DDM - Diamond District
Transcription
DDM - Diamond District
DIAMOND DISTRICT 50 Vol.50 July 2014 M O N T H LY Office of the President Borough of Manhattan The City of New York 1 Centre Street, 19th floor New York, NY 10007 (212) 669-8300 p (212) 669-4306 f www.manhattmbp.nyc.gov Gale A. Brewer, Borough President Michael Grumet Executive Director 47th Street BID 580 5th Avenue, Suite 323 New York, NY 10036 April 23, 2014 Dear Michael: I write to thank you for including my inauguration speech in your March 2014 Newsletter. I read your excellent monthly communication when I was in the City Council, and always found it informative. Now, I can look forward to working with you. I know that staff from our office have attended the BID meetings, and I hope to do so soon. Congratulations on all that you are accomplishing, thank you for thinking of us, for your support, and please stay in touch on all matters of shared concern. Sincerely, Gale A. Brewer Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams S ince his first day in office on January 1, 2011, Governor Andrew Cuomo has been working to make New York State a friendlier place for businesses to start, grow and thrive. One of the Governor’s top priorities has been to reduce the crushing tax burden that has forced people and companies to flee the state in droves. Under his leadership, over the last four years taxes have gone down for every New Yorker. Taxes also have gone down for businesses and corporations across the state. Property taxes outside of New York City were capped at two percent, and this year’s budget includes an additional $400 million in tax relief for renters. For the first time in a long time, state government is doing the hard work and making the tough choices necessary to bring vitality and growth back to New York. Save The Date A major part of the state’s effort has been to work closely with small businesses. Why? Because small businesses can have a big impact on the local economy. Diamonds, jewelry and non-monetary gold are the first, third, and fourth largest exports from New York State by dollar value. On 47th street alone, there are over 4,100 local companies, employing approximately 23,000 people. The total economic impact of the Diamond District is over $24.2 billion, making it comparable to McDonald’s world-wide sales. Your industry provides a great boost to the city and state economy. We want to do everything we can to ensure you continue thriving, so that the Diamond District will forever be a staple of Midtown Manhattan. That’s why in January Governor Cuomo launched Business Mentor NY. The initiative is the State’s first, large-scale, hands-on mentoring program designed to help entrepreneurs and small Continued on page 13 47th St. BID Annual Meeting Monday Oct. 6, 2014, 9:30 AM McGraw Hill Center - 2nd Floor Avenue of the Americas, Between 48th & 49th St., 49th St. Entrance IN GOOD COMPANY LEO SCHACHTER DIAMONDS STAR RAYS BEN MELLEN & SON SAHAR ATID SPARKLING JEWELS HOUSE OF DIAMONDS DIAJEWELS OF NEW YORK FLAWLESS DIAMOND JEWELRY EUROSTAR YONDOR DIAMONDS AS DIAMONDS THE VERMA GROUP KUPERMAN BROTHERS DIAMONDS VALENTINE JEWELS S. SCHNITZER ESPEKA PALAK DIAM DALUMI DIAMONDS HEERA MOTI OM DIAMONDS FEIGENBAUM & KLEIN NIG CORPORATION MTB CHRISTOPHER DESIGNS HBS DIAMONDS MALCA AMIT FL CUTTERS ESSKAY SARIN TECHNOLOGIES GEMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA-GIA G4S NEW YORK LOANS THE GULAYLAR GROUP > OPEN FOR BUSINESS! NEW YORK'S PREMIER STATE-OF-THE-ART INDUSTRY CENTER IN THE HEART OF THE DIAMOND DISTRICT FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL RAIZY HAAS 9 1 7.578 . 8 0 8 2 SHARI NEISSANI 5 1 6 .984 . 8 875 JOSEPH LIPTON 9 1 7.359.1 1 33 JEFF TORKIN 64 6 .3 5 4 .9 538 INTERNATIONALGEMTOWER.COM 5 0 W. 4 7 TH ST R E E T N E W YOR K 2 JULY 2014 DIAMOND DISTRICT MONTHLY DALIA SCHWALB 64 6 . 696 . 0 8 60 Legislative Update New York City Paid Sick Leave Law 1. The law went into effect on April 1, 2014. Go to www.nyc.gov/PaidSickLeave for information. 2. Employers with five (5) or more employees who work more than 80 hours per calendar year in New York City must provide paid sick leave. Employers with fewer than five employees must provide unpaid sick leave. See FAQ for exempt employers. 