The 68 small businesses that make up the ERDA Merchants Associationare bringing new jobs, new goods and services, and new economic life

to public housing neighborhoods in Western Queens.

More than 30 years ago Maichai and Linhing Wong opened Friendly’sChinese Restaurant on 40th Avenue in Long Island City. Today it

remains a fixture in the neighborhood.

Each month members of the ERDA Members Association meet to learn about new resources for small business owners and take part in

professional development.

David Thorpe, President of the ERDA Merchants Association; Alexandra Obremski (left), treasurer of the association and owner of Xand-tax; and Lena Wielogorska

(right), the secretary and owner of Deepcleaning Maid Service, address the crowd at a block party in Long Island City on June 15, 2013. Lena owns a cleaning

business that employs 10 people, including 2 ERDA clients.

Wayne Wright and Sophia Forbes are about to open Tropical Jerk Restaurant across the street from the Queensbridge Houses public

housing development in Long Island city.

Like most Community business owners, Olesia Hiyzova hired local residents when she opened a Subway shop earlier this year.

In the coming year, Leo Mejia and other members of the ERDA Merchants Association will be working to establish a

Business Improvement District.