Valley Stream Chamber repeals term limits for president

The Chamber of Commerce has paved the way for its president, Debbi Gyulay, to serve another term. Chamber members, at their monthly networking luncheon on April 27, repealed the two-term limit for the organization’s president.

Gyulay became president of the Chamber in October 2007, and was re-elected by its members to a second two-year term in 2009. Her presidency was set to end this September.

The president of the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce can now serve an unlimited number of terms. The two-term limit had been set back in 1999.

Elliott Rosenbaum, the Chamber’s executive vice president, proposed repealing the term limit. He said he would like to see Gyulay continue the work she has been doing. “We have a wonderful president who’s done a terrific job,” he said. “She wants to serve for more than two terms.”

Last week’s decision does not guarantee Gyulay a third term, as she still has to be re-elected to the position by Chamber members. She could also be challenged for the position, though that is not expected.

Rosenbaum noted that being president of the Chamber is a lot of work, and it’s rare a person wants to continue doing the job for more than four years.

Gyulay became president of the Chamber almost by accident. After Frank DeMita of the Nassau Educators Federal Credit Union served in the position, he was set to be replaced by Tom Day of Astoria Federal Savings Bank. But Day was transferred out of Valley Stream, leaving the Chamber without a president.

Chamber leaders turned to Gyulay, who had been serving as the secretary of the business organization. She is the officer manager for AAMCO Transmissions on Merrick Road. “I had no expectation of being the president,” she said. “I was supposed to be the secretary again. Sometimes an opportunity comes to you, and it’s a really good choice to take it.”

Gyulay, who grew up in Valley Stream, graduated from Central High School and still lives in the village, said she enjoys the role. “I like being involved in the community,” she said. “I’ve met a lot of people I wouldn’t have known otherwise.”

As president, Gyulay estimates she spends five to 10 hours per week working on Chamber business in addition to her duties at AAMCO, which is owned by her brother, Dan Rakow.

If re-elected to a third term, Gyulay said she would like to grow membership. The Chamber has about 100 active members, but she said she would like to get 125, maybe even 150 businesses participating in the organization. She also wants to create more networking opportunities, which she said could encourage new membership.

Gyulay said she is glad that the Chamber’s members have faith in her leadership, but said she can’t do it all alone, noting the dedication of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. “You can’t do a good job,” she said, “unless you have a good team behind you.”