Brooklyn's Progress
June/July 2008

BY STEPHEN WITT

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce went to Washington, D.C. May 14 and 15 to press their federal agenda with the borough's congressional delegation.

The 14-person lobbying team came armed with the Chamber's 2007 Member issues survey looking at such issues as Brooklyn's economy, issues and projects, education and workforce development, health care, quality of life and obstacles to growth.

"The trip was a terrific success. We were able to articulate our positions and I think the Brooklyn congressional delegation was very receptive to it," said Chamber President and CEO Carl Hum.

"I think a lot of the delegation agrees with the chamber positions on a lot of issues," he added.

In terms of obstacles to growth, Chamber Members rated the escalating fuel and energy costs as the biggest obstacle in growing their businesses.

The survey revealed that rising energy and fuel costs are driving up the cost of doing business –­ be it for small delivery services to mass transportation to the airline industry.

Chamber Members listed in order the increased cost of health insurance, cost of liability insurance, traffic and transportation issues and the rising cost of real estate as other obstacles to business growth.

The survey also found wide support for several projects and initiatives underway that could use more federal aid.

Some 76 percent of the Members surveyed supported Brooklyn's working waterfront; 71 percent supported the creation of a rail link between JFK airport and Manhattan, providing that two stops in Downtown Brooklyn be included; and 64 percent of the Members supported the Cross Harbor Freight Tunnel linking New Jersey to Sunset Park.

The Chamber also let borough lawmakers know they oppose any cuts in Medicare/Medicaid programs, and supported a comprehensive national energy policy including developing alternative sources of energy.

Mr. Hum also made a pitch to several lawmakers in getting federal help via the U.S. Chamber of Commerce or Small Business Agency for Brooklyn furniture and interior designers to have a booth at the annual global design and fashion shows in Milan, Italy.

Mr. Hum noted that the BKLYN DESIGNS™ show, held annually around Mother's Day, continues to draw larger crowds each year.

"It's time to establish the BKLYN DESIGNS brand overseas, and getting funding to showcase the borough's burgeoning design manufacturers in Milan, Italy could help the local economy," said Mr. Hum.

Mr. Hum said the designers could also make inroads in the European market through taking advantage of the weak dollar.

Rep. Anthony Weiner said the Chamber should seek out federal funding streams where they could file an application and he would follow it up.

Interestingly, Rep. Weiner and Rep. Ed Towns' staff disagreed on the health of neighborhood strip malls and local businesses.

Members of Towns' staff complained that there was a lack of banks in some neighborhoods including Canarsie and that many other businesses have abandoned local strip malls.

Rep. Weiner, on the other hand, said he sees an explosion in small neighborhood strip malls and businesses as opposed to just major shopping districts.

Mr. Hum  said the discrepancies in thought were due to the districts which the congress members represented.

"Brooklyn is a large borough and there is a lot of concern that some groups are not making it so well," said Mr. Hum.

"When I came into the Chamber my aim was to ensure all boats were lifted with this tide and I held true to that aim by meeting with congressional members," said Mr. Hum, adding that the foreclosure crisis, predatory lending and rising fuel costs that affect many consumers also have an adverse affect on businesses.