Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Exciting KRVC News!

 

Team KRVC Transition Announcement from Tracy McCabe Shelton 


Dear Community, 


The purpose of this message is to make an important and exciting Team KRVC transition announcement. First, I will be stepping down as Executive Director of the Kingsbridge-Riverdale-Van Cortlandt Development Corporation/KRVC, effective June 30, 2024. Second, I am happy to announce that Laura Levine-Pinedo was recently approved by the KRVC Board to become our interim-acting Executive Director effective July 1, 2024. 


It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the KRVC Executive Director for the past 14 years. I am so proud of the team we built, the events we produced, the programs we implemented, the new office we opened and so much more. I feel confident, with the strong foundation we now have, that KRVC will continue on for many years to come. 


Laura is enthusiastic about taking over, has boundless energy and an endless stream of great ideas. She is dedicated to community service and KRVC is the perfect vehicle to support her work. I hope our whole community will join me in continuing to support KRVC so that it can remain a strong organization under Laura’s leadership. 


Tracy 




New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Cannabis Entrepreneurship at El Barrio Artspace 109

 

final-cannabis-flyer image

Operator of Florida Labor Staffing Companies Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Tax and Immigration Charges

 

The operator of several Key West, Florida, labor staffing companies – including PSEB Specialty Service Inc., Perfect Service Excellent Benefits Services Inc., Starline Hospitality Inc., Norbert Janitorial Service Inc., E.S.F. Services Inc. and Expert Services F.S. Inc. – was sentenced today to four years in prison for tax and immigration-related crimes.

According to court documents and statements made in court, at various times between January 2011 and January 2021, Petr Sutka and others helped run a series of labor staffing companies that facilitated the employment in hotels, bars and restaurants in Key West and elsewhere of non-resident aliens who were not authorized to work in the United States. These labor staffing companies did not withhold federal income taxes and Social Security and Medicare taxes from these workers’ wages and did not report the wages to the IRS.

In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Jose E. Martinez for the Southern District of Florida ordered Sutka to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $3,551,423.84 in restitution to the United States.

Sutka’s co-conspirators, Vasil Khatiashvili and Zdenek Strnad, are scheduled to be sentenced on April 22.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida made the announcement.

Homeland Security Investigations and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

Governor Hochul Announces Extension of Home Heating Assistance Programs Through April 12

A person holds their hands over an electric space heater.


Second Round of Emergency Home Heating Aid Now Available for Eligible New Yorkers

Home Energy Assistance Program Helps Eligible Households Pay Their Heating Bills

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the availability of additional home heating assistance to help low- and middle-income New Yorkers who are struggling to pay their energy bills, are in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) has extended the deadline for Regular and Emergency HEAP applications to April 12 and is now accepting applications for a second emergency benefit from eligible New Yorkers who have used up their regular and first emergency benefits.

“Energy prices remain high, putting a burden on struggling New Yorkers trying to pay their bills,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers are applying for HEAP benefits, and by extending the program through April 12 and offering a second emergency benefit, we are continuing to provide critical relief to low- and middle-income households.”

HEAP, which is overseen by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, is federally funded and can help eligible New Yorkers heat and cool their homes. Normally, eligible households can receive one Regular HEAP benefit each winter and could also be eligible for a single Emergency HEAP benefit if they face an energy crisis. Those that have already received a regular and emergency benefit this winter will be able to apply for an additional emergency benefit, if they are facing a utility shut off or are running out of heating fuel and cannot afford to replenish it.

Eligible homeowners and renters may receive up to $976 in heating assistance, depending on their income, household size, how they heat their home, and if the household contains a vulnerable member. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,838, or an annual gross income of $70,059 and still qualify for benefits.

More than 1.4 million Regular HEAP benefits totaling $198 million have been issued this heating season since the program opened November 1, with an additional 49,000 Emergency HEAP benefits totaling $30 million provided since January 2.

Applications for assistance are accepted at local departments of social services and can be submitted online, through the mail or in person. Additionally, older adults needing assistance with HEAP applications can contact their local office for the aging or contact the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871. The deadline for the Regular, Emergency, and second Emergency benefit is April 12. Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Additionally, assistance through the 2023-2024 Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement program remains available to help eligible homeowners repair or replace their furnace, boiler, and other direct heating equipment necessary to keep their home’s primary heating source working. Benefit amounts through the HEAP Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement program are based on the actual cost incurred to repair or replace the essential heating equipment - up to $4,000 for a repair and $8,000 for a replacement.

