A simple, yet smart, business decision for any local business is to become a member in their local Chamber of Commerce. Almost every area has one, usually charging a nominal fee to join, but the benefits are endless. One key benefit is the opportunity to network with other businesses and service providers. Again, simple yet smart.
Within the last few years, a new trend has been on the rise amongst these chambers of commerce. They are joining together with two or three neighboring chambers and hosting events together. Each chamber takes a turn hosting the event in their town and the other chamber members are invited and encouraged to attend, creating the opportunity to connect with even more people from even more businesses.
This past week it was the Greater Smithtown Chamber of Commerce’s turn to host their sister chambers. Included in their quarterly Quad-Chamber Meeting was the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber, the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber, and the Three Village Chamber. These chambers collectively cover a broad area across the north shore
Hosted by the Greater Smithtown Chamber at the exquisite Stonebridge Golf Links and Country Club on July 9 with hors d’oeuvres, a pasta station, and a bar, Smithtown was poised to impress. The setting was excellent and quite conducive for a relaxing after-hours feel perfectly blended with the opportunity to easily meet many new people.
The Messenger was in attendance as well as Brian Kennedy, partner of Forchelli, Deegan, Terrana LLP, Mary Ellen McCrossen of Catholic Health Services, Joy Vonurban from Island Nursing & Rehab, Anthony and Ellen Pellegrino of Windows on the Lake and Beach Club, James Thompson from Lexington Capital, Joe Horowitz of Stetson Cybergroup, and Kevin Sioss of Island Nights Outdoor lights just to name a few and show the diversity of the types of businesses represented.
Barbara Franco (pictured above), Executive Director for the Greater Smithtown Chamber of Commerce, headlined the evening and thanked the attendees for their strong coalition and never-ending support for local business and community matters.
Franco received much of the acclaim for such a successful night.
Mary Ellen McCrossen, Vice President of the Greater Smithtown Chamber of Commerce, mentioned emergency department expansions at St. Catherine’s and St. Charles Hospitals, as well a blood drive at St. Catherine’s on August 29 and 30.
“We are in a blood emergency, please go in and donate blood,” said McCrossen. “One pint of blood can save three lives.”
Stuart Vincent (pictured above), President of the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, mentioned an upcoming blood drive on Thursday at Mather Hospital.
“Every year, we have a wine and cheese soiree to welcome all the new members. That’s held at the chamber offices [Roe House, 118 West Broadway, Port Jefferson] on August 8,” said Vincent.
He also discussed the Dragon Boat Race Festival in the Port Jefferson Harbor on Saturday, September 14.
Carmine Inserra (pictured above), of ProSysCon Computer Technologies and Vice President of the Three Village Chamber of Commerce, thanked the Smithtown Chamber for hosting the event and spoke on behalf of their president, Charlie Lefkowitz.
“Our sponsor was Ron Gonzales of RGG Consulting. They’re a computer network company based out of Stony Brook,” said Inserra. “They embolden businesses with partnerships to go beyond the infrastructure. They’re unrelenting about the quality and the reliability. They share your goals to have a distinctive aversion to mediocrity.”
Inserra also mentioned their annual “Nine and Dine” golf outing at St. George’s Country Club in Setauket on August 5.
Jennifer Dzvonar (pictured below), President of the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce, announced their summer concert series every Wednesday in July, 7:00p.m. to 9:00p.m., which have tables exclusive to chamber members.
The event drew all types of local businesses, community leaders, and some elected officials, such as Port Jefferson Mayor Lauren Sheprow, former Deputy Port Jefferson Mayor Rebecca Kassay, and Brookhaven Town Councilman Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook).
