ATTENTION: Elected Officials & SCA Host MWBE Informational Session; 6/15; Medgar Evers College

Council Member Letitia James, Elected Officials, and the NYC School Construction Authority will host a MWBE Informational Session. Attendees will get information on--

- How to become Certified MWBE
- Current City and State Contracting Opportunities for Minority-Owned, Women-Owned Business Enterprises
- Build Productive New Business Relationships

WHEN: Friday, June 15th, 2012
10:00am – 2:00pm

WHERE: Medgar Evers College
1650 Bedford Avenue (Between Crown Street and Montgomery Street)
Brooklyn, NY 11225

Please RSVP by June 12th to email: infobizdev@nycsca.org or call (718) 752 – 5049.

Small Business Workshop On Creating Business Pitch

BOC Women's Business Center presents "Scoring a Home Run with the Perfect Pitch." You are invited to join this FREE creative workshop to work on creating your winning pitch.

Date: October 18, 2011
Time: 6:00 PM -7:30 PM
Location: Citibank
1398 Fulton Street
(between Brooklyn and Marcy Avenues)
Brooklyn, NY 11216

This event is presented by BOC in collaboration with the U.S. Small Business Administration and Citibank. To RSVP call (718) 625-1276.

ATTENTION: Federal Disaster Aid Available in BK (NYC)

Some Brooklyn organizations are eligible to receive disaster aid related to Hurricane Irene damages.

Government and some nonprofits. Some nonprofits in Brooklyn (as well as Bronx, Nassau, New York, Queens, Rockland, Suffolk, Westchester) counties can receive partial reimbursement for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Irene.
The federal assistance is for the reimbursement (up to 75%) of covered and documented expenses. You don't have to wait to begin your repairs, just keep a careful record of your outlays.

If you think that you, your business or your organization are eligible, begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362).

Updated Information from NYT's Cityroom here.

ATTENTION: Applications Available for No-Interest Women's Entrepreneurial Loan Fund

The Thypin Oltchick Institute for Women's Entrepreneurship at FEGS Health and Human Services System presents a Women's Enterprise Action Loan Fund. Women who are small business owners can now apply for a loan for up to $5,000 in resources and services. Free business mentoring is also available. The program is available to women who reside in the NYC/ metro area and have a viable business.

The application is available here: http://www.fegs.org/fegsenews/enews2010/0826/application.pdf

The deadline is September 16, 2011. For more info, please contact ownyourbusiness@fegs.org.

CM James Celebrates Re-Opening of F + S FG Tire Shop

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
June 6, 2011

Contact Amyre Loomis at (646) 201-8183, (718) 260-9191

COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES AND COMMUNITY HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE TO CELEBRATE RE-OPENING OF FORT GREENE’S F + S TIRE THIS TUESDAY, JUNE 7 AT 9:30 A.M., ON CORNER OF FULTON & SOUTH OXFORD STREETS
The family business was closed down by the City after 26 years of service and is now re-opening - Certificate of Occupancy violation dismissed May 16th at a Department of Buildings hearing

The Joseph brothers came to this country from their native Haiti and have been business and property owners for over 26 years. Earlier this Spring, they were informed that their building on South Oxford Street in Fort Greene, Brooklyn could not legally house their business - F + S Tire Shop. A DOB inspector had informed the Joseph brothers that hundreds of thousands dollars were needed to obtain a new certificate of occupancy, but it has since been discovered under new laws the shop is zoned to be a tire shop.

“I am pleased to see the re-opening of F + S Tire Shop on Fulton Avenue. Many residents and businesses have contacted my office to express support of F + S Tire Shop, as well as gratitude for the owner’s hard work and generosity throughout the years,” said Council Member James. “I appreciate the Joseph brothers’ perseverance and commitment to their small business. On behalf of 35th Council District, I would like to wish the Joseph brothers continued success. Further, I want to thank those individuals in the community who supported the Joseph brothers.”

