Kicks-Off M/WBE Certification Program

New York, N.Y. November 2, 2007 -- The Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (CACCI) in cooperation with NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS), sponsored its annual economic development conference and market place, Thursday, November 1^st, 2007, 8:00 A.M., Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, NY.

The conference theme "Connecting New York and other US-based businesses with the Caribbean and the Global Marketplace" attracted hundreds of small business persons who heard from business leaders and CACCI partners as they discussed issues affecting small businesses such as: Global Investment Opportunities; Available Financing - Local and International; Real Estate; Health, US/Caribbean Trade Regulations, and NYC and NYS Certification/Procurement Process.

According to Dr Roy A. Hastick, Sr., CACCI President and CEO, and Conference Convener: "CACCI is pleased to sponsor this annual event which brings together government agencies, elected officials and the private sector, to interact with CACCI members and the small business community and receive information to enhance their business growth and development." Like other CACCI events, there was ample opportunity for participants to network, make business contacts, and discuss the certification and procurement process, and contracting opportunities, Hastick said.

Speakers and special guests included: Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz; Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Yvonne Graham; NYC Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries; Councilmember David Yassky; Former Mayor of Hempstead James Garner; Regional Administrator, US Department of Commerce MBDA Heyward Davenport; Vice President, AETNA Miguel Centeno Event Co-sponsor; Commissioner Patricia L. Gatling, Chair, NYC Commission on Human Rights; Deputy Nassau County Executive Patrick Duggan; Glenis Henriques, Director, External Affairs NYC Department of Small Business Services; Michael Jones Bey, Executive Director NYS Empire State Development Corporation, MWBE Division; Edmund Sadio, Owner/Broker, Century 21 Achievers; George Hulse, Vice President, Health First; Dr. Lorna Scott Mc Barnette, Chancellor, American International University; Christine Glasser, Advocate, US Small Business Administration, (SBA); Elizabeth Daly, Director, NYC Office of the Mayor, Commission on International Business; Consul General of Grenada Alan McGuire; Former Consul General of Haiti Dr. Henry Frank, Haitian Centers Council; Kings County District Attorney Charles "Joe" Hynes, former Consul General of Trinidad and Tobago, Ambassador Babooram Rambisoon, and Attorney Arnold Lieberman, SCORE representative.

For further information on CACCI membership, Co-sponsorship Opportunities, Monthly Business Networking Power Breakfast and Evening Meetings, MWBE Certification Preparation, Financial Literacy Program, Import/Export Initiatives, Vending Opportunities at the Flatbush Caton Vendors Mart, or to request an appointment for free small business confidential counseling services through CACCI/SCORE, contact CACCI: Tel.: (718) 834-4544  www.caribbeantradecenter.com.