In 2016, Annette and a group of entrepreneurs joined together to form the Merchant Association of Rosedale, Laurelton and Springfield Gardens, which would become what is now MARLSNYC. They noticed many Black and Brown businesses were not thriving in Southeast Queens for a variety of reasons and wanted to create a network that could help these businesses flourish. After a research study, they found that Southeast Queens spent as much as $9 billion dollars on a variety of products and services, but only a small percentage of that amount was being spent on local Black and Brown businesses. Their goal has been to increase the share of consumer dollars so more money stays within the community. Statistics show local businesses invest 250% more than large businesses into community causes, and small businesses generate $68 of local economic return for every $100 spent with them.