The Manhasset Chamber Evolves

The Manhasset Chamber of Commerce was established in January 1935 as a means of obtaining improved business conditions in Manhasset. Arthur J. Deering, a prominent real estate broker, was the first chairman. Today, Manhasset resident T.J. Costello, owner of Hierarchy Architects, and Stephanie Solomon, owner of Chocolate Works, are the co-presidents of the 2018 Manhasset Chamber of Commerce, working with committee members to continue this important mission. The dynamics of business have changed as well as the physical presence with the help of the Internet. As businesses have changed, so has the chamber, with the introduction of a new level of membership offered called Beautify Manhasset.

The chamber has always been at the forefront of beautifying Manhasset. With the “Welcome To Manhasset” sign at Mary Jane Davies Park, co-sponsored with the Manhasset Greater Civic Association and the Adopt-A-Pole campaign, which pays for the hanging baskets located on the poles of Plandome Road, the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce wants to welcome all who live, visit and work here. Donations are sought annually to transform Plandome Road with flowers in all its splendor. The Beautify Manhasset membership that is offered to the public for $45 enables the chamber to decorate for the fall and winter and plant flowers and foliage in the new planters which decorate the road. Energies for the vast undertaking are under the leadership of the chamber’s Beautification committee. With the invaluable assistance of the Town of North Hempstead to keep the hanging plants and now the new planters watered and blooming throughout the season, Plandome Road is a definite destination.

The chamber educates its membership by inviting government officials to meetings. The Town of North Hempstead Building Department officials were invited to speak recently. Deputy Commissioner Glenn Norjen and Supervisor Judi Bosworth’s Residents Advocate Lauren Summa spoke to business owners and residents regarding the role and responsibilities of the building department. The Deputy Commissioner clarified that Plandome Road is a Town of North Hempstead road in business “B” district. Northern Boulevard is a New York State road, in business “A” district.

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“The chamber encourages people to shop local and foster personal relationships to allow for repeat business and referrals,” says Stephanie Solomon.

The chamber also hears the Manhasset’s business community voice by holding breakfasts, lunches in the park and the fabulously successful business card exchanges.

“Manhasset was built on these independent businesses and they need our support,” says longtime chamber member Katie Miller.

Promoting shop small, shop local, every store, merchant and business owner is invited to be a part of this powerful homegrown organization which partners with an even larger and more powerful organization, the Nassau County Chambers of Commerce, each year selecting a business which would be named Business of the Year.

To learn more about what the Manhasset Chamber is doing in the days ahead or to become involved in the chamber, visit www.manhassetny.org or email info@manhassetny.org.