The NCCC is proud to award the following Businesspersons of the Year for 2009:

The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores
Ron P. Mare
Ron P. Mare lives with his wife, Susan, in Bellmore. Together they have four children and three grandchildren. Ron served as President of the NSSA for five of his many years in the competitive field of janitorial supplies. He was able to obtain his most recent goal of creating, marketing and selling “green-cleaning” products with Jordan Wingate, Inc., a leading company in the field of eco-friendly janitorial supplies Ron parlayed his knowledge of janitorial supplies, specifically floors, into a thriving full service flooring company specializing in wood and natural stone.

As President and Co-Owner of Hardwood of Bellmore Inc., "The Floor Pros”, Ron expanded his office in Bellmore, into an additional showroom that showcases products HOB offers residential and commercial customers.

During five years as a Board member, he served on many committees including the Future of the Bellmores and the Annual Street Fair. Currently, he is the Vice President of the CCOB. He served as President of the Board of Trustees of a Long Island Dependency Treatment Center and five years as a Trustee of Lake Grove Schools. Ron combined his love of golf with organizing their annual charity golf outings. The Mares are also supporters of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas
Phyllis N. Doria
Phyllis N. Doria has been an Independent Avon Representative for about seventeen years. She has been a member of their President’s Club for ten years. Phyllis sells Avon products in Massapequa as well as in the neighboring areas.

She has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas for over sixteen years. She started out as a general member then dropped out to take a part time position in the Chamber’s office. After a time, she quit to rejoin the chamber and a board member and later to be part of the Executive Board. She is in her second year as First Vice President. Phyllis has been on many committees such as membership and holiday. Last year, she was Co-Chair of the Annual Business Expo although her favorite is the Annual Community Festival.

Chamber of Commerce of the Willistons
John and Lisa Berning
John and Lisa Berning own the Hawthorne Service Center, a full service auto repair shop. Their history has deep roots in the Williston Park community. In 1947, their founder, John Berning Sr. began working as an auto mechanic. On weekends and after hours, he worked out of his garage while his wife, Anne, raised four children. Within two years, he opened his first location at the corner of Park and Hillside Avenues. In 1958, he moved his shop to its current location at Hawthorne Street and Willis Avenue.

Today, John Berning Jr. and his wife Lisa Perrotta Berning, both of whom were raised in Mineola and Williston Park respectively, can be found running the business. The shop is run with the same care and values it began with in 1947. Their honesty and integrity is second to none. They stand behind everything they do. Their customers are their neighbors, people with whom they share a community. They choose to live and work in the community they love.

The Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce
Anna McCarthy
From the age of ten, Anna McCarthy was included in her father's various business ventures. In 1969, she obtained her first real job as a secretary for the Williamsburg Savings Bank. In 1970, Anna became the first woman to become the Assistant Student Loan Director for the main office of the bank.

Between the years, 1970 and 1996, she married and had two children, became a full time mom, working intermittently when she could. In 2000, WFG Associates honored her with the Local Hero Award for always helping others in her town.

Shortly after that, Anna was hired as the Account Executive of the Franklin Square and Floral Park Bulletins.

In 2002, she attained the position of Advertising Director of both newspapers. She is Co-Vice President of the Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce and loves every minute of helping and advertising local merchants. Anna feels every day is a new adventure.

East Meadow Chamber of Commerce
Christopher Hackert
After buying the East Meadow Florist in 1996, Christopher Hackert began to get involved in the East Meadow community, joining both the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce and the East Meadow Kiwanis Club.

In the thirteen years that Chris has owned the florist, he has managed to continually give back to the East Meadow community. He served as President of the East Meadow Kiwanis Club and President of the East Meadow Chamber on 2008. He served on countless committees for both organizations as well as chairing several fundraisers. He has also become involved with the schools by serving as a community representative on a local elementary school committee and spends time each year to read to the students.

As the owner of East Meadow Florist, Chris has donated time, money, and products to just about every organization in East Meadow.

Chris currently lives in North Babylon with his wife Joanne, a speech pathologist.

East Rockaway Chamber of Commerce
Hank Williams
Hank Williams has been nominated as the East Rockaway Chamber recipient of the Small Business Person of the Year Award for 2009. He is an insurance agency owner with the Allstate Insurance Company. He has served the East Rockaway and surrounding communities since 2002.