3. Domestic workers who have worked for the same employer for more than one year and work more than 80 hours a calendar year earn two (2) days of paid sick leave. Accrual and use of sick leave for domestic workers follows New York State Labor Law. 4. To determine number of employees, employer should count full-time, part-time, and temporary employees if they work more than 80 hours per calendar year in New York City. See FAQ for employees who are covered and not covered by the law. 5. Employers must give their employees the required Notice of Employee Rights created by the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). 6. Employees earn up to 40 hours of sick leave per calendar year. 7. Employees accrue one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 40 hours of sick leave per calendar year. 8. An employer’s existing employees begin accruing sick leave on April 1. New employees begin accruing sick leave on their first day of employment. 9. Existing employees can start using sick leave starting July 30. New employees can start using sick leave 120 days after the first day of employment. 10.The law sets the minimum requirements for sick leave. An employer’s leave policies may already meet or exceed the requirements of the law. For further information, employers may contact the Department of Consumer Affairs as described below: Email: PaidSickLeave@dca.nyc.gov Call: 311 (212-NEW-YORK outside NYC) and ask for information about Paid Sick Leave Online Live Chat: available at nyc.gov/BusinessToolbox For more information, please consult the City of New York website: http://www.nyc.gov/ html/dca/html/law/PaidSickLeave.shtml DIAMOND DISTRICT MONTHLY 580 5th Avenue, Suite 323 New York, NY 10036 Michael Grumet, Publisher michaelgrumet@diamonddistrict.org O.O. Barrett, Editor Natalia Cheviakova, Administrative Director info@diamonddistrict.org Bernard Rapaport, Advertising Sales adsales@diamonddistrict.org P: 212-302-5690 F:212-302-7835 Michael Mitchell, Art Director design@diamonddistrict.org The Diamond District Monthly is published monthly by the 47th Street Business Improvement District. JULY 2014 DIAMOND DISTRICT MONTHLY 3 Executive Committee Harvey Nagin – Nagin Jewelry President Steven Grauer – Gold Art 18 KT LLC Chairman Michael Toback – Myron Toback Inc. Vice Chairman Dennis Marlow – Solitaire Creations Secretary Robert Hadi – ABS Partners Real Estate, LLC Treasurer Richard Winick – Manny Winick & Son Ken Kahn – KenArt Realties Richard Friedman – I. Friedman & Sons Ronnie VanderLinden – Diamex Inc. Jeffrey Mordekai – Petra Jewelers Board Members S. David Belsky – S.D.Belsky Associates Chair Audit Committee Jay Holzer – Dyckmans Chris Ipek – Altin Realty Raizy Haas – Extell Development Corp. Lucy Orozco – Valley National Bank Matt Selig – Leo Ingwer John Kocak – Unique Settings Yale Zoland – Zoland’s Danielle Azeroual – Premier Realty Adnan Aydin - Futurama Jewelry Exchange Jack Elo – The Elo Group Moris Yero Shalmi – ABC Marc Beznicki – Kingmark Jewelers Alon Mor – Mor Diamonds Jules Fleischer – Jewelry by Alexander Sammy Abramov – AA Pearl Michael Oistacher – Manhattan Gold & Silver Isaac Chetrit – Yadidi Group Sunny Yung – Central Management Corp. Memhet Gulay – City Property Development Adam Abramson – Abramson Brothers Bill de Blasio – Mayor Scott Stringer – New York City Comptroller Gale Brewer – Manhattan Borough President Daniel Garodnick – Council Member Matthew Schneid – Representative of Community Board 5 John Glaister – Resident Reuven Kaufman – Diamond Dealers Club STAFF Michael Grumet – Executive Director Natalia Cheviakova – Administrator Director 4 JULY 2014 DIAMOND DISTRICT MONTHLY K YS OR A D Y 2 EW S N AN E J OP RE FO E B July 25 - 28, 2014 The Most Rare and Prestigious Collections of Antique Jewelry & Watches Photo Credit: Jacob's Diamond & Estate Jewelry Metropolitan Pavilion NYAntiqueJewelry.com JULY 2014 DIAMOND DISTRICT MONTHLY 5 United States Government Office of the National Ombudsman T he Office of the National Ombudsman assists small businesses facing unfair or excessive federal regulatory compliance or enforcement issues such as repetitive audits or investigations, excessive fines, and retaliation. As an impartial liaison, the Office of the National Ombudsman directs reported regulatory fairness matters to the appropriate federal agency for high-level fairness review and works across government to address those concerns, reduce regulatory burdens, and help small