Greenpoint is the northernmost neighborhood in Brooklyn. A former industrial and maritime neighborhood, it was once home to Polish and Irish immigrants. It is bordered by famous neighborhoods like Williamsburg and Bushwick. Greenpoint is a comfortable neighborhood with a strong Polish presence. Its enchanting townhouses and cramped shops instill its lanes with a feeling of inviting nature. To educate small businesses about tourism in the area, we partnered with Airbnb and the North Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and hosted our fourth Small Business Social event in the neighborhood with the presence of art and design.
During the meet-up, Airbnb hosts and business owners learned how they could contribute to communities like Greenpoint, Williamsburg, and Bushwick by encouraging and offering tourists local suggestions of places to eat, shop, and play. Local businesses like Anella, a neighborhood restaurant composed of two narrow rooms flanking a massive bar that was originally a work table from the Steinway piano factory; Café Grumpy, an independently-owned and operated coffee company that promotes specialty coffee from sourcing, to roasting, to brewing in a socially and environmentally responsible manner; and Broadway Stages, one of New York’s largest full-service film and television production companies.
The event took place at the Brooklyn Expo Center – a unique physical structure that boasts a beautiful glass exterior and a large open floor plan that can be used as a whole or divided to create multiple rooms for smaller functions. The event was on the same date as BKLYN DESIGNS – Brooklyn’s premier design event showcasing a cross section of design, architecture, and art.
Here are some great pictures. If you missed our event, make sure not to miss our next meetup in Sunset Park!
Businesses and hosts begin to arrive.
Photos courtesy of Airbnb
Many thanks to Café Grumpy for catering our event and for keeping us well-nourished with their treats and specialty coffee. Café Grumpy is known for their specialty coffee that is sourced, roasted, and brewed in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. And the best thing is that they are certified Brooklyn-Made!
Photos courtesy of Airbnb
Treats from Café Grumpy, including coffee, waffles, muffins, croissants, and water.
Photos courtesy of Airbnb
Connor, North Brooklyn Community Organizer and Sanna from Airbnb
Photos courtesy of Airbnb
Business owners and hosts mingle at the Brooklyn Expo Center.
Photos courtesy of Airbnb
Airbnb hosts showcase their art work.
Photos courtesy of Airbnb
Local businesses and Airbnb hosts networking together.
Photos courtesy of Airbnb
Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Andrew Hoan emcees the event and invites Hon. Joseph R. Lentol, New York State Assembly member for the 50th District. In his role, he is responsible for making decisions and advocating for funds and activities in Brooklyn.
Photos courtesy of Airbnb
Paul Salmuski – president of the North Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and vice president creative/marketing for the East River Ferry and NY Waterway.
Photos courtesy of Airbnb
Diana Zelvin serves on the board of the North Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, and on the executive board of PS84’s PTA. She is a coach, business advisor and psychotherapist, she helps people clarify their visions, act, and achieve their goals.
Photos courtesy of Airbnb
An Airbnb host shares her story with the group during the speaking program.
Photos courtesy of Airbnb
Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Director of Brooklyn Tourism and Business Relationships Mariela Estrella emcees the event.
Photos courtesy of Airbnb
An Airbnb host brought her own artwork to be displayed.
Photos courtesy of Airbnb
Airbnb hosts brought their own artwork to be displayed.
Photos courtesy of Airbnb