FLUSHING, NY — Business leader Thomas Chen, the founder, chairman and CEO of national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems, was recognized recently at the annual Queens Courier Kings of Queens Awards and Networking Event. While several dozen notable executives of the Queens business community were honored that evening, Chen received a special award when he was inducted into the Kings of Queens Hall of Fame, for his long term, exceptional and sustained dedication to Queens. In addition, he was presented with congratulatory certificates and proclamations from NY State Senate, NY City Council and NY City Public Advocate elected officials.
“This honor is truly appreciated,” said Chen. “I am humbled that I have been included in the Kings of Queens Hall of Fame along with others I respect and admire.” Previous Hall of Fame inductees include developers Michael Meyer, president of F&T Group and Joseph Mattone, Sr. of The Mattone Group, Michael Dowling, president & CEO of North Shore-LIJ Health System, and Joseph Ficalora, president & CEO of New York Community Bank. Chen continued, “Sharing my success with my neighbors has always been part of me. When I came to New York City years ago, I worked hard to build a business that has been successful beyond my dreams. Crystal Windows in Queens now employs over 350 people from the local community. Through the cultural and educational foundations I support, I remain committed to the Borough that has been my home for so long.” The awards event took place at Terrace on the Park in Queens on the evening of Thursday, September 17, 2015. Exhibits by numerous local businesses were available throughout the evening, along with networking and dinner. Special guest NY1 TV News anchor Angi Gonzalez served as emcee and Fox 5 TV meteorologist Mike Woods and USA National Miss 2015 Katherine McQuade were guests of honor. The gala also raised thousands of dollars for St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital in Queens and other local charitable initiatives. The Kings of Queens annual event is sponsored by the Queens Courier newspaper and Schneps Publications. Queens, with a population of 2.2 million, is the second most populous of New York City’s five Boroughs.
In other news... Crystal Window & Door Systems is once again playing a key role in a TV home restoration show. The new DIY Network show American Rehab: Restoring Victoria utilized Crystal vinyl windows and an aluminum sliding door as part of the renovation of a 110-year old Newark, NJ house. The multi-episode series premiered recently and is airing on the DIY Network during September and October. This is not the first TV role for the Crystal Windows product line. For the past several years, Crystal has been the exclusive window supplier to the A&E TV Show Flipping Boston. In that series, a variety of Crystal products have been used in the renovation of many residential and light commercial buildings in the greater Boston area. The satisfaction of the producers of that show is what led to Crystal's selection for the new DIY TV American Rehab series. Over several episodes, American Rehab: Restoring Victoria showcases the efforts of New Jersey teacher and single mother of two Shalina Joy to restore a large turn-of-the-century home to its former glory. The large home is located on a lot in the Forest Hills section of Newark's north end. The majestic Mediterranean Revival style home was built in 1905 and features 6 bedrooms, 4-½ bathrooms, a 2-car detached garage, swimming pool, gazebo with hot tub and original wood frame leaded stained glass windows on the front façade. Ms. Joy dubbed her new home "Victoria," hence the name of the TV show. Crystal's contribution to the restoration project consisted of Crystal's top performing, energy efficient Series 200 vinyl double-hung and 2-lite sliding windows as well as a Series 1240 aluminum sliding door. while Crystal's products were used to renovate the rear façade.