businesses succeed. Congress established the Office of the National Ombudsman in 1996 as part of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA). The Act ensures that businesses have a means to comment if they experience unfair regulatory enforcement actions by federal agencies. – Describe the enforcement, inspection, or compliance taken by the federal agency and the results – Briefly state the specific action or outcome you are seeking – Provide documentation of the action taken if available, such as correspondence, citations, or notices 3. Submit the form directly online OR download the form and submit it by email, fax or regular mail: Email: ombudsman@sba.gov Fax: 202-481-5719 Mail: U.S. Small Business Administration Office of the National Ombudsman 409 3rd St, S.W. Washington, DC 20416 The National Ombudsman Can Help Keep in Mind! • If you’re a small business or represent one • If your comment or complaint directly involves a federal agency and federal regulation This process is not a substitute for any other action you may take regarding specific federal enforcement activity, so you should continue to pursue all legal and administrative remedies you believe are in your company’s best interest. How to File a Comment or Complaint with the National Ombudsman’s Office Interested in filing a comment or complaint? Follow these three easy steps: 1. Visit www.sba.gov/ombudsman/comment 2. Complete the form as instructed. Here are a few tips: Need Help? There are two ways you can contact the Office of the National Ombudsman: Call: 888-734-3247 (888-REG-FAIR) Email: ombudsman@sba.gov The Panama Diamond Exchange Announces New Directors and Board Members T he Panama Diamond Exchange (PDE) publicly announced its directors and board members. They are Eli Izhakoff, founding chairman, Erez Akerman, PDE’s president, Ernest Blom, the World Federation of Diamond Bourses’ president, Gaetano Cavalieri, CIBJO’s president, and Avi Paz, the World Diamond Council’s president. Founding PDE members include Maxim Shkadov, Jeffrey H. Fischer, Reuven Kaufman, Ronnie VanderLinden, Alex Popov and Mehul Shah. The Panama Diamond Exchange is the first and only diamond bourse in all of Central and Southern America and it will be the anchor organization for the currently under construction new Panama Gem & Jewelry Center. 6 JULY 2014 DIAMOND DISTRICT MONTHLY CALL TODAY 212-997-5626 (LOAN) 50 W. 47 th St Suite 319 PAWN LOANS Gold/Plat Jewelry, Diamonds and Fine Watches Collateral Stored in Vaulted Security and Insured by Lloyd’s of London % Private Offices on the 3rd Floor of the International Gem Tower DISCOUNTED RATES FOR DEALERS IN THE TRADE Immediate Cash, Check or Wire and No Credit Checks Absolutely No Limit to the Amount We Can Lend www.newyorkloan.com DCA: 1452653 & 1452658 JULY 2014 DIAMOND DISTRICT MONTHLY 7 Direct Mail — Should It Be Part of the Marketing Mix for Jewelers? 11% decline from previous year D o you think direct mail is passé? It’s time to reexamine that opinion. According to the Direct Mail Association (DMA) in 2013, nearly two-thirds of all consumers purchased something as a result of a direct mail appeal. People age 65 and older are prime candidates for direct mail appeals, since they tend to stay at the same abode for many years and statistically the are more likely to open and read mail. What might surprise you according to Epsilon ( a major direct mail house) young adults aged 18 to 34 are also highly responsive to direct mail. Why is this so? The thinking is that since young adults are constantly inundated with email, spam and social media messages, direct mail stands out. If you’re still not convinced direct mail is worth adding to your jewelry marketing mix, consider this: according to the DMA direct mail costs no more than print or pay-per-click advertising, and has an average response rate of between 2 and 6%. There are numerous factors that affect price including whether the printing is four-color, optimized or personalized. According to Direct Mail News, email marketing has an average 0.12 percent response rate. How can you test a direct mail piece without overspending your marketing budget? Here are a few ideas: 1. Format. Is your offer easy-to-understand? Consider postcards. They come in different sizes— so they stand out from letters and news circulars. They’re both affordable to print and