LICBDC supports local biz with massive Annual Luncheon & Trade Show
LICBDC’s Annual Luncheon & Trade Show at Terrace on the Park, Flushing
The Long Island City Business Development Corporation, better known as the LICBDC, is a non-profit organization that has been relentlessly promoting the business sector of Long Island City for three solid decades. Yesterday, they introduced the mantra of “Buy Local, Think Global” and successfully brought their Annual Luncheon & Trade Show to Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, which saw several luxurious rooms packed to the hilt with exhibiting businesses and a steady stream of LIC networkers filing through.
A wide range of Long Island City business was represented, from insurance and electrical companies to local media and real estate developments, as well as standout event sponsors like Citibank, Con Ed, Tishman Speyer & Silvercup Studios. At the luncheon, LICBDC president Gayle Baron took the time to mention the two new largest construction projects in the LIC neighborhood: phase one of Tishman Speyer’s Gotham Center, and the City’s $80M renovation of Queens Plaza and Jackson Avenue.
Several individuals were honored over the course of the lunch: LICBDC chair Gary Kesner of Silvercup (William D. Modell Community Service Award), CB2 chairman Joe Conley, MetLife (LICBDC Green Business Award Honoree), and New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, who was the event’s Keynote Speaker. In his speech, DiNapoli outlined the economic climate on city and state levels while also bringing it back to a local focus with his recently released ‘Economic Snapshot of Long Island City and Astoria, Queens,’ available at every table and also online as a PDF.
LICBDC’s Annual Luncheon & Trade Show at Terrace on the Park, Flushing
Special thanks to Dan Miner and the LICBDC for their outstanding efforts in organizing a wonderful, progressive event to foster the connections between local businesses that are so desperately needed in Long Island City and Queens as a whole. For an additional perspective on business in LIC in particular, check out LICBDC’s very useful map, featuring neighborhood amenities, dining, arts, and real estate.
- LICBDC [Website]
- LICBDC LIC Amenity Map [Website]
- An Economic Snapshot of Long Island City and Astoria, Queens [PDF]
posted by Audrey Dimola
The Foundry would be a great place for this to take place.
Actually, the Foundry is not even remotely big enough. I don’t think there is anything in LIC, that I can think of, that is as large and suited for such a gigantic event, with a full formal lunch served. Taste of LIC at the waterfront was one quarter the size of this event… plus a sit down meal. I think they hold it there because it’s the closest, nicest space that can accommodate – beautiful view and quintessential Queens. If you have never been to the Terrace on the Park, absolutely recommended. Gorgeous.
We would certainly like to hold our annual event in LIC, but there’s just no place big enough here for 140+ exhibitors, around 4,000 attendees, plus a sit down luncheon for hundreds of people. We have to go to Terrace on the Park, which is the largest venue in the borough of Queens that can host both parts of the event. The Foundry is a great venue, and we’ve had many events there – much smaller ones. – Dan Miner, LICBDC
LICBDC does a great job connecting businesses large and small. My one critique is they fall short on providing outreach and service to micro businesses. That’s in part because there is not a lot available in general but I think it’s also that it’s difficult to shift the mindset from the classic larger scale business model to the more individualized approach of micro entrepreneurs.
Dan,
I don’t know if it is cost prohibitive but maybe having the event in Gantry Park with several large tents and local catering would be a great option. I think it would showcase the neighborhood very well and local small business would benefit tremendously.
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Just one question. Why was such an important luncheon about LIC not held in LIC? There are several places capable of holding such an event here and to give the revenue to another community is irresponsible and short-sighted. And before anyone asks, I do not work in the hospitality business. I just think the LICBDC organizers need to rethink their strategy a bit better for the future.