Forest, 372 Forest Ave. 7:30p.m. For info, call 718-348-0505.

Kiwanis Club of North Central:LiGreci’s Staten, 697 Forest Ave.7:30 p.m. Call Len Bosso at 718-442-7804.

Gateway Rotary Club: LaStrada,139 New Dorp Ln. 7:15 p.m. For info,call 718-447-1509.

SCORE Business Counseling:

Chamber of Commerce, 130 Bay St.9 to 11:30 a.m. Appointment neces-sary. No charge. Call 718-727-1221.

E.L.I.T.E. (Executive, Leadership,Interactive, Team, Effort) Net-working Group: 1110 South Ave. 8a.m. New members welcome. Forinfo, call 347-273-1375.

College of S.I., Small Bus. Dev. Ctr.Business Counseling: CSI, 2800Victory Blvd. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Forinfo, call 718-982-2560.

THURSDAYBus. Outreach Ctr of SI/WBCLDCSmall Bus. Counseling –MWBE/BOC Capital: WBCLDC, 705Forest Ave., 2nd Fl. By appointmentonly. For info, call 718-816-4775.

Kiwanis Club of Staten Island:LiGreci’s Staten, 697 Forest Ave.7:30 p.m. For info, call 718-967-4345or kiwanisclubofstatenisland.com.

Rotary Club of South Shore: Man-sion Grand, 141 Mansion Ave. 12:15p.m. For info, call 718-987-2061 or

visit southshorerotary.org.Rotary Club Mid-Island: New Dako-ta Diner, 921 Richmond Ave. 7:30 to9:00 a.m. Call 718-981-0700.

SCORE Business Counseling: SIBank & Trust, 1550 Richmond Rd. 9

a.m. to noon. No appointment nec-essary. No charge. Call 718-727-1221.

Rotary Club of North Shore: LiGre-ci’s Staten, 697 Forest Ave. 7 p.m.

For info, call Christine DeHart at718-448-4725.

Business Network Int’l. (BNI) HighAchievers Chapter: PK’s Restau-rant,1281 Arthur Kill Rd. 7 to 8:30a.m. For info, call Timothy Houstonat 718-981-8600.

Business Guild II of the S.I. Cham-ber of Commerce: Hilton GardenInn, 1100 South Ave. 7:45 to 8:45a.m. Members and invited guestsonly. For info, call Lou Rizzo at 718-490-0057.

Business Guild III of the SI Cham-ber of Commerce: Hilton GardenInn, 1100 South Ave. 8 a.m. Newmembers welcome. Call Nick Testaat 646-823-4494.

College of S.I., Small Bus. Dev. Ctr.Business Counseling: CSI, 2800Victory Blvd. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Forinfo, call 718-982-2560.

Community Emergency ResponseTeam (CERT): 7 p.m. For info. andlocations, call John Tidona at 448-7160 or [email protected].

FRIDAYBus. Outreach Ctr of SI/WBCLDCSmall Bus. Counseling –MWBE/BOC Capital: WBCLDC, 705Forest Ave., 2nd Fl. By appointmentonly. For info, call 718-816-4775.

SATURDAYSCORE Business Counseling: St.George Library, 5 Central Ave. 10a.m. to noon. Appointment neces-

sary. No charge. 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.


Bill Bergman, Vice President, Leasing (718) 263-3800 x 307

[email protected]

118-35 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills, NY 11375

www.muss.com

Parisi Rampulla & Lenza, P.C.78 Martin Avenue | Staten Island, NY, 10314

(718) 761-3333

Short Sales, Mortgage Modification,Foreclosure Defense

MEETINGSContinued from page 5

Weekly Meetings

s t a tenar t s

Staten Arts Photographywww.statenartsphotography.com

Steve White6 Genesee Avenue

Staten Island, NY 10308Phone: 718.317.5025Cell: 917.446.4029Email: [email protected]

WeddingsSweet 16’sAnniversaries

Birthday PartiesMuch much more!

..................................


9/20


TEMPORARY PERSONNEL / STAFFING FOR YOUR:

Temp shows up at your business at the time required

One person or severalWhy deal with the hassle of recruiting, administrative

paperwork, payroll, etc.