WHO: F + S Tire company owners - the Joseph brothers, Council Member Letitia James, community leaders, fellow shop owners, advocates, neighbors and friends

WHAT: Press conference to support the re-opening of F + S Tire Shop

WHEN: Tuesday, June 7 at 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: 777 Fulton Street – corner of South Oxford Street – in front of F + S Tire Shop

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CM James Holds Press Conference In Support of F + S Tire Shop; 4/16; 2PM

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
April 14, 2011

Contact: Amyre Loomis (718) 260-9191

COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES AND THE COMMUNITY HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE TO SUPPORT FORT GREENE’S F + S TIRES - OWNED BY HAITIAN FAMILY, SATURDAY, APRIL 16 AT 2PM, ON FULTON STREET & SOUTH PORTLAND AVE. - IN FRONT OF HABANA OUTPOST
The family business was closed down by the City after 26 years of service

Backstory: The Joseph brothers came to this country from their native Haiti and have been business and property owners for over 26 years. Two weeks ago, they were informed that their building on South Oxford Street in Fort Greene, Brooklyn could not legally house their business - F + S Tire Shop. While tires were changed on the South Oxford corner (for nearly three decades), the brownstone neighborhood has improved around F + S. Crime has been pushed out, and the downtown Brooklyn location is once again prime real estate.

Numerous fines were imposed upon F + S Tire Shop (more than $24,000 for building violations such as garbage in basement, improper support beams, no sprinkler system), and a DOB inspector informed the Joseph brothers that hundreds of thousands dollars were needed to obtain a new certificate of occupancy.

“The Joseph brothers feel they are fighting against the City, and I intend to let them know they can work with government. Many residents and businesses have contacted my office to express support of F + S Tire Shop, as well as gratitude for the owner’s hard work and generosity throughout the years,” said Council Member Letitia James. Also, I’ve heard rumors of harassing telephone calls made to the brothers, which is not acceptable on my watch. This community will do everything it can to help the Joseph Brothers maintain their American dream.”

A Department of Buildings hearing for violations is scheduled for May 16. The Pratt Area Community Council (PACC), the Fulton Area Business Alliance (FAB), and the office of Council Member Letitia James are assisting the Joseph brothers.

WHO: F + S Tire Company Owners - the Joseph brothers, Council Member Letitia James, community leaders, fellow shop owners, advocates, neighbors and friends
WHAT: Press Conference to support F + S Tire Shop and the American dream
WHEN: Saturday, April 16 at 2pm
WHERE: Corner of Fulton Street and South Portland Avenue– in front of Habana Outpost restaurant

Please see the petition here: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savefgtireshop/

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CM James Creates Online Petition In Support of FG Tire Shop

F + S Tires is the Fulton Street business that has been closed by the Department of Buildings due to violations and an issue with the certificate of occupancy.

The owners received more than $24,000 in fines for building violations, such as for improper support beams, lacking a sprinkler system and garbage in the basement. The certificate of occupancy for the building is another major issue. A DOB inspector informed the Joseph brothers that it would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to obtain a new certificate of occupancy.

The Fulton Area Business Alliance (FAB) and the Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) are assisting F + S Tires, and a Department of Buildings hearing for the violations is scheduled May 16. Please join Council Member James and advocacy agencies in supporting F + S Tires, who perform a vital service to the Fort Greene community, by signing this petition.

[Link here]

Please see the petition here: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savefgtireshop/

Clarifying A Few Points

Yesterday our office sent out a press release in regards to a local Fort Greene tire shop that is faced with having to shut down business due to over $20,000 worth of building violations.

By late afternoon, a Brownstoner post elicited various responses (including one in which we were Kanye'd).

We appreciate the lively discussion, but we'd like to raise a few points for those interested:

1). It is standard for a Council Member to write support letters to City agencies (and offer other types of support; in this case, assist in addressing violations) for struggling local businesses. (CM James has done this before, in fact, for a great little Clinton Hill pet store.)

2). Lending support to a long-time small business does not mean that a politician is anti-new-business. We happen to like coffee shops and specialty food shops throughout the District. We're passionately pro-snacking.

3). Since the subject was brought up in the comments, Council Member James is a strong advocate for Community Roots Charter School, and we have a great relationship with that school. She's all for their expansion and continued development- but not at the cost of removing resources from another school.

4). Aside from following this blog, you can always contact our staff at teamtish@gmail.com or (718) 260-9191/ (212) 788-7081 for accurate information about Council Member James activities in the community or positions.

Thanks,
teamtish

CM James Support FG Tire Shop; Wants To Work With DOB To Address Violations

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
April 6, 2011

Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

Council Member James Supports Fort Greene Tire Shop Owned by Haitian Family
The small business is shut down after 26 years

F + S Tires, an old Fulton Street business has been closed by the Department of Buildings. The Joseph brothers, who came to this country from their native Haiti and have been business and property owners for 26 years were told that their building on South Oxford Street in Fort Greene, Brooklyn cannot legally house their business. While changing tires on their South Oxford corner, the downtown Brooklyn neighborhood has changed around them.

The brothers received more than $24,000 in fines for building violations, such as for improper support beams, lacking a sprinkler system and garbage in the basement. The certificate of occupancy for the building is another major issue. A DOB inspector informed the Joseph brothers that it would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to obtain a new certificate of occupancy.

“These Haitian immigrants have outlasted the dark days of drug dealers and crime in this neighborhood. They arrived before the recent renaissance, which began during the 90s, and they continued to thrive. Now, F + S Tire is struggling for survival amid specialty food shops, real estate offices and boutiques. The shop is located in the heart of prime real estate, and property is in high demand,” said Council Member James. “These brothers feel they are fighting against the City, and I intend to let them know they can work with government. I appreciate the will and desire it took for this family to achieve their American dream, and I will help the Joseph Brothers maintain their dream, however possible. If anyone wants more information, please contact staff at my office.”

The Fulton Area Business Alliance (FAB) and the Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) are assisting F + S Tires, and a hearing for violations will be held on May 16.

###

ATTENTION: CACCI Hosts Small Business Workshop; 1/28; Flatbush

The Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (CACCI) invites business-owners (and potential business owners) to attend a Small Business Workshop entitled "MANAGING YOUR BUSINESS IN TODAYS ECONOMY"

TOPICS:
Access to Small Business Financing & Business Services
• Tax & Budget Preparations for your Business
• Accessing Finances from Traditional and non-Traditional Lenders
• Establishing and Growing your business in todays Business Climate

WHEN: Friday, January 28, 2011

9:00am

WHERE: Flatbush Caton Market
814 Flatbush Avenue

Brooklyn, NY

Seats are limited, so please register today! Please call 718-834-4544 for more information.

Convened by: Dr. Roy A. Hastick, Sr., President/CEO CACCI
Sponsored by: NYC Department of Small Business Services (DSBS)

City Council Hearings Held on Outdoor ATMs, Development, and Post-Storm Clean-up

On Monday, October 25th, the Council Committee on Transportation held a hearing on Int. 257– 2010, in relation to regulating sidewalk ATMs as revocable consents and requiring safety features for all outdoor ATMs. This bill was introduced by Council Member Diana Reyna. The bill will act as a safety measure (currently there is little regulation or security rules in relation to outdoor ATM machines placed outside of non-banking businesses). The bill would look to address this loophole, and increase safety for consumers. Council Member James also has upcoming legislation regarding outdoor ATM regulation.

On Monday, the Council Committee on Land Use also held an oversight hearing which discussed development on 470 Vanderbilt Avenue.

Finally, the Council Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste, chaired by Council Member Letitia James, held a joint hearing with the Council's Committee on Parks & Recreation regarding the recent storm.

For more information on any of these hearings, or to follow-up on these issues, please contact the City Hall Office of Council Member Letitia James at (212) 788-7081.

ATTENTION: BK Chamber of Commerce, Con Edison Present "Real Green! Meet the Experts on Energy." 4/1; BK Boro Hall; 8:30AM

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with Con Edison, will present "Real Green! Meet the Experts on Energy" at Brooklyn Borough Hall on Thursday, April 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The event is designed to encourage business owners and homeowners interested in "green-proofing" their businesses and residences, but who are stymied by concerns about cost or are searching for ideas about how to get started. The process for obtaining funding for green projects will be demystified and attendees will be able to explore ideas about eco-friendly construction illustrated by case studies that offer a road map approach to sustainability.

The selected case studies represent some of Brooklyn's newest and most exciting development projects- commercial projects will be the focus in the morning and will include a LEED-certified clothing store, Bird, and Brooklyn's newest recreation destination, Brooklyn Bowl. Residential projects will be covered in the afternoon and will feature projects such as The Silhouette and Greenbelt. In addition, attendees can take advantage of a full day of table presentations and the opportunity to meet one-on-one with representatives from NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority).

Presenting sponsor, Con Edison, will offer free energy surveys for which attendees can sign up on-site at the event. This exciting "one-stop" fair will get attendees on their way to the most cost effective and achievable means to implement their wish list of green projects.

Real Green! is free and open to the public; advance registration is required.

Attendees may RSVP online at www.ibrooklyn.com; if you are interested in scheduling an appointment with a NYSERDA project manager, please send an email to Lori Raphael at lraphael@brooklynchamber.com or call (718) 875-1000 ext 140. Light refreshments will be served.

ATTENTION: 'Rolling Up The Gates' Touring Event Showcases 20 Local Vacant Lots

"Rolling Up the Gates" is a reception and touring event featuring a viewing of over 20 vacant storefronts!

Welcome Reception and Breakfast
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Bed-Stuy Restoration, Skylight Gallery, 3rd Floor
1368 Fulton Street
(between New York and Brooklyn Avenues)

10:30am Breakfast Reception
11-12pm info session
12-4pm self-guided tour

Maps and Property Info
Pick up the list of vacancies at two starting points:
Fort Greene/Clinton Hill Area- for info on vacancies between Flatbush and Bedford, pick up listings atPACC's Fulton Street Office:
896 FULTON STREET
(between Washington and Waverly Avenues)
CONTACT: DALE CHARLES 347-823-5700 EXT. 16

Bedford-Stuyvesant Area-for info on vacancies between Bedford and Troy, pick up listings at
Bed-Stuy Restoration Plaza:

1368 FULTON STREET
(between New York and Brooklyn Avenues)
CONTACT: BERNADETTE MITCHELL 718-636-6989

Presented by Pratt Area Community Council, Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration, in partnership with FAB Alliance BID, Bed-Stuy Gateway BID, NYC Business Solutions, and NYC Small Business Services.

ATTENTION: Upcoming Community Events

"Promoting Good Health in a Challenging Economy"

The Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center's Community Advisory Board cordially invites you to attend a legislative breakfast.

Friday, February 5, 2010
10am- 12noon
Woodhull Medical Center- Auditorium
760 Broadway, 3rd level
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11206

_________________________________
African-American HIV Awareness and Health Fair

February 6, 2010

11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus

Health Sciences Building Lobby
DeKalb Avenue at Flatbush Avenue Extention
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Obtain free HIV testing, access various health education materials, and undergo screenings for health defects (including asthma).

_________________________________

From the Fulton Alliance Businesses (aka "FAB" BID) comes a cool list of promotional specials from participating businesses. (via ClintonHillBlog)

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke Hosts FREE Small Business Legal Clinic

If you are a small business owner or are thinking about starting your own business, this is a great opportunity to meet one-on-one with an attorney and learn more about the legalities of owning and operating a business in NYC.

When: Monday, February 1, 2010 5:00 - 7:00pm

Where: Office of Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke
123 Linden Boulevard, 1st Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11226

Come and have your questions answered by volunteer Lawyers of the Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project.

This event is open to the public and free of charge, however RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED as availability is limited. Please call (212) 382-6633 to RSVP.

For more info, please call 718-287-1152 or email latrice.walker@mail.house.gov

ATTENTION: Upcoming Community Events

Join Brooklyn's Community Board #8 in a blood drive.

Thursday, January 14, 2010
3:30pm- 8pm

Berean Baptist Church (link is wonky)

Basement, Fellowship Hall

1635 Bergen Street

Brooklyn, NY 11213

Participants are asked to bring ID with photo or signature; you may contact District Manager Michelle George for eligibility requirements at 718-467-5620.

_____________________________________________

Discover New Business Opportunities in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

You're invited to the Bed-Stuy Gateway Streetscape Project Information Session. Learn how your business can be part of this multi-year, multi-phase construction project. You can also learn how to become MWBE-certified.

Thursday, January 14, 2010
5pm - 7pm
Restoration Plaza

1368 Fulton Street

Brooklyn, NY 11216

Please RSVP or for further information contact opportunitymwd@nycedc.com or 212-312-3712.

_____________________________________________

New York City suspends alternate side parking (street cleaning) regulations, for both street cleaning purposes and traffic flow, on the 34 legal and religious holidays. Click here for more information.

ATTENTION: Crown Heights Mediation Center Hosts Leadership, Entrepreneurship Programs

The Crown Heights Mediation Center is hosting free programming for community members, youth, parents and professionals.

Leadership Training Institute:
-Learn networking, fundraising, community organizing, event planning, working with the media and coalition building.

-Build relationships with a team of committed, caring, and concerned individuals who want to make Crown Heights a better place.

-Plan a community project.

-Meets twice a month at Crown Heights Mediation Center, 4:00-7:00pm.

-Excellent for teachers and staff, PTA members, and community members.

-Deadline: January 20th

Youth Entrepreneurship Program
-Free program for young women ages 17-21.

-Learn photography, graphic design, and entrepreneurial skills while forming friendships with other young women from the different races, religions, and cultures in Crown Heights.

-Create and implement a business plan. Make money and receive a cash award upon completion of the program.

-Deadline: January 18th

[The CH Mediation Center is also offering a great professional development program for a small fee.]

Train-the-Trainer Conflict Resolution

-March 19, 2010

-Learn to train young people to respond to conflict in a thoughtful, non-violent way.

-Skills taught include active listening, interpersonal development, bias awareness, decision-making, problem solving, and presentation skills.

-Excellent for teachers, guidance counselors, and other staff members.

-Call the Mediation Center at 718-773-6886 for more information including cost per person.

You can learn more about the Crown Heights Mediation Center through the website and blog: http://www.crownheightsmediationcenter.blogspot.com/. The applications for these programs are available in electronic copy on their blog, and in hard copy at their office. There are a few applications available for pick-up at the district office of CM James.

CM James Fights for Business Opportunities, Small Businesses

Council Member James has used her position in the New York City Council to strengthen small businesses- from leading the NYCC's Contracts Committee to address the administrations Department of Education outsourcing book contracts to large out-of-state companies over local bookstores, to co-sponsoring local laws 2005/129 and 2008/067, and Resolution 1773-2009. This important legislation increased opportunities and benefits for minority-and-women-owned (MWBE) businesses, especially. Local law 129 specifically increased opportunities for certified MWBE's to bid on public contracts, increase their capacity, and effectively contribute to the City's economy. You can read more about the history of the legislation here.

Additionally, Council Member James has always offered her personal support and encouragement to small businesses in the 35th District. She has consistently encouraged local businesses to hire youth and unemployed adults in the communities they serve, and early-on supported expansion of the Brooklyn Navy Yard to create more industrial business opportunities.

In her continuing effort to build upon small business opportunities, the Council Member James has drafted a resolution in support of U.S. Representative Yvette Clarke's Congressional bill H.R. 3771, a bill that was amended and re-introduced into Congress in October 2009. This bill was designed to aid MWBE small businesses in building their capacity in the industry of construction. The bill would amend the Small Business Act to charge the United States Small Business Administration with establishing and/or expanding mentorship programs, and identifying problems and creating solutions to meet construction needs/demands. The bill was recently amended to include veteran-owned small construction companies, as well as to establish grant programs to enhance access to specialized education and resources.

Council Member James looks forward to using her position in the New York City Council and as Chairperson of the Council's Contracts Committee to strengthen business opportunities, and helping small businesses stay afloat in these harsh economic times.

ATTENTION: Upcoming Community Events

Council Member Letitia James, in collaboration with Watchful Eye, Community Youth, Inc., and Serum Music, presents...

"A Celebration of Praise & Thanksgiving"

at...the "Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at the Walt Whitman Theatre"

Location: 2900 Campus Road @ Hillel Place
1 block west of "The Junction" Intersection of Hillel Place and Nostrand & Flatbush Avenues

When: Sunday, November 15, 2009 @ 4:30PM

Please call the office of CM James at (718) 260-9191 for more information.

___________________________________

The Cumberland Diagnostic & Treatment Center's Division of Chemical Dependency cordially invites you to an Open House-

When: Wednesday, November 18, 2009
12 noon- 3pm
Where: 100 North Portland Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205

For more information, contact (718) 260-7806. Refreshments will be served.
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Economic Recovery & Business Stimulus Conference

Join the Black Church Means Business on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at the Riverside Church in New York City to meet, network, and begin to do business with hundreds of small business owners, more than 400 clergy and church leaders, corporate executives, government agencies, and not-for-profit organizations.

There is a small fee to register. For more information you may call (718) 638-6397.
_____________________________________________________

In recognition of the Thanksgiving Holiday and the current economic crisis affecting so many, join the 57th Assembly District Democratic Organization, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, State Senator Eric Adams and 57th A.D. Democratic Organization & District Committeeperson Olanike Alabi in a canned food drive and reception to benefit the Child Development Support Corporation's (CDSC) food pantry which serves residents in Central Brooklyn. WE ENCOURAGE ALL WHO WILL ATTEND TO BRING 5 CANS OF FOOD.


When: Thursday, November 19, 2009

6pm- 8pm


Where: Teen Challenge Center
444 Clinton Avenue
Brooklyn, N.Y 11238

Fruits and Vegetables are FREE for Food Stamp Users!

Save money this summer on fresh fruits and vegetables at your neighborhood farmers market!

For every $5 you spend using EBT (Food Stamps) at participating farmers markets, you will receive $2 Health Buck to spend on fruits and vegetables.

Ahorre dinero este verano comprando frutas y vegetables frescos en los mercados de su barrio!

Con cada compra de $5 con EBT (cupones de alimentos) en mercados participantes, se ofrecerá a $2 cupón de Health Buck para comprar frutas y vegetables.

Visit www.nyc.gov/healthbucks for the list of all participating farmers markets in your area.

The 2009 Farmers Market Season is July 1 to November 15, 2009.
For updated market information call 1-800-522-5006.