Art galleries create citywide event
By Miriam Kreinin Souccar
Published: November 13, 2009 - 1:30 pm
The art market is showing signs of a recovery, but New York's dealers aren't taking any chances.
A group of around 50 galleries is joining forces to create a new event called New York Gallery Week. The inaugural affair will take place over the weekend of May 7, timed to coincide with the beginning of the spring auction season.
The program will feature parties, panel discussions and gallery tours in an effort to get people to visit galleries rather than just coming to New York for the major art fairs like The Armory Show. The group of galleries, which includes big names like David Zwirner, is inviting curators from around the country to speak, and is working on a Web site.
“We're trying to invigorate people to come to galleries again and to invigorate sales,” said Jason Murison, manager of Friedrich Petzel Gallery, one of the event's organizers.
From Crain's New York Business.com
Friday, November 13, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
U.S. Homeland chief defends $10 travel fee
U.S. Homeland chief defends $10 travel fee
Lawmakers warn they could impose similar fees on visiting Americans
By CONSTANT BRAND
Associated Press Writer
The Associated Press
updated 7:13 p.m. ET, Fri., Nov . 6, 2009
BRUSSELS - European Parliament lawmakers on Friday demanded that U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano ease restrictions for Europeans traveling to the United States, saying plans to impose a new $10 (euro6.73), entry fee are unfair.
Citizens from many European Union countries already have to fill in an online visa waiver form before they travel to the U.S., but could face an additional charge when they arrive, which many EU officials and lawmakers fear amounts to a new visa restriction.
"The measures ... are even harder than they were under the previous (U.S.) government and that for us is a contradiction that we in the European Parliament cannot accept," Austrian lawmaker Ernst Strasser told Napolitano during a special hearing with her. "We really have to insist on our European values, that European data protection laws and European civil liberties also have to be taken account of."
Dutch lawmaker Sophie in't Veld urged Napolitano to review a controversial anti-terror pact between the EU and the U.S. which sees the transfer of data collected on trans-Atlantic air passengers to U.S. authorities to make sure the data is not being misused.
Many European lawmakers also urged Napolitano to persuade the U.S. Congress and President Barack Obama to ditch the planned $10 fee.
Napolitano said she could accept a review of the existing transfer of airline passenger data deal, but rejected calls to drop the new fee, which the U.S. Congress passed in September, but still has to be signed by Obama.
"Unlike many of your countries, the United States does not have a separate agency to promote tourism and travel, and so the goal of this is to use that to actually fund and help tourists and travelers who wish to come to the United States," Napolitano said. "In that respect I think that it is not only reasonable but in these days of reduced government budgets, it's the way to fund that."
The United States began requiring people who do not need visas to enter America to register online at least 72 hours before travel and to renew their registration every two years. Under the proposed plan, visitors would have to pay the $10 fee when they register.
On top of this, Europeans along with many other international visitors to the U.S. face stepped up identity and travel checks that Washington imposed since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Visitors already have to provide fingerprints to U.S. border guards when entering the country, and airlines they use forward data, including passenger names, addresses, seat numbers, credit card information and travel details.
EU lawmakers are angry because Americans visiting European countries such as France, Germany and Italy face no such fees or online checks.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Lawmakers warn they could impose similar fees on visiting Americans
By CONSTANT BRAND
Associated Press Writer
The Associated Press
updated 7:13 p.m. ET, Fri., Nov . 6, 2009
BRUSSELS - European Parliament lawmakers on Friday demanded that U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano ease restrictions for Europeans traveling to the United States, saying plans to impose a new $10 (euro6.73), entry fee are unfair.
Citizens from many European Union countries already have to fill in an online visa waiver form before they travel to the U.S., but could face an additional charge when they arrive, which many EU officials and lawmakers fear amounts to a new visa restriction.
"The measures ... are even harder than they were under the previous (U.S.) government and that for us is a contradiction that we in the European Parliament cannot accept," Austrian lawmaker Ernst Strasser told Napolitano during a special hearing with her. "We really have to insist on our European values, that European data protection laws and European civil liberties also have to be taken account of."
Dutch lawmaker Sophie in't Veld urged Napolitano to review a controversial anti-terror pact between the EU and the U.S. which sees the transfer of data collected on trans-Atlantic air passengers to U.S. authorities to make sure the data is not being misused.
Many European lawmakers also urged Napolitano to persuade the U.S. Congress and President Barack Obama to ditch the planned $10 fee.
Napolitano said she could accept a review of the existing transfer of airline passenger data deal, but rejected calls to drop the new fee, which the U.S. Congress passed in September, but still has to be signed by Obama.
