BP and New York City Department of Small Business Services Host Economic Development Summit

On November 25th, Mayor Bloomberg, the BP and Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Robert Walsh hosted the 2002 New York City Economic Development Summit sponsored by JP Morgan Chase, with contributing sponsorships by Con Edison and Keyspan. The Summit highlighted many successful economic development projects underway in Brooklyn and focused on the unique development needs of the City's diverse set of neighborhoods and business districts. Charles Terry Shook, president and co-founder of Shook, a perception design firm and one of the nation's top experts in district planning and urban retail design, delivered the afternoon's keynote address. "I was so excited about partnering with Mayor Bloomberg and the Department of Small Business Services on this city-wide economic conference," said the BP. "And I was particularly excited that its focus was on the best of Brooklyn's neighborhoods. The best place to do business, today and tomorrow, is in Brooklyn. Brooklyn is where the most innovative, creative and entrepreneurial things are happening every single day." Topics covered during the summit included: the future of New York City central business districts, retooling the industrial sector, the economic development potential of the waterfront and destination retail in the urban environment. Brooklyn's best was on display during four tours of some of the borough's most exciting and innovative places to do business. The tours stopped at Brooklyn's Central Business District, the Brooklyn Navy Yard, On the Waterfront - Pier 41 and the Beard Street Pier in Red Hook and Myrtle Avenue and DeKalb Avenue in Fort Greene.

Marty Honors One of Brooklyn's Favorite Sons

On November 25th, Marty honored WNBC President & General Manager and Bay Ridge native Frank Comerford as one of the best Brooklyn has to offer for his many contributions to the community. "Frank has been a tireless volunteer, helping foster and at-risk children," said the BP. "Under his watch, WNBC launched "Wednesday's Child," one of the most successful programs in the nation to help place foster children in permanent homes." A special thanks to CUNY and Vice Chancellor Jay Hersh-enson for helping to make this event such a success.

Marty Joins IBM and United Way in Donating High Tech Computers to Brooklyn Pre-Schoolers

On November 26th, Marty visited the Bedford Stuyvesant Early Childhood Development Center to see the agency's new early-learning technology donated through a unique collaboration between IBM and United Way of New York. Using six new computer centers called Young Explorers, the four-year-olds ran through a series of award-winning software programs that are preparing them for success in elementary school. "We must make sure that our youngsters are ready to survive and thrive in an increasingly complex world," said Marty. "Brooklyn has some of the most intelligent, creative and innovative minds in America and having access to this award winning technology will help make this a reality for many years to come. All of Brooklyn is grateful to IBM and United Way."

Marty Helps Thousands of Brooklynites Enjoy A Great Thanksgiving

On November 25th, Marty was delighted to provide more than 600 turkeys, 1750 pounds of apples, 1700 pounds of collard greens, 1400 pounds of baking potatoes and 1000 pounds of sweet potatoes to 50 local community groups who fed those less fortunate over the Thanksgiving holiday. "The generosity on display here today demonstrates once again why Brooklyn is the greatest place in the world," said the BP. "This food that was so graciously donated by HealthPlus, Fulton Street Mall and the Korean-American Brooklyn Association will help feed thousands of Brooklynites during the Thanksgiving holiday. I also want to thank the many Brooklyn community groups who will be preparing all of these terrific Thanksgiving meals. I want to wish everyone a healthy and happy holiday season."

Best Of Brooklyn

On November 25th, Mayor Bloomberg announced that Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center was one of the five municipal hospitals surveyed in 2002 that received the highest scores this year assigned to any hospital in New York City. The hospital has launched the innovative Patient Navigator program, which is a multi-lingual, multi-disciplinary team of customer service specialists who assist patients throughout the hospital by giving directions, providing information, and serving as liaisons among different departments. Congratulations to Bishop Perry Lindsay, who recently celebrated his 50th anniversary presiding over the Glorious Church of God & Christ in Bedford Stuyvesant. On November 26th, the 81st Precinct Community Council held its 25th annual Thanksgiving dinner for senior citizens in the Bedford Stuyvesant community. President Catherine Arline and her wonderful staff served more than 700 meals. On November 28th, Marty joined Assemblywoman Joan Millman and Councilman David Yassky in helping to serve a great meal at Grace Church for more than 300 seniors at the 30th Annual Heights & Hill Community Council Services for Older Adults Thanksgiving Day dinner. The food was prepared by the Cobble Hill Health Center. On November 28th, Marty also attended Congressman Ed Towns' 17th Annual Thanksgiving Day dinner for more than 600 seniors at Boys & Girls High School. Assemblyman Darryl Towns and the Central Brooklyn Intergenerational Council also hosted this great event.

Brooklyn Mourns Officer's Death

All of Brooklyn is mourning the loss of Community Affairs Officer Peter Ferrero from the 75th Precinct in East New York. He is survived by his wife, who is 5 months pregnant, and two children.