MCC Affordable Care Act (ACA) Seminars

Hear what a recent attendee had to say about MCC Affordable Care Act (ACA) Presentations: Kudos to Marcia Okon MCC’s Healthcare Exchange Counselor!

I went to my first MCOC event the other day -- the discussion of the Affordable Care Act at the NYPL. It was the best discussion I have heard or seen on the subject to date -- no right-wing or left-wing propaganda, just a clear and cogent presentation of the system and what it means for individuals and small businesses. Kudos to your organization on sponsoring this. Hopefully, you will do it again. Suffice it to say that Ms. Okon is a great presenter.

G. Lamont Blackstone, Principal
G. L. Blackstone & Associates LLC
445 Gramatan Avenue, Mail Drop IA2
Mount Vernon, NY 10552
Urban Development Consulting & Energy Management for the Urban Core

LinkedIn Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/glamontblackstoneassociates

914-663-0498 (office) / 914-663-0480 (fax) / 914-656-6378 (cell)
Member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)

Second Avenue Subway Community Information Center Ribbon Cutting

Nancy Ploeger, President of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, Michael Horodniceanu, President of MTA Capital Construction, and NYC Council Member Dan Garodnick help cut the ribbon opening the Second Avenue Subway Community Information Center (CIC). The CIC is an interactive facility where visitors can find project staff, regular programming and activities, and biannual exhibits about different aspects of the Second Avenue Subway.

Nancy Ploeger, President of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, speaks on the importance of supporting the businesses in the Second Avenue subway construction corridor.

MCC To Provide Enrollment Assistance for NY Health Benefit Exchange

MANHATTAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO PROVIDE ENROLLMENTASSISTANCE TO NEW YORKERS IN MANHATTAN SEEKING HEALTH INSURACE THROUGH NEW YORK HEALTH BENEFIT EXCHANGE

One of 38 local and regional organizations partnering with the Community Service Society, a statewide designated “in-person assistor/navigator”

New York, NY – The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce (MCC) is preparing to help guide individuals, families and businesses in the borough of Manhattan access the New York Health Benefit Exchange (NYHBE), a health insurance marketplace where consumers and businesses can shop for insurance, compare prices and benefits, and enroll into health coverage.

Under requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), states must set up a health insurance “exchange” where individuals and businesses can do “one-stop-shopping” for qualified health plans in the private market. The new federal law gives participating states the ability to enter into agreements with state and local entities to carry out key provisions of the law, including facilitating enrollment of uninsured New Yorkers into the exchange.

MCC will serve as a subcontractor to the nonprofit Community Service Society of New York (CSS), which has been awarded a grant by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to provide in-person assistance and navigators at 350 sites in 61 counties statewide. CSS operates Community Health Advocates (CHA), a statewide consumer health assistance program that in the last decade has helped more than 200,000 New Yorkers navigate the health care system.

Nancy Ploeger, President of MCC states, “This is such a critical issue and to all New Yorkers and we are very pleased to be able to help them navigate the new exchange and understand all their options. We are open to working with all organizations and community based associations to try and reach as many individuals and business owners as possible.”

MCC will help individuals and small employers understand coverage options offered through NYHBE, as well as determine their eligibility for financial assistance, tax credits, and Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance. The NYHBE and CHA Web sites will provide a list of locations where individuals and small employers can meet one-on-one with in-person assisters from MCC. MCC will post the sites, send out emails and promote the availability through our social media outlets as well as promote at all the events we host. We will also have a booth at our 3rd Ave. Street Fair, attended by over half a million people attend..

The New York Health Benefit Exchange will begin enrolling consumers and small employers in new coverage options on October 1, 2013, with health coverage starting on January 1, 2014. It is estimated that 1.1 million New Yorkers statewide will gain health coverage through New York’s exchange. Individuals and families that purchase coverage directly through the exchange will see their health insurance cost drop by as much as 50 percent. For small businesses, the cost to their employees for health insurance may drop by as much as 5 percent.

For more information on The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce go towww.manhattancc.org. and if you are interested in working with us or want us to contact you, please send an email to info@manhattancc.org





For more information on the Community Service Society go to www.cssny.org.

