The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Membership Meeting turned out some big items to celebrate as well as a big crowd.
With over 500 attendees and the Third Annual Brooklyn-Made Awards presented at the meeting, the October 28 event proved to be as big as the borough itself.
“Brooklyn is always one step ahead, and I’m proud that the chamber continues to find innovative ways to keep up with this incredible borough,” said Brooklyn Chamber President and CEO Carlo Scissura. “We certainly made quite an impact in 2015, whether it was through fantastic events like CHEERS NY, BKLYN DESIGNS or Brooklyn Night, incredible partnerships with Airbnb and Google, or the release of our Brooklyn Economic Report. I think it’s pretty clear, we’re not your grandparents’ chamber.”
NYC & Company’s President and CEO Fred Dixon was the night’s keynote speaker, during an evening that highlighted one of the chamber’s leading achievements; the creation of its Economic Assessment—a snapshot of the borough’s economy that provides details on the real estate market, job growth, population, and flourishing and threatened industries, among other topics.
“Our partnership with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce strengthens our global promotion of New York City as the world’s most exciting destination,” said Dixon. “Visitors want to experience the ‘authentic’ New York City, and that growing interest in borough neighborhoods and culture means the opportunity for visitor exploration and spending throughout Brooklyn is greater than ever.”
“I couldn’t be prouder of the monumental achievements made by the Brooklyn Chamber over the past year,” added Brooklyn Chamber Board Chair Denise Arbesu. “The chamber is an amazing resource for the borough’s small business community—ensuring proper healthcare, providing on-site service and offering recruitment services, among others—which secure that Brooklyn businesses and our members receive the support they deserve.”
The Brooklyn-Made Awards, meant to honor some of Brooklyn’s finest products and services, went to JoMart Chocolates in the food category, Brooklyn Seltzer Boys in the beverage category, Watermark Designs in the design category, Riva Precision in the apparel and accessories category, DeVore Fidelity in the tech/hardware category and Brooklyn Cupcake in the M/WBE category.