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January 2008
As I reflect over the last two years, I realize what
an honor it is to serve as President of such a prestigious and important
organization in one of the finest communities on Long Island. With the
support of the Officers, the Board of Directors and individual members who
have volunteered their time to help advance the mission of our business
organization, I am proud of the accomplishments we have achieved during my
Presidency.
• Implemented a credit card system to facilitate payment for all Chamber
events.
• Successfully negotiated with a Great Neck firm to produce this newsletter,
the S.I.G.N. Post, which is published bi-monthly and epitomizes a fine
business publication, to not only provide information to the business
community, but also presents the advertisements of this areas most
successful businesses. The S.I.G.N. Post is our liaison between the Chamber
and the business community. It increases each issue in breath and depth!
• Enhanced and personalized the communications with the Board of Directors
and members for meetings, ribbon cuttings, breakfasts and all Chamber
events.
• Held three highly successful "Great Neckworking” business card exchanges
and business expo events which were attended by hundreds of business people
from Great Neck as well as the surrounding area.
• Our most successful ever "Taste of Great Neck" was attended by over 450
guests and proved to be an excellent showcase of the culinary delights of
the Great Neck peninsula. The “Taste” appeared in the Great Neck Record, The
New York Times, Newsday, and more than ten web sites promoting this
gastronomic event.
• Meetings with Mayor Jean Celender, Village of Great Neck Plaza, that
accomplished an extra five minutes on parking meters to facilitate shoppers
returning to their vehicles before expiration of time. We have received
positive feedback from shoppers.
• Organized and monitored many Chamber committees that address the issues of
the business community and enhance the expansion of business and the entire
Great Neck peninsula.
• Under my guidance, produced a four color 2007 Chamber calendar. It was
delivered to over 10,000 homes and businesses throughout Great Neck, which
also provided funding for the Chamber.
• Attended numerous ribbon cuttings, welcoming new businesses and
professionals to the Great Neck peninsula.
• Participating on the Village of Great Neck’s Business and Commerce
Committee.
• Participated in the Main Street Conference which focused on improving the
business, parking, pedestrian and traffic issues facing the Village of Great
Neck Plaza, the Village of Great Neck Estates and the Village of Great Neck.
• The Chamber has purchased chairs for the Great Neck Senior Center, garbage
cans for the Village of Great Neck Plaza and sponsored a "Pride in Great
Neck" banner that is hanging across Middle Neck Road. The We Care committee
has held numerous fundraising activities for organizations in need of
financial assistance.
In continuing to enhance the work and mission of the Chamber, I have a
vision for the Chamber to
reach the next level. The Chamber will be focusing on bringing shoppers back
to the “downtown”
area, by addressing the issues of store occupancy, parking, mix of
businesses, advertising and marketing
and awareness of the tremendous business opportunities in Great Neck. Great
Neck is a unique
community, with a “downtown” area of apartment buildings and public
transportation surrounded by
private homes. We will be working with the landlords of the business
properties, the Village governments,
the Great Neck Village Officials’ Association, the BID in the Village of
Great Neck Plaza and the
Town of North Hempstead to discuss, plan and implement actions to enhance
the business community.
We are seeking new and innovative strategies to expand the business
environment to continue to
make Great Neck a “great” place to live, work and shop!
We plan to list store vacancies, with appropriate specifications on the
Chamber web site. We are
also discussing a new map of Great Neck that would be wallet sized and
shopper friendly. We are
considering a job fair for Great Neck businesses and to post openings for
employees and professionals
on the Chamber web site. For the first time in the history of the Chamber,
we will produce a journal
for the annual dinner, which will take place on Wednesday, January 30, 2008,
and will honor our
awardees. We are planning
to enhance the Chamber’s “Affinity Program,“ providing member to member
discounts. I look forward
to continue to serve the Great Neck Chamber of Commerce and the Great Neck
peninsula.
I welcome your ideas and suggestions. Please feel free to e-mail me at any
time at: vlink@greatneckchamber.org
and you will surely receive a response.
On an ending note, I want to wish everyone a
very Happy and Healthy New Year!
Valerie A. Link, President
Great Neck Chamber of Commerce |
