Premium Content: State senator presents Brooklyn Chamber with funding for local businesses
Maya Haddad Miller alongside Randy Peers, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
By Wayne Daren Schneiderman
October 17, 2024
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CONEY ISLAND — Small businesses in Brooklyn are on the upswing. While North Brooklyn leads the charge, Southern Brooklyn is also seeing a significant increase, according to a recent report from the New York City Economic Development Corporation.
Most notably, Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Borough Park, Sunset Park and parts of Coney Island all saw a near 20% growth spurt or more from 2019 to 2022.
New York State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton issued a check for $15,000 to the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce to assist small businesses in the area. From left: Camille Hastick, Steve Cohen, Maya Haddad Miller, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, Randy Peers and Daniel Murphy. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
The Brooklyn Beach Shop, located on the Coney Island boardwalk, recently played host to New York State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton as she presented the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce (BCC) a $15,000 check to assist small businesses in the district.
Scarcella-Spanton, who represents the 23rd District serving the north shore of Staten Island, as well as parts of Southern Brooklyn that include Sea Gate, Coney Island, Brighton Beach, Manhattan Beach and Sheepshead Bay, said she was excited to present the BCC with funds for the economic development of the area. She described the effort as “crucial and critical.”
Randy Peers, BCC president and CEO, referred to Scarcella-Spanton as “a true champion for small businesses.”
Maya Haddad Miller, owner of the Brooklyn Beach Shop. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
“She stepped up and gave us a $15,000 allocation, which is going to assist via our Small Business Resource Network,” Peers said. “This is our technical assistance on the ground provider. Support like this enables us to expand our reach. It comes in many forms: helping businesses access financing, marketing support, including digital marketing, and it also helps small businesses build effective websites.”
Peers also spoke very highly about the host of the event, Maya Haddad Miller and her establishment, the Brooklyn Beach Shop.
Camille Hastick, vice president of external affairs and government relations for the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
“The Brooklyn Beach Shop is one of our favorite small businesses in the area, and we are so happy to be here and have them hosting,” Peers said. “We love you, and we love Coney Island. You are a symbol of why this place is so great and special.”
Miller, who noted that she is a big fan of both the Chamber and Scarcella-Spanton, said she is “honored to be a part of this amazing day.”
Daniel Murphy, executive director for the Alliance for Coney Island, and Steve Cohen, chair of the Alliance, vice president of the Brooklyn Cyclones and a BCC board member, were also in attendance to support Scarcella-Spanton’s announcement and monetary presentation.
Steve Cohen, vice president of the Brooklyn Cyclones, chair of the Alliance for Coney Island and Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce board member. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
“What is being done here for small businesses is critical to the life blood of Coney Island,” Cohen explained. “We need to support and help grow the business along the boardwalk here.”
Camille Hastick, vice president of external affairs and government relations for the Chamber, pointed out that economic development and revitalization for the area is imperative.
“Small businesses need the infusion,” Hastick said. “They are extremely important to the continued growth and development of the area.”
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