Eligible homeowners can also continue to apply for a HEAP Heating Equipment Clean and Tune benefit to keep their home's primary heating source working at peak efficiency. Applicants for these benefits should contact their local department of social services for more information.


Monday, March 18, 2024

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli Releases Profile of New York's Small Business Owners

 

Office of the New York State Comptroller News

Even as many small businesses shuttered their doors or struggled through the pandemic, entrepreneurs in New York continued to identify and pursue new opportunities, according to an analysis by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. New York exceeds the nation in the share of businesses that are majority female and minority-owned; however, they continue to represent less than one-quarter of all owners in New York state.

“New Yorkers have always had a great entrepreneurial spirit and drive, and that was no different even during some of the more difficult times of the pandemic,” DiNapoli said. “Policymakers should encourage small business growth, and particularly initiatives to spur entrepreneurship and foster successful businesses that reflect the diversity of our state.”

DiNapoli’s report found that for 9 out of 10 New York business owners, being their own boss and greater income potential were the primary reasons they started their business. Over 80% cited flexible hours, work-life balance and the best avenue to promote their ideas as reasons. For 72% of New York business owners, their business serves as the primary source of their income. According to data from the Kauffman Institute, the share of New York’s population that started a new business was 12th highest among states in 2021.

DiNapoli’s analysis also found:

  • New York’s share of majority minority-owned firms, 26.4%, is higher than the national average (21.7%), but lower than other large, diverse states, like California, Florida and Texas. Of minority-owned businesses, the greatest share of firms nationally and in New York were Asian-owned – 17.6% in New York and 11.3% in the U.S.
  • Hispanic and Black business owners are significantly underrepresented relative to their shares of New York’s population. New York’s share of Hispanic-owned firms, 5.9%, is well below the share of state population (19.5%). Rates were significantly lower for Black business ownership: 3.4% of owners compared to 14.2% of population in New York.
  • New York lags the nation in the share of firms that are owned by veterans. New York’s 3.3% share of majority veteran-owned firms was the lowest among the 36 states that supplied reliable data for the survey. In contrast, the national average was 5.4%.
  • New York exceeds the national average in the share of business owners that were foreign-born at 28.7% compared to 18.5% nationwide. The share of business ownership is also higher than the share of New York’s population (22.3%).

DiNapoli said promoting and expanding initiatives designed to assist small businesses, and underrepresented business owners in particular, is necessary. Empire State Development’s Division of Small Business administers critical programs that assist the business community including the Business Mentor NY program that provides free business mentorship to entrepreneurs and Entrepreneurial Assistance Centers that provide training and technical assistance to small businesses.

In addition, the state needs to ensure federal funds intended to assist small businesses under the State Small Business Credit Initiative, a federal program established in 2010 to increase access to capital for traditionally underserved small businesses, are allocated efficiently and effectively. Research indicates access to capital and other financing resources is often identified as a key reason for low rates of business ownership among women and people of color.

The New York State Common Retirement Fund makes investments intended to generate market returns consistent with the risk of private equity while supporting New York’s small businesses. The New York Credit Small Business Investment Company Fund provides credit financing to eligible New York-based companies. The Fund also invests in Pursuit, which underwrites loans to small businesses in New York. Pursuit has made 1,227 loans totaling $462 million to businesses in all 62 counties. Pursuit has an active Veteran’s Loan Program through which New York business owners who serve in the National Guard or Reserve, along with honorably discharged former active-duty members, can access small business loans. Pursuit has a goal of making at least 25% of its loans to Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises. As of 2023, 20% of Pursuit loans that were due to Fund investments were made to women-owned businesses and 28% were made to minority-owned businesses. The In-State Private Equity Investment Program has provided $1.7 billion to 560 New York companies since March 31, 2023.

Analysis

Economic and Policy Insights – New York State Business Owners

New York State Business Owners Dashboard

Governor Hochul Launches Effort to Protect New Yorkers Ahead of Total Solar Eclipse on April 8

eclipse glasses in front of the I Heart NY sign

New York State Will Distribute Limited Edition I LOVE NY Eclipse Glasses at 30 Locations Throughout the State – Including New York State Welcome Centers and Select Service Areas Along NYS Thruway

Urges New York Stargazers to be Wary of Scams, Fake Merchandise and Phony Accommodation Listings

Announces Expansion of Ongoing I LOVE NY Eclipse Safety Awareness Campaign to Include Messaging Promoting Glasses Distribution Across the State

Builds on Statewide Preparations for Once-in-a-Generation Celestial Event 


Governor Kathy Hochul today launched a statewide effort to protect New Yorkers ahead of the Total Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8. The effort includes statewide distribution of limited-edition I LOVE NY eclipse glasses at 30 locations throughout the state – including New York State Welcome Centers and select service areas along the NYS Thruway – as well as a reminder for stargazers to be wary of scams, fake merchandise and phony accommodation listings. In addition, the Governor expanded an I LOVE NY campaign to urge New Yorkers to take proper safety precautions during the eclipse. Today’s announcement builds on previous actions to prepare the state, as well as New York stargazers, for the once-in-a-generation celestial event.