One call to Project-One does it for you!Call Jean (718) 761-8390

S/laidotsuC•

dhtiwkcu•remE•xE/roiretnI•

dnaH•acaV•

uoytapuswohspm

sdeeNtnadnetnirepuS

)lacol(elbaliavarevirdgniffatSycneg

ecnanetniaMroiretxsriapeRnaMydegarevoCnoit

uqeremitehttassenisubru

:

deriu

n

uoytapuswohspm

aeJllaCe jorPotllacenO

wrepapsahehthtiwlaedyhW

penO

0

uqeremitehttassenisubru

938- 167)8 17(yroftiseodenO-tce

.cte,lloryap,krowartsinimda,gnitiurcerfoelss

larevesronosre

0

deriu

!uoy

evita

MLM PUBLIC RELATIONS/Special to Business Trends

Neil Rusken, general manager of the Applebee's location in New Dorp (fourth from left, behind Santa),surrounded by his staff, poses with Santa at the 19th Annual Breakfast with Santa event held in Decem-ber at Staten Island's four Applebee's locations. Applebee's employees volunteer their time every yearto serve the guests at the breakfasts. The 19th annual Breakfast with Santa benefitted the Have a HeartFoundation, Camelot Counseling, Community Resources, GRACE Foundation, Staten Island Children’sMuseum, Staten Island YMCA and United Activities Unlimited.

Applebee’s hosts Breakfast with Santa


10/20


$!' %! #!( !%(!#

! &$ $ ( # %!%# % $% "#!$$!$ $#'$ ! %%

$ %% "#!' %# )"#%$ (% %#%* "#!$$!$ $#'

!&$ ! $!$ ##$ %!$"$

#$" % %! ! "#!$$! "# %!#*

&""!#% ! #$ ! !&%* %#!& (* %$

$" '%$

&" !# ! )% !" %(!# #$% %! % &$ # !#

!&% % '& ! #$"

!%% Michael Gaffney, Esq. 718-815-6400 [email protected]

(((#!!&%*###$!!

worst banks this year. Based onthe overall statistics, Forbesnoted that while credit qualityseemed to improve on the whole,growth and profitability exhibit-ed mixed results. However, Signa-ture Bank’s growth and prof-itability has continued to setrecords since our founding in2001, and we maintain strongcredit quality. The bank’s inclu-

sion in the Forbes list yet again isevidence of the broader accept-ance of our relationship-based,depositor-focused model,” JosephJ. DePaolo, president and chief executive officer at SignatureBank, said. “All our colleaguescontinue to put forth efforts thatconsistently contribute to the ac-colades we earned through thisForbes ranking, and we appreci-

ate their dedication along withthe unwavering loyalty demon-strated by our clients. This third-party recognition by Forbes is

demonstrative of the strengthand success of our proven client-centric model coupled with thesingle-point-of-contact foundingphilosophy upon which SignatureBank was built.”

The data used by Forbes to cre-ate the list was supplied by Char-lottesville, Va.-based SNL Finan-cial while the rankings were com-piled by Forbes. Ten metrics wereevaluated this year including,among others, asset quality, capi-

tal adequacy, growth and prof-itability. A new methodology wasapplied to this year’s listing tobetter reflect the current state of America’s banking environment.Three new metrics were added,including return on average tan-gible common equity, net charge-offs as a percent of total loans and


Monthly Update



11/20


12/20


" " !

Contact Ronald P. Cutrone

718.727.5100

Generate More Revenue For

Your Business

est? Your salon might not want toattract new customers with aGroupon or similar daily deal,but a discount after a certainnumber of visits might be the

perfect thing to keep a customercoming back for trims every sixweeks.

Again, think about your repre-sentation. An upscale boutiquewill offer – and announce – salesor buying programs differentlythan, for instance, an outdoorsrental company.

Next you’ll want to work onyour marketing calendar to make

sure you promote any sales orspecial events with plenty of timeto save the date on your cus-tomers’ calendars. Help them beloyal to you by making their life abit easier!

Get together with a SCOREmentor to think about your mar-keting big picture. Remember thethree “Rs” before you get caughtup in that Twitter feed!

Bridget Weston Pollack is the vicepresident of marketing and commu-nications at the SCORE Association.In this role, Bridget is responsible forall branding, marketing, PR and com-munication efforts. She focuses onimplementing marketing plans andstrategies for the organization to fa-cilitate the growth of SCORE’s men-toring and trainings services.