Hank has been active on the East Rockaway Chamber since 2002. He has served on the Board of Directors and is currently the Vice President. Hank has also been Secretary this year.

As an insurance agent, Hank has helped local families and business owners manage their insurance exposures with auto, homeowners, commercial and life insurance products.

Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce
John Court
John Court is the co-owner of The Nutty Irishman in Farmingdale which opened for business in 2004. His newest establishment, The Lark Pub & Grub, opened in June of 2009 in East Northport. John serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce.

John has shown that he is committed to helping the community. The Nutty Irishman has been the host location for many fundraisers that have raised in excess of $100,000 for several charities. The Nutty Irishman contributes annually to many local youth and athletic programs.

John is not just a successful businessman in Farmingdale, he is also a resident. He realized that he loved the small town feel that the Village of Farmingdale offered and decided to move here. John feels strongly that Farmingdale is a great community and he is proud to be a part of it.

Floral Park Chamber of Commerce
Karen G. Meraglia
Karen Meraglia has been in the banking industry for over thirty years. She began her career as a Proof and Transit Operator for the Long Island Trust Company. Then in 1987, LITCO was purchased by the Bank of New York. She was a regional Manager for the borough of Queens County for nine years managing seventeen branches with approximately one hundred employees. From 2000-2002, she worked in Nassau and Suffolk counties in their regional offices, managing as many as twenty-three branches. In September 2002, she joined TD Bank (formerly Commerce Bank) as the Branch Manager of the Floral Park office. She immediately got involved on the community and joined the Floral Park Lions Club and the Floral Park Chamber of Commerce.

Karen Meraglia is a Past President of the Floral Park Lions. Currently, she serves on their board as well as being a director on the Floral Park Chamber of Commerce.

Franklin Square Chamber of Commerce
Antonino Scolieri
Antonino Scolieri is the founder of A&S Bagels, Inc. a wholesale and retail bagel bakery located in Franklin Square, New York. A member of the Franklin Square Chamber for over twenty years, Antonino is very dedicated to Franklin Square and its surrounding communities.

He proudly sponsors and donates to numerous local school groups. Blood drives, athletic programs, religious organizations and charitable causes. In 2008, Mr. Scolieri had the great honor of serving as the Grand Marshal in the annual Memorial Day Parade sponsored by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Freeport Chamber of Commerce
Carol Sparaco
Carol Sparaco is the President of Sparaco-Lieberman Realty, an owner, broker, notary serving her community with their real estate needs for the past twenty Šthree years. She is a graduate of the Real Estate Institute as well as a Certified Buyer Representative.

Carol is the Past President of the South Shore Chapter of the Long Island Board of Realtors and is presently a Director on their Board. She is an active sponsor/supporter of many local community organizations and has served as Past President of the Freeport Exchange Club, Freeport Republican Club and Freeport Heritage Civic Association. She has also been on the Mayor's Task Force for Business and Community Improvement and is currently a Director of the Freeport Chamber.

From 1984-1986, Carol served as Secretary on the 95th Anniversary Mural Committee, helping to raise funds for the 9' by 17' mural on display in the Freeport Recreation Center commemorating "Twentieth Century Freeport" in honor of the village's 95th Anniversary of Incorporation. Carol holds the distinction of being voted "Mrs. Freeport" by the Freeport Chamber of Commerce in 1986 and is proud to hold this title.

Garden City Chamber of Commerce
Russell Ciolli
Russell Ciolli is the owner of Grimaldi's Pizzeria, an anchor restaurant located on the northern end of Garden City's Franklin Avenue. He has involved Grimaldi's in all Chamber endeavors since his election to the Board of Directors in 2007. The most notable of the programs he has expanded or developed is the very successful "Friend of the Chamber Merchant Card Program".

Additionally, Russell initiated and chaired Garden City's first annual "Restaurant Week" involving over twenty local restaurants. Grimaldi's specializes in coal-fired brick oven pizza and has become a shining star within the community. It is one of the "favorite haunts" of Garden City's Adelphi University students.

Russell, his wife Jennifer, manager, Dean LaLima and staff continually support clubs, charities, and organizations throughout Garden City with facility use to the chamber, food donation and gift certificates. For his many contributions and dedication to the community, Russell Ciolli was awarded as Garden City's "Business Person of the Year 2009" Pineapple Ball in May.

Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce
Mary Stanco
For the past five years, Mary has carved a new career in mortgages and real estate while devoting herself to many charitable causes throughout the Glen Cove community. She currently serves as Vice President of the Glen Cove Chamber participating in every event and meeting. She chairs many of the chamber events and was well deservingly honored the Community Merit Award for 2008.

She is also a member of the Sons of Italy, Loggia 1016. Mary has volunteered at The Regency at Glen Cove, St. Christopher Ottilie's, St. Patrick's and for other charitable functions as Dress for Success, National Night Out and The Food Pantry. Wherever there is an honorable cause. Mary Stanco will be there volunteering with a smile on her face!

Her sense of fulfillment to find the dream house for her clients combined with the pleasure of volunteering for so many worthwhile causes is what Mary attributes her happy demeanor and friendliness to all in our community. As Mary herself states, "It's all about community - and how you can give back to make it a better place for all of us to share and live in this City of Glen Cove, a place we choose to call home."

Great Neck Chamber of Commerce
Mark D. Birnbaum, Esq.
Mark D. Birnbaum, Esq. is a partner in the Great Neck based law firm, Naidich, Wurman, Birnbaum, LLP, specializing in small business representation, real estate and contracts. Mark has been a Nassau County District Court Arbitrator for more than twenty-five years and serves as Council to the Great Neck Chamber of Commerce. Mark has also been active in Democratic Party politics since the 1970s.

Mark is a Trustee of the Village of Great Neck, serving in his fourth term. He is also Commissioner of Public Safety, chairing the Public Safety Committee. He is the former chair of the Village Board of Zoning Appeals and Commissioner of the Great Neck Housing Authority. Mark is a graduate of the Nassau County Citizen Police Academy and is an active participant in the Great Neck Village Officials Association and the Nassau County Village Officials Association.

As First Vice President of Temple Israel of Great Neck, Mark has chaired many committees and was President of the Temple Men's Club.

Mark and his wife, Ellen, have three adult children, Jonathan, Deborah and Laura.

Hicksville Chamber of Commerce
James Pavone

Greater New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce
Jeanette Frisina
Jeanette has been the Publisher of Market Place Publications for the past eighteen years. A popular weekly shopping paper, Market Place serves sixteen communities in central and western Nassau with 78,000 in circulation direct to the homes.

Jeanette enjoys working with local businesses and helping them grow. She finds it very rewarding when businesses are getting positive results from advertising in her paper. Bringing buyers and sellers together is what the paper does best while providing welcomed info on local events and interesting columnists. Local papers provide a sense of community hard to find with any other media. Jeanette's expertise is in helping her customers develop and increase their businesses through creative yet practical advertising campaigns.

Jeanette is the Third Vice President of the NHP Chamber as well as the Marketing Committee Co-Chairperson. She created the chambers' membership directory book, stepped up their advertising and marketing efforts and helped to increase membership as well as volunteering her graphic services and donating newspaper space for many fine causes.

Hempstead Chamber of Commerce
Charles Conley
Charles Conley is the second generation owner of Walsh Conley Religious Goods, Inc.

Located on North Franklin Street in the Village of Hempstead, the business is a major supplier of religious articles to churches and the public, mostly in the tri-state area as well as worldwide. It is a full service religious and church goods provider ranging from candles to books, from rosaries to vestments, robes, and churchware and even includes music and games. In addition to purchases from the store, its services are available through printed, on line catalogues.

The founders, Charles and Margaret Conley and Veronica Walsh, opened the doors of Walsh Conley in April, 1954. The vision they shared was to supply religious goods to churches and the public at large. Fifty years later, the business is flourishing, still family owned and still operating from its original location in the Village of Hempstead. We watch daily as their vision continues.

Charlie Conley started working with his father in 1977. He is married to Mary and has two children, Charlie and Maura. He says that he loves his work, but his wife and children are his real joy in life.

Island Park Chamber of Commerce
Sheila Walker
Long Beach High School graduate Sheila received her Associates degree in Merchandising And Management at Berkeley School of Westchester in 1982 and a Bachelors at Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus in 1984. She is the recipient of the 2001 Black Achievers Industry Award (YMCA).