Scotwork NA taps LaGumina as negotiating tutor

Will help leading negotiating skills training firm serve burgeoning West Coast business

Parsippany, N.J., July 23 – Scotwork North America (www.scotworkusa.com), part of the world’s largest independent providers of negotiation skills training, has hired seasoned negotiating veteran Ross LaGumina of Los Angeles as associate tutor to work with its growing number of clients throughout the West Coast.

“Ross brings an outstanding track record of negotiating successes that will enable our clients to achieve better outcomes.” said Marty Finkle, Scotwork NA CEO. LaGumina has effectively negotiated for a wide range of industries and departments, including business brokering/sales, multi-unit residential construction, multimillion dollar advertising campaigns and employee benefit packages.

A certified business peak performance coach, LaGumina is known for fleshing out complex solutions and driving them to their professional benchmarks. He believes that every situation should be approached with a philosophy of, “There is always a way as long as you remain determined and resourceful.”

LaGumina earned his BA in Psychology from Binghamton University and studied behavioral change at Columbia University. He resides in Los Angeles with his wife and two daughters.

About Scotwork (NA) Inc.

Scotwork NA is the North American division of Scotwork Negotiating Skills, the world's largest independent provider of negotiation skills training and consulting with offices in 35 countries. Its seasoned negotiators offer consulting and training in 22 languages to more than 9,000 executives and managers worldwide. Scotwork also offers exclusive one-company courses, more advanced training, and consultation to help with actual negotiations. Contact usa@scotworkusa.com (973.428.1991).

Media contact

Jack E. Appleman
jackappleman@yahoo.com
845.782.2419/cell: 845.781.0019

MCC's MarketingWeekNYC Ends with a Great Event @ SouthWest Porch in Bryant Park!

Nancy Ploeger MCC, Kevin Sullivan Southwest Airlines, and Jill Simonson Southwest Airlines at today's MarketingWeekNYC event at the Southwest Porch






In the sweltering heat, many still came to the Southwest Porch in Bryant Park today for the last of MCC's MarketingWeekNYC's events featuring Southwest's Jill Simonson and Kevin Sullivan. An attentive crowd learned about their airline, branding and marketing to attract and keep both leisure travel and business travel customers. Jill and Kevin raffled off 4 RT tickets to anywhere in the US where Southwest flies!

Many thanks to them for hosting and creating a terrific final event for our successful week!

The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce: The Hub for Businesses in the Center of NYC

Manhattan Chamber of Commerce (MCC) is a vibrant business membership organization comprised of a cross section of 10,000 business members and subscribers ranging from sole proprietors to large corporations and multi-national firms. Connect with entrepreneurs, leaders and executives by becoming an MCC member today and help your business grow! We were recognized by the Business Council of NY State as the NY State 2012 Chamber of the Year.

 

Our mission is to advocate for, connect and educate the business community in Manhattan.

MCC works to drive membership in a number of ways. We offer membership specials from time to time to garner new members and we promote our low annual fees. We also offer monthly credit card billing to make membership more accessible to those who prefer to pay on a monthly basis rather than a lump sum. And we promote engagement in our Business Referral Groups as well as in our active committees spanning many industry and focused sectors such as global, women’s, LGBT, tech, green and sustainability, healthcare and young professionals.

We also hold quarterly new member breakfasts where new members meet some of our staff and Ambassadors and learn about how to get the most out of their membership.

MCC works with its partners such as Microsoft to hold educational events for small business owners to learn how to run their businesses more effectively and enhance their growth opportunities. MCC is also heavily engaged in offering member companies networking opportunities to find potential clients and strategic partners. Businesses can also market their goods and services through MCC’s robust website, social media, meetings with members and community street fairs. MCC was recognized as one of the Top 100 Social Media Friendly Chambers of Commerce. 

And MCC works with the 5 Boro Chamber Alliance and GoBizNYC to advocate for positive business legislation, a huge challenge in an often anti-business climate. City, state and federal legislators tend to create bills that are anti-business and have many unintended consequences which we have to be on top of and point out to make the bills more business friendly. This is also an attraction for all size businesses to join the chamber in our quest to be the voice for businesses-and especially for small businesses who otherwise have no voice.

MCC excels by addressing the specific needs of the Manhattan business community. Our chamber has special initiatives such as assisting businesses affected by construction of the 2nd avenue subway, teaching businesses about the Affordable Care ACT (ACA), the launch of MarketingWeekNYC (sponsored by Microsoft) which addresses the need to teach businesses how to attract and retain customers and the launch of and participation in the International Women’s Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC), a global program to support women owned businesses with revenue over $1 million. 

