Sen. Natalia Fernandez and Assembly member Chantelle Jackson revive Bronx Day in Albany to spotlight borough businesses and culture
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Summary
State Sen. Natalia Fernandez and Assembly member Chantelle Jackson told BronxNet viewers that Bronx Day in Albany returns March 10 at the Albany Capital Center with panels, vendor exhibits, a resolution on legislative floors and an evening Changemaker Awards program; organizers urged residents to buy tickets or take a bus from the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.
Sen. Natalia Fernandez and Assembly member Chantelle Jackson said on BronxNet's Open that Bronx Day in Albany will return March 10 at the Albany Capital Center to showcase Bronx businesses, cultural institutions and elected officials to state leaders.
"It's incredibly exciting," Sen. Natalia Fernandez said, calling the revived event a chance to "showcase who we are" and to press for growth and recognition across New York. "This is our time to bring it to the stakeholders, to other legislative leaders, to agency heads, to showcase who we are, what we're made of, and what potential we have." Assembly member Chantelle Jackson, who said she did not attend Bronx Day during the COVID period, described the return as her first experience of the full-day format since taking office: "I'm really excited about it."
Organizers said the program will use the larger Albany Capital Center instead of smaller venues used in the past. The afternoon will feature a panel discussion—including the Business Council of New York State and the state's MWBE division and economic development offices—to walk attendees through business-startup and procurement resources, officials said. Both Fernandez and Jackson said companion resolutions honoring the borough will be carried on the floors of their respective chambers, and that an evening celebration will recognize local "changemakers" nominated by each elected official.
Speakers highlighted participating businesses and institutions expected at the event. Jackson and Fernandez named vendors and exhibitors ranging from longtime local restaurants to cultural organizations: Golden Crust, La Parilla Latina, Avenue Mike's Deli, Contee Bakeshop and a century-old bakery at Warren's Park; the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden were also cited among exhibitors. Fernandez additionally thanked corporate and institutional sponsors, listing JPMorgan Chase, Montefiore Einstein, the Yankees and Bally's Bronx among partners that helped make the event possible.
On logistics, organizers said a bus will depart from the Bronx Chamber of Commerce on Waters Place and that Amtrak is an alternate travel option. For tickets and additional information, officials directed listeners to bronxdayalbany.com and the event's social channels. Fernandez encouraged attendance by business leaders, entrepreneurs and residents who want to "see, enjoy, learn and taste" Bronx offerings in Albany.
On the awards, each elected official said they nominated a district honoree for the Changemaker Awards; examples mentioned on the program included Johnson Barbecue and Chaz Benson of "Traveling with Chaz," cited for youth engagement and cultural impact. Fernandez said nominees were chosen for cultural, business or community contributions in their districts.
Dr. Bob Lee closed the segment by thanking the guests and repeating the event website for viewers seeking more information. "Once again, more information on Bronx Day in Albany, please visit bronxdayinalbany.com," he said.
The program did not record any formal votes or policy adoptions; organizers said the event's purpose is visibility, networking and recognition.
