El Caribe was buzzing with excitement at the Ponce Bank Best of Brooklyn 2024 VIP Winners Event on Thursday, which brought together Brooklyn’s finest businesses and community leaders for an unforgettable evening of networking and celebration.
The sold-out event, held from 6 to 9 p.m., featured a night of gourmet food, refreshing drinks, live entertainment, and invaluable networking opportunities in a vibrant, elegant setting.
The program is made possible by naming sponsor Ponce Bank. Carlos Naudon, president and CEO of Ponce Bank, expressed enthusiasm for the event — and the annual competition it celebrates.
“It was a real pleasure to sponsor this event. To us, small businesses are the real heart of America,” Naudon said. “Before my tenure at Ponce, I had my own business for almost 40 years. I knew what it took to run a small business, and that’s why we engaged in numerous activities for small businesses. Congratulations to all of you — Brooklyn is the best.”
A record-breaking amount of votes had been cast for the honorees in the 2024 Best of Brooklyn Competition, making it increasingly competitive year to year. The contest is hosted annually by Schneps Media, which publishes amNY, Brooklyn Paper, Bay News, Bay Ridge Courier, Park Slope Courier, and numerous other publications across the five boroughs and Long Island.
Community Board 18 District Manager Sue Ann Partnow praised Ponce Bank’s dedication to the community.
“I love Brooklyn; everything is the best when it’s in Brooklyn. We thanked Schneps Media for their support. I had the pleasure of working with Ponce Bank — they’ve been wonderful and extremely community-minded,” she said.
Sharon Leid, director for community engagement and external affairs at One Brooklyn Health, highlighted the event’s value for networking. “Attending the event was a great opportunity to connect with other small businesses and learn about their growth needs,” Leid said.
Randy Peers, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce — the borough’s business-boosting arm — celebrated Kings County’s dynamic business scene.
“Brooklyn is the best of the best,” Peers said. “The Brooklyn Chamber was happy to support this event and extend congratulations to all the winners.”
As guests arrived, they were treated to samples from Best Bagel winner; Highway Bagels. Alberto Pernicone and staff doled out samples of bagels, cookies and pastries along with a myriad of delicious spreads.
“The Best of Brooklyn event brought together a fantastic group of people,” added Alberto from Highway Bagels in Sheepshead Bay. “Being surrounded by such excellence motivates you to continue being your best. Thank you for including us.”
Many business owners and leaders, like winner Debra Mirabella from Max Challenge in Bay Ridge, took the opportunity to celebrate their companies. Max Challenge recently marked a major milestone.
“It was our eight-year business anniversary, and we were honored to be named the best gym in Brooklyn for the past five years,” Mirabella said. “We strive to help our members lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilled lives.”
Winner John J. Ciafone, recognized as the best attorney and injury lawyer, extended his thanks to Schneps Media. “I appreciated Schneps Media for the Best of Brooklyn voting and for recognizing us as winners.”
Winner Darvin Lau, owner and founder of Bay Ridge School of Music, also shared his excitement. “The Bay Ridge School of Music was thrilled to be part of Best of Brooklyn. It was an honor to be included in such a prestigious event.”
Dr. Milenda Keller, founder and director of Brooklyn’s Spine Center, emphasized the community impact.
“Being here for the fifth year in a row was wonderful. Meeting fellow business owners reinforced our commitment to helping and serving the community in various ways,” Dr. Keller said. “Our goal is to assist individuals in achieving better health naturally through chiropractic care.”
The evening concluded with an elegant dinner, hors-d’oeuvres, extra copies of the printed Winners Guide and several giveaways including tickets to the NY Food & Wine Festival and Spa/Salon Treatments from VSK Exclusive.
The 2025 Ponce Bank Best of Brooklyn Nominations are now open at BestofBK.com. You can like and follow the program on social media @BESTOFBROOKLYN
With reporting by Ramy Mahmoud
