{"id":160509,"date":"2026-03-11T17:05:43","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T17:05:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/160509\/"},"modified":"2026-03-11T17:05:43","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T17:05:43","slug":"bronx-day-in-albany-returns-gibson-announces-bronx-week-will-proceed-bronx-times-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/160509\/","title":{"rendered":"Bronx Day in Albany returns, Gibson announces Bronx Week will proceed \u2013 Bronx Times"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Gov. Kathy Hochul speaking at Bronx Day in Albany, alongside Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and State Sen. Nathalia Fernandez.<\/p>\n

Photo by Marina Samuel<\/p>\n

Bronx Day in Albany<\/a> kicked off Tuesday morning at the Albany Convention Center, bringing together policymakers, real estate leaders, business executives and other stakeholders to showcase the borough\u2019s businesses and economic priorities.<\/p>\n

Held by the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, Bronx Day in Albany returned after a nearly decade-long hiatus. The event is meant to highlight Bronx businesses while connecting them with policymakers and exploring strategies to spur economic growth in the borough.<\/p>\n

The event was sponsored by JPMorgan Chase, with additional support from Montefiore Einstein, the New York Yankees, the New York Botanical Garden, the Public Policy Institute of New York State, REBNY, Bally\u2019s, DJ Ambulette, the New York Apartment Association, Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts, Con Edison, Amazon, DoorDash, HILB Group\/Rampart Insurance Services, Simone Development, The Woodlawn Cemetery, PhRMA, the Wildlife Conservation Society and Molina Healthcare of New York.<\/p>\n

Robert Rodriguez, managing director and Northeast divisional director for business banking at JPMorgan Chase, said sponsoring the event was important because the bank serves more than half a million customers, including 30,000 small business owners in the Bronx alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe bustling community that exists there has kept me there and keeps me excited about the future, because I think the best is yet to come for the Bronx,\u201d said Rodriguez, a Bronx native who still lives in the borough.<\/p>\n

\"LeftLeft to right: State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Assembly member Yudelka Tapia, Assembly member Chantel Jackson, State Sen. Jamaal Bailey, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, Bronx Chamber of Commerce CEO Lisa Sorin, Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, State Sen. Nathalia Fernandez. Photo courtesy of Tarsam Communications.<\/p>\n

During closing remarks at the event, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson announced that Bronx Week will take place this year after all, reversing a decision announced last week to cancel the event due to the city\u2019s budget deficit and broader fiscal challenges.<\/p>\n

More details about this year\u2019s Bronx Week celebration will be announced soon, according to the borough president\u2019s office.\n<\/p>\n

Programs at Bronx Day\n<\/p>\n

The day began with a Leadership Luncheon that featured two panels bringing together policymakers, real estate leaders and business executives. Opening remarks were delivered by New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.<\/p>\n

The first panel, \u201cBuilding the Bronx: Real Estate & Housing Solutions in a High-Cost Environment,\u201d focused on development feasibility, housing preservation and the financial pressures facing rent-stabilized properties in the borough. Panelists included State Sen. Jamaal Bailey, Assembly Member Chantel Jackson, Langsam Property Services Corp. President Matt Engel and L+M Development Managing Director Jessica Yoon.<\/p>\n

The second panel, \u201cDoing Business in New York: Costs, Constraints, and Competitiveness,\u201d addressed labor costs, regulatory compliance, insurance, financing and other pressures shaping business decisions across the state. Panelists included State Sen. Nathalia Fernandez, Assembly Member Landon Dais, Ashley Ranslow, New York state director for the National Federation of Independent Businesses and Paul Ramirez, owner of the Bronx Beer Hall and Mainland Media.<\/p>\n

\"TheThe Bronx Beer Hall exhibition at Bronx Day in Albany. Photo by Marina Samuel<\/p>\n

Following the panels, state agencies held workshops for business owners on topics ranging from how to access small business loans and grants to navigating the contract and procurement process, MWBE certifications and clean energy programs.<\/p>\n

The day concluded with a showcase where business owners, nonprofits, cultural organizations, artists and artisans presented their work to attendees, accompanied by music curated by DJ MadOut.<\/p>\n

Change Makers Awards
\n\"StateState Sen. Gustavo Rivera presenting the Change Maker Award to the Bronx Beer Hall, alongside Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark. Photo by Marina Samuel\n<\/p>\n

During the showcase, Bronx elected officials presented Change Makers Awards to businesses and organizations they say help create jobs, support communities and strengthen the borough\u2019s economy. Honorees included:<\/p>\n

Bravo Supermarket (Assembly Member Yudelka Tapia)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
\nBridge Builders Community Partnership Inc. (Sen. Luis R. Sep\u00falveda)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
\nBronx Children\u2019s Museum (Sen. Jose M. Serrano)\u00a0\u00a0
\nCestra\u2019s Bakery (Assembly Member Michael Benedetto)\u00a0
\nConti\u2019s Pastry Shoppe (Assembly Member John Zaccaro)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
\nDJ MadOut (Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
\nFix It With Piggy (Assembly Member Landon Dais)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
\nJohnson\u2019s BBQ (Assembly Member Chantel Jackson)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
\nKingsbridge Riverdale Van Cortlandt Development Corp. (Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz)\u00a0\u00a0
\nKingsbridge Social Club (Sen. Robert Jackson)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
\nMaravillas Bar & Grill (Assembly Member Emerita Torres)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
\nTaqueria Tlaxcalli (Assembly Member Karines Reyes)\u00a0\u00a0
\nThe Bronx Beer Hall (Sen. Gustavo Rivera)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
\nThe Hoodspitality Group (Assembly Member Amanda Septimo)\u00a0\u00a0
\nTravel with Chaz (Sen. Nathalia Fernandez)\u00a0\u00a0
\nUnited Bodegas of America (Assembly Member George Alvarez)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
\nWilliamsbridge NAACP CEC (Sen. Jamaal Bailey)\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Gov. Kathy Hochul also made a surprise appearance at Bronx Day in Albany, praising recent investments in projects such as the Hip-Hop Museum, the Kingsbridge Armory and the expansion of 2K in several Bronx neighborhoods.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose are good things that are happening,\u201d Hochul said before concluding her remarks. \u201cI just want to say, I think the Bronx is on fire \u2014 they\u2019re having their renaissance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reach Marina Samuel at\u00a0msamuel@schnepsmedia.com<\/a>. For more coverage, subscribe to our\u00a0newsletter<\/a>\u00a0and follow us on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram!<\/a><\/p>\n

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