We have been so busy here at the chamber I almost missed the Spring President’s Message! What has been keeping our board and members so engaged? Here are some highlights:

SpringFest – Our annual community event (held in the spring for the second year) proved to be bigger and better this year. Perfect weather helped for sure. From the minute it opened at 10am, people came streaming into the Mid-Island Y JCC parking area. Because it wasn’t too hot, they stayed to take advantage of all the festival had to offer; great kids’ activities, a mix of vendors to buy from and fun food to keep everyone satisfied.

Of course a big draw this year was the addition of the dunk tanks. Kudos to SpringFest chair Eric Molbegat for the idea and for getting some of POB’s most “famous” business owners, school staff and others to take the plunge. Special thanks to the Plainview Fire Department for filling the tanks the night before – and to deputy chief Cohen for being a good sport too!

SpringFest couldn’t be the successful event it is without the full support of our gracious host, the JCC. Thank you again to CEO Rick Lewis and the JCC staff who were so consistently accommodating and helpful. It was a real team effort.  Read more here

Changes to Our Board – At the May membership meeting and elections, three new board members were welcomed: Shoshana Ellihou Cellers, Sassy Gal Media; Zehava Friedman, Coldwell Banker American Homes and Ted Kramer, Lawn * Doctor. These three chamber members expressed interest in taking on various leadership roles in the organization including treasurer, social media and networking. I am excited for their enthusiasm right from the start and look forward to working with them to make the chamber even stronger and ultimately boost our area’s small businesses.

As happy as we are to welcome new board members, we are sad to see several step down. We all recognize that their efforts over time have fortified the organization for years to come. Thank you to Gary Epstein (past president), Alan Goldberg (executive vice president), Ned Marzigliano (treasurer) and Elan Wurtzel (past president) for your valuable service to the POB Chamber.  Read more here

Looking Ahead – March with us in the Memorial Day Parade this coming Monday! While technically not our event, the chamber is always proud to participate as one of the many POB organizations showing respect for those who sacrificed for our country. Details here

Don’t miss our annual June BBQ lunch meeting! Join us on the 21^st at the town park on Washington Avenue at noon. (Register here) For the second year in a row, Coliseum Kitchen & Caterers will be grilling on site for us. In addition to a fun afternoon of networking, the chamber will present a check to its outgoing charity, The Sophia Valsamos Foundation. I know that many of you consistently contributed to our raffles these past 10 months and we at the chamber and the charity are very appreciative. Though a small component overall of what the chamber does, our charitable effort for local people in need is one of the most important and the most rewarding. A new charity will be selected over the summer and announced at our September membership meeting.

Hope to see you at our upcoming meetings and events!

Sincerely,

David Weinstein

POB Chamber President