mail. Keep your design simple and eye-catching. Utilize both sides of the postcard to maximize information. Is your sales pitch more complicated? If you’re selling an expensive product a sales letter is the way to go. Get it opened by making the outside mysterious. Experts 8 JULY 2014 DIAMOND DISTRICT MONTHLY say that envelopes with no marketing copy at all on the outside often work best—people will open it to see if it’s something important, instead of throwing it out as junk mail. 2. Make an offer that’s too good to refuse. Direct mail pieces typically include some type of special offer or savings. In general, it’s better to offer dollars-off than a percentage off—for some reason, it seems more valuable to customers. 3. Create a sense of necessity. Time-limited offers motivate customers to take action. Don’t send an offer every month — customers learn to consider the discount price the “standard” price. Make your offers really special by offering them infrequently. Another alternative is to offer a free gift or other extra service with purchase; make it something that costs you little or nothing, but has value to the customer. 4. Personalize the piece. Mention their shopping history. Try to keep your data base up to date and mail pieces around dates that are significant to your customers such as birthdays and anniversaries. 5. Test & track. Test different wording on your mail- ings. Have different offers and even different designs until you discover what works best for your business. Use codes on your mailers and ask the customer to bring the mailer in or refer to the code when they call to receive a special gif and so you can track which campaign is most effective. Or add a URL that leads to a custom landing page so you’ll know which mailer drives online traffic best. United States Postal Service Package Tracking — Technological Advances T he United States Postal Service (USPS) is in the process of replacing optical scanners with Mobile Delivery Devices. The USPS Service is investing in scanning technology to improve its package tracking. The next generation of hand-held electronic devices are being manufactured by Honeywell and will be used by both mail carriers and mail processing employees. The new device- named the Mobile Delivery Device (MDD) – will support current real-time scanning needs of postal products and services as well as anticipated future scanning requirements. The MDD will be equipped to utilize multiple wireless networks for real-time tracking of packages. The device can access local wired and wireless communica- tions, consolidate transactional data and transmit collected data to applications requiring such information. “Customers want to know where their package is, when it’s likely to arrive and when it arrived exactly,” said Engineering VP Michael Amato. “This investment in technology will help to improve the Postal Service’s commitment to timely package delivery and reliable tracking information”. In its initial phase, USPS plans to deploy 75,000 MDDs during August-December, 2014. The United States Postal Service (USPS), products and services are designed to help you the business owner; start, manage & grow your business. For further information please call (212) 330-5053 for a dedicated professional or visit our website www.usps.com. Recruiter Registration for GIA’s New York Jewelry Career Fair is Now Open Connecting talent and opportunity, July 28 WHO: WHAT: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Gem and jewelry companies seeking skilled and motivated talent are invited to participate in the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) New York Jewelry Career Fair on Monday, July 28 at the Javits Center. The acclaimed recruiting event will feature a panel discussion, one-onone career coaching, and hiring opportunities for various careers within the field. Recruiter registration is available online now. Employers interested in recruiting at this year’s Career Fair can sign up by using the registration form, contacting GIA’s Career Services office at (800) 421-7250 ext. 4100, or emailing kimberly. overlin@gia.edu. WHEN: WHERE: MORE: Monday, July 28 8:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. Recruiting begins at 10 a.m. Javits Center 1E Hall 655 West 34th Street New York, NY 10001 GIA hosted its first Jewelry Career Fair in 1991 in Santa