SCOREContinued from page 6

SCORE can help with your big picture

marketing plan


13/20


efficiency ratio. Other metricswere removed from this year’sformula, such as return on aver-age equity and nonperformingloans as a percentage of loans.Other metrics used include netinterest margin, nonperformingassets as a percent of assets, re-serves as a percent of NPLs, twocapital ratios (Tier 1 and risk-based) and revenue growth over

the past 12 months. All data wasbased on regulatory filings for theperiod ending Sept. 30, 2015. Eachof the 10 metrics used wereweighted equally in Forbes’ finalrankings.

Malliotakis, Islanderbring recovery program

SMART Recovery for Family &Friends NYC, a solution-orientedfellowship for people impacted bythe addiction of a loved-one,

brings science based tools to Stat-en Island. With the assistance of Assemblywoman Nicole Mallio-takis, the organization was able

to secure space to host meetingshere in the borough. A certifiedfacilitator for SMART RecoveryFamily & Friends, Anne DeMar-zo, a lifelong Staten Island resi-dent, is hoping to change the stig-ma attached to addiction.

DeMarzo was prompted to startthe group after considering theexperiences of someone veryclose to her who dealt with theissue. An alternative to 12-stepmodels, such as Al-Anon and Nar-

Anon, SMART Recovery for Fam-ily & Friends uses well-estab-lished techniques from modernpsychology to help those impact-ed by the addiction of someoneclose to them. Based on the sameself-empowering four-point pro-gram of regular SMART Recov-ery, SMART Recovery for Family& Friends focuses on ConcernedSignificant Others of those strug-gling with addiction.

SMART Recovery Four PointProgram:

1.) Building motivation2.) Coping with urges3.) Managing thoughts, feelings

and behavior

4.) Living a balanced lifestyleIn addition, SMART Recovery

Family & Friends teaches Com-munity Reinforcement and Fami-ly Training, a decades-old sci-ence-based approach with twogoals:

1.) Help CSOs manage the ef-fects of addiction while findingfulfillment in their own lives

2.) Offer more helpful respons-es that often influence their loved-one to drink and/or drug less and

ultimately pursue recovery.“Having a program likeSMART Recovery available toStaten Islanders who are relativesand loved ones of individualsstruggling with addiction can bebeneficial to so many,” Mallio-takis said. “I commend Anne forher commitment and dedicationto bringing this resource to Stat-en Island. I hope Islanders findthe program provides the com-fort, support and informationthey need.”


Monthly Update

Want more? Visit us on the Web at www.sibiztrends.com


14/20

ical damage and economic injurylosses is Dec. 1.

“The additional time for busi-nesses, homeowners and rentersto request federal disaster loanswill go a long way in continuing

to support the rebuilding effortsof the communities affected bySuperstorm Sandy,” said MariaContreras-Sweet, administrator

of the U.S. SBA. “I want to thankthe chairmen and ranking mem-bers of the Senate and HouseSmall Business Committees for

their leadership on this issue. Todate, the agency has receivedmore than 1,000 applications. Wehave improved processing time

on applications and, on average,provide a disaster loan decisionin eight days and cash disburse-ment on average five days after

receipt of loan closing docu-ments. To date, we have approved$2.5 billion in loan assistance tomore than 37,000 individuals and

businesses affected by Sandy.”In December, Congress passed

and President Obama signed intolaw the Recovery Improvements

for Small Entities After DisasterAct of 2015, which gives the SBAadministrator the authority tomake disaster loans for Super-storm Sandy available for oneyear. The bill authorized the SBAto revise the disaster deadline formajor presidential declarationsfor Superstorm Sandy in Con-necticut, Maryland, New Jersey,New York and Rhode Island.

Businesses and private non-profit organizations may borrowup to $2 million to repair or re-place disaster damaged or de-stroyed real estate, machineryand equipment, inventory andother business assets.

Homeowners also may qualifyfor disaster loans up to $200,000 torepair or replace disaster dam-aged or destroyed real estate, andhomeowners and renters may beeligible for up to $40,000 to repairor replace disaster damaged ordestroyed personal property.

Interest rates are as low as

1.688 percent for homeowners andrenters, 3 percent for non-profitorganizations and 4 percent forbusinesses, with terms up to 30years, according to the SBA. Loanamounts and terms are set by theSBA and are based on each appli-cant’s financial condition.

