Brooklyn's Progress
September 2003

By Wilson Alexander Aguilar

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s monthly networking events are great ways to meet other Members, make new business contacts, and have fun along the way.  The July Business After Hours was hosted by Astroland Amusement Park in Coney Island.  Brooklyn Chamber Members, staff and their friends enjoyed great rollercoasters like the 76 year old Cyclone.

In addition to great rides, a wonderful sunset and view of the Atlantic, those in attendance were able to enjoy traditional amusement park food like hotdogs, funnel cake, pizza, fries and more.

Here is what a few Brooklyn Chamber Members have to say about our monthly networking events:

"I have made the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce's Business After Hours a must-do event on my calander.  Every event I have attended has increased my exposure to the Brooklyn community and the important decision makers that I would never have gotten through to on my own. I never realized how important a chamber of commerce was to the small to midsize business until I joined the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce." - Devin Voorsanger, Greystock Advertising

"Some of the best ideas are cultivated outside the office,when you have a different environment that prompts you to think beyond your traditional boundaries.  Astroland in particular drew everyone out of their shell and opened up many a dialogue.  Grabbing someone’s arm and screaming in their ear on the Cyclone is certainly a change from the traditional handshake!" - Rosalie Paulonis, Viking Hospitality Marketing & Media

Many thanks go to Astroland Amusement Park for making the July Business After Hours event such a success - and a whole lot of fun!

In August, the Brooklyn Chamber’s Business After Hours was hosted by the Prospect Park Zoo, where Brooklyn Chamber Members, staff and their friends were able to enjoy great food - provided by generous Brooklyn Chamber Members - and the company of monkeys, birds, and a special performance by the zoo's sea lions!

Dr. Don Moore, Prospect Park Zoo director, and Wilson Alexander Aguilar, special events director for the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, talked a bit about zoo funding, and zoo stuff.  Continue reading to find out what Dr. Moore had to say.

Q&A
How long has Prospect Park Zoo been in operation? 
Since 1993, when the old zoo was renovated.
 
How many different types of animals live at the zoo house, and how many total? 
About 90 species and 430 individual animals.
 
How big is Prospect Park Zoo? 
12 acres.

What kind of challenges does Prospect Park Zoo face annually, when it comes to city, state and government funding? 
The zoo is funded by the Wildlife Conservation Society, via funding by the New York City Parks Department.  All the economic impacts on New York City affect us as they affect the city’s budget. 

Rumor has it that the animals at Prospect Park Zoo are ready to host corporate events.  Is that true? 
The animals are always up for corporate events.  These days the staff is too!
 
How many departments and employees does Prospect Park Zoo have? 
Five departments and about 60 employees.
 
Any exciting exhibits coming to Prospect Park Zoo?
The most exciting exhibit is called “In Living Color,” which is about how animals survive nature through the use of color for hiding, attracting and warning other animals.  The exhibit color scheme has changed completely.  There are interactive graphics for kids and lots of interpretation by the zoo’s volunteers.  This new exhibit is, of course, in addition to the new kangaroos at the zoo, which arrived this summer.
 
On average, how many visitors does Prospect Park Zoo have per day, and per summer?
We have 1-2,000 visitors per day, and about 250,000 per year.  All the zoos in New York City are open year ‘round!
 
Did the events of 9/11 or recent budget cuts across the board in cultural and arts institutions have an impact on Prospect Park Zoo?
We lost our Education Department and we lost several maintenance positions, so we’re trying to move forward with zoo programs and public outreach in a different way.
 
When can we expect to be invited back to the zoo?
Whenever you want!  We had a great time hosting the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours!

Many thanks go to the Prospect Park Zoo for making the August Business After Hours event such a success - and a whole lot of fun!  We also want to thank Akwaaba Café, Café Scaramouche, Dee Dee Dailey Catering and LaCuisine Catering, for donating their wonderful and delicious food.  And we can't forget Brooklyn Brewery! 
 
To find out how your business can sponsor and host our next Business After Hours event, please contact Wilson Alexander Aguilar, the Brooklyn Chamber’s Special Events Director.