Monica, Calif. Since then, the event has expanded and linked gem and jewelry companies with future employees at more than 40 events in India, Las Vegas, New York and the GIA world headquarters in Carlsbad, Calif. Following the New York event, the next GIA Carlsbad Jewelry Career Fair will take place on Friday, Oct. 10. JULY 2014 DIAMOND DISTRICT MONTHLY 9 Learn Diamond Grading from the Creators of the 4Cs. Enroll in a GIA Diamond Grading Lab class. • Grade diamonds consistently and accurately • Practice with actual diamonds graded by GIA • Improve your diamond grading skills in just 5 days • New location at International Gem Tower Upcoming Classes in NYC Aug 25-29 Sep 8-12 Sep 13-Oct 11 (Sat) Oct 6-10 Oct 13-17 Oct 27-31 Nov 3-18 (Night) Dec 1-5 Enroll online at www.gia.edu A branch of GIA’s campus in Carlsbad. Licensed by the New York State Education Department. 10 JULY 2014 DIAMOND DISTRICT MONTHLY New York Education Center 50 W 47th Street New York, NY 10036 T 800 366 8519 T 212 944 5900 F 212 719 9563 E nyedu@gia.edu www.gia.edu Senate Appropriations Provides $141 million for Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) t his Senate Appropriations Committee approved its FY15 Appropriations bill which provides $141 million for Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). The bill was approved unanimously and is now expected to head to the full Senate floor for consideration and debate. The House Appropriations Committee provided $130 million for the MEP program. The House bill is awaiting full floor consideration at a date to be determined. The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) works with small and mid-sized U.S. manufacturers to help them create and retain jobs, increase profits, and save time and money. The nationwide network provides a variety of services, from innovation strategies to process improvements to green manufacturing. MEP also works with partners at the state and federal levels on programs that put manufacturers in position to develop FAST FACTS new customers, expand into new markets and create new products. As a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce, MEP offers a range of effective resources to help manufacturers identify opportunities that will accelerate and strengthen their growth and competitiveness in the global marketplace. Innovation is at the core of what MEP does. Manufacturers that accelerate innovation are far more successful than those who don’t. By placing innovations developed through research at federal laboratories, educational institutions and corporations directly in the hands of U.S. manufacturers, MEP serves an essential role sustaining and growing America’s manufacturing base. The program assists manufacturers to achieve new sales, lead to higher tax receipts and new sustainable jobs in the high paying advanced manufacturing sector. 62,703 jobs created and retained 30,131 Manufacturers served in FY2013 $2.5 billion $1.2 billion $8.4 billion client investments cost savings new and retained sales The National Network MEP is a nationwide network of more than 1,200 technical experts, - located in every state - serving as trusted business advisors, focused on transforming U.S. manufacturers to compete globally, support supply chain integration, and provide access to technology for improved productivity. MEP is built around manufacturing extension centers locally positioned throughout 50 states and Puerto Rico. MEP Centers are a diverse network of state, university-based, and non-profit organizations, offering products and services that address the critical needs of their local manufacturers. Each center works directly with area manufacturers to provide expertise and services tailored to their most critical needs, ranging from process improvement and workforce development to business practices and technology transfer. Additionally centers connect manufacturers with government and trade associations, universities and research laboratories, and a host of other public and private resources to help them realize individual goals. Through local and national resources, MEP centers have helped thousands of manufacturers reinvent themselves, increase profits, create jobs and establish a foundation for long-term business growth and productivity. Manufacturers can find more information about the MEP program by going to