S3-E5: The Future of Small Business Development in Brooklyn with Samara Karasyk

SHOW NOTES

"I think there's a big disconnect between what we do (the Brooklyn of Commerce and other Chambers of Commerce throughout the state) and what people view tech companies are doing, and that we don't have a lot in common. But I think that there's a lot more that we should be doing together, and I'm hoping that it will happen." -- Samara Karasyk

It's National Small Business Week (May 5-11) where we celebrate the contributions and sacrifices that small business owners make to this great country of ours. In celebration of National Small Business Week, Charlie welcomes Samara Karasyk (Chief Policy Officer at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce) to the show for an in-depth conversation on the changing face of New York City through the lens of small businesses, entrepreneurs, policy wonks like Samara, and ordinary citizens who work hard and fight hard (when they need to).

In this interview, as it turns out, Samara and Charlie are just a couple of "Brooklyn girls" reminiscing about some of the most memorable (and often contentious) moments in our city's recent history where we've struggled to define who we are and what we want (or don't want!) and how we've adjusted to change (the good, the bad, and the ugly).

We then learn from Samara how an organization like the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce (which was founded 101 years ago!) supports small businesses and small businesses owners (and their employees!) through programs, benefits, and policy agendas that ensure their voices are being heard.

Charlie and Samara then arrive at the very topic that initially brought them together almost one year ago: how can small businesses (through the Chambers of Commerce) and the tech industry in NYC (which is growing exponentially) come together to learn more about each other's challenges and to explore opportunities that can be beneficial for everyone? Did they come up with an answer? Are we prepared for the challenges that smart cities of the future will bring? Charlie and Samara explore the possibilities.

ABOUT SAMARA KARASYK

Samara Karasyk is the Chief Policy Officer at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, where she oversees their policy agenda, legislative and intergovernmental affairs, marketing, and public relations. Before her work at the Chamber, Samara worked for the government of New York City for many years. She began her public service career at the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation working on workforce development and job readiness training, later moving to the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission to focus on transportation policy and constituent affairs. She then handled intergovernmental affairs at the NYC Department of Transportation. Between 2011 and 2017, Samara was Assistant Commissioner of External Affairs at the NYC Department of Finance, managing all public affairs for the organization.

Samara has a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Hispanic Studies from Brown University and a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University. She lives in Brooklyn with her family and loves living here and working with the people and businesses of this dynamic borough.

ABOUT THE BROOKLYN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is the largest and fastest-growing Chamber of Commerce in New York. It was named 2017 Chamber of the Year by The Business Council of New York State. The Chamber promotes economic development across the borough and serves as an advocate for its member businesses. The Chamber celebrated its centennial in 2018. MISSION: To promote a healthy and robust business environment throughout Brooklyn."

Connect with Samara and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce:

Email Samara: [e-mail]
Website: http://www.ibrooklyn.com
Twitter: @brooklynchamber 
Instagram: @ExploreBrooklyn
Facebook: http://facebook.com/BrooklynChamberofCommerce

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

• Event: Brooklyn Designs 2019 (May 10-12) produced by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce
• Event: National Small Business Week (May 5-11)
• Podcast: In Their Own Words: 10,000 Small Businesses on Challenges to Growth (Goldman Sachs)
• Podcast: Linda McMahon, U.S. Small Business Administrator (Live at Code 2018)  (Recode Decode)
• Podcast: Disruptor City (Technopolis)

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Charlie Oliver: Twitter – @itscomplicated

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