The Greater New York Chamber welcomed Bishnu Prasad Gautam Consul General (Acting) of the Consulate General of Nepal, New York at our International Trade Reception at Kellari Restaurant. He spoke upon the investment opportunities in Nepal and the various leading sectors: ie Energy, Hydropower, Manufacturing, IT, Tourism, Agriculture, Infrastructure & Constructions, Mining and Minerals, Import/Export, Transportation. The Chambers members had a great experience to do a Tea tasting and learn the history behind with the leading industry of Nepal by Nepal Tea with Nishchal Bansktoa

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the availability of $105 million in critical arts and cultural funding through the New York State Council on the Arts, including a program to reinvigorate near-term live performances that opens for applications Wednesday. The grants will aid in the arts sector's multi-year recovery from COVID-19 and spur the revitalization of New York's creative economy, which fosters $123 billion annually in economic activity and supports more than 500,000 jobs statewide.
"We must build New York back better than it was before, and part of that process will be strengthening and reinvigorating our state's creative economy," Governor Cuomo said.

On Thursday, June 10th The Port Authority of New York/New Jersey hosted a webinar on Doing Business and Navigating Our Ports Nicol Polidoro, Northeast Regional Account Manager, from the Business Development and Industry Relations division, presented about the strong resilience of this gateway through these unprecedent times. Members were able to get a glimpse of 6 Marine terminals and other Maritime services this Port provides such as 3 Auto processors → 2 Cruise terminals → Various bulk and breakbulk cargo including scrap metal, Belgian block, edible oils, orange juice and cement → Project cargo and heavy lift capabilities → NYNJ Rail (Cross-Harbor carfloat operation) → warehousing and distribution.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that applications are now open for the $800 million COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program. The program reimburses New York small businesses with grants of up to $50,000 for COVID-related expenses incurred between March 1, 2020 and April 1, 2021. Grants will be awarded to small and micro businesses and small for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations, with priority being given to socially and economically disadvantaged business owners, including minority- and women-owned business enterprises, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses and veteran-owned businesses, and businesses located in economically distressed communities.

The GNYCC hosted their 18th Annual World Trade Week Reception on May 27th 2021 (both virtually and in person) at Tudor City Steakhouse in Midtown Manhattan. This year's "trusted trading partners" were: the Consul General of Nepal in NY, Bishnu Prasad Gautam; the Consul General of Nigeria in NY, Ambassador Lot. Egopija and the Consul General of Panama in NY, Elias M. Levy. We also continued to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Lucio Caputo, a former Italian Trade Commissioner who was well known for hosting the Italian Wine & Food Festival in NYC. This year, the annual "Dr. Lucio Caputo International Statesman Award" was presented to Raffaele Ruggeri of Bice Restaurant Group. The Group has restaurants world wide; including NYC and Milan. A special "International Tourism Award" was also presented to Markly Wilson of the Empire State Development International Tourism Program. The final award of the evening was presented presented to the Caribbean America Chamber of Commerce & Industry in the name of Dr. Roy Hastick, the founder and past CEO of that Chamber who was instrumental in creating the Caribbean Trade Center now located in Brooklyn NY.

The GNYCC celebrated Small Business Week with a tribute to essential workers. This webinar featured a “Live Chat” Intros of Small Business Champions saluting Republic Bank and Staples & featuring the 1st Annual Dr. Roy Hastick Small Business Champions award to GoldenKrust and MCG Cafe.

Erin Dinan, from One Sandwich at a Time was recognized for her dedication for providing sandwiches during the pandemic to food pantries. Debbie Imperia from the Harrison Children's Center was also recognized for never closing during the pandemic so the essential workers can go to work while their kids were in school. Linda Bulone, RN, OCN,CCRC was given an award to her and her team along with Maria Santiago from Home Health Aide Training Institute recognizing their dedication and long hours during this health crisis.

Andrew was named a Presidential Ambassador of Entrepreneurship by the White House under the Obama administration and a Champion of Change for his work with Venture for America. Initially dubbed a "longer than long shot" candidate by the New York Times in 2018, Andrew became a

Andrew Yang is an entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, non-profit leader, and former 2020 presidential candidate. Andrew has lived in New York City since 1996, when he moved into his first apartment in Morningside Heights at 21. top-tier contender for the presidency, raising nearly $40 million in grassroots funding.