Celebracion del Barrio: A Memorable Gala Event
By and For An East Harlem Business and Economic Development Institution

By William Gerena Rochet
Special to East Harlem Preservation, December 5, 2007

The East Harlem Business and Capital Corporation (EHBCC) had an amazing social event, “Celebracion Del Barrio,” on Wednesday, November 28th with its fundraiser and tribute to members of the community held at Chevrolet Saturn of East Harlem. The automobile showroom became the showcase of great cuisine and music as well of notable personalities. The event added to the good-feelings of the holiday season and of what unity and people solidarity can accomplish in a microcosm of the city that gives proof of what makes New York City great.

Billed as an “Evening of Latin Jazz and a taste of East Harlem,” it could best be described as an evening of the varied delicious tastes from the amazing array of cuisines and sweets by the community restaurants and caterers, and an evening of Puerto Rican roots music — the Plena-Bomba sounds of Tato Torres and Yerbabuena, followed with renowned pianist and band leader Eddie Palmieri and his Latin Jazz and Salsa assemble.

“Oh, my goodness, the food is incredible and I just want continue to sample everything,” said Sylvia Quiñones, a cottage industry wine maker. “Wow, I came here to network and once Eddie Palmieri started playing, I just wanted to dance nonstop,” said Julio Pabón, President of Latinos Sports Ventures. Mary Otero, a Columbian native said, “Yerbabuena’s music is an incredible blend of Africa, Spain and Native Taino culture that makes me proud my daughters are also of Puerto Rican Heritage.”

It was also an evening of recognition called “The First Trailblazers Award” honoring former New York State Senator Olga Mendez, Edwin Rodriguez, Business Owner of the Year and owner of Caribbean Food Implements, Michelle Cruz, new business owner of East Harlem Café and Gloria Denard, Founder and President of Manna House.

EHBCC was founded in 1997 by former State Senator Olga A. Mendez, who now serves as Honorary Chair of the Board of Directors. Unfortunately the Honorable Olga Mendez was not able to attend due to illness.

State Senator Bill Perkins welcomed the attendees. Councilwoman Melissa Mark Viverito, State Assembly Adam Clayton Powell IV, and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer were present to acknowledge the contributions of EHBCC. In a video presentation, US House of Representatives Charles Rangel greeted the audience, lauded the work of EHBCC and even sent his regards to Eddie Palmieri.

EHBCC is an organization whose mission is to enhance the economy and commerce of East Harlem. They provide comprehensive business development services that help home-grown businesses satisfy the needs and wants of the growing consumer market in El Barrio. These services – include loans, business training classes, and one-on-one technical assistance – to help give local businesses the strength they need to compete with other commercial districts in New York City. In this way EHBCC strives to ensure that local businesses and entrepreneurs participate in and benefit from East Harlem's ongoing revitalization. 

EHBCC's entrepreneurial training programs provide local aspiring entrepreneurs and current business owners with the information they need to operate their businesses in an effective way. During the 16-week, 18-session interactive course, participants learn about the key elements of starting and running a business. Courses are offered in English and Spanish.  Participants receive certificates that celebrate their accomplishment upon completing the course requirements that includes a business plan for their business concept and a four-minute presentation to a panel of local bankers.

In addition to a pre-startup business sessions to determine how far a person needs to go with their business concept, EHBCC offers and array of seminars and workshops. These are:

• A 15-hour food handler’s certification course.
• Financial Literacy Workshop
• Women in Business Seminars and
• Technology Training that includes such topics as:
  • Quick Books,
  • Microsoft Office Suite,
  • Computer Literacy (very basic for beginners) and
  • Navigating the Internet.

Loan Program: provides small business loans - from $500 to $50,000 - on a competitive basis to existing and start-up retail, service and industrial business located within East Harlem.

Anyone interested in participating should contact Edwin Nieves EHBCC at 212.427.6590 or by email (Enieves@ehbcc.org) for more details on EHBCC visit www.ehbcc.org.