Caribbean American Chamber of
Commerce & Industry Eighteenth
Annual Award Gala

Hastick thanked the Governor, the Mayor, Borough President Marty Markowitz and other city, state and federal elected officials for their support and asked for their financial help with the development and construction of the first ever Caribbean Trade Center, a total commercial development of approximately 20,000 sq. ft to be located in downtown Brooklyn, NY. Upon its completion, the property will provide the structure for two-way trade and e-commerce between New York State, the United States, the Caribbean and the world. The Center will foster business development, job creation and tax incentives, and help to boost Brooklyn, New York City and New York State economy and will assist the Caribbean American, African Americans, and Latino businesses in these areas. According to recent estimates, close to 3 million Caribbean Americans are living in the metropolitan area and Hastick believes that they deserve “economic parity and a place to call home.”

Hastick proudly introduced the distinguished honorees for this year’s tribute: Corporate Responsibility/Diversity Awards were presented to George Hulse, Vice President, Health First; Dr. Linda Brady, President/CEO, Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Emory Jackson, Director, Dormitory Authority of the State of New York; and Edward Odom, Jr., VP, CRA Community Relations, Citibank, NA. The Entrepreneurs of the Year awards were Nelly & Rudolph Gedeon, Owners, G & G Engineering, Inc.; Sullivan Walker, Actor; and Wellington Sharpe, President/CEO, NELRAK, Inc. Business Partner Awards were presented to Amir A. Dossal, Executive Director, United Nations Fund for International Partnerships; and Dr. Henry Frank, Executive Director, Haitian Centers Council.

Distinguished Community Service Awards were presented to Frank A. Halla, Editor-in-Chief, The Brooklyn Eagle Daily Newspaper; and Dr. Jackie Randolph Gardner, Central Brooklyn Community Physician. The Year 2003 “Roving Ambassador” awardees were James H. Harding, Legislative Director, Office of the Governor of New York State; Arthur J.R. Lugisse, President/CEO, AC Promotions, St. Maartin, NA; and Halim Majeed, Project Consultant to the United Nations.

Speaking enthusiastically about this year’s Gala and the award recipients, CACCI Chairman Derck E. Broomes, CAP stated. As we honor the outstanding contributions of our illustrious honorees, we also commend them on their leadership and commitment to small business growth. In these challenging economic times, we look forward to working in partnership with such an excellent group of business and community leaders to assist our members and the wider business community.”

As part of the Annual Awards Gala, CACCI published its 2003-2004 Business-To-Business Resource Directory, an invaluable guide to business and services in the U.S. and the Caribbean. It also featured an article on crucial aspects of business development such as procurement opportunities, certification, business financing, micro-loans, technology and trade and investment opportunities in the Caribbean. Additional topics include: Revitalization of Lower Manhattan, CARICOM Single Market Economy, and the United Nations Conference on the “Bridging the Digital Divide.” Interested parties can contact CACCI to purchase directory.

The Caribbean-American Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CACCI), founded in 1985, provided technical support and business services to Caribbean American African American and other minority and women-owned businesses. CACCI has developed expertise in providing business assistance to start-up business owners. CACCI has sponsored more than 500 seminars and conferences, and a one-day conference, “How to Start, Operate and Manage a Successful Business” will be offered on Sunday, June 14th, 2003, 8:30 a.m. Shartp, Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York. CACCI’s Comprehensive Business Resource Center provides technical assistance, load packaging, access to financing, business planning, certification and other small business services.

I also had the distinct pleasure of meeting the Honorable Governor George E. Pataki, who expressed lots of vision and the necessity to rebuild all areas of New York City, including ground zero in Lower Manhattan, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg , who expressed lots of encouragement for the grown of small businesses, the migration of 400,000 people in the Caribbean Community and the over-all future of Americal.

For additional information on CACCI’s Business-to-Business Directory, business assistance or referral to CACCI member banks, contact CACCI at (718) 834-4544 or visit their website: www.Webmaster@CaribbeanTradeCenter.com