The Borough of Queens: Another Main Street, USA
It’s only fitting that the Queens Chamber of Commerce was the first business organization to Claim Your Town in the free Operation Main Street small business directory. In fact, Queens is the only borough in New York City with a downtown district squarely situated on “Main Street” — bustling with buses, subways, LIRR, and overflowing with the best variety of authentic ethnic restaurants. The multitude of small business establishments and retail shops in Queens all depend on economic development and their powerful, capable Chamber of Commerce. A steady hand and forward thinker throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, Thomas Grech knows a good opportunity when he sees one. “The Queens Chamber of Commerce constantly searches for programs and services benefiting our members,” Grech said. “So when we saw this opportunity to expand the Internet footprint of our local retailers – at no cost to the Chamber or the member – we jumped on it.”
Teaming Up to Save Small Businesses in Queens
The Operation Main Street team is proud of the announcement on Twitter by Grech and the Queens Chamber of Commerce. Through publicity initiatives like this one, Queens business organizations, entrepreneurs and store owners can leverage the Operation Main Street directory, which is free of charge, to increase their sales revenue. And Queens residents looking for ways to help can help save their favorite local shops by purchasing gift cards online. A brief explainer video is here.
Queens, A Stellar Place to Live and Work
OperationMainStreet.com is still very much in the nascent stages but the site’s creator, eGifter.com, says the reception has been satisfying and encouraging.
According to eGifter.com CEO Tyler Roye. “Several elected officials have reached out to us about “claiming” the municipalities they represent, and chamber leaders like Tom Grech have really stepped up.”
“We always hear about how local retailers are the backbone of the nation’s economy, but too little is done to support them on a grand scale. We’re looking to change that.”
– Tyler Roye, eGifter CEO
Roye is convinced that Main Street USA will play a huge role in the economic recovery necessitated by the disruption caused by the Coronavirus. Ironically, weeks of isolation have made Americans more cognizant and appreciative of the importance of congregating and connecting. Most Americans today yearn for the simplicity of simply being together — at the pubs, restaurants and shops that characterize most downtowns across the country.
Operation Main Street looks to serve these communities by providing the tools they need to maintain their rightful place in the hearts of Americans within the Heart of America. And there’s no better place to commence this service than right here in Queens, another one of the world’s largest small towns.
