I stand on Old Country Road looking east to the horizon. What do I see? Mounds of snow and ice that refuse to melt! Ugh! Noted author Hal Borland wrote, “No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” While this wintry weather may be good for my personal injury practice, I’m ready for a change. It’s early March–the edge of winter–but I can see the beginning of Spring (no, I’m not a groundhog!) It’s coming and it’s going to get warmer, brighter and sunnier! That’s a metaphor for our Chamber–we’re getting warmer, brighter and sunnier.
We have new programs, new ideas, new members and great energy. Our Chamber has really grown in the past year due to the efforts of so many people. Several years ago we had a multi-chamber networking event (4 chambers) at the Bethpage Golf Course clubhouse and filled the room; just a month ago, our Chamber alone filled the room. At the end of 2014, our membership peaked at 140. As of today, we’ve exceeded that number and stand at 147 members strong–and we’re continuing to grow.
We have a new website that allows each of us to create our own custom page (Don’t forget to do it! Click here to start). We’ve started Focus Groups for members in the Retail, Health Care and Finance/Banking industries. We’re increasing networking opportunities amongst our own members and with other Chambers and networking groups. We’re bringing interesting and different speakers to our meetings. At our next meeting on March 18th Jeff Goldberg will present an exciting program on increasing sales & business. How do you do it in a competitive and challenging environment? Come to the meeting and find out. We’re also in the midst of organizing a Long Island-wide program with other Chamber and community groups, with the assistance of Congressman Steve Israel, about the future of Long Island. It will focus on what our region needs to do to grow, remain competitive and attract people who want to live, work and do business on Long Island. A New Members’ Breakfast is being held on March 25th.
As you probably have heard, Leonard Nimoy just passed away. Iconic as Star Trek’s Mr. Spock, he famously said, “Live long and prosper.” Great words to aspire to. Our Chamber will continue to innovate and work to help each of us be as successful as we can be. We want you to Bring it! Get involved; share your ideas; do business with Chamber members; let’s get to know each other and develop relationships that will lead to success!
Don’t forget to join us for our next meeting on March 18th and share in the benefits and value provided by the Chamber! Live long and prosper! Spring is coming!!
