Brooklyn's Progress
August/September 2007

BY KHADIJA BATUTA

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Janet Hicks and Terry Setzer to the organization.

Janet Hicks began working at the Chamber Jul. 23 as the assistant to the president/office manager.  In this position she directly supports Carl Hum, who assumes the role of president of the 90-year old organization Sep. 4 (see cover story).  She also will work closely with the board and manage the Chamber’s office functions.  Janet takes over the position once held by Klara Carames.
 
“Janet has been incredibly helpful to me these past few months. I am confident she will be invaluable to Carl Hum as he assumes leadership of the Brooklyn Chamber. Janet is a very competent person who is also wonderful to work with. She is a great addition to the Chamber community,” stated Mark Kessler, interim president and chief operating officer, who led the chamber after the departure of Kenneth Adams in September 2006.

Prior to joining the Chamber, Janet was a graphic designer for University of Florida Alumni Association.  She has also held a variety of jobs over the years.

“I’m an artist so naturally my job experience reflects that – office work, restaurants and other retail jobs,” explained Janet.

While she is looking forward to applying her creative outlook and skills to her new position, Janet is familiar with economic development and government.  Janet’s mother, Celeste, has worked as an executive council assistant at the Jacksonville City Council in Florida for nearly a decade during which time Janet worked in various capacities within the council.

Janet holds a B.F.A. in Illustration from Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia, and an A.S. in Graphic Design Technology from Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville, Florida.

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Janet moved five months ago to the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn.  Besides her new role at the city’s largest chamber of commerce, Janet is looking forward to realizing a long-time dream … as a published author.

“I wrote and illustrated a children’s picture book that I will try to get published now that I’m in the big city!” said Janet.

Janet may be reached at 718-875-1000 ext. 125, or at jhicks@brooklynchamber.com.

Klara Carames Takes New Chamber Role
After supporting the president’s office at the Chamber for the past 6½ years, Klara Carames is excited to assume a new role at the Chamber that will allow her to pursue her entrepreneurial goals.

As of Jun. 14, Klara began working as the Chamber’s first Human Resources Administrator.  This role was actually one of many she handled in her previous position as executive assistant and office manager.  Referred to around the office as “den mother,” Chamber staffers are pleased to know Klara still will be on hand to help them with their H.R. questions – even if for only two days a week.

“I worked closely with the Chamber staff in a variety of ways, but everyone also would come to me for advice on being organized in their work spaces.  Over the years I’ve honed what was a hobby into my business, Klarify, Inc.,” explained Klara, who is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers – as well as a Brooklyn Chamber Member.  “My part-time hours give me the opportunity to continue supporting the Chamber while allowing me to grow my business.”

Klarify, Inc. organizes people, spaces and things with a focus on setting up efficient small business and home offices.

As many Chamber staffers and veteran Members will attest, Klara was quite successful at wearing several hats in her previous position – from managing the Brooklyn Eats™ event for the past several years, to acting as staff party organizer, office decorator and all-around pinch hitter for Chamber events and other public activities.

Chamber Members who want to have their home or office work spaces “klarified” may reach Klara by phone at 917-364-1578 or visit her Web page at www.ibrooklyn.com/klarify.

Membership Welcomes Terry Setzer
Terry Setzer joined the Chamber’s marketing & membership team Jul. 2 as the manager of Member information.

Terry is responsible for maintaining the Chamber’s newly implemented customer relationship management (CRM) database, and identifying and addressing the needs of the Chamber’s Members and staff through the new CRM database.  Terry also supports Special Events Director Maggie Beaute-Lucien with event registration.

“There’s never a dull moment at the Chamber. I look forward to developing a good rapport with the Members and staff,” said Terry.

Prior to joining the Chamber, Terry worked as a project coordinator for a fashion cable network where he assisted with content distribution and managed the sales database. He also has experience coordinating corporate events.

Terry holds an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Monroe College and is working towards completing his Bachelor’s in Communications and Culture from Pace University.  A native of New Haven, Connecticut, Terry resides in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn.

To request changes to your company’s account information you may contact Terry at 718-875-1000 ext. 111, or at memberinfo@brooklynchamber.com.