On February 12th, 2019, candidates who will be on the ballot for the February 26th Special Election to fill the NYC Public Advocate seat visited the Historic Coffee House for a public forum co-hosted by Greater NY Chamber and New Democratic Dimensions. Each candidate outlined their vision of the future of New York City and why they should be elected Public Adocate.The Public Advocate is considered by some to be the second most powerful position in NYC politics. The last two Public Advocates moved on to higher office. Bill de Blasio was elected NYC Mayor and Letitia James was elected NYS Attorney General

The GNYCC met with twenty-three world leaders who represent government officials, political leaders, non-profit practitioners and members of the business and academic communities.. Discussions were about international economic cooperation in the context of the growth and integration of emerging markets into the world economy; Examined links between U.S. and foreign financial systems and commodity markets; and reviewed U.S. efforts to strengthen its economy and the international economic system, including stimulating growth and employment; reforming financial institutions; initiatives to assist the recovery of the financial sector domestically and internationally.

Sri Lanka Chamber of Garment Exporters, the facilitator for foreign investors in Sri Lanka met with GNYCC chamber members. Sri Lanka is a strategic sourcing destination for multiple global designer brands and retailers delivering the best with innovation, agility and unparalleled quality. Setting their own unique trend, lifestyle stores in Colombo have a lot of exclusive items on offer from furniture, porcelain and decorative items to even clothes and antiques.

Governor Cuomo discussed his agenda: Combating climate change to protecting undocumented immigrants; Legalize adult use of recreational marijuana; Creating longer waiting periods for buying guns; Implementing congestion pricing to fund the city's crumbling subway system; and Ending vacancy decontrol, which allows landlords to remove certain apartments from rent-regulation protections when they become empty.

The Greater NY Chamber hosted a Holiday Networking Reception at BLT Steakhouse in the White Plains Ritz Carlton on Tuesday, December 4th. It was a well attended, closed out reception with Chamber members and local dignitaries. Shari Rosen-Ascher of County Executive George Latimer's office was on hand to recognize the Chamber and its many good works in Westchester

New York's apparel and fashion industries had an opportunity to build relationships with executives and leaders from those industries largest and most influential Turkish businesses. Representatives of leading brands and suppliers of Turkish apparel and fashion industry, including manufacturers responsible for supplying leading global brands were in attendance. The attendees are important players of Turkish apparel and fashion industry, which has an export value of $17 billion annually, and representing a range of sub-sectors, including womenwear, menswear, denim wear, maternity wear, sportswear / activewear and more.

Bronx Borough President, Ruben Diaz Jr. visited the Greater NY Chamber and reminded us that the Bronx is doing Great! He spoke about job development, economic growth, infrastructure and environmental improvements, new and affordable housing, and the importance of student mentoring. He also spoke about the significance of Fresh Direct staying in the Bronx and how many jobs were saved. Also in attendance was Marlene Citron, President of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corp. which gives out millions of dollars in loans for business growth.