Hewlett and Woodmere merchants groups merge

Calling it a “game changer,” Dr. John Santopolo said that the merger of his organization, the Woodmere Merchants Association, with the Hewlett Business Association is a logical progression, since many in the community already use the term “Hewlett-Woodmere.”

A formal announcement of the union was made at the new group’s inaugural gala at the Woodmere Club on Nov. 10. The dinner honored Herald publishers Cliff and Stuart Richner and Nassau Herald advertising sales representative Joan Battino.

“There is logic to it,” Santopolo, a Hewlett resident with a dental practice in Woodmere, said of the merger. “We have a Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library and a Hewlett-Woodmere School District. We now have the Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association.”

Santopolo, who became president of the Woodmere group last year, said that increasing the political influence of the businesses in both communities is the primary reason behind the merger, as the problems that face Woodmere are also issues in Hewlett. “A positive aspect of us joining together is to get more political action and gain cooperation for a Memorial Day parade, street festivals and those kinds of events,” he said. The Woodmere Merchants Association’s bylaws date to 1947.

A number of empty storefronts dot streets in both Hewlett and Woodmere, and merchants are looking for ways to attract more customers and ensure that needed improvements are made. “We look at Woodmere and Hewlett as one big village with a fictitious line down the street,” said Joseph Gelb, president of the Hewlett Business Association.

There are a total of 48 members of the new organization — 38 from Woodmere and 10 from Hewlett — but a membership drive is expected to get under way, Santopolo said.

Both men think that one larger, combined organization will garner increased attention from local elected officials in order to get things done, such as sidewalk repair, street cleaning and the approval of permits for events like the car show that the Woodmere merchants held this summer.

“Those are all things the town and county could help with,” Santopolo said. “This will be a game changer as we move forward.”

Gelb, a Hewlett attorney who has been involved with the Hewlett association since its formation 15 years ago, said that he and Santopolo had met over lunch several times at a Woodmere pizzeria over the past year to discuss the merger. Members of both groups voted earlier this month to approve the union. Gelb has spent the past few months writing the new association’s bylaws.

The plan is for Gelb and Santopolo to resign as presidents of their respective groups. A nominating committee comprising members from both organizations will recommend a slate of new officers for the new association by next month. Those officers should be installed by January, Santopolo said.

Current economic circumstances have made it more difficult for both groups to operate, and membership recruiting and fundraising have been sluggish, he said. But despite the problems, some improvements have been made. Santopolo noted the success of the summer car show and the efforts of his group’s Beautification Committee to improve Woodmere’s appearance.

Craig Spatz, who served as a vice president of the Woodmere group, said that the merger has his unconditional support, and he hopes to be involved in the new association. “I think it will create synergy between the communities and allow us to network with each other,” said Spatz, who added that he liked the idea of merchants in both communities sending customers to one another’s stores and increasing sales.

Over the past few years, Gelb has used his own finances to support his association’s purchase of holiday advertising. But he said he thinks that the merger will bring together the best of both associations, and that growth is right around the corner. “I look at John and his team and I have good people here — I am very optimistic it will change,” Gelb said. “As a combined group, you’ll start seeing progress instantly. I sincerely believe that.”