Semyon Kislin oversees a commodities trading company and has served on the board of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). The NYCEDC promotes economic growth in New York City's five boroughs and recognizes the importance of cultural opportunities. Through partnering with city officials and ACE Theatrical Group, the NYCEDC was able to reopen the historic Kings Theatre in Brooklyn after 25 years of being closed. Martinez+Johnson Architecture and Gilbane Building Company were selected to restore and renovate the building, bringing it back to its former glory while adding modern technical capabilities.

2.  New York City-based entrepreneur Semyon
(Sam) Kislin oversees Trans Commodities, Inc.,
an agency that trades in commodities
throughout Russia and the Ukraine. Active in his
community, Sam Kislin served on the New York
City Economic Development Corporation's
(NYCEDC) board from 1996 until 2000 and
received its Man of the Year award.
Operating throughout the five boroughs of
New York City, the NYCEDC promotes
economic growth throughout the region. As
part of its mission, the NYCEDC recognizes the
importance of cultural opportunities.

3.  By partnering with the city's deputy mayor
for housing and economic development
and the ACE Theatrical Group, the NYCEDC
was able to reopen the Kings Theatre. First
built in 1929, the historic Brooklyn arts center
is the largest theater in the borough with
3,000 seats. Although closed in 1977, it was
purchased by the city in 1983.
Twenty-five years later, the NYCEDC led a
campaign to find a company that would
restore and renovate the building.

4.  After a competitive search, the group
chose Martinez+Johnson Architecture and
Gilbane Building Company as the designer
and construction manager, respectively, in
2012. The undertaking required bringing the
facility back to its former glory, as well as
adding modifications to suit modern
technical requirements. The Kings Theatre
will start putting on new shows in 2015. For a
calendar of scheduled shows, visit
www.kingstheatre.com.