Jean Joseph, the newly-elected president of the Brooklyn-based Caribbean-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI), says she’s “thrilled” with the success of the chamber’s inaugural “Meet and Greet,” under her presidency, on Dec. 30.
Dominican-born Joseph, a certified public accountant (CPA), who also heads the Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club, told Caribbean Life that the event, at CACCI headquarters, 2121 Caton Avenue in Flatbush, Brooklyn, “showcased the vibrancy and commitment of our community.
“The gathering highlighted our collective dedication to economic empowerment and community bonding, reflecting a legacy of visionary leadership,” said Joseph, who, in September, was elected CACCI president, succeeding Dr. Roy Hastick, the Grenadian-born CACCI’s late founder and long-standing first president, who died on April 8, 2020.
“Looking ahead, CACCI is set to roll out innovative initiatives that enhance our members’ visibility and impact through advanced technology and effective advertising,” she added. “We’re introducing tech-focused programs to keep our community businesses at the forefront of the market and developing comprehensive training and workshops to sharpen business skills and expand networks.
“These efforts are designed to drive growth and innovation among Caribbean-American enterprises,” Joseph continued.
In her introductory remarks at the ceremony – which comprised a broad cross-section of the Caribbean’s business community in New York – Joseph said she was greatly honored to “bring greetings to you at this very special time of the year.
“Not only is it the holiday season, but (it is) also the regeneration of the community service work of our great organization, Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.,” she said. “It marks a pivotal moment in our 39-year history, as we renew our focus and mission to assist with small business development in New York City.
“It was the vision of our founder, Dr. Roy A. Hastick Sr., that CACCI be an incubator that not only helps small businesses to stay alive but also provide access to growth and development to those that were already thriving,” Joseph added. “Over the years, the organization has been true to that mission, with numerous success stories to our credit.”
As a small business owner herself, Joseph said she is “acutely aware of the challenges it takes to keep a business afloat, particularly in today’s economy.
“In every way, the world around us has changed from what it was three decades ago in 1985, when CACCI was born,” she said. “But one thing that has remained constant is that small business continues to be the backbone of the US economy.
“As only the second president in the history of CACCI, I am committed to marshalling all forces, so that we put renewed strength in that backbone,” Joseph pledged. “This meet-and-greet today is an opportunity for us to begin creating the kind of linkages that will be necessary for the furtherance of the work needed to be done in this sphere of endeavor.”
In using one of the favorite expressions of the late Dr. Hastick, Joseph reminded the audience that “networking works.”
“I wish you all a bright, prosperous and joyous new year of creating opportunities, building partnerships and working toward a better future for all of us,” she said.
A graduate of Pace University in New York, where she received a baccalaureate of science in accounting and later attained her status as a CPA, Joseph is an expert in tax planning, estate, trust and gift tax.
She served as a manager for several blue-chip tax firms that oversaw the preparation and review of financial statements for companies of various complexities. She specializes in the audit and taxation of not-for profit organizations.
Joseph said she has worked for American Express & Business Services; served as a manager in the Tax Department at Goldstein, Golub, & Kessler; and worked as a CPA for Anchin, Block and Anchin, as well as for Lionel Lewis.
She is the sole proprietor of Joseph Tax and Consulting Services LLC and the CEO of Joseph Tax and Consulting Services 1, Inc. – both in Brooklyn – excelling in servicing an array of clients, including individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations.
Her corporation received the Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprise Award from New York State Department of Economic Development.
In 2007, Joseph was inducted by CACCI as a business visionary and member, and served as an executive member on the board of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants for the Queens/Brooklyn Chapter.
She is also the past president of Queens/Brooklyn Chapter of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, as well as ambassador-at-large for two years.
Joseph sits on the Foundation for Accounting Education (FAE) Committee and The Relationship with the Internal Revenue Service Committee of New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants.
A past president of the Brooklyn-based West Indian Day Carnival Association, Inc., Joseph currently serves as treasurer of the Kings County Democratic Committee, and chairperson and 4th vice president of the Brooklyn-based Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club.
Jerry K. Adinkra, co-founder and chairperson of the Brooklyn-based African Heritage Affairs Committee, told Caribbean Life that he was “thrilled” to attend CACCI’s “Meet and Greet.”
“The energy was electric, and the networking opportunities were invaluable,” he said. “Surrounded by amazing professionals and entrepreneurs, I’m filled with optimism for the future.
“This new era, marked by the chamber’s new location, presents a fresh chance for us to support each other’s businesses and initiatives to connect the Caribbean, America and Africa through meaningful partnerships, (and) foster economic growth, cultural exchange and collaboration to break barriers and unleash our collective potential,” Adinkra added.
Among other attendees were Norine Medas; Joan and Hassian Bakirridin; Lincoln and Melanie Casimir; Karen Chambers; Gabriel Rosario; Kamla Millwood; Christopher Leon Johnson; Dr. Monica Sanchez; and New York City Council Member Rita Joseph, the Haitian-born representative for the 40th Council District in Brooklyn; as well as a plethora of small business entrepreneurs in the city.
Besides Jean Joseph, CACCI Board Members comprise: Michele Rannie, Esq.; Bishop Cecil Riley; Balfour Peart; Rolanda Telesford Hastick; and Dr. Ken Irish-Bramble.
