Brooklyn's Progress
December 2006/January 2007

BY GENIA GOULD

Brooklyn Connects, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s initiative dedicated to helping small businesses, especially women- and minority-owned businesses, find contracting opportunities, has streamlined its online offerings in a new web page.  The "Procurement Assistance" page, which can be found on the Chamber’s Web site (www.ibrooklyn.com/site/chamberdirect/procurement), provides a comprehensive package of instruction and information for vendors seeking work opportunities.
 
The page covers how to register as a vendor in New York City; the steps and complexities of the bidding process; where to find procurement opportunities; and provides up to date information on major Brooklyn development projects as well as personal, field-specific e-mail bidding alerts.

The page includes a link to "The Drawing Room," which is a resource, organized through a partnership between the Brooklyn Chamber and the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), which lists the agency's current and upcoming projects, and whom to contact to review blueprints.

Links to sections providing buyer and vendor support, bonding information, frequently asked questions, and resources for minority and woman-owned businesses can also be reached through the page.

“Our new site brings a wealth of information right to your fingertips,” said Ilan Stern, Program Assistant, Brooklyn Connects.  “It used to be Members would have to call or come into our offices for many of their needs, but much of this will now be provided on the Web site.”
 
“Instead of searching the information is coming to me,” said Manuel Burgos, the Director of Marketing for LRS Communications, referring to the weekly emails he receives through the Chamber’s Brooklyn Connects program. “It helps me stay in the know, and cuts down on the amount of time I’m looking for announcements and notices of jobs.  This new part of their site will help even more.”

Mr. Burgos participated in procurement classes provided by Brooklyn Connects and, with their assistance, won a contract to supply two-way portable radios to the entire NYC school system.
 
For more information about LRS Communications, which provides wireless and other communications services visit www.lrscommunications.com/ or call Manuel Burgos at 718-499-4141 ext. 926.

To view the new procurement assistance page and to learn more about the Brooklyn Chamber’s Brooklyn Connects program, click on "Business Support" at  http://www.ibrooklyn.com/ or call Ilan Stern at 718-875-1000 ext.132.