Applicants may be eligible for aloan amount increase up to 20percent of their physical dam-ages, as verified by the SBA formitigation purposes.

Some improvements could in-clude building a safe room orstorm shelter to help protectproperty and occupants from fu-ture damage caused by a similardisaster.

Interested applicants can applyonline athttps://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.More information can be ob-tained by calling the SBA Cus-tomer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or by sending an email to [email protected].

The Richmond County centerof the SBA is located at the NYCBusiness Solutions Center, 120Stuyvesant Place, Third Floor,and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Mondays through Fridays.


SANDYContinued from page 1

Sandy disaster recovery loans available through SBA


15/20

% + ")( "#! + #('#"& *% )% ,#( % #' %#&& ' #

% + #(&& #" $%#)" +$'%' " #%" "'#" '+ &%)& '# ")( " #%$#%'

"'& '% '-" )" %# #%" "'#" #!" '# ' #% % " %& !%"

+$,% '%," '# '% ""( "#! '+ %'(%" ' %(& " %('#"& % #!$+ ' " )%

"%&" #(& #" #!$" " "%& &%('", " '%!& # $"', &&&&!"' ' & !$%') '# ) '

$$%#$%' #("& '# $ ,#( ")' '& '(%("' *'%& % + %"& "'"'% $$%# "

"#' #", &&&'" *' '+ %'(%" #% )" $%#! (' %'" " )#$" #"'%! %'#"&$

*' #(% "'&

& #"'' " % ' %%'+#!

***%+#!


16/20


CLAIRE BISIGNANO CHESNOFF

Staten Island Board of Realtors

Claire Bisignano Chesnoff, bro-ker/owner of Claire Properties,has been inducted as the 54nd

president of the Staten IslandBoard of Realtors.

Bisignano Chesnoff was sworninto office Jan. 14 by Joan Illuzzi,special counsel to Manhattan Dis-trict Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr.,during a banquet ceremony at theExcelsior Grand, New Dorp.

“SIBOR marked its 100th an-niversary this past year, and I feelfortunate to be president as weenter the threshold of our next100 years,” Bisignano Chesnoff said. “It is a privilege to be part of such an extraordinary organiza-tion, and a gift to be workingalongside a team of officers anddirectors who are truly devoted tothe American Dream and the fur-ther enrichment of our commu-nity.”

In addition to Bisignano Ches-noff, SIBOR officers installed at

the event included President-Elect Greg A. Sokol, Cangiano Es-tates; Secretary/TreasurerMichael Blasi, Sherlock HomesRealty; and Immediate Past Presi-

dent Dilshad (Dil) Gillani, GillaniHomes. All other officials induct-ed during the evening were swornin by Linda Lugo, president of theNew York State Association of Realtors.

Other board members include:Sandy Krueger, CEO of the Stat-en Island Board of Realtors;Michael Dukhovny; Richard E.Dun; Donna A. Iadarola; LairdKlein; Vivian P. Kokkinos; HectorMesa; Ron Molcho; Angelo Pap-palardo; Joseph Pugliese; FrankReali; Scott Setaro; RochioUchofen; Joseph Tirone; GeorgeK. Wonica; and Alfred M. Fazio,Esq., board counsel.

Two members of the board arenon-Realtors: Robert B. Rampullaof the law firm of Sak & Rampul-la, and Philip A. Guarnieri, presi-dent and CEO of Empire State

Bank, who is serving as a non-Re-altor member for the fourth con-secutive year.

The officers and directors of the Staten Island Multiple Listing

Service Inc., a wholly ownedSIBOR subsidiary, also were in-ducted.

The following individuals, ortheir designates, have joined orhave been reinstated as directorsand/or members of the SIMLSboard: President and CEO SandyKrueger; Vice President FrankReali, Better Homes and GardensReal Estate – Safari Realty; Secre-tary/Treasurer George K. Woni-ca, Wonica Realtors & Apprais-ers; Joan C. Camerlengo; AnnCoppola; Thomas DeLese; Geor-gianna Diaz; Frank DiTommaso;Daniel Fausak; Michael Gentile-sco; Donna A. Iadarola; LairdKlein; Domenica (Mimi)Neuhaus; Raju Philip; Greg A.Sokol; Kevin M Swetsky, and Al-fred M. Fazio, Esq., board coun-sel.

on the job


17/20


Sometimes you want to sell your home quickly, and without all the fuss. Maybe it''s because of the passing of

a loved one, a divorce, or just the desire to get the job done without having to fix all that's wrong with your house.

