Representative Clarke And Internet Association Visit Brooklyn To See The Benefits The Internet Brings To The Local Community

Brooklyn, NY – Internet Association (IA) and Representative Yvette Clarke (D-NY-9) today hosted an Internet Community Crawl in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY. The group visited four local businesses and community organizations to discuss how the internet has helped the community grow and thrive.

“The internet sector contributes real economic and social value to cities and neighborhoods like Crown Heights all across the country,” said Michael Beckerman, IA President & CEO. “Online platforms and services allow local businesses and organizations to connect with customers around the globe, to achieve their missions, to hire new workers, and to boost the local economy. I want to thank Rep. Clarke for attending today’s crawl in Crown Heights and appreciate her continued leadership and advocacy on internet policies that help New Yorkers and Americans succeed.”

“Brooklyn has one of the nation’s fastest growing business communities. Entrepreneurs from around the world take root here to grow their businesses. I look forward to meeting with Crown Heights small business owners, receiving their earnest feedback, and bringing my findings back to Washington.”

The internet economy supports 10 percent of New York’s economy and directly employs more than 216,000 New Yorkers, according to Internet Association research.

Internet Association and Rep. Clarke heard firsthand the positive impact the internet has on the local community in Crown Heights. The tour started at Freshly Baked Studios, where the owner Alexander Almgren discussed how the internet is enabling his studio to reach a wider audience with the music they produce. Next was Domo Taco, a visit that highlighted how the internet allows the restaurant to stay connected with its customers and improved its “take out” service with online orders. The executive director at viBe Theater Experience, Toya Lillard, underscored the impact of the internet on spreading the group’s message of empowering young women to find their voice through theater and musical performances. Finally, at Berg’n, a community beer hall, participants talked about the importance of internet-enabled innovation that brings the community together.

Additional attendees included Internet Association member company representatives.

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