"Unlike many of your countries, the United States does not have a separate agency to promote tourism and travel, and so the goal of this is to use that to actually fund and help tourists and travelers who wish to come to the United States," Napolitano said. "In that respect I think that it is not only reasonable but in these days of reduced government budgets, it's the way to fund that."
The United States began requiring people who do not need visas to enter America to register online at least 72 hours before travel and to renew their registration every two years. Under the proposed plan, visitors would have to pay the $10 fee when they register.
On top of this, Europeans along with many other international visitors to the U.S. face stepped up identity and travel checks that Washington imposed since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Visitors already have to provide fingerprints to U.S. border guards when entering the country, and airlines they use forward data, including passenger names, addresses, seat numbers, credit card information and travel details.
EU lawmakers are angry because Americans visiting European countries such as France, Germany and Italy face no such fees or online checks.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
City, Tavern in dueling lawsuits
By Lisa Fickenscher, Crains New York Business (
Published: October 22, 2009 - 3:19 pm
The question of who owns the famous restaurant name Tavern on the Green has become a legal football that has just landed in the lap of a bankruptcy judge.
As expected, on Wednesday the city sued the operators of Tavern on the Green, the LeRoy family, in U.S. bankruptcy court claiming that they had no right to seek trademark protection for the famed eatery's name because it belongs to the city.
Tavern quickly filed a counter suit, in which it argued that its trademark is ‘incontestable.'
In its complaint, the city claims that the trademark was obtained by the family fraudulently and without the city's “knowledge or permission” in 1981. It points to the fact that the restaurant has existed under its current name since 1934, long before the LeRoys began running the eatery in 1973.
Tavern on the Green filed for bankruptcy protection last month, claiming that its largest asset is the trademark it holds for the restaurant's name, which has an estimated value of $19 million.
The LeRoys also filed a second trademark in 2007 to use the restaurant's name on its cooking oils and other food products that it sells to consumers. The city is challenging that trademark as well, asking the court to cancel the trademarks or transfer them to the city.
The lawsuit, however, represents a reversal in the city's position over this issue according to Tavern's countersuit, also filed on Wednesday. It notes that the city's request for proposal in February, seeking bids to take over the lease of the restaurant, says that the city “does not represent that it owns the name” and that proposers “should be prepared to pursue its availability independently.”
In August, the city selected Dean Poll, owner and operator of the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park, to run the restaurant. Some industry sources speculate that the city changed its position over the name, because Mr. Poll says he wants to use the name. It could become a sticking point between the city and Mr. Poll, who are negotiating terms of their contract but have not yet reached a final agreement.
According to Tavern's countersuit, the city first raised the issue of the trademark with the current operators in 2006, asserting then that the name did not belong to the LeRoys. But nothing came of those discussions.
“The city had no response to Tavern's” legal arguments, said David Kane, Tavern's lawyer in the trademark dispute. “The dialogue ended in 2006, and then in 2009 [in the RFP] the city said it didn't own the name. It's a huge change in their position.”
Published: October 22, 2009 - 3:19 pm
The question of who owns the famous restaurant name Tavern on the Green has become a legal football that has just landed in the lap of a bankruptcy judge.
As expected, on Wednesday the city sued the operators of Tavern on the Green, the LeRoy family, in U.S. bankruptcy court claiming that they had no right to seek trademark protection for the famed eatery's name because it belongs to the city.
Tavern quickly filed a counter suit, in which it argued that its trademark is ‘incontestable.'
In its complaint, the city claims that the trademark was obtained by the family fraudulently and without the city's “knowledge or permission” in 1981. It points to the fact that the restaurant has existed under its current name since 1934, long before the LeRoys began running the eatery in 1973.
Tavern on the Green filed for bankruptcy protection last month, claiming that its largest asset is the trademark it holds for the restaurant's name, which has an estimated value of $19 million.
The LeRoys also filed a second trademark in 2007 to use the restaurant's name on its cooking oils and other food products that it sells to consumers. The city is challenging that trademark as well, asking the court to cancel the trademarks or transfer them to the city.
The lawsuit, however, represents a reversal in the city's position over this issue according to Tavern's countersuit, also filed on Wednesday. It notes that the city's request for proposal in February, seeking bids to take over the lease of the restaurant, says that the city “does not represent that it owns the name” and that proposers “should be prepared to pursue its availability independently.”
In August, the city selected Dean Poll, owner and operator of the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park, to run the restaurant. Some industry sources speculate that the city changed its position over the name, because Mr. Poll says he wants to use the name. It could become a sticking point between the city and Mr. Poll, who are negotiating terms of their contract but have not yet reached a final agreement.
According to Tavern's countersuit, the city first raised the issue of the trademark with the current operators in 2006, asserting then that the name did not belong to the LeRoys. But nothing came of those discussions.
