The South Queens Chamber of Commerce is dusting off an old idea in the hopes of bringing more focus to the current members.

In recognition of small business week, Executive Director Heather Kelly began posting profiles of small business owners to Facebook.

Kelly says the profiles were part of a photo project completed ten years ago by Katy Hopkins and Stephen Cooper to showcase some of the businesses.

“All of these businesses are, basically, still operating in Queens County, which I thought was really great too,” said Kelly. “The longevity of it all was a really great piece to highlight.”

Until recently, the photos occupied the walls of South Shore Opportunities office.

When that organization downsized their space, the pictures found a new home with the Chamber of Commerce.

Kelly says most of the businesses she profiled aren’t high visibility, main street style enterprises.

South Queens Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Heather Kelly. Photo by Ed Halverson.

They’re people who have carved a niche in the market and could work from anywhere and choose Queens.

“It just goes to show, you know, being able to work here in Queens County, work remotely, work from home, that sort of thing and they all love doing business here. [It’s a] great place to live, that’s why they’re here,” said Kelly.

She would like to see the excitement created for the businesses and chamber of commerce by the profiles to continue.

“I would love to do this project again, highlight some new businesses and do this type of thing every year on an annual basis.”

Kelly is pleased to say that going forward, the photos will be publicly displayed at Work Evolved on Main Street.

E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

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