Sheila started her banking career in 1984 as a teller for Central Federal Bank in East Rockaway. She is currently the Branch Manager, Vice President at the Island Park branch of Chase where she looks forward to interacting with and serving her customers daily.

Sheila enjoys what she does day to day. She enjoys the interaction with customers and staff alike. Her clients always ask her if she sleeps with a smile on her face because she is always smiling. Sheila takes pride in providing excellent customer service and coaches her staff to do the same.

Her hobbies are singing, golfing, and just good old socializing.

Levittown Chamber of Commerce
William Mullan
William Mullan is the Owner and President of LevitStyle Inc. for over fourteen years. He is a New York State Registered Architect and a proud member of the American Institute of Architects.

LevitStyle has developed a passion for the development of the Levitown community. Interested in promoting the growth of local businesses, William joined the Levitown Chamber nine years ago where he serves as the Director of the Chamber for the past five. In order to provide young people with an experience in the industry and in a local business in their own community, he has supported internships of students from Douglas McCarthy, Abbey Lane and East Meadow High Schools.

As the chair of the "Green Levitown Chamber of Commerce Committee, William has taken on various preservation projects including the building of the foundation of the Gazebo at Levitown Veterans Park and maintaining the traffic triangle at Hempstead Turnpike and Loring Road.

William's latest project is conducting a Graphic Business Demography on Hempstead Turnpike from the Wantagh Parkway to Wantagh Avenue. The information gathered from this will aid the Levitown Chamber as a map for future town planning and the health of businesses in his hometown.

Long Beach Chamber of Commerce
Paul Leone
Long Beach's honoree is Paul Leone. Married to Colleen they have two children, Ava and Jack. Although he was born and raised in Brooklyn, he feels as if he has been part of the Long Beach community his entire life.

Paul started working hands on, at the age of seventeen for a family owned electrical contracting business. A few years later, he joined the electrical union where he learned electrical theory. In 2000, he moved from Brooklyn to Long Beach where he received his electrical licenses and formed All Good Electric Corp.

Initially, as a newcomer, Paul was skeptical about starting a new business. As a new business owner, he was sure to answer every call, show up on time for jobs and he priced fairly with complete follow through. This seemed to be a win-win situation as the Long Beach community accepted him fully. As a result, he has a successful business and has made many friends and excellent business contacts in his and the surrounding areas.

Paul believes in giving back so he supports charitable organizations and attends many community events.

Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Michael Hernandez
Michael is a second-generation family business owner and a community organizer. He graduated from St. John's Preparatory High School and then received his BA from Hofstra University. Before joining the family business, Michael co-founded S.T.R.O.N.G Youth, Inc. a non-profit 501(c) 3 that helps at-risk adolescents find positive alternatives.

In 1980, Michael's father, Miguel Hernandez, opened Numa's Florist in New York City. His father eventually closed the New York City location and in 1989 reopened in Wantagh, NY. Michael has learned that giving back to community-based organizations is an important function of being a part of the business community. He is working hard to expand the business that his father started and believes that networking and follow-up is fundamental to any successful business.

Through the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (LIHCC), Numa's Florist has been able to stay involved with the community and collaborate with local businesses; Michael serves on the gala committee of a few non-profits including the LIHCC. He has provided his services to the LIHCC for numerous membership events and annual Gala.

Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce
Kathleen Johannsen
Kathleen Johannsen is the Executive Director of Atria Tanglewood, a premier assisted living community located in Lynbrook, New York. With over fifteen years experience in the assisted living industry, she has served in several capacities throughout that time. She previously worked in the financial services industry.

Kathleen is a member of the Board of Directors of the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of the Senior Umbrella Network of Nassau, Gerontology Professionals of Long Island, and the Long Island Coalition for the Aging. She is also a member of the Nassau County Emergency Preparedness Committee. Additionally she serves as a mentor for Hofstra University and CW Post University Gerontology students and has served as a guest lecturer at local schools and conferences. She sits on the Fundraising Committee for the Center for Science, Teaching and Learning Capital Building Fund at the Environmental Science Center, and is a member of the St. Thomas Youth Group's Adult Team and acts as an adult leader for their Summer Youth Theatre Program. A graduate of St. Francis Preparatory School and St. John's University, Kathleen lives in Cathedral Gardens, Hempstead, with her husband, Bill, and two sons, Brendan & Sean.

