This year the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce (MCOC) will be led by co-presidents Stephanie Solomon, owner of Chocolate Works, and Elizabeth Johnson, editor of the Manhasset Press of Anton Media Group. What is amazing about these women is that this is not their first career. Both women came from very different backgrounds. Solomon was a legal eagle, and Johnson, a former banker. Both have led successful careers and love to work hard, but have chosen family and a moderately-hectic lifestyle over the daily grind of the city.
The two copresidents were sworn into office by Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth on Jan. 16 at the Chamber Installation Luncheon held at Plandome Country Club. Also sworn in were Matthew Donno of Douglas Elliman as vice president, William Hannan of Hampton Risk Management Insurers as secretary, Carol Dunning as legal counsel, Rafaella Marciari of J.P. Morgan Chase as treasurer and T.J. Costello of Hierarchy Architects as past president.
“The Manhasset Chamber of Commerce was formed in January 1935 and 84 years later we are still here working on our original mission of obtaining improved business conditions,” said Johnson, who was the master of ceremonies. The event had one of the largest gatherings of merchants, business owners, nonprofit organizations and elected officials with 79 members and 11 prospective members. Also in attendance were former Senator Elaine Phillips, Sabareh Samet representing Senator Anna Kaplan, Anne Kryzankowski from NYS Assemblyman D’Urso’s office, Board of Education President Regina Rule, Manhasset Park District Commissioners Mark Sauvigne, David Paterson and Ken Weigand, Manhasset Fire and Water District commissioners Steven Flynn and Brian Morris and Village of Plandome Manor Mayor Barbara Donno.
“Elizabeth and I believe in the purpose and mission of the Chamber and its business enhancing initiatives,” said Solomon after the swearing-in ceremony. “The networking events, educational opportunities and business advocacy campaigns all help promote and further the small business. This helps our community be strong and be a desired place to live and raise a family. It is our mission to continue to build the chamber and increase the benefits of being a member of the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce. However, we can not do it alone. We encourage you to get involved.”
Also sworn in was the executive committee: C.J. Coleman, Nancy Morris, Haroun Hassouni, Sam Lund, Diane Harragan, Lenny Southiseng, Esther Miller and Robert Donno.
C.J. Papa, anchorman for FIOS 1 morning news, was the guest speaker. He spoke about the three issues facing Manhasset: parking, permitting and waste water management. His speech focused on waste water management and the current study being done, which is sponsored by the Manhasset Water District and the Great Neck Pollution Control Board.
The event also introduced the winner of the annual poster contest. Nancy Morris, the chairwoman of the poster contest, introduced Luke Falco, a fourth-grader from Munsey Park as the overall winner of last year’s contest. Falco received a huge basket from Chocolate Works as the grand prize for his efforts. In addition, Morris highlighted the amazing effort of Chris Roditis, a former multi-time winner of the event, who returns each year to assist in the voting process. Roditis received a gift card for his efforts. The event was filmed by FIOS 1 and can be viewed on www.manhassetpress.com.
For more chamber news, visit www.manhassetny.org or email info@manhassetny.org. Members need not be a business to join the chamber; individuals are welcome to join for $65. If you are an LLC or run a business out of your home, you can join as a business for $100. If you do not want to actively participate but wish to be part of the beautification effort, join as a “Beautification Member” for $45.