“The city had no response to Tavern's” legal arguments, said David Kane, Tavern's lawyer in the trademark dispute. “The dialogue ended in 2006, and then in 2009 [in the RFP] the city said it didn't own the name. It's a huge change in their position.”
City sues Tavern on the Green operators over name
By Lisa Fickenscher (Crain's New York Business)
Published: October 21, 2009 - 6:18 pm
The city sued the operators of Tavern on the Green Wednesday in U.S. bankruptcy court in an effort to regain control over the name of the famed eatery.
Tavern on the Green filed for bankruptcy protection last month, claiming that its largest asset is the trademark it holds for the restaurant’s name, which has an estimated value of $19 million.
The city claims that the eatery’s operator, the LeRoy family, is misleading creditors, the court and the public by laying claim to this asset.
The trademark, according to the complaint, was obtained fraudulently and without the city’s “knowledge or permission” in 1981.
Another argument the city is making is that the restaurant has existed under its current name since 1934, long before the LeRoy family began running the eatery in 1973.
The LeRoys also filed a second trademark in 2007 to use the restaurant’s name on its cooking oils and other food products that it sells to consumers. The city is challenging that trademark as well, asking the court to cancel the trademarks or transfer them to the city.
A spokeswoman for the LeRoys declined to comment on the lawsuit.
After putting the Tavern concession up for bids earlier this year, the city selected Dean Poll, owner and operator of the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park, to run the restaurant.
Published: October 21, 2009 - 6:18 pm
The city sued the operators of Tavern on the Green Wednesday in U.S. bankruptcy court in an effort to regain control over the name of the famed eatery.
Tavern on the Green filed for bankruptcy protection last month, claiming that its largest asset is the trademark it holds for the restaurant’s name, which has an estimated value of $19 million.
The city claims that the eatery’s operator, the LeRoy family, is misleading creditors, the court and the public by laying claim to this asset.
The trademark, according to the complaint, was obtained fraudulently and without the city’s “knowledge or permission” in 1981.
Another argument the city is making is that the restaurant has existed under its current name since 1934, long before the LeRoy family began running the eatery in 1973.
The LeRoys also filed a second trademark in 2007 to use the restaurant’s name on its cooking oils and other food products that it sells to consumers. The city is challenging that trademark as well, asking the court to cancel the trademarks or transfer them to the city.
A spokeswoman for the LeRoys declined to comment on the lawsuit.
After putting the Tavern concession up for bids earlier this year, the city selected Dean Poll, owner and operator of the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park, to run the restaurant.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
More information on the Hotel Occupany Tax
Now I have a phone number for a Mrs. Parker at the NYC Department of Finance. It is 212 232 1264. She is the person who can answer further questions. I have a feeling she might be very busy.
I have also spoken to NTA and they are still waiting for information from the NYC Finance Department to claify the audit procedure. I have listed some information and examples below to assist you. As a reminder the The hotel occupancy tax is 5.875% (.05875)
Example #1 (you know the amount of the hotel room)
If you are adding a margin to a net hotel rate (For example your margin is $25.00 per room), you multiply your margin by the occupancy tax (25 x 5.875% = 1.47). The amount of $1.47 is the tax for each room and for each night (8 rooms for 4 nights is $47.00)
($25 x 8 = 200 x 4 = 800 x 5.875% = $47.00)
Example #2 (you do not know the cost of the hotel room)
This is a bit more difficult. If you purchase a package at a net rate from a company like Beyond Times Square you do not have the cost of the hotel room, but you do know the amount of your margin. Of course you are not going to pay tax your entire margin, but a portion of it. The statement of procedure reads, “In this instance, a 15% markup on 70% of the average retail rate of a similar room may be used to compute additional rent.” This is the part I am still trying to get clarification on.
It sounds to me, that if you have a package with a specific hotel, you
1) To find out the gross rate of that hotel (check the hotel’s website and for our purposes, let say the rack rate is $300 per room per night).
2) You than need to take 70% of the $300, which is $210.00.
3) Then multiply that by your % margin (in this example I am using 15%), which gives you $31.50.
4) Then this amount of $31.50 (your hotel margin) needs to multiplied by the hotel tax of 5.875%. When complete the additional hotel tax per room per night is $1.85.
I hope this assist you with figuring out the new tax and when I have further information, I will post it to this blog.