its website http://www.nist.gov/mep/about.cfm or by contacting the NYC MEP Regional Program Center representative: Sara Garretson Ph: (212) 809-3900 Email: sgarretson@itac.org JULY 2014 DIAMOND DISTRICT MONTHLY 11 DEBT COLLECTION AGENCY operated by: The Law Offices of Diana Rubinov-Tehrani Prevent debtors converting your consigned/”memo” merchandise: • Locating Debtor and its assets • Wage Garnishment • Execution of Real Property • Execution of Personal Property: Car, Bank Accounts, and Deposit Box • Debt collection Litigation and Judgment Enforcement • UCC Article 9 filings 1 Rockefeller Plaza, 10th Floor New York, New York 10020 (212) 603-9334 or (516) 761-0649 Ask about our CPA services, Business Taxes, IRS Audits, and much more.... Languages: Farsi-Hebrew-Russian This is an attorney advertisement, prior results may not guarantee future outcomes 10 West 47th St., #200 New York, NY 10036 G emo l o g i cal A p p r ai s al Lab o r at o r y o f A m eri ca, I n c. 212-382-2888 Independent Appraisers Since 1979 GAL is an independant jewelry appraisal and gemological lab services company, with over 30 years of continued customer satisfaction. Our staff of expert Gemologists have helped build our reputation as one of the lea leaders in the industry. Our appraisals are recognized worldwide by retailers, private jewelers, wholesalers, and insurance companies. We offer a number of appraisal services as well as comprehensive l aboratory services. Ad v a n c e d Id e n tific a tio n Orig in D e te rmin a tio n Tre a tme n t D e te c tio n Sy n th e tic & Tre a te d D ia mo n d s C o n g rat u l at i o n s ! T ra vis L e jma n, FG A , G G & J os hua L e nts , FG A , G G For Comple tion of: T he G e mologic a l A s s oc ia tion Of G re a t B rita in’s Highly Cove te d Fe llow s hip P rogra m in G e mology home to the New york jewelry center 15 floors teeming with fine jewelers, precious stone dealers and jewelry designers for rental information contact: KEN KAHN 212-354-0200 kkahn@kenartrealties.com 12 JULY 2014 DIAMOND DISTRICT MONTHLY Gold Smuggling Into India on the Rise Since the Imposition of Taxes I ndian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s reported that the increase in gold taxes imposed by the Indian government was intended to help fix India’s record current-account balance of trade deficit. An unintended consequence of this legislation is that the greatly increased black market for smuggled gold to a land that was the world’s largest buyer of the precious metal in 2012. Estimates made based on the previous year’s average price, the value of illegally imported gold in 2013 totaled about $9 billion. To put that in perspective this amount is or more than twice the annual revenue of Signet Jewelers Ltd., the largest U.S. jewelry chain. Gold smuggling is on the rise Demand for gold remains strong in India, where gold is considered a good omen when given as a gift for weddings and festivals. Strong demand for gold in Asia helped spur a rebound in prices in 2014, after a 28 percent plunge last year that was the biggest drop since 1981. Gold required for immediate delivery increased 11 percent this year in London compared with a 1.5 percent advance for the Standard & Poor’s GSCI Spot Index (SPGSCI) of 24 raw materials. Smuggling of gold into India has a long history. there existed aa virtual ban on official imports for domestic use until 1990 so demand for the metal was met by illegal sources. Government figures place the amount f gold smuggled int the country from 1968 to 1995, from 10 tons to 217 tons a year . Gold prices run about 20 percent more in India than in the metal’s major regional trading hubs of Dubai or Singapore. This reflects the import tax and a premium to secure supplies. Since restrictions were imposed last year, the biggest bust at Cochin International Airport occurred in this past September. Two females clothed in burqas, the full-length body garments worn by some Muslim women, were discovered to be carrying 20 kilos of gold when they walked through customs. Cochin Airport reported 79 cases of reported smuggling from April to January. Officials seized more than 27.4 kilos of gold, according to customs data. That’s up from 18 cases and 2.39 kilos in the previous year. The government of Prime Minister Singh, targeted gold for higher duties as part of a government attempt