Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (D-Brooklyn) has hailed the success of his series of business corridor forums to help promote economic development in the 45th District and surrounding communities. These events, held over the past two weeks, provided local businesses an opportunity to meet with representatives of city agencies, financial institutions, utility providers, business improvement districts and neighborhood organizations.
“I am more confident than ever before that this part of Brooklyn is poised for robust economic growth and that our small businesses are ready to meet the opportunity,” said Council Member Williams. “We want to ensure that as capital flows into our community, the stakeholders who have built the foundation for success get to reap the benefits of their hard work and dedication. Through these forums, we have learned how issues such as parking, sanitation, taxation and law enforcement can be positively addressed so our business corridors can take the next leap forward.”
The first event, the Flatbush/Nostrand Business Corridor Forum, took place on Tuesday, Oct. 16 at the Flatbush YMCA, while the second, the Church/Utica/Avenue D Business Corridor Forum, was held on Monday, Oct. 23 at the TOP Civic Center. Both forums began with a period of networking and refreshments followed by a panel of key business and city agency representatives, co-moderated by Dr. Roy Hastick, founder of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., and Jackson Rockingster, president of the Haitian American Business Network. They discussed how they can assist local business owners and took a few questions from the audience as well. The last hour allowed attendees to speak with representatives directly at vendor-style tables in the venue.
“I’m pleased that CACCI can collaborate with Council Member Williams on this important business forum,” said Dr. Hastick. “This is something that is badly needed in the small business community as we are about to enter a new phase in our economic recovery. These types of collaborations help CACCI and its members to reach out to the small business community and focus on the areas of financial literary, workforce development and MWBE certification preparation. Council Member Williams is a strong advocate for small businesses throughout New York City and we are happy to be his partner.”
“I commend Council Member Williams on his initiative to bring resources to the small business community and the 45th District,” said Rockingster. “Many will benefit from this forum and HABNET is pleased to be a sponsor and to have the opportunity to promote business education and financial literacy programs.
Council Member Williams has shown a commitment to economic development since he first took office, particularly in the area of minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) where he released a 2010 report identified how New York City has fallen short of its committment to meet contracting goals. Currently, he is pushing legislation that would increase opportunities, enhance accountability and strength cross-agency cooperation.
“Nothing resonates as an issue quite like economic development, be it creating more jobs or maintaining the businesses we have,” said Council Member Williams. “In order to advance our economy, we must empower our local small businesses with resources that are available to strengthen their relationships and ability to maximize their potential. Issues like accessibility of loans and our regulatory environment are essential for young entrepeneurs and established business owners to understand. We need to work together to work best for our community.”
Council Member Jumaane D. Williams represents the 45th Council District, which covers Flatbush, East Flatbush, Flatlands, and parts of Midwood and Canarsie. He is the chair of the Oversight and Investigations Committee and co-chair of the Task Force to Combat Gun Violence. He is also the co-vice chair of the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus and a founding member of the Progressive Caucus. He was first elected to office in 2009.
