Brooklyn's Progress
August/September 2005

By Khadija Batuta

Thanks to a tip from a friend who was also a Member of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Jory Garelick of Ambush Alarm & Electronics, Inc., a security alarm company located in Homecrest, found out just how effective a tool networking could be for his business.

On the advice of his friend Mr. Garelick joined the Brooklyn Chamber five years ago and over the years he has gained new business through his Brooklyn Chamber relationship from Member real estate firms to restaurants to nonprofits – including the Brooklyn Chamber. 

“We joined because we were looking to belong to a solid organization that would provide us with good networking opportunities,” explained Jory Garelick.  “The Chamber’s Business After Hours networking events have proven to be an important part of our business strategy.”

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce connects its Members to new customers in Brooklyn and beyond through a packed schedule of networking events, trade shows, business expos and committee activities at locations throughout the borough all year long. 

Through networking Mr. Garelick was also successful in finding many of the business services he needs to run his company with other Chamber Member businesses, which is at the heart of what Chamber membership is all about:  Members doing business with other Members. 

“For example, Members provide for us our health insurance, our telecommunications and our legal services,” Mr. Garelick continued.  Building relationships through networking is key to growing a business, and that growth can come from gaining new business or securing the services you need to competently run your business.

To support Members’ networking and other outreach efforts, the Brooklyn Chamber also provides its Members with numerous opportunities to promote their businesses through Brooklyn Chamber communications vehicles, including Brooklyn’s Progress, the annual Brooklyn Business Directory & Buying Guide and the Chamber’s award-winning Web site ibrooklyn.com.  One service recently launched by the Chamber is the Member-to-Member Discount program, with great deals on various goods and services.

To find out more about Brooklyn Chamber networking and promotional Member benefits, contact Darryl Hollon, Vice President of Membership, at 718-875-1000 ext. 131, or at dhollon@brooklynchamber.com.  For more information about the Brooklyn Chamber visit http://www.ibrooklyn.com/