GOVERNMENT RELATIONS CASE STUDY
Madelaine Chocolate Company
CLIENT BACKGROUND
Understand The Need
Madelaine Chocolate Novelties, Inc. has been a client for almost 40 years and is a premier manufacturer of Foil-Wrapped Chocolate Novelty Items.
For years, the largest manufacturing employer in Queens with over 350 employees and over $40M in sales.
ISSUES & CHALLENGES
working with the NYC Industrial Development Agency & U.S. Department of Commerce
Location, Location, Location
Located in Far Rockaway, NY Madelaine’s plant is essentially on a peninsula, surrounded by Jamaica Bay on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.
Surviving the Storm
In 2012, when Superstorm Sandy hit, Madelaine was flooded with over 5 feet of water which destroyed over $35 million dollars of manufacturing equipment and caused significant damage to the physical facility.
“Through our efforts at both the City and Federal levels, Madelaine was able to obtain the financing and assistance needed to re-open its facilities, repair and purchase new equipment and most importantly maintain its customer base.”
Jeffrey Citron, Managing Partner & Economic Development Law Practice Chair
SOLUTIONS
Developing a Plan
01
Making Connections
Contacting the appropriate authorities and agencies at both the city and federal levels.
02
Building Momentum
Within days of the catastrophe, we arranged for senior officials from the U.S. Department of Commerce to visit the plant.
03
Achieving The Goal
Secure meetings with the NYC Industrial Development Agency and U.S. Small Business Administration.
RESULTS
What We achieved