“We are an active chamber with many tentacles out into the business community to help our members and their companies flourish,” says Nancy Ploeger, President of MCC for nearly 20 years.

 

Be A Hero-Hire a Hero at Citi Field: September 20, 2013

Please see the following opportunities to participate and sponsor this event:

On September 20, 2013 at Citi Field in Queens, New York – Be A Hero-Hire A Hero will be hosting one of their largest Veteran Career Expos to date. Prior to the event and in partnership with Save-A-Suit Foundation we will be donating $1,000,000 worth of suits to 2,000 veterans in preparation for their job search that day!

All veterans regardless of age or gender are eligible to receive a suit. However, in order to participate in this amazing event Veterans MUST register at: www.saveasuit.org/register

NO EXCEPTIONS

If a veteran does not register prior to the event, they cannot receive a suit from Save-A-Suit the day of the event.

Once a Veteran registers at: www.saveasuit.org/register a confirmation notice will be EMAILED as your receipt to receive a suit. Should a Veteran not have email or access to a computer – they can call 1-855-SAV-SUIT and leave a voice-mail to register. A Save-A-Suit representative will call back to secure registration. In this event- Veterans must provide the telephone number of their affiliated Veterans Service Organization so that Save-A-Suit can be in contact with them prior to the event.

http://www.beahero-hireahero.com/index.php/events/expo/12-events-home/43-attention-veterans-join-us-september-20th-2013-at-citi-field-queens-ny-for-the-million-pledge-suit-give-away

Con Edison Green Team: June Updates

TEMPERATURES RISING

As the summer temperatures rise, many of your customers are seeking ways to beat the heat and save money in the process. Provide added value by educating them about the benefits of upgrading to a high-efficiency central air-conditioning unit this summer through Con Edison's Heating and Cooling Rebates for Homes program.

The program helps you to grow your business by saving your customers both money and energy, enhancing the reliability of their equipment as well. According to energystar.gov, with proper sizing and installation, a customer can save up to 30% in annual energy costs by upgrading their equipment. To learn more about this program or sign up, click here.

________________________________________

APPLYING FOR REBATES IS EASY

When submitting the rebate be sure to include an invoice that lists the following:

- Install date
- Contractor name and address
- Customer name and address
- Model and serial number of all equipment installed*
- Notation that equipment is paid in full

Also provide your customers with the AHRI certification number or a copy of the manufacturer's specification sheet.

*Programmable thermostat serial numbers not required.
________________________________________

JOIN US

The Con Edison Green Team will be available at various distributor locations. Stop by to pick up rebate forms and brochures, as well as get answers to questions that you may have about the program.

Also, SAVE THE DATE for the 6th Annual Educational and Energy Efficiency Trade Expo, being held on October 8, 2013, at Russo's On the Bay, Howard Beach, NY. The event brings the industry together to learn about new advancements in product technology, installation methods and code changes.

For more information, visit http://www.nycmpc.org/2013expo/

MCC Thanks June New Members

Company	Name	Website
ADL Technology Consulting Group	Fred Dupiton	www.Adlsecure.com
Alma Enterprises Usa Inc	Mehmood Ahmed Bhutta	www.almaent.com
ARM-Capacity of New York	George Pipala
BizKriti	Aditi Gautam
Blocadi Capital LLC	Caroline Van Scheltinga
CIRE Travel, A Division of Tzell	Eric Hrubant	www.ciretravel.com
DS Agency	Andrew Mandel
Dynamic Flooring Solutions	Irene Jeanotte
FARO Technologies	Kathleen Murray
Fish Hook Books, Ltd.	Bruce Hurwitz	www.fishhookbooks.com
Fujitsu America	Jonathan Primeau
Gilbert Albert	Majid Pishyar
ILORI & Optical Shop of ASPEN	Alexis Velez
Jen Mack Consulting LLC	Jen Mack
John, Jacob & Vayalumkal, LLP	Augustine John	www.CPASQUARE.COM
Jones Lang LaSalle	Alex Benisatto
Marathon Energy Corporation	Mauricio Rojas
Mark Karten - Level Group	Mark Karten	www.SpacesNY.com
Mixcraft Media, Inc.	Freedom Justice	www.mixtogo.net
Nueva Solutions Inc	Veena Singh	www.nuevainc.com
Paychex	Raeellen Zekas	www.paychex.com
Pioneers Bar NYC	Adrian Davidson	http://pioneersbar.com
PMG	Pam Giffin
Princeton IT Services, Inc	Ravi Karamsetty
Sherpaa	Tracy Avin
SunEdison	Jeff Gorman
SwordStyle Guitar Studios	Sam Fisher

