June 4, 2020: Can you grow your business in an economic downturn? Yes, with growth tools and tactics

Can you grow your business in an economic downturn? Yes, with growth tools and tactics.

By Tom Gray and Jeffrey Lee from Capalino+Company

The COVID-19 economy will support the growth of new businesses and the expansion/pivoting of existing businesses, if you have the strategy and financing to buy new equipment, open new facilities, and hire new employees. We’ll discuss whether you should pivot, and when, and how you can finance growth with a sound strategy and with financial tools and tax incentives.

Thursday, June 4, 2020

6:30-8PM

RSVP to PolishAmericanBusinessClub@gmail.com to obtain a link to Microsoft Teams Meeting

About the Guests

Jeffrey Lee, Principal

An expert in economic development strategy and commercial tax incentives, Jeff provides insights and strategy to innovative companies across a variety of sectors. Prior to joining Capalino+Company, Jeff worked at NYCEDC, overseeing the New York City Industrial Development program, where he deployed millions of dollars of economic development tax incentives to assist catalytic, job-generating projects in the industrial, maritime, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors. Jeff also obtained NYCEDC’s first award of New Markets Tax Credit allocation and directed that allocation to catalytic community development projects citywide. Prior to his public sector tenure, Jeff practiced real estate law, representing affordable housing lenders and community development organizations on high-impact local development projects. Jeff currently serves on the Advisory Council for CUNY Startups and the boards of Billion Oyster Project, Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation and Terreform One. A native New Yorker with roots in the Latinx and Asian communities, Jeff is a proud child/grandchild of immigrants from China and Colombia. He lives in Brooklyn with his partner and his two children.

Tom Gray, Principal

Tom Gray works across several practice areas including: Legislative Affairs, Business Strategy, Digital Organizing, Land Use, and Environmental, Energy + Sustainability.

Since joining Capalino+Company in 2014, Tom has led numerous engagements in the fields of real estate, mobility, data-analytics, media, healthcare, non-profit, clean-tech and more. As a key member of several practice areas at Capalino+Company, Tom is an expert in helping our clients enter and succeed in the New York Market, new product deployment and brand elevation. He has extensive experience with New York City politics, government, direct marketing and new customer acquisition.

Tom has worked with companies like IBM, Air Liquide, BYD, Intersection, Centene and Bike New York. He also regularly authors original content for the firm on relevant topics like technology, grassroots brand elevation and strategic consulting.

From 2011 to 2013, Tom Gray served as the Executive Director of the Greenwich Village Chelsea Chamber of Commerce. During his time with the Chamber, he was credited with leading the team that revived the sixty-five year old organization. While running the premiere business organization in the heart of Silicon Ally, he worked hand-and-hand with companies like Google, Foursquare, Tesla and other technology firms to promote their missions and achieve success in New York City. Tom also helped give a voice to the business community and shape important public economic development projects like: NYU 2031, The Chelsea Market Expansion and the revitalization of the St. Vincent’s campus.

Before leading the Chamber, Tom served as Director of Land Use for Public Advocate Bill de Blasio from 2009-2011 and District Director for Council Member Bill de Blasio from 2005 to 2009. During that time Tom specialized in community relations, land use, housing and economic development. Throughout his career he has also been involved in numerous state, federal and local elections.

Tom holds a bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies from Kent State University and was a member of the United States Coast Guard Port Security Unit 309 from 2000 to 2008. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom.