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.

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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.