Merrick Chamber honors the business community's best

The Merrick Chamber of Commerce pulled out all the stops at its annual installation dinner on Jan. 24, honoring four people who have served the business community, and the community at large, for many years.

Kevin Hoffman, general manager of the Gateway Inn and a chamber board member for 10 years, was honored as Man of the Year. Hoffman, a former Marine and a transplant from Atlanta, has raised thousands of dollars for the Cure of Ars food pantry, the Long Island Crisis Center, United Cerebral Palsy, American Vet Dogs and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

“He not only supports the other organizations in town, but shows up with his army of supporters, all looking to make a difference and help others,” said Douglas Mills, a former chamber Man of the Year.

The Woman of the Year was Arlene Gregory, a 40-year Merrick resident and a real estate broker for Century 21, and a past Kiwanis president. Her community service dates back to her years on the Old Mill Road PTA, and she is heavily involved in Century 21 charitable fundraisers, including for the Easter Seals.

“I love my community,” Gregory said. “I’ve been involved in trying to help our community grow, through the PTA to the chamber and Kiwanis … The best thing about giving back is the feeling of happiness you experience every time you do.”

Armando D’Accordo, a 30-year veteran of the technology industry and the president of CMIT Solutions of South Nassau, was named Merchant of the Year for his IT work and his focus on helping South Shore businesses with cybersecurity and cost saving.

“His knowledge and commitment are only surpassed by his kindness,” said local businessman Andrew Vaughan.

Professional of the Year was awarded to Marian Fraker-Gutin, a past chamber president and an executive at Select-A-Home Realty. Fraker-Gutin has been in real estate since 1967, and has twice served as president of the Long Island Board of Realtors. She is also a past chamber Woman of the Year and past president, and a former Nassau County Council of Chambers Outstanding Small Business Owner.

She has also been a director, committee chairwoman and member of the New York State Association of Realtors.

Fraker-Gutin was lauded for “helping generations of families find and sell their homes,” according to Linda Toscano.

New County Executive Laura Curran swore in the chamber’s new board of directors, telling members that with 40 percent of the county’s revenue coming from sales tax, they “play an important role in solving our fiscal problems.”

Curran made an off-the-cuff addition to the standard chamber oath when swearing in the board. “And raise lots of sales tax!” she said, to laughter.

Hempstead Town Councilman Dennis Dunne, County Legislators Steve Rhodes and Tom McKevitt, and State Sen. John Brooks were also on hand to wish the chamber well in 2018.

“The Merrick Chamber of Commerce’s slogan is, ‘Welcome to Merrick — a great place to live, work and shop,’” Brooks said. “And the chamber’s honorees tonight, as well as its officers, board of directors, members and supporters, work diligently year-round to make sure their slogan is more than a motto — it’s an accomplishment!”

The Merchant and Professional of the Year awards were sponsored by Merrick Herald Life.