What a Summer!
Labor Day has come and the summer is almost unofficially over. What a summer it was! The news never stopped startling—international, national and local happenings. While we catch our breath, we can see a vista in front of us—what it will bring, how it will affect us or how we’ll react, we can’t quite make it out. But, ready we’ll be.
Amongst the many startling events of the summer were the despicable acts of hate in Charlottesville and the reactions (or non-reactions) by some. When it comes to bias, prejudice or hatred there can be no moral equivalency or equivocation. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said that, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
In August, the Mid-Island Y-JCC hosted a Break the Hate rally to demonstrate against hatred and to promote tolerance and respect among all people, of all faiths, colors and backgrounds. The auditorium was standing room only.
I was proud to attend and proud of our community which welcomes diversity, tolerance and respect. As a Chamber, I think we mirror these qualities in our businesses and strive to adhere to high ethical standards of business. Each of us should be very proud of our standing in the community and the high quality services we provide.
Hopefully, our achievements as a business community will be recognized in the voting for Best Chamber sponsored by BFCU’s Best of Long Island. Did you vote? Once or 100 times? Hopefully lots! We’ll see if we get a nomination and the recognition that we deserve!
We have exciting events in the works in the coming weeks and months. September 12th is a networking event hosted by Main Event. Come down for drinks and hor’s doeuvres and schmooze. Meet and connect with fellow members. What’s better than eating, drinking and talking? Alan Goldberg and the Networking Committee are planning future networking events that can’t be missed. Watch for the news!
Don’t forget about our General Meeting on Monday, September 18th @ 7:30 am at the Marriott Residence Inn. This is going to a special event, featuring Congressman Tom Suozzi as our headline speaker. This is the first time ever that our Chamber is hosting a Federal official at one of our meetings—don’t miss out. What also makes this a special event is that the meeting is a joint one with the Syosset-Woodbury Chamber of Commerce. Under the direction of their new president, Charo Ezdrin [who’s also a member of our Chamber], Syosset-Woodbury is experiencing a rebirth. Charo has cited our Chamber as her model in reshaping their organization. High praise indeed! Come on down on September 18th and let’s start the year off strong!
This summer the Festival Committee, under the leadership of Fred Morante, has been working hard to plan our October 1st Festival (Fall Festival, Arts, Crafts & More!) It’s going to be a great day (sunny too!). We have a new promoter bringing in better quality vendors that hand design/hand-make their products, more food vendors, and great entertainment. Our Sponsors have been fantastic supporting us and we’re lucky to have them partner with the Chamber in making the Festival a great event. It’s not too late to be a Sponsor or place a Journal Ad–CLICK HERE for more information and to get started.
Kudos to Howard Rosenthal and Andrew Lamkin and the Golf Committee for organizing last month’s outing. The sun was shining, the temperatures were perfect and everyone had a fantastic time! What made the event successful (besides the weather and golfers) were all the committee members who worked hard to make the day a great event, including members of the Westbury-Carle Place Chamber with whom we teamed up. Good business people certainly know how to organize exciting events!
Get involved; come to meetings and events. Join a committee. Network and connect—it’s how you’re going to meet people and eventually do business with fellow members. We want your energy and we want your ideas. You won’t be disappointed. You Gotta Be In It, To Win It!
While the vista in front of us isn’t crystal clear, I know it’s going to be bright, filled with challenges that we’ll meet together, with the promise of an exciting future!
Looking forward to seeing everyone soon!