MCC Thanks June Renewing Members

Company	Name	Website
Barrett Capital Corporation	Barry Korn	www.barrettcapital.com
Carr Workplaces	Gregg Reyes	www.carrworkplaces.com
Colloquium Depot, LTD.	R. Ashton Wall	www.colloquiumdepot.org
DL International	Deborah Farkash	www.livingwellinsidenoutside.nsproducts.com
Empire State College	Christopher Rolley	www.esc.edu
FCW Hospitality and Private Residence Consulting	Fiona Cameron-Williams	www.fionacameron-williams.com
Haug Realty Corp.	Hedi White
Imagine a New Image	Harriet Lehrer	www.imagineanewimage.com
Jane O'Shaughnessy MD Emergency Medicine Consulting	Jane O'Shaughnessy
JB Carpentry Inc.	John Bissell
JETRO NY (Japan External Trade Organization)	Masaki Fujihara	www.investjapan.org
JP Morgan Chase - Frank Apollo	Frank Apollo	www.jpmorganchase.com
JWU LLC	Gustavo Rangel	www.JASONWUSTUDIO.com
Language American Style	Dennis Paget	www.businessenglish.cc
Maz Mezcal	Mary Silva
New York Habitat	Francois Roux	www.nyhabitat.com
Pinnacle Medical PC DBA emergency medical care	Steve Okhravi	www.emergencymedicalcare.org
PKF LLP	Leo Parmegiani	www.pkfnewyork.com
SKALA International Holding Inc.	Kamu KILINC	www.skalaholding.com
Smith & Allen Consulting, Inc.	Belinda Allen	www.saci.com
Snappy Solutions Inc.	Maureen Fairlie	www.snappysolutions.com
Soozan Baxter Consulting, LLC	Soozan Baxter	www.soozanbaxter.com
SoundSense, LLC	Bonnie Schnitta	www.soundsense.com
tsida	Terry Stewart	www.tsida.com
USA T.S.V LLC	Jindan Lu	www.usatsv.com

MCC Guest Blogger Gil Effron: No more “Mr. Negative”

By: Gil Effron

Looking back at my recent blog posts, I've recognized a pattern that I just don't like. Basically, I'm negative!

I always seem to be finding fault... always pointing out what's not working and how poorly businesses do what they do -- or don't do what they should do when coming in contact with prospects, customers, former clients, and so on.

So I'm turning over a new leaf and I'm on a quest. I've decided to go looking for GOOD... for the positive. No more Mr. Negative for me.

From now on, I'll be out there... proactively looking for best practices and for great or "surprising service" (to use Ron Kaufman's vernacular) that go above and beyond what's expected. I'll be looking for people within businesses are nice, happy, friendly, helpful, attentive, sincere, and pleasant and that, by virtue of their exceptional service or demeanor or ability to listen or smile, deserve a gold star!

And when I find one of these outstanding employees, staff members, or team members that really gets it... that has a way of putting the customer first or following that simple Golden Rule... I'll give them a gold star. Continue reading...

2nd Ave. Art Exhibition

2nd Ave. Art Exhibition

Date: 6/28/2013

Category: 2nd Avenue News

Many thanks to Robert Schwartz, Eneslow Shoes at 1504 Second Avenue @ 79th Street, and Joseph Pecora, Delizia 92, at 1762 2nd Ave @ 92nd Street, for exhibiting some of the 2nd Ave. Art Project works created by the Creative Arts Workships for Kids as well as the East Side Middle School and the Carl Schurz Family Day quilt done by elementary school children. The exhibition will be rotated during the summer and also be displayed at the new MTA Community Center on 2nd Ave. near 84th St. Stop by and see what visions these children have of 2nd Ave. and the subway!