to tame a widening current-account deficit which caused inflation to rise and the rupee to be devaulued against the world’s benchmarks currencies. The Reserve Bank of India estimates bullion contributed to almost 80 percent of a record $87.8 billion deficit in the year ended March 31, when the nation imported 845 tons of gold. The trigger for import restrictions occurred in April, when gold prices plunged into a bear market, down as much as 26 percent from the previous year’s high. As the government’s measures cut demand for ornaments and bars, World Gold Council statistics show that India was overtaken by China in 2013 as the world’s biggest gold consumer. Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams businesses like those in the Diamond District overcome common challenges and ignite growth. Business Mentor NY aims to help small companies turn a good idea into a sustainable business, so that businesses can create new economic opportunities in communities across the state. It is free to join and it is administered by Empire State Development. The program’s mentoring network of volunteers includes lawyers, accountants and business consultants, as well as successful entrepreneurs and experts in the fields of finance, retail, communications and information technology, human resources, public relations, and sales and marketing. Thanks to this new state-supported network, small businesses will be able to get help with everything from reviewing insurance policies to managing cash flow. Business Mentor NY is quickly proving to be a useful tool for small businesses across New York State, and through this innovative, interactive program, we are harnessing the spirit of volunteerism and the very best of New York’s skilled business professionals to give a boost to our entrepreneurs. While Business Mentor NY is actively Continued from Page 1 matching mentors to businesses today, the initiative is already looking toward the future as we work to expand the network statewide. In addition to programs like Business Mentor NY, we’re also moving full speed ahead with our plan to transform New York’s business climate through START-UP New York. START-UP NY is designating tax-free areas on or near colleges and universities across the state. If you start a company or wish to grow your existing business and create jobs in one of the areas, there are no taxes for 10 years: no income tax, no property tax, no corporate tax for all new operations that are created in the tax free areas or come to the tax free areas from outside New York—not even for the employees. It might sound too good to be true, but it’s the real deal. Initiatives like START-UP NY and Business Mentor NY represent the next era of economic development in our state, and will play a key role in building a better, stronger, more vibrant New York—an Empire State for the 21st Century. With hard work and effective planning, the diamond and jewelry industry will be a big part of this bright future for many years to come. JULY 2014 DIAMOND DISTRICT MONTHLY 13 Sandy Steven Engravers All types of engraving Machine Computer Hand Laser Has relocated to: 23 West 47th Street 2nd Floor, Room 16 New York, NY 10036 Engravers84@aol.com 212-921-5976 Plaques Trophies Awards & More Web Based Inventory Management for Diamonds, Jewelry and Gemstones Call for free Demo 212-398-3087 www.idiamondcloud.com USA MICRO SETTING and FINISHING Hernan Reinoso u FULL SERVICE CONTRACTOR u FINISHING FROM RAW CASTING TO POLISHING u u MICRO-PAVE/ALL TYPES OF STONE SETTING u u LASER ENGRAVING — STANDARD TO MAXIMUM DEPTH u u LASER WELDING — ALL TYPES OF METAL u ALL TYPES OF RHODIUM u Fully insured premises (Jeweler’s Block Policy) u We feature the newest, most advanced Laser technology u Our 50 Watt Laser Engraver, and 175 Joules Laser Welder allow us to work with any metal, including SILVER u Our lasers allow us to perform precision work and will not damage any stones u u We offer full service – from a raw casting level to a finished product in our factory located on 48th Street Our work and quality control procedures exceed the highest industry standards. We guarantee timely quality work with the utmost care to details. 48 West 48th Street, Suite 806 • NY, NY 10036 Tel: 212-764-7142 • Fax: 212-764-7143 • CeLL: 917-656-6353 usamicrosetting@gmail.com 14 JULY 2014 DIAMOND DISTRICT MONTHLY