Brooklyn's Progress
June 2004

A distinguished panel of Brooklyn executives participated in the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s Brooklyn Goes Global (BGG) Success, Savings and Strategies seminar For Food Manufacturers Only (FMO) at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge.  If you missed this one, you will want to mark your date book and calendars with a bright red pen the next time you hear the seminar series is coming.   

The Success, Savings and Strategies seminar panel Warren Bell of Bagels and Bailys by Bell, Carmine Falcone of Falcone’s Cookieland, Larry Vivola of Fratelli Ravioli, and Patrick Jolly of Tower Isles Frozen Foods, Ltd.  In attendance were other prominent Brooklyn based executives, public officials and community leaders.  The panel shared experiences with detailed examples of how they have lead their businesses to success and described in candid detail the difficulties and problems they encountered along the way.  Special guest, Margaret M. Moree, Director of Workforce Development and Training Division of the New York State Department of Labor shared information about New York Skilled Manufacturing Resource Training (NY SMART) Grants. 

The event, held on April 22, was sponsored in part by, Fleet Bank a Bank of America company and Anchin, Block & Anchin, LLP, Accountants and Consultants.  Richard  V. Impresicia of Anchin, Block & Anchin moderated the event.  The event format, staged as a talk show, provided for an educational and entertaining morning that was fast moving and informative. 

Mary Gelormino from Fleet Bank, who was the driving force spearheading the concept for the event said, “We were delighted to be a sponsor of this great executive level event. It was a resounding success and participants left with valuable tools from the information driven program. We look forward to participating and sponsoring the next one.”

Elected officials that attended the event included NYS Assemblywoman Joan Millman and NYC Councilman David Yassky.  Una Clarke, Executive Director for the Brooklyn Community Action Network Office was also in attendance.

Randy Peers, Brooklyn Chamber Vice President for Economic Development, gave welcoming remarks and shared with the group information about the Brooklyn Chamber’s Albany lobbying which took place on April 19 and 20.  He acknowledged the contributions of 11 Brooklyn food companies, who showcased their products during the annual “Brooklyn Night” in Albany reception which features food and beverages from the borough.

Next up was Ms. Moree, who discussed the role of the New York State Labor Department and how her office is ready, willing, and able to help State of New York businesses. She encouraged Brooklyn businesses to use the services available to them, and that they should take advantage of the Brooklyn Chamber’s services, as well as visit the New York State Department of Labor. 

Ms. Moree  discussed the very important initiative, SMART, a Training Workers in Manufacturing Industries program for small and medium sized businesses and she provided applications for the program.  The SMART program is conducted through the state’s Workforce Development and Training Division.  The program has $19.3 million in funding available for manufacturing firms to upgrade the skills of new and incumbent workers.  Grant monies are available to manufacturing firms that employ less than 100 people. 

The moderator, Richard Imprescia, led the panel discussion about success, failure and corporate patterns and models. Areas such as cost evaluation, exporting, franchising, government benefits, staffing, product placement, growing with limited space, branding and teamwork and marketing strategies were discussed in detail.

Mr. Bell discussed how his company got involved with exporting and how his family business began. He shared information on how the Brooklyn Chamber helped him export his bagels to Japan. Mr. Falcone gave an indepth presentation which prompted audience discussion about he pluses and minuses of working with government programs.  Of particular mention was the use of an Industrial Commercial Incentive Program (ICIP). He also talked about the frustration of getting licenses and permits to complete his project and spoke of the positive benefits.

Mr. Jolly spoke about how his company began, and the challenges of breaking a new product, Jamaican Beef Patties, into the marketplace. He also discussed the intricate considerations, when working in a family-owned business environment, which seemed to strike a chord with many in attendance. 

The panel also discussed their relationships with their bankers. Mr. Jolly complimented Fleet Bank, a Bank of America company, for serving not only as a bank, which accepts his deposits, but one that was very helpful in assisting with options to help his business grow and flourish in these economic times. He also stated that the Brooklyn Chamber was pivotal in helping his business with the city.  Mr. Bell echoed the value of the trade shows.

Mr. Fratelli, who was recently nominated by the Brooklyn Chamber’s BGG Fooditude program, for a Governors Small Business Person of the Year Award, spoke about his ravioli products and how to create a niche in the marketplace.  He further discussed transforming a mom and pop operation to the next step of franchising while maintaining the quality characteristics and philosophy which gave his business its foundation and customer support. 

As a former Deputy Director with the Empire State Development Corporation and currently the Director of the Food and Beverage Services Group for the accounting and consulting firm, Anchin, Block & Anchin, Mr. Imprescia stated, “The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s Food Industry Series provides expert information for their participants.  It’s a unique opportunity for local food producers to gather at one event and listen to food executives recite their strategies of success and share their misguided financial disasters.  This forum provided participants with just enough cogent information to learn from the mistakes of others and know exactly what their next steps should be in the growth of their businesses.” 

Rick Russo, Vice  President of Business Development, shared information about the New York Business Solutions Center at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, which provides comprehensive services for Brooklyn’s small businesses and entrepreneurs.  Christine Dyke, Director of HealthWorks, underscored the Chamber’s new affordable health insurance program small businesses. 

Mr. Bell said at the end of the event, “I used to be involved (in the Brooklyn Chamber) and then I became absorbed in my business and stopped attending events.  I am happy that I participated and it is proof positive that you really have to make time for these seminars.  I thought the event was terrific!” 

Mr. Falcone echoed, “This was both enjoyable and helpful.  It was a different kind of event, which flowed very well.  Fantastic!” 

Mr. Fratelli added, “I regret not joining the Brooklyn Chamber well before now.  I was pleasantly surprised that a seminar could be so useful.  I can’t wait for the next one!” 

Anthony Rondinelli of KeySpan said, “Like everyone else, I enjoyed the format and thought the program was great!”

As the seminar came to a close Steve Kaplansky, Marketing Consultant for BGG, reminded the manufacturing group about the upcoming, Fancy Food Show June 27 through 29 at the Jacob K. Javitz Convention Center.  He also talked about the opportunities available for Brooklyn Chamber Members to join the Brooklyn Chamber pavilion during the trade show, offered at a reduced cost as part of Brooklyn Goes Global. 

The seminar ended with remarks from Brooklyn Chamber President Kenneth Adams who provided an update on the Chamber’s lobbying trip to Albany, especially on the issue of Workers’ Comp reform.  Mr. Adams encouraged everyone to visit the Chamber’s website for more information about the issue and other Chamber programs.