The Manhasset Chamber of Commerce started the day off right, on March 28, with a breakfast held at the International House of Pancakes in Manhasset. Merchants who have businesses in the 11030 zip code were invited to “Let Your Voice Be Heard” in an open session. Local government officials representing the Town of North Hempstead attended. Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Councilwoman Anna Kaplan, along with aide Sabareh Samet, spoke to the gathered merchants who feasted on delicious eggs, pancakes, hash browns and coffee while addressing vital issues that face their businesses.
Bosworth reported on the town recently being re-confirmed for a AAA bond rating from Moody’s Investor once again. The town has to apply and be vetted annually for the rating.
Bosworth and Kaplan recently revised the town zoning code with an eye towards making aspects of the building code more business friendly. They also added a section of new code requiring businesses that serve food to refrigerate their garbage, in order to prevent the appearance of rodents.
The councilwoman spoke about Manhasset being the center of the town and how she works to make sure there are monies earmarked for street repaving due to the high volume of traffic that comes to Manhasset on business.
Topics of discussion that came up at the open table included a suggestion of aggregating different community organizations, clubs, etc., to assist business members in knowing which events are popular and useful to advertise or network with. In addition, a request was made for the chamber to create a PowerPoint slide show and pamphlet so that the chamber can get word out about what the chamber does and how members can benefit.
Other things discussed were the Manhasset Chamber website having a members-only section, with a brief password, for information such as key telephone numbers and other civic leaders.
With the forecast of snow again, earnest discussion occurred about the shoveling of merchant sidewalks and cut-throughs to crosswalks being the responsibility of store owners. Attendees were once again reminded to dial 311 if they see a problem.
The discussion also included parking, business issues, sewerage, permit processing, street sweeping, watering and merchants who are closing their doors.
The next meeting open to Manhasset businesses will be the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce Business Card Exchange to be held on Wednesday, April 25, at 5:30 p.m. at Adelina Salon on Plandome Road.