Malverne Merchants & Professional Association
Nancy Friedman
For more than ten years, Nancy Friedman has been a dedicated and invaluable Malverne Merchant & Professional volunteer Board Member. When she joined, Nancy had recently started a new job selling advertising for the Herald Community Newspaper and she first came to the MMPA to "network" for her new job, but soon felt proud to be part of this vibrant, community-minded group. She became a good friend who tirelessly helps promote Malverne and its businesses. She attends all local activities, and gets publicity and calendar listings in the Herald for MMPA events. She serves on the committee for its Annual Garden Tour, runs the "Malverne Mel" Groundhog Day event each February and takes on many roles including helping out at the Annual Art Auction and Easter Egg Hunt.

For the past two years, Nancy has co-chaired the Malverne Street Fair which helps promote the Malverne Merchants and raises money to help with activities including fundraising for local scholarships. Nancy also volunteers for the Tanglewood Preserve Project, which hopes to raise approximately $188,000 to expand the preserve into an educational science center for local families and schools.

Longtime residents of Oceanside, Nancy and her husband, Howard, are proud parents of three children and two grandchildren.

Merrick Chamber of Commerce
Arlene Gregory
Arlene Gregory, a thirty year resident of Merrick, is a Sales Manager of the Merrick branch of Century-21 American Homes. She is also part owner of the Jamaica Hills branch of the company and has been in real estate for the last twenty six years.

She is an active member of the Chamber and resides on the Board of Directors. She has been involved with the festival for the past three years and currently schedules general meetings as well as networking meetings. She has strived to involve the general membership by having more meetings and events.

Arlene is currently First Vice President of the Merrick Kiwanis Club and believes in the importance of giving back to the community re-enforced daily by her Broker/Owners Tom Gallagher and Mike Litzner.

Arlene is mother of Michael and Kelly both graduates of Calhoun High School in Merrick and respectively graduates of NYU and SUNY at Cortland.

Mineola Chamber of Commerce
Alice Jones
Alice Jones is the mother of three children and a grandmother. She was a business owner for ten years in Baldwin and currently is the owner of Expressions Salon & Spa in Mineola for twenty years, now expanded into a full service Bridal Business.

Her business is the official hair salon for Mineola High school Junior class Fashion Show. Alice also is a donator to all school district PTA events including Supermarket Bingo, Hampton Street School Fair and Thanksgiving baskets for needy families in Mineola. Alice offers special consideration for all employees of the Mineola school district and Winthrop Hospital. Alice is a participant in many fund raising and charitable events such as: 1in 9 Breast Cancer Coalition, Hewlett House. She also is a former board member of Mineola Chamber of Commerce. She has been a chairperson for "Mineola in Style"(fashion show) sponsored by the Mineola Chamber and committee person for "Taste of Mineola" sponsored by the chamber.

Oceanside Chamber of Commerce
Nancy Achstatter, Betsy Transom & Bob Transom
Nancy Achstatter, Betsy Transom and Bob Transom set the tone of community and customer service for Home and Hearth Real Estate, their full service independently-owned neighborhood real estate serving Oceanside and surrounding communities.

All three are active members of Oceanside Kiwanis and Oceanside Community Service whose activities include preparing and delivering Holiday gifts and food baskets to the needy, sending at-risk children to summer camp, co-sponsoring roller skating shows, holiday hayrides and many other events for the children of the community. They also are founding members of the Oceanside Education Foundation, which preserved one of Oceanside's last-remaining open spaces as a town green. Schoolhouse Green is now the site of crafts fairs, a 9-11 Memorial Garden, and home to the acclaimed Summer Gazebo Reading Series sponsored by Oceanside Kiwanis.

Broker-owner Nancy Achstatter's commitment to community service parallels her commitment to remain at the cutting edge of real estate through ongoing classes and professional certification programs including Certified Internet Professional, Accredited Buyer Representative, Senior Real Estate Specialist, Accredited Staging Professional and Graduate, REALTOR Institute.

Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce
Sally Easterbrook Robilotto
Sally is a local Independent Agent for AFLAC Insurance. Along with husband, Frank, she moved to East Norwich in 2004 from Old Saybrook, Connecticut. She joined AFLAC in 2004, thus starting her business.

