The keynote speaker at the event was Maria Torres-Springer, NYC deputy mayor for housing, economic development and workforce. She told the capacity crowd that she is “proud to be a Brooklynite” and that the collective achievements of tonight’s honorees “represent the beauty, strength, and resilience of our great city.” 

Elected officials in attendance included Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse; Assemblymember Alec Brook-Krasny; State Sen. Iwen Chu; Assembleymember Monique Chandler-Waterman; State Sen. Roxanne Persaud; Assembleymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, chair of the Kings County Democratic Party; former Councilmembers Ken Fisher and Robert Cornegy; incoming Councilmember Chris Banks; Jeff Garcia, executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Nightlife; and Assembleymember Stefani Zimmerman. 

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso also made an appearance, addressing the crowd. He pointed out that “while it was a trying time during COVID for businesses all over the city of New York — and Brooklyn, being the largest and greatest borough, suffered significantly. If it wasn’t for the assistance and help of the Chambers of Commerce all throughout New York, we don’t know where our businesses would be today.”

Kathie Lee, executive vice president and chief legal officer at the BCC. told the Brooklyn Eagle that “We’ve become an alliance. A while back we were ‘frenemies,’ but now we’ve really become a sisterhood or a brotherhood — to really push forward activities and programs for economic development for the city overall.” 

Randy Peers, BCC president and CEO, added that he has “such respect and sincere affection for my four colleagues — the Chamber of Commerce presidents from the other boroughs.” 

In terms of accomplishments for 2023, the BCC, which has been a driving force for economic development within the borough this year, made its own pivotal expansion with the opening of the “Brooklyn Made Store” in Industry City this May. 

Additionally, just in time for the holiday shopping season, the Brooklyn Made Store launched its e-commerce store, where consumers can purchase goods from Brooklyn makers and small businesses online.

“The vision behind the store was to give all of the independent makers, designers, and creatives that actually make things in Brooklyn a brick and mortar store where they can put their products on shelves, get wider exposure and grow their businesses,” Peers explained.  

The BCC also recently hosted a “Best of Brooklyn” real estate showcase, which Peers called “a huge success.” 

The event brought together real estate and development professionals, BCC members and the public to acknowledge the scope of work of the industry over the last three years. 

“We wanted to celebrate what we have been able to accomplish — that we were still persevering and moving forward all through the pandemic, particularly during the height of COVID,” Peers said. 

“Just a few years ago, our economy was completely shut down. We lost over 800,000 jobs, and many businesses had closed permanently. And while we still have challenges, especially in the area of housing, our overall economy has bounced back really well, surpassing the job numbers we lost during COVID.”

Lee added that while so much has been done, there is more to do. 

“My expectations for 2024 are bigger, better and brighter for Brooklyn and the New York City economy,” she said. “I foresee all good things.”