Chamber installs officers, honors community members

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano swore in William Miranda, owner of Madison Pierce Real Estate, as the new president of the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce at the group’s 61st annual installation ceremony on Jan. 29.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Mitchell Allen, the immediate past-president, presented Gonsalves, an East Meadowite, with the Marvin Bernstein Humanitarian Award.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Oliver and Madison Miranda, the new president’s children, led the guests in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Susan Grieco/Herald

East Meadow Chamber of Commerce officers and the board members happily gathered before they were sworn into their new positions.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Mike Panagatos, of the Empress Diner, accepted the Man of the Year Award.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Nassau County Legislator Norma Gonsalves swore in the chamber’s new officers during the ceremony at Westbury Manor.

Susan Grieco/Herald

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After closing out what leaders described as a prolific 2015, the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce honored several community members who made it special while looking to the future at the organization’s 61st annual installation ceremony.

The event was held last Friday at the Westbury Manor. Here, locally elected officials swore in President William Miranda and the chamber’s new officers and board of directors; meanwhile, the group’s leaders honored members and neighbors for positively impacting the organization and community.

Miranda, the owner of Madison Pierce Real Estate on Newbridge Road, was sworn in by Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano. In addition to his family and peers, Miranda thanked Mitchell Allen, the immediate past-president, for bringing awareness to East Meadow businesses, supporting the successful “shop locally” campaign, leading membership recruitment initiatives and guiding strategic efforts to improve the chamber’s back office functionality in 2015.

Describing a 20 percent increase in membership as extraordinary, Miranda said he was honored to serve as the new president of the thriving organization. “As a small business owner and resident of East Meadow, I know the challenges we have to overcome as business owners,” he said. “Together, we will continue to bring community involvement and awareness to the East Meadow chamber and the businesses that make up our organization to ensure that we are resources to one another.”

Under his presidency, Miranda said the chamber will continue the “shop locally” initiative, maintain a robust Web and social media presence, encourage business owners to network within the group and, of course, host charitable and community events. Leaders presented awards to community members who have supported such philanthropic endeavors, in addition to helping East Meadow in their own way.

Mike Panagatos, owner of the Empress Diner, was given the 2015 Man of the Year Award. The East Meadow native has worked in is family’s diner, at 2490 Hempstead Turnpike, since he was a boy.