Brooklyn's Progress
August 2003

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, the keynote speaker for the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s Congressional Breakfast Forum and Tradeshow, told a crowd of Chamber Members and elected officials that “something is happening in Brooklyn,” as is evident by the businesses that are looking to open or relocate in the borough.

During the breakfast on July 14, 2003, at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, Senator Schumer noted changes in the Brooklyn economy but he mentioned issues that need to be addressed by government including transportation and affordable housing to make the borough’s neighborhoods a great place to work and live.

During his opening remarks, Senator Schumer noted that he is the only New York Senator in 140 years to live in Brooklyn, and he reminisced about growing up in Brooklyn and raising his two daughters in the borough.  When he’s not working, Senator Schumer likes to ride his bike throughout Brooklyn, taking in the scenery of the neighborhoods.

Elected officials attending the breakfast included:  Assemblyman William Boyland Jr., Assemblywoman Adele Cohen, Assemblywoman Annette Robinson, Senator Kevin, Councilwoman Tracy Boyland, Councilman Vincent Gentile, and Congressman Jerrold Nadler.  Also in attendance were Former Assemblyman William Boyland Sr. and Former Councilman Ken Fisher.  Attending for Senator Carl Andrews was Mark Pollard.  The Borough President was represented by his new chief of staff, Greg Atkins.

SUNY Downstate Medical Center was the major sponsor for the event.  Con Edison, Pfizer and Verizon also sponsored the breakfast forum.

Before Senator Schumer spoke, about a dozen Chamber Members participated in the tradeshow, showcasing their products and services.  Tradeshow participants included:  Axel Protection Systems, Brooklyn College, ConEdison, Courier-Life Publications, Dr. Todd M. Aordkian – Chiropractor, Focus Marketing, Galen Productions, Gift Baskets and Things, Health Plus, Long Island University, New York Job Partners, Paychex, Pfizer, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Verizon, and Zipcar.