Every year, the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation honors community leaders in economic development, at an official Awards Ceremony held in Staten Island. This year the ceremony took place at a magnificent waterfront facility – The Vanderbilt at South Beach. The event brought some of Staten Island’s biggest movers and shakers who joined SIEDC in acknowledging the exceptional work of the local economic advocates. The following activists were presented awards for their efforts and accomplishments in improving Staten Island’s economy and quality of life:
Councilman Vincent Ignizio, recipient of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge Award for his support and participation in launching of the South Shore Merchant Project. This program is aimed at enhancing the commercial districts of Annadale, Eltingville and Great Kills. Through this project, local businesses receive services and assistance, such as sanitation and beautification, in an effort to draw more shoppers and visitors. In his acceptance speech Councilman Vincent said ” We should all strive to be better, and I will keep fighting to keep Staten Island the great place that it is today.”
Raymond Masucci of Raymond Homes, Inc., recipient of the Outerbridge Award for his numerous residential and commercial real estate projects, including one of his most successful called The Tides at Charleston. The Tides at Charleston is New York City’s first active adult gated community consisting of single- family homes set in an attractive waterfront location. This thoughtfully designed community has enabled for the growing population of Staten Island’s seniors to stay in the borough, making a positive economic impact on Staten Island.
Ram Cherukuri of New York Fragrance, Inc., recipient of the Goethals Bridge Award for his achievements in the wholesale fragrance industry and provision of employment opportunities to the local job market. Ram came to America in the 1970’s and studied marketing and finance at Wagner College. In the 1986, he started his own small company called New York Fragrance, Inc., that, over the next few decades, expanded to become an international fragrance distributor. Ram attributes his success to perseverance, saying “Anything is possible with hard work in America.”
South Shore Rotary Club Of Staten Island, recipient of the Bayonne Bridge Award for their continuous donations and support of various charitable and non-for-profit organizations throughout Staten Island, including a sponsorship to the SIEDC’s Staten Island Film Festival, support of the SI Economic Conference and the Health and Wellness Expo. The organization has also supported local schools and seniors on Staten Island by sponsoring Annual Holiday Parties, Spelling Bees, A Food Pantry and an Annual Senior Ball.
Special thanks to Flint Fotos for providing photos to this event.
