Honor Bloomberg at ‘Kings of Queens’ event

BY JESSICA LYONS

Wednesday, August 20, 2008 6:19 PM EDT

Mayor Michael Bloomberg will be the keynote speaker and recognized as the “King of Kings” on Thursday, October 2 as The Queens Courier and Queens Business Today hold the first annual “Kings of Queens - A Champions Breakfast Awards and Networking Event.”

Previously, The Queens Courier and Queens Business Today have focused on recognizing prominent women in the borough with its Top Women in Business Networking and Awards Dinner, which celebrated its seventh year last March with more than 900 attendees.

Now, the attention will be turned to the men who have contributed to the borough. During the first annual event, which will be held at Douglaston Manor, Bloomberg will receive the “King of Kings” award. Borough President Helen Marshall will be given the “Queen of Queens” award.

Joining the mayor in receiving the unique recognition will be:

Bruce Bendell, President and CEO of Major Auto World;

Chris Constantino, Executive Director of Elmhurst Hospital Center;

Joseph Ficalora, President and CEO of New York Community Bank and Queens County Savings Bank;

Damon Hemmerdinger of The Shops at Atlas Park;

Gary Isenberg, President of Field Hotels;

Marc Kramer, CEO of the New York Daily News;

Michael Lee, Chairman and CEO of TDC Development;

Antonio Martin, Executive Director of Queens Hospital Center;

Joe Mattone, Sr., President of The Mattone Group;

Peter Meyer, President of Commerce Bank;

Tom Newell, Vice President of Con Edison Brooklyn/Queens Electric;

Al Pennisi, President of The Queens Chamber of Commerce;

Michael N. Rosenblut, President and CEO of Parker Jewish Institute for Healthcare and Rehabilitation; and

Nicholas Vogiatzis, M.D., President and CEO of Queens Long Island Medical.

Honorees were selected based on their business leadership, civic mindedness, and philanthropy. The criteria also called for “someone who rises above all others to accomplish his goals in a kind and just manner.”

“Kings of Queens” will be held from 8:30 to 11 a.m. on October 2. It will begin with a trade show, with the breakfast and awards ceremony to follow.

For more information regarding tickets and sponsorship information, contact Maria Romero at 718-224-5863, Ext. 226 or e-mail mromero@queenscourier.com.