carlo scissura hot seat 2

Welcome to the Hot Seat, where we interview people involved in real estate, architecture, development and design. In honor of the Brooklyn Building Awards, we talked with Carlo Scissura, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, which is hosting the awards at the Williamsburgh Savings Bank tonight.

Brownstoner: Where do you live, and how did you end up there?

Carlo Scissura: I currently live in Bensonhurst, the neighborhood I grew up in! I just bought a house in Dyker Heights and will be moving there in the fall. I chose Dyker because it is close to where I grew up, it’s a great community, lots of mom and pop businesses, open space, and close to transportation. It’s a classic New York City neighborhood, with a mix of old and new.

BS: How did you become involved in the Chamber of Commerce?

CS: I was working as Chief of Staff for Marty Markowitz and was offered the opportunity to become the President and CEO of the Chamber. It really was a natural extension of the work I was doing for Marty for five years.

BS: You’ve worked in Brooklyn politics for most of your career. Can you talk about how some of your previous political work — on the local school board, working with Marty Markowitz, etc. — has shaped your time at the Chamber?

CS: Yes after graduating law school, I have spent my career in local politics and community activities. Without having that background, I would not be successful and would not be able to lead the Chamber. From learning how to deal with people and issues, to leading meetings on the school board, and most importantly to the contacts, relationships and friendships I have built over the years, those have allowed me to truly bring together my community role, my political role and my business role. Having owned a law practice, a small business, also allowed me to truly understand what a business owner goes through each and every day!

BS: What have been your biggest initiatives in your two years at the Chamber of Commerce?

CS: I think there are a few that I am most proud of. First off is a record increase in membership, from 723 the day I started, to about 1,800 today. We are growing in all areas of the borough, particularly in east, central and southern Brooklyn. Our new initiatives include explorebk.com, a one stop website for all things Brooklyn, from tourism, to culture, to dining and shopping, all geared towards the tourist and Brooklynite! We are working in 13 neighborhoods, doing local neighborhood development, forming business improvement districts. We have created a “Brooklyn Made” certification for goods, and have closely worked with and organized Brooklyn’s food and beverage manufacturers. We are also about to launch “Chamber on the GO” which will bring our services to neighborhoods throughout New York City.

BS: How has the business climate in Brooklyn changed in the last two years? How do you think rising retail and office prices are affecting businesses?

CS: I think we are seeing a rapid change in business in Brooklyn. Our motto at the chamber is “Business in Brooklyn just got better,” and it really has. We are seeing new stores opening throughout the borough, we are seeing people getting jobs, and Brooklyn after all led the city in new jobs. We are dealing with rising prices, but that is bringing people to new neighborhoods and communities.

BS: And now for your favorite things: Your favorite neighborhood, favorite building, and favorite project you’ve worked on for the Chamber of Commerce.

CS: Ok well I must say as for favorite project, I think explorebk.com and Brooklyn Made are my two favorite things we created in just the last year at the chamber.

As for neighborhoods, I love all of Brooklyn! But I must say Southern Brooklyn – in particular Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights and Bensonhurst are near and dear to my heart. I love when someone visits and discovers the diversity, the culture and the excitement that these neighborhoods offer.

As for favorite building, I must say as a proud Italian-American, I am very excited about Il Centro, New York City’s first Italian community and cultural center, which will open in October. It is a 45,000-square-foot facility that will shine in Bensonhurst.


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