REMEMBER IF YOU ARE GETTING A COMMISSION FROM A RESELLER YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PAY THE REMARKETER TAX
I have also spoken to NTA and they are still waiting for information from the NYC Finance Department to claify the audit procedure. I have listed some information and examples below to assist you. As a reminder the The hotel occupancy tax is 5.875% (.05875)
Example #1 (you know the amount of the hotel room)
If you are adding a margin to a net hotel rate (For example your margin is $25.00 per room), you multiply your margin by the occupancy tax (25 x 5.875% = 1.47). The amount of $1.47 is the tax for each room and for each night (8 rooms for 4 nights is $47.00)
($25 x 8 = 200 x 4 = 800 x 5.875% = $47.00)
Example #2 (you do not know the cost of the hotel room)
This is a bit more difficult. If you purchase a package at a net rate from a company like Beyond Times Square you do not have the cost of the hotel room, but you do know the amount of your margin. Of course you are not going to pay tax your entire margin, but a portion of it. The statement of procedure reads, “In this instance, a 15% markup on 70% of the average retail rate of a similar room may be used to compute additional rent.” This is the part I am still trying to get clarification on.
It sounds to me, that if you have a package with a specific hotel, you
1) To find out the gross rate of that hotel (check the hotel’s website and for our purposes, let say the rack rate is $300 per room per night).
2) You than need to take 70% of the $300, which is $210.00.
3) Then multiply that by your % margin (in this example I am using 15%), which gives you $31.50.
4) Then this amount of $31.50 (your hotel margin) needs to multiplied by the hotel tax of 5.875%. When complete the additional hotel tax per room per night is $1.85.
I hope this assist you with figuring out the new tax and when I have further information, I will post it to this blog.
REMEMBER IF YOU ARE GETTING A COMMISSION FROM A RESELLER YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PAY THE REMARKETER TAX
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Information for September 23rd's Radio Show
Thank you for listening today’s radio show. I think we covered some good information. To assist you with any follow up you might need to do, please see the links below. If you did not listen to the radio show, please click on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/btsq and listen to our On-Demand Episodes
Press release from the NYC Park Department about the lease for the Tavern on the Green location
http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_newsroom/press_releases/press_releases.php?id=20866
Finance Memorandum concerning the Hotel Remarketer Tax
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dof/html/pdf/09pdf/hotel_room_occupancy081409.pdf
Statement of Audit Process concerning the Hotel Remarketer Tax
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dof/html/pdf/sap/htx_2009-01.pdf
Form to register as a Hotel Remarketer http://www.nyc.gov/html/dof/html/pdf/payment_operations/htx_certificate_of_registration.pdf
Form to send an email to Mayor Michael Bloomberg about the this tax
http://www.nyc.gov/portal/site/nycgov/menuitem.bd08ee7c7c1ffec87c4b36d501c789a0/index.jsp?doc_name=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nyc.gov%2Fhtml%2Fmail%2Fhtml%2Fmayor.html
In my broadcast I mistakenly said the tax is 14.75%. That is hotel occupancy tax and sales tax combined. The hotel occupancy tax, which is what you are concerned with here is 5.875%
More information and some examples will follow soon
Press release from the NYC Park Department about the lease for the Tavern on the Green location
http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_newsroom/press_releases/press_releases.php?id=20866
Finance Memorandum concerning the Hotel Remarketer Tax
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dof/html/pdf/09pdf/hotel_room_occupancy081409.pdf
Statement of Audit Process concerning the Hotel Remarketer Tax
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dof/html/pdf/sap/htx_2009-01.pdf
Form to register as a Hotel Remarketer http://www.nyc.gov/html/dof/html/pdf/payment_operations/htx_certificate_of_registration.pdf
Form to send an email to Mayor Michael Bloomberg about the this tax
http://www.nyc.gov/portal/site/nycgov/menuitem.bd08ee7c7c1ffec87c4b36d501c789a0/index.jsp?doc_name=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nyc.gov%2Fhtml%2Fmail%2Fhtml%2Fmayor.html
In my broadcast I mistakenly said the tax is 14.75%. That is hotel occupancy tax and sales tax combined. The hotel occupancy tax, which is what you are concerned with here is 5.875%
More information and some examples will follow soon
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Radio Show information for September 2, 2009
Hello everyone. We had a terrific show today, with our guest James Nevius. As I mentioned James is leading his walking tour of Dutch Colonial New Amsterdam on Harbor day (September 13th) in NYC. More information is located at http://www.insidetheapple.net/tours.htm
If you are interested in James or Michelle leading a walking or motorcoach tour for your group, contact us at info@btsq.com or 800.999.8160.
I literally ran into the office today from my plane from Norfolk, VA where I was attending the SYTA (Student Youth Travel Association) Conference. As always it was a productive conference and NYC was well represented. If you would like to learn more about STYA (if you sell student travel it is the association for you) visit www.syta.com or call me at 800.999.8160 and I will fill you in.
If you missed the show and would like to hear it, it is still available on our radio page www.blogtalkradio.com/btsq
Thank you for your support
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