“The total solar eclipse will be a once-in-a-generation experience for our state, and it’s critical that New Yorkers have the tools and information to enjoy it safely,” Governor Hochul said. “From heightening awareness of scams to providing thousands of New Yorkers with eclipse glasses, I’m focused on giving everyone the resources they need to safely experience this extraordinary event.”

On April 8, a total solar eclipse will encompass the western and northern parts of New York State with the roughly 100-mile wide path of totality entering in the southwestern part of the state at just after 3:15 p.m. and departing northern New York just before 3:30 p.m. Cities and towns within this path include Jamestown, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Watertown, Old Forge, Lake Placid and Plattsburgh. The entire event will last for up to 2 ½ hours, marking the time the sun is first obstructed to the last moments when the moon’s shadow is cast.

I LOVE NY Eclipse Glasses

During the eclipse, it is especially unsafe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection and can result in serious injury. The partial phases of the solar eclipse can only be safely observed directly with specialized eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer ­– regular sunglasses are not a safe replacement.

A limited quantity of I LOVE NY eclipse glasses will be available beginning today at locations throughout the state, including New York State Welcome Centers and select service areas along the New York State Thruway (at the Applegreen C-Stores). A full list of locations distributing I LOVE NY glasses, as well as other sources for eclipse glasses, are available here. Glasses will be limited to two pairs per person, while supplies last, with a limited amount distributed daily. The glasses were approved by the New York State Department of Health and carry an ISO certification.

A digital marketing campaign was launched in January to promote general awareness of the eclipse and viewing options across New York State. Messaging of the campaign has expanded to include safety and preparedness information as well as information on eclipse glasses distribution. The campaign will continue to run up until the eclipse on April 8.

Protecting Stargazers From Scams

The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is providing tips for the hundreds of thousands of consumers planning to travel to New York State to witness the solar eclipse over New York. Consumers need to be informed of their rights, shop smartly to safeguard their hard-earned money and stay vigilant to protect themselves from scams.

According to the Better Business Bureau, scams associated with the 2024 solar eclipse may include:

  • Travel Scams: Scammers may advertise discounted travel packages or transportation services for viewing the eclipse, only to disappear with customers’ money or provide subpar services.
  • Fake Merchandise: Unscrupulous vendors might sell counterfeit or overpriced eclipse-themed merchandise.
  • Phony Accommodation Listings: Scammers could create false hotel or rental listings claiming to have optimal views of the eclipse while these listings may not exist or properties may not be as described, or the lister is not really the owner.

To safeguard against these scams, consumer should:

  • Try to pay with a credit card. Credit cards often offer more protection than paying by cash, check or debit card. Some credit card companies also offer perks like trip insurance or concierge service while traveling and may offer additional protections if the trip is cancelled. Check with your credit card company on the conditions of travel expenditure reimbursement.
  • Purchasing Merchandise. Purchase eclipse viewing glasses and other related products only from reputable vendors or verified sources. Look to see if the glasses include the ISO stamp and message When seeking eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers, your best bet is to start with the AAS list of suppliers so you can be sure your viewers are safe.
  • Personal Information. Exercise caution when providing personal or financial information online. This advice is good all year round, not just for the eclipse.
  • Do Your Research. Verify the legitimacy of accommodation listings by researching the property and reading reviews from trusted sources.

Any consumer who encounters a marketplace problem while enjoying the eclipse in New York can file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection at dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.

Additional Preparations for Total Solar Eclipse

New York State is committed to providing a safe and fun eclipse experience, recognizing the convergence of public safety and tourism promotion. Travelers are encouraged to plan an extended getaway for a more enjoyable event, including avoiding post-eclipse traffic like the massive backups following the Great Eclipse of 2017, which bisected the United States from Oregon to South Carolina.

