Behind The New Myrtle Avenue Business Banners

A few weeks ago, the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership (MARP) unfurled their new banners — a new design for a new season of shopping and community on the commercial corridor, which stretches from the Fort Greene/Downtown Brooklyn border at Flatbush Avenue Extension through to the Clinton Hill/Bed-Stuy border at Classon Avenue.

Designed by MARP’s graphic department, the green-reddish orange-and-white banners depict a bent white line — representing the avenue — stretching down the length of the image, uniting both color blocks.

“This year, we decided to go with simplicity and introduce our fresh brand to the public,” explained Rebeca Ramirez, director of sponsorship and communications at MARP. “We also used our [Twitter] handle @MyrtleAveBklyn so that our community knows where to connect with us.”

The banners are an annual tradition designed to “let people know that they are in a special place,” Ramirez added. They are sponsored by local merchants and civic groups. This year’s crop of sponsors include long-time and new groups alike: Apple Bank, Corcoran Group Real Estate, St. Joseph’s College, Pratt Institute, LIU Brooklyn, Clinton Hill Simply Art & Framing Gallery, Putnam’s Pub & Cooker, and Park Ave Building Supply.

“We relaunched the program in 2014 to help raise funds for our initiatives in Arts & Culture, Food Access & Health, and Business Assistance & Attraction,” noted Ramirez. “This year we are seeking funds for the same initiatives as well as to help support our youth summer internship program that provides young people the opportunity to learn about business. Students will work with a Myrtle Avenue small business for 20 hours per week plus have classroom learning opportunities for an additional 5 hours every week.”