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Encore Awards

Heart of Brooklyn (HOB) is a partnership of the leading cultural institutions located near Grand Army Plaza in central Brooklyn. Founded in 2001 by Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Public Library, Prospect Park Alliance, and Prospect Park Zoo, this partnership is dedicated to promoting its unique cultural campus as a "must-see" destination to a diverse audience in Brooklyn and beyond. 

In spring 2007, American Express and Heart of Brooklyn, with the assistance of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, created Keep It Local. This unique cause-related marketing campaign was designed to expand the American Express presence in Brooklyn, drive spending at local Brooklyn merchants, and give back to the community. From May to June 2007, more than 200 local Brooklyn merchants participated in Keep It Local, and American Express donated one dollar to HOB for each card transaction during this six-week period.

Recognizing mutual business interests in providing convenient, user-friendly information, Commerce Bank is the lead sponsor of HOB’s popular Cultural Calendar, a quarterly guide to the major events and programs at all six HOB member institutions. In addition, Commerce Bank and HOB have produced special events at both the member institutions and in new Commerce Bank locations throughout the borough—engaging Brooklynites in their cultural institutions and familiarizing them with a competitive banking option in their neighborhood.