Educational Information and Viewing

Earlier this month, Governor Hochul announced the eclipse events and activities scheduled at New York's State Parks, in coordination with NASA. I LOVE NY has launched the multi-platform “Come for the Eclipse, Stay for New York” campaign to present New York as THE place to be to witness this event. The campaign and a special eclipse website highlight viewing location information in the five regions that will experience the path of totality, a variety of attractions and special eclipse-related events happening across the state across its digital platforms including InstagramFacebookTikTok and Twitter/X. A downloadable special edition eclipse poster is also available, created through I LOVE NY's partnership with acclaimed artist and professional astronomer Dr. Tyler Nordgren. Visit iloveny.com/eclipse for viewing locations and additional safety tips.

Join Assemblymember Zaccaro, Jr for an Easter Egg Hunt Weekend

 

Friends, 

We invite you to join us for a weekend of Easter Egg Hunts across our community (details below). Both events are FREE for all to attend and will feature the Easter Bunny, music, popcorn, face painter, and—of course—Easter eggs! 
  • Saturday, March 23rd, 11am - 2pm - Outside the 52nd Precinct on Webster Avenue
  • Sunday, March 24th, 11am-2pm - Pelham Parkway Greenway at Williamsbridge Road 
A big THANK YOU to our partners the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau, Metro Plus, Ponce Bank and CCA Metro for their commitment to our community and helping to make this event a success.  
 
Can't wait to see everyone out there! 

Sincerely, 

John Zaccaro, Jr.   

Former President of Energy Company Pleads Guilty to $5.5M Illegal Kickback Conspiracy and Commodities Insider Trading Scheme

 

The former president of a Texas energy company pleaded guilty last week to an illegal kickback scheme and a commodities insider trading scheme involving natural gas futures contracts.

According to court documents, Matthew Clark, 56, of Needville, Texas, conspired with others to direct his employer’s trades to Classic Energy LLC, a brokerage firm owned and operated by Matthew Webb, 54, of Tiki Island, Texas, in exchange for illegal kickbacks. Specifically, Clark accepted more than $5.5 million in illegal kickbacks, which were generated from commission fees paid by his employer to Classic Energy.

“Matthew Clark steered his company’s commodities trading business to a broker in exchange for over $5.5 million in illegal kickbacks. He also misappropriated confidential information about his company’s planned commodities trades and used that information to enrich himself and his co-conspirators,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “When corporate insiders engage in insider trading and other deceptive trade practices for their own financial gain, they don’t just harm the company — they undermine the integrity of our financial markets. This groundbreaking investigation was the first to result in criminal convictions for commodities insider trading. It will not be the last.”

“Matthew Clark made millions trading in natural gas commodities, but unlike most Houston traders, he made his money illegally through the use of kickback schemes involving associates, relatives, and his employer’s proprietary insider information,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas. “The natural gas futures contract market is an integral part of Houston’s economy, and to preserve the integrity of that system, it is important that commodity traders who buy and sell those contracts not engage in illegal and unfair practices. That’s why my office is committed to holding those accountable, like Clark, who use kickbacks and inside information to enrich themselves at the expense of the public’s trust in the U.S. markets.”

Clark also misappropriated his employer’s material nonpublic information and engaged in prohibited commodities transactions. Webb, through Classic Energy, brokered Clark’s natural gas futures trades with counterparties who were identified in advance of executing the trades. The predetermined counterparties included John Ed James, 54, of Katy, Texas, and Peter Miller, 49, of Puerto Rico. Clark, Webb, James, and Miller then shared the net profits generated from these illegal prearranged trades.

“The FBI and its partners will continue to relentlessly pursue those who engage in illegal kickback schemes,” said Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “This plea should make it known to others that participate in illicit activity that threatens the integrity of our financial systems that there are consequences to your actions.”

Clark pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, one count of prohibited commodities transaction, and one count of commodities insider trading. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 24 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the honest services wire fraud conspiracy count and 10 years in prison on each of the prohibited commodities transaction and insider trading counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Webb pleaded guilty in June 2021 to conspiracy to commit commodities fraud and wire fraud and to violate various provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act; James pleaded guilty in February 2021 to conspiracy to commit commodities fraud and wire fraud; and Miller pleaded guilty in February 2022 to conspiracy to commit commodities fraud. Miller is scheduled to be sentenced on June 20. Webb and James are scheduled to be sentenced on July 1.

In two other related cases, Marcus Schultz, 44, of Houston, and Lee Tippett, 64, of Jacksonville, Florida, pleaded guilty in July 2020 and August 2021, respectively. Schultz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to violate various provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act, and Tippett pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit commodities fraud and honest services wire fraud. Tippett was sentenced on Feb. 20 to two years and nine months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Schultz is scheduled to be sentenced on July 1.

The FBI Houston Field Office is investigating the case.