The Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) invites the public on November 18th to a morning meeting at the Brooklyn Public Library (details below) to a meeting with New York City Council Speaker Quinn to put forward ideas for legislation that would materially help small businesses in NYC to be competitive.

To participate, you must RSVP by Friday, November 14th, to register your attendance. You can do this by registering online at: http://www.bedc.org/roundtable.htm

Catherine Bohne of the Community Bookstore and the Buy in Brooklyn initiative had this to say:

Over the fall, the BEDC followed up on a request from NYC City Council Speaker Quinn for information about “What steps by city government would help small business compete and be successful?” The BEDC sent out a request for ideas to their membership. As a small business person, I reacted strongly to the most-voiced suggestion: Tax rebates for landlords who rent to local businesses. I was apalled to find that this was the only way anyone could think of to help small business — rewarding the fox for watching the hen house! I sent in numerous suggestions, all of which were incorporated into the BEDC’s summary of ideas, which you can view by clicking here: cedc_survey_answer.

I know it’s a god-awful time, but this really is an important opportunity. Please come and be heard. For once, city government actually wants to know what they should do, what we want them to do — and they’re willing to act. Let’s come together to look after us all!

The Where and When

Tuesday, November 18, 2008
8:00 am to 9:30 am
Brooklyn Public Library, Business Library
280 Cadman Plaza West
Brooklyn, NY 11201