RIP Jack Friedman, Queens Chamber, King of Queens

It is with great sadness, that I relay the information that colleague, mentor and friend, Jack Friedman passed away yesterday a few days shy of his 56th birthday. Jack was a true friend to the Daily News and helped create Queens Week an annual look at all the things that makes Queens great. Jack's vision was to use the power of the Daily News to get the word out across the New York City and beyond about how great Queens was, is and continues to be.
Jack Friedman Obit, NY Daily News

Jack, who was as big a fan of Queens than anyone could ever hope to be, came to the Daily News in 2010 and had a vision of spreading the word, dare I say the gospel of Queens, and its amazing cultural institutions, business groups, ethnic diversity and premium events in one place, The Daily News. Jack was not only a fan of Queens but he was a fan of our company, our reach, our impact on people and he knew that with his ideas and our impact he could really effect change. He was looking to change Queens’ image as a “pass through” borough and as an after thought to Manhattan. I am not trying to tell you that he single handedly changed Queens image but if you keep up on these things you have for sure read articles about the “hot neighborhoods” and the “places to visit “and  they have all been talking about Queens

One of my favorite photos of Jack in an Islanders jersey, he tried as best he could to get them to come here but alas it was not meant to be. But he always had big ideas and saw the bigger picture

Jack Lobbies for Islanders to Queens

Jack Friedman Captain of the NY Islanders, LOL

One of my other favorite pictures is this one with Jack center stage. From the left its Mitch Modell of Modell's Sporting Goods, Chris Donovan from the NY Daily News, Jack, Bruce Bendall from Major World and Dan Glickman from Fairway.  I will tell you that i obviously have no business in this photo but Jack made things like this happen.

Queens Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast 2012

RIP Jack Friedman you will truly be missed....