Brooklyn's Progress
June/July 2007

BY JILL SHEEHY

For businesses in importing and exporting, making connections is the difference between getting your product out to a global audience, and lagging behind. Sensing the need for more synergy between business and the international community, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce held its inaugural Brooklyn Goes Global International Trade Day & Symposium - Beyond Borders: Creating Opportunities in the Global Marketplace, on May 21.

The event, which was timed to coincide with the kickoff of New York’s World Trade Week, aimed to build awareness about the benefits of international trade, facilitate the expansion of local businesses into foreign markets and highlight the importance of exporting to stimulate Brooklyn’s economy.

“I’m delighted with the diversity of the people exhibiting and speaking. We try to create chances for Chamber Members,” said Steve Kaplansky, the event’s organizer and director of Brooklyn Goes Global. “People will say we should have been doing this sooner.”

The event, held at Touro College - Flatbush Campus, opened some eyes to the opportunities in trade that are available. The guest speaker was Luis Almeida, the president of Super Bodega Doña Lupe Inc.

“Our keynote speaker opened the session with an address filled with savvy market analysis illustrated by tangible success in several international markets. His interactions with exhibitors at the trade show demonstrated his keen sense of opportunity on a very personal level,” said Mark Kessler, interim president of the Chamber.

Mehmet Ali Erdem, the commercial attaché from Turkey, was looking to alert businesses in Turkey of the opportunities that are available in the U.S. He explained that the government gives incentives to Turkish firms to expand so that the Turkish brand is viewed by a wider audience.

“Being in New York means you are open in the world – if you open here, you open a branch that everyone knows is here and can see.”

During his keynote speech, Mr. Almedia said “Go global, or your local business with have a short path to success,” but warned, “It is not a race. Walk, but without pause.”

"The seminars were varied and substantive, featuring experts in the global marketplace from all over the region,” said Mr. Kessler. “In fact, Denise Arbesu, Group Vice President from Citibank, the major sponsor, told me, ‘Every Chamber Member interested in international trade should have been here! We must do this event again next year.’”

Al Bottone, new business sales manager with HIP, was there to anticipate the needs of businesses that will eventually set up show in the U.S.

“The issue of insuring employees here will come up,” he explained. “We want them to remember us.”

Corporate support for the event was provided by Citibank, N.A.

For more information about Brooklyn Goes Global's events or to learn about BGG programs and services, contact Steve Kaplansky, Director, at 718-875-1000 ext. 104, or at skaplansky@brooklynchamber.com.