Sally worked in education for most of her professional life: as teacher, college professor, student services, health educator, educational specialist and Regional School to Career Coordinator. She returned to school as an adult and received an AAS degree in Computerized Graphics at Mohawk Valley Community College in the mid 1990's. After that, she took several classes in architecture and AutoCad, at Three Rivers Community College in Norwich, Connecticut.

In 1990, she was named Tutor of the Year by Utica (NY) Community Action, Inc. for her efforts in their literacy program. While in the position of Health Educator at SUNY Utica, the New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services accepted two of her poster designs for use in promoting safe drinking practices at colleges and universities across the state.

Sally finds working for AFLAC and offering their products a worthwhile venture. Many people have shared stories with her of how AFLAC has provided the financial safety net needed at a time of great family necessity.

She and Frank are the parents of three children, Christiana, Aaron and Andrew and three grandchildren.

Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce
Gary Epstein
Gary Epstein, CPA, is the managing partner in the accounting firm of Schiff, Epstein, CPA, P.C. He returned to public accounting five years ago after a successful career as a chief financial officer of several industry leaders. Gary works with small and medium size businesses as well as the individual needs of his clients as it relates to business consulting, tax and retirement planning and the maintenance of personal financial goals. He is a member of the AICPA and NYSSCPAs.

Gary has been a member of the POB Chamber of Commerce for the last five years and currently serves as its Treasurer and a Board Member. He has always been an active participant in the community since moving to Old Bethpage from Brooklyn in 1979. He has previously served two terms on the POB Board of Education and is a Past President of the POB Soccer Club.

Gary and his wife, Toby, a Middle School Reading Specialist, are proud parents of their triplet sons, Bradley, Jason and David and their daughters-in-law Sara and Jessica.

Port Washington Chamber of Commerce
Anne Arter
Anne Arter grew up in Port Washington and raised her children in the community. She has given her unique insight, knowledge and love of the town to the people with whom she deals every day. Anne's thirteen year residence in Bermuda afforded her the opportunity to work with civic officials as well as members of the island's multi-cultural business community, resulting in valuable experience dealing with a complex international marketplace.

After arriving back in the United States, her business skills were perfected as President of her own recruiting company which she took from start up to a very profitable venture. Anne has been a real estate broker since 1990. She is a top producer of the Daniel Gale Sotheby International Realty local office, and is certified in luxury home marketing. She is a specialist in Seniors Real Estate.

Anne has served as a volunteer at St. Francis Hospital, supported the North Shore Animal League and ASPCA, and is on the Executive Board of the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce, where she is involved in coordinating community projects, welcoming new business owners and fundraising.

Rockville Center Chamber of Commerce
Yndiana Seltzer
Yndiana Seltzer has been in the hair industry in Rockville center for over twenty years with the last thirteen at Sparks Unisex. At Sparks she has created an atmosphere where all their clients are treated as friends and they are always remembered for their patronage and good will. Yndiana has always been proud of giving excellent service, affordable pricing and Senior Citizen discounts. She is very proud of her professional and creative staff.

Yndiana is the proud mother of Jeremy, Kim and Laura. Sadly, Jeremy was taken from her early on in an accident. Kim lives out of state but she enjoys working with Laura a few days a week.

Seaford Chamber of Commerce
William N. Arnold
William N. Arnold moved to Seaford in 1952 at the age of six and attended Seaford schools from second through twelfth grade. In 1961, he started pumping gas at Rudy's Auto Service. He purchased Rudy's Auto Service from Rudy Senior. Ten years later, he bought Rudy's A-1 Auto Body at the same location from his son. After a year, he purchased the building and his property. Now in his forty-eighth year, he maintains employees who average over thirty to thirty-five years each.

William is currently First Vice President of the Seaford Lyons, after having been President and most other positions.

William currently lives in Seaford with his wife of forty years, Cindy. Together they have two daughters and three grandchildren.

Syosset Chamber of Commerce
Antoinette Gillespie
Antoinette Gillespie and her husband, Brendan, moved to Syosset in 1984. Since moving to Syosset, Antoinette has continuously been involved with the North Syosset Civic Association as Vice President and an active member for twenty-five years. She is very involved with the elementary school PTA and was the recipient of the Jenkins Award.

