BAY RIDGE — The 12:30 Club, one of the oldest organizations in Bay Ridge and founded nearly a century ago, recently installed Brian Chin as its new president, or “big chief,” for the 2024-2025 term. The ceremony took place at The Greenhouse Café the afternoon of Sept. 10. 

The club’s charter is dedicated to the promotion of the general welfare of its members, as well as the promotion of economic welfare of Bay Ridge. These objectives are encouraged by means of discussions, instruction, entertainment and social gatherings, allowing local businesses and professionals to exchange information and ideas.

Chin, who holds the title of business banking relationship manager one at Citizens Bank, told the Brooklyn Eagle that he is “very humbled and honored” to be the club’s new president. 

“This organization has such a vast history of having civic-minded and distinguished business people and professionals in Bay Ridge,” Chin said. “The people here are like family. And the 12:30 club most definitely holds a dear place in my heart.” 

Chin, who was a member of 12:30 for eight years before becoming president, replaced the previous “big chief,” Gary Hanna, who served from 2023-2024.  

“I aim to grow the membership and make it more visible through more marketing efforts,” Chin explained. “I’m seeing more networking events in the future, with various business people and community leaders.

“I’m also very big on community involvement. I know Bay Ridge and understand the logistics of the community,” he added. 

Chin said giving back is something that he was always interested in ever since he was young. 

“It’s just something I love doing,” he noted. “Winston Churchill once said, ‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’ I strongly stand behind those words.”  

Other new officers for 2024-2025 include Walter Ochoa, “little chief” and vice president, Gary Hanna, interim secretary, and Dan Bergman, treasurer. 

The 12:30 Club, which is named for its traditional meeting time of 12:30 p.m., holds its luncheons primarily at the Greenhouse Café, in addition to various other neighborhood restaurants. 

The next meeting is scheduled for early October at a destination to be decided.