On Saturday, November 26th, the Rockaway Parkway Merchants Corridor Association (RPMA) held its Second Annual Small Business Saturday expo on Rockaway Parkway and Glenwood Road, near the “L” train. The purpose was to promote support for the Rockaway Parkway merchants, as well as showcase Rockaway Parkway and the surrounding area as a shopping destination.
The event was held in collaboration with elected officials, State Senator Roxanne Persaud, Assemblywomen Jaime Williams and Monique Chandler-Waterman, and Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse. It was also supported by community partners, My Time Inc., Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Leaders Engaged In All-Round Development (LEAD*INT), Millennium Development, 69th Precinct, CCD and Capital One Bank.
Representatives from TriniJam, Sylk Cove, Golden Crust, Hyatt and Company Financial Consulting LLC and LEAD*INT provided information about financial planning and the importance of supporting local businesses. Jennifer Viechweg-Horsford, founder of LEAD*INT, did a financial literacy presentation. The guests were given advice on how to budget properly and spend wisely. “It’s all about striking a balance,” Viechweg-Horsford told them. “Focus on your needs and not on your wants.” She also explained various ways in which they could support area merchants during the busy holiday season.
Financial advisor, Dannette Sullivan-Hyatt, President of Hyatt and Company, held one-on-one sessions with guests and passersby. She explained the different types of bank accounts – personal and business savings, as well as checking, and why one might be a better fit for a customer, as opposed to the other.
At the end of the sessions, shoppers along the corridor had the opportunity to redeem their receipts for attractive prizes while enjoying light refreshments and entertainment from a local DJ.