Either way, when you want to sell quickly and as-is, give 302 Wholesale a call.

WE CAN COME SEE YOUR HOME AND MAKE AN OFFER FAST --

AN OFFER THAT IS ALL CASH , AND COMMISSION FREE ,

FOR YOUR HOME IN AS-IS CONDITION.AND OUR CLOSINGS ARE DAYS, NOT WEEKS, AWAY.

Call Today!

888-985-0425

STATEN ISLAND BOARD OF REALTORS/Special to Business Trends

Claire Bisignano Chesnoff is sworn in as president of the Staten Island Board of Realtors by Joan Illuzzi,special counsel to Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr.

SIBOR swears in new president


18/20


The Staten Island chapter of

New York State Women willhonor its longest standing mem-bers Margaret Barry and Geral-dine Walters-Smith with its Life-time Distinction Award. Barryserved the organization for 53years, Walters-Smith for 52 years.

Seven outstanding women will join Barry and Walters-Smith atthe ceremony and luncheon onSaturday, April 2, at noon, at Li-Greci’s Staaten, 697 Forest Ave.

Virginia Allen, Sallyann Bar-tels, Cammie Brandofino, JoanDel Priorie, Edith Holtermann,Elissa Montanti and MarieThompson will be recognized asWomen of Distinction.

The Community Program of Distinction Award will be pre-sented to AnnMarie McDonough,Raisa Ginzberg, Sharon Zinke,Rehabilitation Medicine, StatenIsland University Hospital, for“Rebuilding Lives: ReturningBack to the Community.”

The featured keynote speaker

is Linda Wilson, executive direc-tor, National Alliance on MentalIllness.

Virginia Allen, a retired“black” nurse with experience inSea View Hospital’s designatedtuberculosis sanitarium, will behonored for her commitment asan activist on labor issues; healthcare; women’s and senior citi-zen’s issues; education reform,and youth involvement.

Sallyann Bartels, membershipservices, Staten Island Chamber

of Commerce, will be honored forher efforts to seek out financialand emotional support for StatenIsland businesses after HurricaneSandy and for promoting pro-grams such as the Race for Spaceand grant programs that createvalues of businesses and supportcommunity wellness.

Cammie Brandofino, presi-dent, SI Chapter, National Coo-ley’s Anemia Foundation, will befeted for her 30 year work to help

eradicate the disease. Creditedwith establishing a Staten Islandchapter in 1985 with other par-ents and family members, NewYork State Women – SI will also

applaud her efforts as a member

of the National Cooley’s AnemiaFoundation Board of Directorsand Executive Committee, and forher service on the Board of theStaten Island Inter-Agency Coun-cil for the Aging.

Joan Del Priorie is a sign lan-guage interpreter at Staten IslandUniversity Hospital who uses herinterpreter skills for seminars,support and community groups,assuring appropriate auxiliaryaids are available to accommo-date the hearing impaired to com-municate more effectively withthe hearing population.

Edith Holtermann, retiredphysical education teacher atCurtis, New Dorp and Susan Wag-ner High School, will be recog-nized for her 42 years volunteerand leadership service at St. An-drews Church, Richmond Townand her work as a Girl Scouts denmother.

Elissa Montanti, founder andexecutive director, Global Med-

ical Relief Fund for Children, willbe recognized for her work to aidchildren worldwide who are miss-ing or have lost the use of limbsor eyes, severely burned injuredthrough war, natural disaster orillness.

Since its founding in 1997, Elis-sa Montanti’s efforts brought andhelped injured children from re-gions in more than 30 countriesthat offer minimal medical care,poorly fitted prostheses or none atall. She also created a “Dare to

Dream house” that gives childrenin treatment and their guardiansa place they call home duringtheir visit.

Marie Thompson, head educa-tor, the Child Study Center of New York, Brooklyn and memberof the Council for ExceptionalChildren, will be honored for herlifelong work with special needschildren.

Elaine Croteau and RosemarieDressler are co-chairs of this

event. The cost per person is $65and includes lunch. For more in-formation about this event, con-tact Rosemarie at [email protected].

NYS Women to award‘Lifetime Distinction’


19/20


20/20

business trends_february 2016.pdf

Documents