Celebration of NYC Success Stories

Today Con Edison hosted our Annual Business Awards Breakfast and was an amazing group of business leaders, innovators and creative thinkers that make NYC, we feel, the best place in the world to live. We were welcomed by John Miksad of Con Edison and MCC Interim Chairman Ronald I. Paltrowitz and the ceremony was emceed by Joe Kirk, EVP of Wells Fargo, presenting sponsor of the event.

City Council Speaker Chris Quinn joined us to present today. She introduced Small Business of the Year Heidelberg Restaurant and Schaller & Weber. She also introduced Mid-Sized Business of the Year, Anchin, Block & Anchin, LLP and Large Business Gilt Groupe.

Next up was Jill Kaplan, Publisher of Crain's New York (and MCC Board Member) who introduced Signature Fencing & Flooring for Global Business of the Year and Foursquare for Young Professionals.

We then had our "surprise" presenter: Steve Roth, who presented wife Daryl Roth and son Jordan Roth with Cultural Achievement of the Year. Here's a quick summary of their achievements: Daryl Roth (producer of plays such as August: Osage County, David Auburn’s Proof; Margaret Edson’s Wit and Jordan Roth (Current productions include The Book of Mormon, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, Jersey Boys, Lysistrata Jones and On A Clear Day You Can See Forever).

Friend of the Chamber Tim Zagat presented Restaurateur of the Year to Fourth Wall Restaurants and Retailer of the year to Crumbs Bakery (who now have 14 stores in NYC and 80 nation-wide).

Con Edison presented Green Business of the Year to Alberto Gonzalez of GustOrganics, a 100% certified organic restaurant. Alberto brings a singular passion to the world of sustainability as well as an international sensibility to create a unique dining experience.

2010 MCC New Yorker of the Year Joan Hamburg returned this year to present the 2011 New Yorker of the Year award to Jonathan Tisch. Mr. Tisch stressed the importance of tourism and the hospitality industry to NYC as well as giving back to the community.

We were pleased at the end of the program to raffle off prizes from Southwest Airlines, Patina Restaurant Group and Plum Benefits (Broadway show tickets).

The most amazing thing is this whole event took place in just two hours. We heard many stories today -- some familiar and some not as well known about the great New Yorkers who make this city tick.

This event took a whole year to plan which means it's time to start planning for next year. Tell us about you. We want to hear your NYC success story. We may be honoring you next year!