2025 Bronx Chamber of Commerce
Chairman’s Circle Legislative Breakfast
On July 10, 2025, the Bronx Chamber of Commerce hosted its highly anticipated 2025 Legislative Breakfast Forum, bringing together over 200 business owners, community leaders, and elected officials for a morning of robust policy discussions centered on economic development, housing, workforce, and quality of life issues impacting the Bronx.
Held at Maestro’s Catering, this signature event serves as a cornerstone of the Chamber’s public affairs and advocacy agenda, providing a platform for members to engage directly with policymakers and help shape the borough’s legislative and business landscape.
“The Bronx Chamber is deeply committed to elevating the voices of our business community in policy discussions that affect their future,” said Lisa Sorin, President of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. “We are proud to create space for meaningful dialogue, strategic partnerships, and actionable solutions that uplift our local economy.”
This year’s forum opened with remarks from Dynishal Gross, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services, and featured three engaging panel discussions moderated by Bronx Chamber Board Members Taryn Duffy, President & CEO of Tarsam Public Affairs, and Jim Quent, Partner at Statewide Public Affairs.
The New York State Assembly panel featured Assembly Members Landon Dais, John Zaccaro, Jeffrey Dinowitz, Emerita Torres, and Michael Benedetto.
The State Senate panel included Senators Robert Jackson, Luis Sepúlveda, Nathalia Fernandez, and Jamaal Bailey. Senator Gustavo J. Rivera was in attendance but was unable to participate in the panel due to a scheduling conflict.
The New York City Council panel welcomed Council Members Eric Dinowitz, Kevin Riley, Kristy Marmorato, Pierina Ana Sanchez, and Althea Stevens.
Each panel explored legislative priorities, current challenges, and opportunities for collaborative solutions between government and the private sector. Discussions focused on rent stabilization reform, small business support, public safety, workforce development, infrastructure investment, and equitable economic growth.
The forum concluded with a presentation by Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, who shared highlights of the billions of dollars in economic development projects that have taken place in the Bronx over the past four years, along with her vision for future growth and investment.
The event was sponsored by Ponce Bank, Phillip Morris International, Amazon, Jacobi Hospital, and Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts. Several Chamber members also showcased their businesses by tabling at the event, including: Action Environmental / IWS, Bronx Academy of Promise, Casita Maria, Inc., Small Business Development Center, PMI U.S., and TD Bank.
Attendees were encouraged to stay involved in the Chamber’s ongoing advocacy initiatives, including its Coffee & Conversation series and other public policy initiatives hosted year-round, both virtually and in-person. The Chamber emphasized that its ability to include the future of Bronx business grows stronger with every new member and partner that joins its mission.
