Howard Beach, Queens- Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) this past Thursday April 5th awarded the Cross Bay Hardware store with a NYS Assembly Citation honoring them as ‘Small Business of the Month’. Pheffer Amato organized the program to recognize small businesses within the 23rd Assembly District for their dedication and service to the communities in which they serve. Cross Bay Hardware has been a neighborhood hardware store since the mid 1950’s, current owners Michael Pecoraro and Bobby Pace currently employ six people and are a staple on Cross Bay Blvd.

“Small businesses are the backbone of neighborhoods across our city, here in Queens they are a part of our communities’ fabric,” Pheffer Amato said. “A small amount of recognition for over fifty years of quality service to our community is the least we can do- Congratulations to both Michael and Bobby on a job well done!”

“It was an honor to be selected as the first Small Business of the Month,” said Bobby Pace current co-owner of Cross Bay Hardware. “We appreciate that Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato is taking the time to honor small businesses like ours in this neighborhood. It means a lot to us and our staff, and is a tribute to this community for supporting our store for all these years.”

"Locally owned small businesses are vital parts of any community's retail shopping strips. Stores like Howard Beach's Ace Hardware demonstrate why. Its owners know the community they serve, but more importantly – they know the people they serve. Business owners like Bobby and Michael are an asset both for their community and their customers," said Betty Braton, Chair of Community Board 10.

“It was an honor to stand with the Assemblywoman and our community leaders in honoring Cross Bay Ace Hardware as Small Business of the month. We need to be supportive of our owner/operator business or they will become a thing of the past,” said JoAnn Ariola, President of the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic.

Cross Bay Hardware has also supported many schools and organizations in the community including St. Helens, Our Lady of Grace, PS 207 and PS 146, NYFAC, HB Kiwanis, BCAC , and the Broad Channel and Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire Departments.