In 2003, Antoinette opened Encore Personal Chef/Catering Service and has been an active supporter of the Syosset Chamber of Commerce. Antoinette is a member of the American Personal and Private Chef Association. She is licensed with Nassau County to do in-home cooking as well as off site catering and she has serviced many Syosset residents.

Antoinette's talents for creating spectacular occasions included brunches, buffet parties, cocktail parties and intimate dinners. Antoinette enjoys creating the ambience, as well as cuisine, be it Mediterranean, Caribbean or any other ethnicity. To add to her client's delight, she brings along her own china, cookware and complete cleanup after each event. Her food is cooked with passion and served with love.

Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce
Dan Rakow
Dan Rakow grew up in Valley Stream, attending local schools and graduating from Valley Stream Central High School. It was at Central that he entered the automotive program where he was able to nurture his interest in mechanics. Dan now serves on the Advisory Committee for Bronx Community College Automotive Program. Dan also served as Department of Motor Vehicles Facilities Inspector enforcing the regulations required by a NYS licensed repair shop.

In 1987, Dan opened his first of six AAMCO Transmission franchises. Over the last twenty years, Dan has owned and operated his original location in Valley Stream. Dan serves as Chairman of the Metro AAMCO Dealers Group and is Past Vice Chair of AAMCO's Advertising Pool. Presently, Dan is Secretary for the National AAMCO Dealers Association and a Board Member of the Long Island Gas Retailers Association.

Dan is a Director and a Past Secretary of the Valley Stream Chamber. He heads the Holiday Decorations Committee and Website Committee. He is always available to help with chamber activities.

Dan and his wife of thirty-two years, Trish, reside in Malverne. They have a son who is a Local 3 apprentice and a daughter who attends Nassau Community College. Wantagh Chamber of Commerce
Floyd Earl
Floyd Earl is the owner of Coldwell Banker Manor Gate Realty. He is a long time resident of the Wantagh/Bellmore area and as been active in the business community since 1956 when he started a landscaping business. The business grew into a wholesale and retail garden supply company. Floyd opened the Bellmore Feed Company from 1968 until 1988.

In 1992, he opened Manor Gate Realty Inc. on Jerusalem Avenue in Wantagh. In 2007, Manor Gate Realty joined Coldwell Banker to become Coldwell Banker Manor Gate. Floyd is on the Board of Directors of Coldwell Banker NY Affiliates and a member of Wantagh Kiwanis. He is a member of the Long Island Board of Realtors and Vice President of the Multiple Listing Service where he serves on many committees including Rules and Procedures, Advertising and Promotions, Professional Standards and Legal Assistance.

Floyd has been a member of the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce for twelve years and is their current President.

West Hempstead Chamber of Commerce
Rosalie Norton
Rosalie and Tom Norton moved to West Hempstead in 1967. They have three children and seven grandchildren. She is employed by Fidelifacts Metropolitan New York, Inc., specializing in background investigations.

Rosalie is President of the West Hempstead Community Support Association and serves on the West Hempstead Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Rosalie organized West Hempstead's Memorial Day Parade, Street Fair, holiday celebrations, summer concerts and is currently chairing a beautification committee.

Her past service includes: School Board Trustee, Library Trustee, President of the West Hempstead Civic Association. She has received recognition from the Town of Hempstead, Herald Newspaper, Assemblyman Alfano's 2007 "Woman of Distinction", Vision Long Island's 2008 Smart Growth Award" for community leadership and this year Senator Skelos' "9th Senatorial District, 2009 Woman of Distinction Award.

Westbury/Carle Place Chamber of Commerce
Jeff Horan
Jeff Horan is a State Farm Agent/Owner/CEO whose office is located in Westbury. The local chamber has selected Jeff Horan as "Business Person of the Year" for his contribution to the local community and to his dedication to the advancement of the chamber.

Jeff is currently a Board member of the Westbury/Carle Place Chamber and has been since 2006. He has participated on many committees and projects including: networking meetings, Annual Post Avenue Street Fair, Westbury Parade and the recent MapTunes member recruitment project. Jeff has also been very active with Westbury/Carle Place schools and recently was involved in a Child Obesity Project within the local community and a BNI Networking Chapter President.

Jeff's office opened in 2006 and has become one of the Top 5 State Farm Sales Agencies in Nassau County in less than four years. He employs 6 full time employees and one part time employee.

Jeff is married to his wife Vikki for ten years.