Drew Biondo

When communication fails, speculation takes over. Sloane & Company's Head of Special Situations TJ White lays out in his recent O'Dwyer's Public Relations News op-ed the golden rule of crisis communications: control the narrative, or someone else will.   Give it a read!

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NYS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: WEST 30TH STREET HELIPORT As you all know, legislation was introduced in the NYS Legislature that would have permanently closed New York City’s West 30th St. Heliport making this legislative attempt to shutter the heliport the most serious threat to the facility in over 20 years. Closure of the only 24/7 heliport with refueling capabilities in the region would have led to significant economic loss for the City and State including jobs; increased congestion on local streets; negatively impacted health care transportation; and threatened the coming introduction of new technologically advanced and greener vertical aircraft. As part of our unprecedented multi-layered advocacy plan, Vertical Aviation International led the charge urging members and others to write to the legislature in opposition and the call was heard as over 96,000 emails were sent to all members of the legislature! Thanks to the efforts of so many, and in collaboration with our industry partners like Eastern Region Heliciopter Council (ERHC) National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and other stakeholders, it's obvious our collective voice was heard loud and clear. As a result, before final passage, the bill was amended to preserve the facility for the foreseeable future and includes industry representation as part of future actions related to the heliport. SUMMARY S.9408-C/A.10224-C initially called for the permanent closure of the West 30th Street Heliport without a formal process and without industry input. Should this bill be signed into law, because of the amendments, the heliport will continue to operate for the foreseeable future and calls for the exploration of an offshore site (barge) for the heliport. It also creates a task force to comment on proposed language for funding requests and permitting within the park. Its critically important to highlight that because of our advocacy along with that of our industry partners, government allies, and others, the task force now includes appointees from industry, the private sector business world, and other government representatives who we believe understand the importance of this facility now and for the future. VAI sincerely thanks all who heard the call to mobilize. This conversation is far from over so stay tuned and continue to power up!

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🚨 Attention Insurance Professionals! 🚨 Do you have just 60 seconds to help safeguard your customers from skyrocketing costs and limited access to critical risk management tools? Your action can make a difference! ⏳ Take a moment to make a powerful impact below. 👇

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New Jersey has had quite the rainy week, with all this rain, remember to dump out any standing water around your home. Standing water can come from many different sources! Check out this video for helpful tips for #MosquitoPrevention ! #NJMCA #MosquitoControl ☔️🦟

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Several New York City mayoral candidates on Monday criticized Mayor Eric Adams for the city's stagnant bus system during a transportation forum organized by the nonprofit Riders Alliance. The event, hosted by BRIC Arts Media in Downtown Brooklyn, featured six candidates vying for the Democratic nomination in the June 2025 primary. Each candidate outlined their vision for improving the city’s transportation network with a primary focus on the bus system. Participants included NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, NY State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, NY State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Jessica Ramos, former NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer and attorney Jim Walden. https://lnkd.in/e4jA9CYr

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I am honored to be part of such an impactful funding effort. New York State's flexible funding initiative for victims and survivors of #DomesticViolence, known as Survivors Access Financial Empowerment (SAFE), has been awarded to 65 domestic violence programs across the state. SAFE funding allows those programs to assist #Survivors with critical needs such as education and training to secure employment, food and household supplies, moving expenses, legal assistance, utility payments, transportation, and physical and mental health services, as well as child-related services. Why does flexible funding matter? Because we know that financial concerns are a barrier to safety for victims and survivors of domestic violence. Flexible funding is effective because it is survivor driven and removes obstacles. This funding recognizes that each survivor has unique needs, therefore how survivors use the funding should not be compartmentalized or merit-based. Additionally, low barrier requirements mean that funding can be provided quickly to address immediate crisis. To learn more about this, check out the Governor Hochul's press release as well as #OPDV's SAFE Overview Document https://lnkd.in/exrA2gZh.

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The Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our staff as they carry out their critical work. That’s why we are excited to introduce AlertMedia, a state-of-the-art safety monitoring system designed to provide real-time assistance and protection for our team in the field. This innovative tool offers discreet emergency alerts, location-aware threat intelligence, and 24/7 monitoring support to help our workforce stay safe while serving Rhode Island’s children and families. At DCYF, safety is a shared priority. Together, we can continue building a secure and supportive environment for staff and those we serve. #WorkplaceSafety #Innovation #RIChildrenAndFamilies

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The New Jersey State Planning Commission has recently released a draft of their new State Development and Redevelopment Plan, the first in nearly 23 years. The new document would guide state policy on infrastructure and land use statewide, while recognizing the needs to adapt to climate change and to ensure equitable treatment for underserved communities. Before the plan is finalized, all its proposed policies will be subject to a legally required impact analysis on their costs and benefits, to be conducted by Rowan and Rutgers universities. #SouthJersey #EconomicDevelopment # #StatePlanning #CommunityGrowth https://lnkd.in/eejg9dVM

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In just under two months, New York Mobile ID has reached a major milestone. New Yorkers have shown that there is a desire to have a highly secure, well sourced, digital identity that is under their control to be used when, where, and how they want. This milestone is the first of many that will occur as relying parties and use cases grow that allow New Yorkers to safely and securely use their New York Mobile ID. #MobileID #mDL #NewYorkMobileID

