Rab’s Hosts Press Conference: Veterans Discount Program to continue on Staten Island, expanding to include SIEDC

March 21, 2023 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

Baran, Fossella, Cusick with Rab's in the background as part of a press conference

Borough President Fossella in joined by Linda Baran, president of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, and Michael Cusick, president of the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation, during a press conference at Rab’s Country Lanes, Dongan Hills, to announce the continuation and expansion of the Staten Veterans Discount Program. (Staten Island Advance/ Priya Shahi)Priya Shahi

By Priya Shahi | pshahi@siadvance.com
silive.com | Click Here for the full story

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Staten Island’s Veterans Discount Program, which provides a 10% discount on goods and services from participating businesses across the borough, is not only going to continue, but is expanding beyond the borough president’s office and the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce — with the addition of the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC).

“One thing that every Staten Islander has in common is that we cherish our veterans,” said Borough President Vito Fossella, when announcing that the SIEDC would be joining the program, which was started in 2012 by former Assemblyman Michael Cusick. “I am proud to partner with these two great organizations to provide a free service to those who have served our country.”

The Veterans Discount Program was started over a decade ago by former Assemblyman Michael Cusick.

“I think the expansion is important, because the SIEDC and the Chamber are the two largest organizations on Staten Island,” said Cusick, current president and CEO of the SIEDC. “The fact that we are doing this together … to be able to bring more people and more businesses to this program, we can really help the veterans. I think it’s a win-win.”

He added that the Veterans Discount Program now has over 200 participating retailers, including Rab’s.

[Read more…]

Staten Island Economic Development Corporation and Office of NYC Council Member Steven Matteo Unveil Public Art to Boost Neighborhood Charm

March 3, 2021 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

Staten Island, N.Y. – The Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) and David Carr, Chief of Staff for New York City Council Member Steven Matteo, unveiled the SIEDC’s latest public art installation at Rab’s Country Lanes, a bowling alley and entertainment center located on Staten Island.

Located at Rab’s 1600 Hylan Blvd. address, the installation is a colorful 10’.5”x10’ mural that features a pair of wings encompassing the names of Staten Island neighborhoods. Borough residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the installation, take photos and upload them to social media tagging @SIEDC.

“We are thrilled to provide the community with a creative way to celebrate Staten Island,” said Cesar J. Claro, President and CEO of the SIEDC. “Rab’s Country Lanes is the perfect location for our latest art display. Passersby – including bowlers – can stop for a quick photo opp to show some love and support for their hometown.”

Public art is just one way the SIEDC works to improve neighborhood charm and build community throughout the borough. Through Business Improvement Districts and Merchant Associations, the SIEDC advocates for much-needed services including private maintenance and security, signage and way-finding information, and beautification initiatives such as holiday lights, new trash receptacles and more.

About the SIEDC
The SIEDC’s mission is to enhance a thriving Staten Island economy by promoting public and private investment, and encouraging the development of commercial and industrial property and projects in an environmentally friendly manner, all of which improve the quality of life and provide broad and diverse employment opportunities.

Lots to Love about Valentine’s Day Public Art Photo Booth Unveiled by Staten Island Economic Development Corporation

February 9, 2021 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

SIEDC announces photo contest to put Staten Islanders in the running for $500 Gift Card to Buono Jewelers

Staten Island, N.Y. – Love was in the air on Hylan Boulevard as the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC), in collaboration with NYC Council Member Steven Matteo, Rab’s Country Lanes and Sweetbrook Nursery and Garden Center, unveiled a new public art installation: A fun and festive Valentine’s Day Photo Booth designed to bring the community together while supporting local business.

The Valentine’s-themed, 4’x6’x8′ natural wood booth was hand-crafted by Steve Korkowski, President and CEO of Sweetbrook Nursery & Garden Center. Located outside Rab’s Country Lanes, 1600 Hylan Blvd., the colorful red and pink booth is covered on top and has side panels to provide protection from the elements. It is free to use and open to the public for photos from February 1 to 14.

No significant other? No problem! Staten Islanders can take a photo alone, with a friend, family member or even a pet. All that’s needed is a smartphone and love for Staten Island.

“Our Valentine’s Day Photo Booth is a wonderful opportunity for people to enjoy a safe outdoor experience,” said Cesar J. Claro, President and CEO of the SIEDC. “Together with our partners Council Member Steven Matteo, Sweetbrook Nursery & Garden Center and Rab’s Country Lanes, we are thrilled to provide the community with a creative way to celebrate the season of love. Our hope is that Staten Islanders stop by the booth for a fun photo opp as they explore the many stores and dining spots located nearby.”

As part of the unveiling, the SIEDC announced a photo contest that gives Staten Island shutterbugs a chance to win a $500 gift card for Buono Jewelers. To participate, participants must take a creative photo inside the booth and upload it to Instagram or Facebook, tagging @SIEDC and using #SIEDCVDAY. The SIEDC will pick the winning photo based on creativity and flair, so participants are encouraged to dress to impress and let their personalities shine through.*

More information about SIEDC public art installations, BIDS and Merchant Associations is available at siedc.org.

*Photo Contest Disclaimer:

Must be 18 years or older to enter. Participants will be judged on most creative photo by the SIEDC Projects Management Team. Any photos received after the assigned dates will not be considered. Winners will be notified through Instagram message. The winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries and announced on or before February 15, 2021 before 11:59pm EST. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by or associated with Instagram. SIEDC reserves the right to cancel or amend the rules of the contest without giving prior notice or reason.

About the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC)

Since 1993, the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) has served as the lead advocate for economic development on Staten Island. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, SIEDC’s mission is to enhance Staten Island’s economy by promoting public and private investment, and encouraging responsible and sustainable development, all of which improve the quality of life and provide broad and diverse employment opportunities in the borough.

SIEDC has been responsible for over $550 million in new investment, the creation of over 3,500 jobs and the development of over 1,000 acres of vacant industrial land by providing assistance to developers and companies implementing projects in the borough, while at the same time serving the smallest entrepreneur and small business owner with tailored financing, procurement, and real estate assistance.