Bronx Day in Albany celebrates business, culture and community impact
Credit: Photo by Dendera Studios
Albany, NY Bronx Day in Albany returned to the Capital Region for the first time in nearly a decade, bringing together business leaders, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, cultural institutions and policymakers to highlight the borough’s economic impact and opportunities for growth across New York State.
Hosted by the Bronx Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the New York State Senate and Assembly Bronx delegations, the full-day event featured policy discussions, business workshops and a cultural showcase highlighting the borough’s businesses, cuisine and creative community. Governor Kathy Hochul attended the event, underscoring the growing attention on the Bronx’s economic role and potential.
The day began with the Leadership Luncheon, which featured two panels focused on key economic issues affecting both the borough and the state: “Building the Bronx: Real Estate & Housing Solutions in a High-Cost Environment,” and “Doing Business in New York: Costs, Constraints, and Competitiveness.” Discussions explored the capital conditions needed to unlock development while preserving existing housing, as well as how rising costs and regulatory pressures affect employers, small businesses and long-term economic competitiveness.
Participants included senator Nathalia Fernandez, senator Jamaal Bailey, assemblymembers Chantel Jackson and Landon Dais, along with housing and development leaders and representatives from statewide business organizations.
Bronx Day in Albany also featured state agency workshops and AI for Business training, connecting attendees with resources including grants, procurement opportunities, certification programs, compliance training and clean energy initiatives.
Alphabetically: Bravo Supermarket (assembly member Yudelka Tapia); Bridge Builders Community Partnership Inc. (senator Luis Sepúlveda);
Bronx Children’s Museum (senator Jose Serrano); Cestra’s Bakery (assembly member Michael Benedetto); Conti’s Pastry Shoppe (assembly member
John Zaccaro); DJ MadOut (assembly speaker Carl Heastie); Fix It With Piggy (assembly member Landon Dais); Johnson’s BBQ (assembly member
Chantel Jackson); Kingsbridge Riverdale Van Cortlandt Development Corp. (assembly member Jeffrey Dinowitz); Kingsbridge Social Club (senator
Robert Jackson); Maravillas Bar & Grill (assembly member Emerita Torres); Taqueria Tlaxcalli (assembly member Karines Reyes); The Bronx Beer Hall
(senator Gustavo Rivera); The Hoodspitality Group (assembly member Amanda Septimo); Travel with Chaz (senator Nathalia Fernandez); United Bodegas
of America (assembly member George Alvarez); Williamsbridge NAACP CEC (senator Jamaal Bailey).
Credit: Photos by Dendera Studios
The event concluded with the Business & Cultural Showcase, where attendees explored exhibits from nearly 50 Bronx businesses and organizations spanning tourism, healthcare, entertainment, nonprofit services and cultural institutions. The showcase featured tastings from Bronx restaurants, bakeries and breweries, artisan vendors offering art, clothing and accessories, and live music by Bronx’s own DJ MadOut.
The evening also featured the inaugural Change Maker Awards, recognizing community leaders nominated by Bronx elected officials for their impact across the borough.
Bronx Day in Albany was presented by JPMorganChase. Additional sponsors include Montefiore Einstein, New York Yankees, New York Botanical Garden, Bally’s, Public Policy Institute of New York State, REBNY, DJ Ambulette, New York Apartment Association, Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts, Amazon, and several other sponsors. Media partners included Politico New York, News12, Bronx Times, BronxNet and In The Room Media.