On Tuesday Februray 10, 2009, Kingsborough staff and faculty, Economic and Workforce development leaders, industry executives and currently enrolled training participants came together for the Project Welcome Economic and Workforce Summit.

Two Project Welcome graduates, Jason Szulman and Jenny Arecius discussed their experiences in Project Welcome and explained how the program helped them achieve their goals of securing employment within the industry and continuing their education. Both are currently enrolled in the Tourism and Hospitality Department at Kingsborough. Eric Pages, President and Founder of Entre Works, an economic development consulting firm discussed innovative economic development strategies as they relate to Brooklyn businesses and residents.  Dr. Pages has worked with Kingsborough Community College to develop economic and workforce development strategies in Brooklyn and surrounding communities.

Kathrine Gregory, Founder/Director of Mi Kitchen es su Kitchen   discussed her role forming strategic alliances with not-for-profits who have an existing unused kitchen space and transform them into a business incubator rental facility which generates new revenue for the host organizations. Similar to the incubator program at Kingsborough, each kitchen incubator provides a nurturing facility to encourage start-up food business clients whom she advises and places in the incubator. 

Brunch was prepared by Chef David Ritter’s Project Welcome/CUNY Young Adult Program Food Service Operations class. Instructor Judi Stern’s Hospitality Operations and Management certificate training participants attended the Summit as well.

Project Welcome Economic and Workforce Summit

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