Flushing to Introduce NYC’s First Local Currency for FNO 2019

Community leaders introduced New York City’s first local currency in advance of the upcoming 2019 FNO: Flushing Fantastic community market and summer festival scheduled for Saturday, August 24,12-6pm, featuring immigrant entrepreneurs, amazing cuisine, and musical performances by emerging artists in the area. Vendors representing the many cultures of Greater Flushing will be selling their unique specialty and artisanal products, including delicious international food, cool drinks, and desserts. FNO is free and open to the public.

“We’re incredibly excited to introduce NYC’s first local currency during FNO 2019,” stated John Choe, Executive Director of the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce. “We’re always trying to find innovative ways to assist small business owners and support our community. If our experiment at FNO is successful, we hope to expand adoption of our ‘Unisphere’ currency year-round to encourage our community to support local business and keep more of our money in our neighborhood.”

This year, FNO will take place outside the historic St. George’s Church on 38th Avenue and Main Street as well as inside the Church’s parish hall. The Church was established in 1702 and is the oldest church in Flushing. Francis Lewis, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was Warden of the Church from 1765 to 1790. The current building and grounds were officially designated as City Landmarks in 2000. In September 2010 a storm destroyed the church's 45-foot wooden steeple, which has since been restored.

“Flushing Night Out is the flagship summer event in the Flushing community,” stated Councilman Peter Koo. “Night markets are very popular nighttime activities in Asia where people come together for a fun and event filled night, all while supporting local businesses and vendors. The night market concept is just beginning to catch on here in New York City thanks in no small part to efforts from the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce and the Flushing Night Out. I’m proud to join to support this event and encourage the public to take part in what is always one of the more unique NYC festivals.”

The 2019 FNO market and summer festival is organized by the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce to support local entrepreneurs, showcase Flushing’s famous cultural diversity, and bring together people of all backgrounds in a collective display of neighborhood pride.

“FNO not only highlights our community’s extraordinary entrepreneurial spirit and showcase our amazing cultural diversity, but will also build a space for all people to come together to celebrate and take pride in our neighborhood,” stated Taehoon Kim, President of the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce. “Please support this important community building initiative through our recently launched crowdfunding campaign at ioby.org/project/fno-flushing-fantastic-2019.”

The Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit membership association that seeks to foster the economic growth, inclusive diversity, and shared prosperity of our community through advocacy, networking, and education. For more information, please visit flushingchamber.nyc.

The Chamber established FNO in 2015 as the first community market and social event in downtown Flushing featuring an exciting line-up of food and fashion entrepreneurs as well as live music and entertainment reflecting America’s most diverse community.

“Downtown Flushing is a multi-ethnic, culturally diverse community and destination chosen by so many people from all over the world. I wish every measure of success for this festival and I look forward to working with you in the future to promote a prosperous Flushing,” said Senator Toby Ann Stavisky.

Highlights of FNO 2019 include new vendors Totto Ramen featuring Japanese-style cuisine; Flushing’s best Asian fusion treats by Kulu Desserts; Ecuadorian cuisine by La Braza; Korean fusion cuisine by Tiger Box; Carribean jerk chicken and goat curry by Tropical Revival; the best ice cream by The Original Flushing Ice Cream Factory; and Chinese edible folk art by Chinese Sugar Painting. These vendors will be joined by veterans of past night markets, including: T-Swirl Crepe, Sam's Fried Ice Cream, Brooklyn Crafted, Old Country Jerky, Twisted Potato, Flushing Queens Macaroni Kid, Gutsier Living, and One Little bubble tea.

"It is our pleasure to be part of the Flushing Night Out Community Market this year. The previous event was very successful and caught a lot people's attention, as one of the business owners in Flushing we believe it is a great opportunity for us to promo our business," stated Jayson Chong, owner of Kulu Desserts.

"Totto Ramen’s journey began with a tiny joint in midtown west back in 2010. We still proudly serve the same famous Chicken Paitan Soup, which is made fresh everyday at each location. Due to high demand, we finally opened the 4th location here in Flushing! We are humbled to be a part of this neighborhood that has such beautiful diversity and gives off such incredible energy." stated Mr. Yosuke Mori, manager of Totto Ramen.

FNO 2019 will also feature performances by top musicians and artists from the local area showcasing their talent, including the event's headliner, international K-pop stars Harmonyc Movement as well as dolltr!ck, Allie Glassman and Michi Egger, Evermore, Tristen Sky, Jacqueline and Skylar, KoloNY, and Wind Meets West.

"One of our core values at SBT Advantage Bank is community, that is why we are proud sponsors of the Flushing Night Out Community Market. Please come get to know us at our Main St location," stated Sue Wang and Alex Cho, managers of SBT Advantage Bank.

FNO 2019 is part of the Chamber’s Flushing Fantastic district marketing campaign, which is funded by the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Neighborhood 360° Program. Event sponsors also include: iCross Capital Fund, SBT Advantage Bank, EmblemHealth, COTS Travel, Hanover Bank, and Cushman & Wakefield.

"EmblemHealth is excited to be a part for this wonderful event with the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce,” stated Peter Chang, Lead Community Outreach Specialist at EmblemHealth.

The Chamber expects attendance to exceed previous turnout and is partnering with organizations to market FNO 2019: Queens Tourism Council, Yelp, School of Rock, Garden of Hope, and Asian Americans for Equality.

The Chamber was also joined by Jack Eichenbaum, Queens Borough Historian; Rob MacKay, Director of Public Relations, Marketing & Tourism at the Queens Economic Development Corporation; Ed Staniszewski, General Manager of the Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel; Jennifer Sun, Executive Director of Asian Americans for Equality; Anne Tan-Detchkov, Marketing Manager at the Queens Botanical Garden; Karl Nicoleau, Education & Outreach Coordinator for the Queens Historical Society at Kingsland Homestead; Minwen Yang, representing Senator Toby Ann Stavisky; Ellen Young, representing Assemblyman Ron Kim; Crystal Feng, Program Manager at AAFE; and, the FNO 2019 Planning Team led by Lisa Plaza.

Visit the FNO website for more updates on the events. Photos and videos from past FNO markets are also available online. The Chamber has launched a crowdfunding campaign through IOBY for those who want to support this community-driven initiative.