‘CHAMBER ON THE GO’ HITS THE ROAD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
September 18, 2014
  
 
Michael Pantelidis
Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce
718-875-1000, ext. 111
[email protected]

‘CHAMBER ON THE GO’ HITS THE ROAD
Council Member Cornegy, Brooklyn Delegation & Brooklyn Chamber unveil mobile, business services unit
 
Today, Council Member Robert E. Cornegy, Jr., members of the City Council’s Brooklyn Delegation, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, and local small businesses launched “Chamber on the Go,” a new, citywide initiative that will bring a multitude of business and employment services to the doorsteps of businesses with the greatest need, and limited time to seek help, by way of a mobile van.

“Chamber on the Go,” which was funded through the leadership of Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and envisioned by Council Member Cornegy, is the first initiative of its kind, and will be operated by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce through its economic development and not-for- profit entity, Brooklyn Alliance, Inc. It will bring all Chamber services to any neighborhood, wherever and whenever they can be used to assist businesses.

With the goal of promoting a healthy and robust business environment in Brooklyn, “Chamber on the Go” will offer a myriad of services across the borough, including assistance with financial, legal and employee recruitment issues, among others. It will begin with a pilot phase before expanding citywide in the coming months.

The mobile center – donated by All Car Rent A Car – was unveiled for the first time today at Barbara’s Flower Shop on Bergen Street.

“The ‘Chamber on the Go,’ spearheaded by Small Business Committee Chair Robert Cornegy, will ensure areas not served by Business Improvement Districts or merchants associations have access to free legal and financial assistance and support as they navigate City services,” said Council Speaker Mark-Viverito. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and this initiative is the latest in the New York City Council’s on-going commitment to help small business owners and their employees thrive in our City.”

“The launch of Chamber on the Go is the fulfillment of the commitment I have made as Small Business Committee Chair — to deal with small businesses in a manner that shows that we understand their struggles and their importance,” said Council Member Cornegy. “New York City, the state, the federal government and so many other entities have programs designed to help small businesses succeed. But unless we effectively reach out with clear information, those programs cannot work for the businesses that need them most. Through Chamber on the Go we are literally putting our money where our mouths are. This innovative initiative will vastly improve the access small businesses across the five boroughs have to a vast array of business services and information. With the support of the City Council, including Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and the Brooklyn Delegation and the proven track record of the Brooklyn Alliance, I know that Chamber on the Go will be incredible success and I’m proud and honored to have been part of its creation.”

“Today, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce hits the road and heads to the doorsteps of businesses across the borough,” said Chamber President and CEO Carlo A. Scissura. “Far too many businesses are struggling and in need of the outstanding services the Chamber offers, but owners have no time to get help. That ends today, with this revolutionary program. With ‘Chamber on the Go,’ the Chamber will now come directly to businesses and provide them with whatever assistance they need to thrive. I’d like to thank Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Council Member Robert E. Cornegy, Jr. and members of the City Council’s Brooklyn Delegation for making this mobile unit possible, and I look forward to traveling across Brooklyn and helping our businesses boom!”

“‘Chamber on the Go’ is an innovative program which will go a long way towards assisting businesses across Brooklyn and helping them grow,” said Chamber Board Chair Denise Arbesu. “I’m very excited to unveil this program today, and I expect great results for businesses throughout Brooklyn. Thanks to Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Council Member Robert E. Cornegy, Jr. the Council’s Brooklyn Delegation and the entire Chamber team for helping us make ‘Chamber on the Go’ a reality.'”
“‘Chamber on the Go’ is a terrific idea and a groundbreaking program, and we are proud to help make it happen through our donation,” said Gil Cygler, Owner, All Car Rent A Car. “I know this initiative will help countless businesses in Brooklyn to grow and improve, and we are thrilled to be a part of it.”

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is the foremost resource for doing business in Brooklyn, respected as a leader in advancing public policy, new technologies, products, services and programs that support and promote a vibrant local economy. Its mission is to promote a healthy and robust business environment throughout Brooklyn. The chamber is the foremost economic development leader for the Borough of Brooklyn.

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