Bronx Chamber of Commerce to host annual gala September 29th

Bronx, NY The Bronx Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its Annual Gala on Thursday, September 29^th, 2022 at 6:30 pm. They will celebrate some of their resilient business members who have worked in close partnership to foster economic growth, expand mutual networks, and create a stronger Bronx business community.

This year, the awards and sponsorships highlight individuals and organizations making an outstanding impact on the community through the challenges of COVID-19.

Honorees:

• Joseph Kelleher, president, Simone Metro Properties and chairman, The Bronx Chamber of Commerce
• John Collazzi, co-founder, The Bronx Times Reporter and founding board member and member emeritus, The Bronx Chamber of Commerce
• The New York Yankees, in honor of the late George Steinbrenner, principal owner, NY Yankees and founding vice president of The Bronx Chamber of Commerce

Invited speakers include NYS governor Kathy Hochul and NYC mayor Eric Adams. This annual event raises funds for borough economic and workforce development. 100% of all contributions support the Bronx Chamber’s business and economic development programs.

Entertainment will be provided by Sal Valentinetti “The Voice,” singer and America’s Got Talent contestant will serve as master of ceremonies; Brenda Starr, American singer and songwriter; C-Bank; Steven Maglio, singer; freestyle and dance-pop singer Cynthia; and DJ Serg, musical artist.

“The Bronx Chamber, founded in 1897, is the oldest economic development organization in the borough,” said Lisa Sorin, president of The Bronx Chamber of Commerce. “The annual Gala provides an opportunity to showcase the vital work of the Chamber and the instrumental achievements of our members in shaping the future of the Bronx’s and New York’s economy. This year we have the privilege of welcoming over 600 guests to the icon Marina Del Rey, for an evening of star-studded entertainment and networking, honoring the transformational work of Joseph Kelleher, John Collazzi, and the NY Yankees in honor of the late George Steinbrenner. These members have shaped the history of the Bronx, and we are delighted to recognize their achievements and celebrate the work of The Bronx Chamber of Commerce.”

For more information on the event and to make reservations, please contact Tony Billups 518-590-1739 [email protected]

Kelleher currently serves as president and COO of Hutch Management LLC and is responsible for overseeing the leasing and management of the 42- acre Hutchinson Metro Center office complex as well as other commercial properties in the Bronx. Mr. Kelleher also serves as Chairman of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. Kelleher previously served as president of the Chamber.

Collazzi has served as publisher and one of the founders of the Bronx Times. He founded the paper in 1981 with Michael Benedetto, expanding it from a monthly to a bi-weekly paper within a few years, and to a weekly in 1989. Collazzi was also a founding member of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, where he now serves as a vice-president.

New York Yankees, an American professional baseball team based in the borough of the Bronx in New York City. One of the most famous and successful franchises in all of sports, the Yankees have won a record 27 World Series titles and 40 American League (AL) pennants.