Kew Gardens Hills, Queens – Assemblyman Sam Berger joined Thomas Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, and George Hadjiconstantinou, Vice President of Strategic Programs at the Queens Chamber of Commerce, on October 20th, 2026, for a business walk along Main Street to meet with local business owners, hear their concerns, and discuss resources and opportunities to support small businesses throughout the community.

The visit provided an opportunity for Assemblyman Berger and Chamber representatives to engage directly with business owners about the challenges they face, including rising operating costs, parking concerns, and issues involving e-scooters. Discussions also focused on navigating government agencies, accessing educational resources, and creating opportunities for local businesses to connect with one another.

“Small businesses are an essential part of what makes our neighborhoods vibrant, and supporting them starts with listening to the people who keep them running,” said Assemblyman Sam Berger. “Our office is here to help business owners navigate government agencies, address local concerns, and connect with available resources. Working alongside the Queens Chamber of Commerce allows us to better understand these needs and identify practical ways to support our local business community.”

“We had a wonderful time spending the day with Assemblyman Berger for this business walk,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “He’s been such a strong, long-time champion for the Chamber and our local business community in Albany. The opportunity to visit so many businesses in quick succession and learn more about their needs and how we can best support them was incredibly insightful for us both as we think through strategies to address rising costs and help our borough’s vibrant businesses continue to grow.”

During the walk, Assemblyman Berger and Chamber representatives visited Wasserman Supermarket, Schrier Optometric Associates, Strive Chai, Kandi Kastle, Max & Mina’s Ice Cream, J&Z Couture, and others. The conversations covered a range of issues affecting businesses and their surrounding communities, including Department of Transportation (DOT) concerns related to parking and e-scooters.

The discussions also extended to educational and community-based services, including assistance with obtaining an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for an after-school program and navigating city agencies such as the New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE). These conversations highlighted how Assemblyman Berger’s constituent services team can help residents and business owners identify the appropriate agencies and navigate available support.

In addition to addressing immediate concerns, the walk explored ways to strengthen the local business community through collaboration and outreach. Assemblyman Berger and Queens Chamber of Commerce representatives discussed opportunities to host networking events within the district, helping local business owners build relationships and connect with potential partners. They also highlighted the Chamber’s complimentary marketing services, which can help businesses increase their visibility and promote their services to the community.

The business walk reflects the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between local businesses, community organizations, and elected officials. Assemblyman Berger’s office will continue working with the Queens Chamber of Commerce to address concerns, connect businesses with relevant resources, and help strengthen the neighborhood’s commercial corridors.

Local business owners seeking assistance are encouraged to contact the Queens Chamber of Commerce at info@queenschamber.org or 718-898-8500. Those seeking assistance with state agencies or constituent concerns can also contact Assemblyman Berger’s district office.