Mayor de Blasio Celebrates Opening of New Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce at Caton Flats

Mayor Recognizes Visionary behind New Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce Office, Presents Special Honor to Family

BROOKLYN, NY—Mayor de Blasio joined community members, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and elected officials today at Flatbush Caton Market in Brooklyn to recognize and honor Dr. Roy Hastick at the grand opening of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) headquarters. Dr. Hastick, who founded CACCI in 1985, was the visionary and strong advocate for building CACCI office space near a bustling market to help Caribbean-American vendors and small business owners with development, trade, and investment opportunities between the United States and the Caribbean.

“Dr. Roy Hastick was a tireless advocate who worked to promote small businesses and deepen ties between New York City and the Caribbean,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “His legacy lives on in the new permanent headquarters of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Caton Flats Market, spaces that will spur our small businesses’ recovery and bring us back stronger than before.”

“Dr. Hastick’s vision was always to promote small business development, trade and investment opportunities between the United States and the Caribbean. This space is critical in strengthening Brooklyn's Caribbean American, African American and other minority communities economic power. In collaboration with other community leaders, elected officials, city regulatory agencies, the developers and the community at large, today we are able to see the vision come to pass, to the City of New York this space is a gift for you,” said Renee Hastick-Motes, daughter of Dr. Roy A. Hastick Sr.

“Strong communities and empowered small businesses are the key to New York City’s success. Caton Flats Market represents the fruits of a successful cross-sector collaboration, which honors the late Dr. Roy Hastick and his leadership of Brooklyn’s vibrant Caribbean-American community,” said Housing and Economic Deputy Mayor Vicki Been. “By listening to and partnering with our community leaders, New York City charges toward a true Recovery For All of Us.”

“We are proud to honor Dr. Hastick’s legacy with the opening of CACCI’s new offices at Caton Flats,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Rachel Loeb. “This new space will realize Dr. Hastick’s vision for CACCI and continue to provide Brooklyn’s small businesses and entrepreneurs with the resources, tools, and trainings necessary to help them thrive.”

“The grand opening of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) headquarters is one of the ways we are making our City better by bringing opportunity and economic activity to communities,” said Jonnel Doris, Commissioner NYC Department of Small Business Services. “It’s exciting to see the work of such an important community leader and mentor Dr. Roy Hastick come to fruition as we honor his legacy today. This new space will go a long way in serving the Caribbean American community, aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses across Brooklyn and the City as they embark on fulling their dreams and aspirations. Thank you to the Hastick family and to the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry for being great partners in getting this done.”

NYCEDC, partnering with the City and a coalition of community organizations, transformed the space with the help of BRP Companies.

At the new office, CACCI will continue to offer:

• Business development and networking opportunities with the public and private sectors
• Free on-site confidential small business counseling services and technical assistance
• Minority and women owned business, financial literacy, and business service seminars
• Assistance with increasing Caribbean based exports to New York City

“For nearly 40 years, the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) has been a tremendous resource that has made the American Dream a reality for marginalized populations. The entrepreneurial path in New York City was opened to all, regardless of race or gender, because of Dr. Roy Hastick, Sr. Today, we are celebrating a new chapter that honors his legacy while building upon his profound commitment to equity and representation. The new CACCI headquarters is perfectly positioned in the heart of the vibrant Caribbean community in Flatbush to support vendors and small business owners. This continued partnership is integral to helping immigrant, minority, and women-owned businesses access more opportunities while navigating the supply chain impasse as international borders reopen,” said Council Member Farah N. Louis, Vice-Chair of the Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus.

“The Grand Opening of The Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry Headquarters at Caton Flats Development is a very important occasion for the community,” said Council Member Eugene Mathieu. “This is a project that I have supported and advocated for for many years, and it is an extension of my deep and longstanding commitment to helping small businesses in my district and throughout our city achieve success. This space represents the vision that Dr. Roy Hastick and I shared for the continued growth of the Caribbean business community at the local level, and I am pleased to have spearheaded the completion of this project, one that I believe will have a long term impact in the success of our entrepreneurs. We have to work together for this new space to demonstrate the value in public and private partnerships that can empower local business owners to bring their passion and hard work to this community.”

In addition to the CACCI headquarters, the ground floor will be home to Flatbush Caton Market, featuring upgraded amenities for the Market’s existing small business owners, expanded space for food vendors including a bar, café, and commercial kitchen, as well as flexible classroom space for business trainings and workshops for the community.

About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that creates shared prosperity across New York City by strengthening neighborhoods and creating good jobs. We work with and for communities to bring emerging industries to New York City; develop spaces and facilities for businesses; empower New Yorkers through training and skill-building; and invest in sustainable and innovative projects that make the city a great place to live and work. To learn more about what we do, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.