The Queens Courier recently launched a publication focused on Long Island City.  The LIC Courier Magazine highlights news, events, people and happenings within the LIC community. The publication can be found throughout Long Island City's residential and commercial buildings, restaurants, banks, supermarkets, hotels and many other high traffic locations.  As a special promotion to all LICBDC members, they are currently offering a 25% discount on the rates for advertising in the LIC Courier Magazine.  For more information and to speak with a marketing professional contact Alan Gottlieb at agottlieb@queenscourier.com or call 718-224-5863 ext. 260 or 516-236-8854.

Biscotti, Toback & Company, CPAs P.C. is a full service accounting, financial, and business advisory firm. They provide effective solutions based on best practices, addressing both the short and long term challenges each client faces, to minimize their costs and further their growth. They offer more than traditional financial professional services - they offer custom solutions that increase your wealth, improve your overall quality of life and take your company to the next level. Biscotti, Toback & Company carefully cultivates client relationships and spends time getting to know your vision and values. We learn about your company, measure your appetite for success, analyze your business model and set a strategic plan for growth in motion. Services include: accounting & auditing; tax planning & preparation; personal financial planning; business advisory services; cost segregation studies; R&D tax credits; qualified Empire Zone enterprise tax credits (QEZE); forensic accounting; and litigation support. Contact 516-256-7100 or visit www.cpabtc.com.

Free Energy Services from Con Edison
Con Edison is offering businesses with an average monthly peak demand of less than 100kw (most small businesses) free energy surveys; free energy conservation measures, such as CFL's (compact fluorescents) and water heater thermostats; and incentives up to 70% of installed cost for major heating, cooling, and lighting upgrades. If you've been considering greening your business, now is the time to take advantage of big incentives to upgrade your lighting, heating, ventilation and cooling systems and refrigeration. Save money, save energy, and help the environment: the power of green. Visit conEd.com/energyefficiency or call Con Edison's contractor at 1-888-willdan (1-888-945-5326).

Get a Free Home Energy Monitor from Con Edison
As part of a smart grid pilot program in Queens, Con Edison is giving 300 customer volunteers a home energy monitor that will communicate with a smart meter and allow customers to better manage their energy use.   If you live in zip codes 11101, 11104, 11109, or 11377, email your account number to smartgrid@coned.com and see if you qualify.

A smart grid integrates state-of-the-art information and communication technology into electricity generation, delivery, and consumption, to make systems cleaner, safer, more reliable and more efficient. This 18-month pilot project is testing intelligent underground systems that will notify Con Edison when power goes out, allowing them to fix problems rapidly.  To find out more, visit www.coned.com.

LIC Arts Weekend at Juvenal Reis Studios, May 22 - 23, noon – 6 PM

Juvenal Reis Studios was created in April 2002 by Brazilian artist Juvenal Reis to become a new art collective with five artists. Today, it operates a 70,000 s.f. space in Long Island City with 180 artists working on painting, sculpture, photography, installation, graphic and fashion design, animation, architecture, video and digital media artists from 20 nations. It hosts an ongoing series of art events, shows, and classes, and is known nationally and internationally as one of the most important communities of international, professional and emerging artists in NYC.

All studios are professionally built, private, secure, clean and safe. Artists have access to a free page on the studio website, a woodworking room with basic power tools, a spray room, a coffee area, a communal library and a gallery & event space. Located on the second, third and fourth floors of 43-01 22nd Street, it’s just a few blocks from PS1 and seven subway lines. Call 718-570-3663 or email Antonio@juvenalreisstudios.com.  Visit http://www.juvenalreisstudios.com

Barth-Gross Electric Co., Inc. is a third-generation, family owned electrical contracting firm, established in 1919. The firm specializes in the installation (and renovation) of: power and lighting; building management systems; telephone/data/security/fire alarm; custom lighting controls; audio/visual systems.  The company takes great pride not only the installations they carry out for their clients, but in those they avoid - by exploring options to reduce installation and operating costs.  Roy Barth has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering, and is a licensed Master Electrician. Contact Roy Barth at 718-706-0670 or visit www.barthgross.com

Law Office of Robert Altman
Robert Altman is an attorney who specializes in tax exemption programs. He is a member of the Board of Directors of LICBDC. He obtains benefits for clients under various NYC tax incentive programs related to real estate or business relocation. Mr. Altman also provides a range of corporate services, working as outside general counsel to various businesses, and real estate services such as real estate litigation, tax certiorari challenges and construction law. Contact him at 212.232.8713 or rsalaw@nyctaxbreak.com