It's a new year and time for a new faces. The New City Chamber of Commerce installed a new directors at its Sunday meeting, which was also its 2011 Annual Holiday Party. There was food, music, dancing and opportunities to network at in New City.
“The Chamber of Commerce has been a great partner of the town government,” said Clarkstown Town Supervisor Alex Gromack, referring to the downtown revitalization of New City. “They were instrumental in encouraging new businesses to come to New City and even upgrading current businesses."
“We had an excellent holiday season,” said President of the Chamber of Commerce and Owner of Original Designs Steve Weissblatt. “We’ve been busier than ever and it seems to be the general consensus of retail across the board.”
Current members were sworn into new positions and the chamber welcomed one new face: Roberta Adao.
Executive Officers—Board of Directors 2012
- President: Steve Weissblatt
- Vice President: Michael Di Bella
- Recording Secretary: Paul Kahn
- Treasurer: Gary Oteri
The executive officers serve a one-year term.
2012 Board of Directors:
- Roberta Adao - One-year term
- Scott Milich - Two-year term
- Sandra Szpicek-Leylegian - Two-year term
- Roxanne Perrone - Two-year term
- Gillian Ballard - Three-year term
- Robert Barilli - Three-year term
- Dori McMaster - Three-year term
Several community members were recognized for their contributions to the organization:
- Joe Simonetti—for his service on the Board of the New City Chamber of Commerce 2011
- Sarah Arras—in appreciation for her hard work and dedication to the New City Chamber of Commerce 2011
- Gillian E. Ballard—for her many years of service to the New City Chamber of Commerce 2011
- Robert Barilli—for his service as treasurer of the New City Chamber of Commerce 2011
- Roxanne Perrone—for her outstanding performance organizing special events for the New City Chamber of Commerce 2011
The main concern on the minds of New City business owners is how to keep their businesses acessible during the revitalization period. Phase One was completed and Phase Two starting at Third Street will begin in April.
“I have a business that was in the first phase,” said Gary Oteri of Gary and Co. “I went through it the first time. You know, you’ve got to get through it but the end result is marvelous.”
"We anticipate that Phase Two will go much smoother than the first phase and I think the residents are starting to realize how beautiful New City will be,” said Gromack.
“The is a wonderful organization," said Senator David Carlucci. "It’s the business owners teaming up and saying that this is the vision they want for New City. They help the elected officials and the people in the community keep that vision intact."
The Chamber of Commerce members played an important role in the last year and they plan to host two fairs this year.
"Last year's street fair was a great success," said Weissblatt. "We actually had to turn vendors away and it brought a lot of people into the community. It did so well that we decided to hold two this year."
