Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation Announces

KEYS TO THE COMMUNITY: UNLOCKING THE COMMERCIAL VITALITY OF BROOKLYN’S NEIGHBORHOODS

On Thursday, November 6, 2008 from 8:30-10:30 AM, The Brooklyn Public Library and Con Edison will host an exciting FREE breakfast forum on the state of Brooklyn’s commercial corridors and their importance to our economy. Brooklyn’s neighborhood shopping streets are the backbone of our communities, providing local residents with goods, services, jobs, and a sense of place. As Brooklyn and New York City continue to grow, our strongest urban communities will be those in which a thriving mix of retail goods and services is within walking distance of residents.

At this event, a panel of policy experts and community stakeholders will explore the state of neighborhood retail in Brooklyn’s many diverse communities, as well as the vital role that local grassroots organizations are playing to make these corridors as successful as they are.

Our Paneslists Include:

Catherine Bohne, Vice President, Park Slope Chamber of Commerce

Rachel Fuentes, Economic Development Manager, Ridgewood Bushwick Senior Citizens Council

Larisa Ortiz, Consultant for the Local Initiatives Support Corporation

Lori Raphael, Director of Real Estate, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce

Stacey Sutton, Assistant Professor of Urban Planning, Columbia University

Opening Remarks: Dr. Tom Schutte, President, Pratt Institute; Chair, Myrtle Avenue

Revitalization ProjectModerator:

Joan Bartolomeo, President, Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation

Come to this event to learn about the many exciting changes occuring on commercial corridors throughout the borough, from the establishment of businesses big and small in underserved areas and the creation of “buy local” campaigns, to the installation of art work and the commitment to green spaces. There are many success stories, but there are also a multitude of challenges that lie ahead. In light of the current financial crisis and looming recession, the panel will also consider the impact of the credit crunch and funding cut backs. If small businesses are indeed the nation’s economic engine, what will help them survive, and if they don’t, what will our neighborhoods look like?

BEDC has collaborated with several other organizations in the outer boroughs to produce a position paper entitled Strengthening New York City’s Neighborhood-Based Economies. This document was produced in partnership with the Queens Economic Development Corporation, the South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation and the West Brighton Community Local Development Corporation. To view this document, Click Here.

This events is FREE and open to the public. To register please go to www.biz.brooklynpubliclibrary.org.

This event is being held at the Central Library, Dweck Center which is located at Grand Army Plaza. To get there by subway: Take the 2/3 to Grand Army Plaza or Eastern Parkway/Brooklyn Museum of Art station, or Q to 7th Avenue.