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Governor Hochul Highlights Statewide Decline in Crime as New York Communities Ranked Among Safest in the Nation The Governor's investments also include nationally recognized initiatives administered by the state Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), which provides funding, training and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations in communities hardest hit by gun violence and violent crime: Nearly $36 million for the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative. Through GIVE, DCJS helps 28 police departments in 21 counties implement evidence-based strategies that have proven to be successful at reducing gun violence, including Problem-Oriented Policing, Hot-Spots Policing, Focused Deterrence/Group Violence Intervention, Street Outreach, and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. These strategies focus on the few people and places that are responsible for most of the violence and engage the broader community to build trust. GIVE also funds district attorneys’ offices, probation departments, and sheriffs’ offices in those counties. TheNICP.com #CPTED #USCA https://lnkd.in/ejGdziEQ

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Governor Hochul Highlights Statewide Decline in Crime as New York Communities Ranked Among Safest in the Nation The Governor's investments also include nationally recognized initiatives administered by the state Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), which provides funding, training and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations in communities hardest hit by gun violence and violent crime: Nearly $36 million for the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative. Through GIVE, DCJS helps 28 police departments in 21 counties implement evidence-based strategies that have proven to be successful at reducing gun violence, including Problem-Oriented Policing, Hot-Spots Policing, Focused Deterrence/Group Violence Intervention, Street Outreach, and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. These strategies focus on the few people and places that are responsible for most of the violence and engage the broader community to build trust. GIVE also funds district attorneys’ offices, probation departments, and sheriffs’ offices in those counties. TheNICP.com #CPTED #USCA https://lnkd.in/ejGdziEQ

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Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand have announced over $140 million in funding through the ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program to expand broadband infrastructure across six regions in New York State. This initiative aims to construct more than 1,200 miles of publicly owned fiber optic infrastructure and wireless hubs, connecting over 60,000 homes and businesses with affordable, high-speed internet. At Digital Ubiquity Capital (DUC), we are committed to supporting such transformative efforts by providing comprehensive project governance, management, and financial services to counties and municipalities. Our expertise ensures that broadband projects are accurately scoped, stay on schedule, and remain within budget. #BroadbandAccess #DigitalEquity #ConnectedCommunities #DUC #ProjectGovernance #BroadbandExpansion https://lnkd.in/eaRGyCRa

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The New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) is accepting applications from small businesses throughout New Hampshire for low-cost energy audits. The current application cycle ends in February 2025, offering an opportunity for eligible businesses to identify energy efficiency improvements that reduce operating costs and enhance both productivity and work environment. https://lnkd.in/di76Jpt4

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🚨 Important Alert: Newburgh SSA Office Closure 🚨 Congressman Pat Ryan and State Senator Rob Rolison are taking a stand against the recent closure of the Newburgh Social Security field office. This decision is leaving countless seniors and disabled individuals without essential, in-person support services. 🗣️ Congressman Pat Ryan: “Our community depends on these services. The abrupt closure is unacceptable and detrimental to those who rely on timely and efficient assistance.” 🗣️ State Senator Rob Rolison: “The closure of the SSA office is causing unnecessary hardship. We need immediate action to reopen and restore these vital services.” Impact on the Community: - Seniors and disabled residents are particularly hard-hit by this closure. - Access to in-person help for benefits and applications is severely limited. - The closure exacerbates existing delays and service issues. Next Steps: - Advocacy and Action: Congressman Ryan and Senator Rolison are pushing for the office to be reopened and for improvements in service delivery. - Community Involvement: Your voice matters! Share your experiences with Commissioner Martin O'Malley to demand the reopening of the SSA office. https://zurl.co/jsVn How You Can Help: - Share Your Story: If you’ve been affected by the closure, let your story be heard. - Stay Informed: Follow updates from Congressman Ryan and Senator Rolison for the latest news and ways to support the cause. Read the full press release for more details and join the movement to reopen the Newburgh Social Security office: https://zurl.co/7c8X Together, we can ensure our community receives the support it deserves. 💪❤️ #SocialSecurity #OfficeClosure #CommunitySupport #CongressmanPatRyan #StateSenatorRobRolison #Advocacy #ActionForChange

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🎙️ On this week’s Public Hearing, we’re breaking down Article Two of Worcester’s City Charter, which outlines the structure and function of the City Council. Brow-raising Fact: In #WorcesterMA, candidates running for councilor at large are also automatically in the running for mayor. 🗳️ The candidate with the most mayoral votes takes the seat, and the runner-up becomes vice-chair of the City Council. If a candidate doesn’t want to run for mayor, they can opt out, but yeah, it’s confusing. This raises important questions about representation, leadership, and whether this system best serves Worcester’s residents. (Spoiler: There are more equitable ways to do this.) We’re unpacking how this system works and considering how Worcester might rethink its approach to local government leadership. 🎧 Tune in to WICN 90.5 FM on Wednesdays at 6 PM, stream on your favorite podcast platform, or press play at https://lnkd.in/dD-UviTi #WorcesterMA #CivicEngagement #LocalGovernment #CityCharter #ParticipatoryDemocracy #PublicHearingPodcast #QueerForCities

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