The Elmont Chamber of Commerce, a nonprofit organization that provides membership and benefits to local businesses, serves the Elmont community and improves quality of life for its residents. The chamber boasts a longstanding history in Elmont as an integral part of community traditions such as the Paul Sapienza Elmont/Belmont Parade, whose namesake served as its president for 12 years.
Julie Marchesella is the current president of the ECC and vowed to carry on the late Sapienza’s legacy after her installation to the board in 2021. As a result of her leadership and the chamber’s efforts, new initiatives and projects were announced during the ECC’s general meeting at the Elmont Memorial Library on June 25.
Here’s an overview of what’s coming to the chamber:
The New York Racing Association — one of the chamber’s long-time members with which it maintains a strong, ongoing partnership — announced during the June meeting that the new Belmont Park and racetrack is heading toward a fall 2026 opening. Marchesella said she is excited for improvements to the racetrack, such as a brand-new clubhouse, winterized racing tracks and historical memorabilia that tell the story of the century-old establishment, which has woven itself into the fabric of the community. NYRA regularly briefs chamber members about construction, so Marchesella said to look forward to updates when the chamber reconvenes for regular meetings in September.
2. PSEG and National Grid programs
Another one of the chamber’s long-time partners, PSEG, provided a grant for the installation of “shop local” banners on the green utility poles, near the Elmont Memorial Library, on Hempstead Turnpike. Marchesella said the banners should arrive in the fall, just before the holiday season. The purpose of the banners is to encourage Elmont residents to support local businesses. National Grid, which hosted a Power Up Sales Series workshop for the ECC and New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce’s joint meeting in May, will be returning for the popular program in the fall, Marchesella said. The program helps National Grid identify businesses at risk of power outages and improve their energy efficiency.
3. Networking and celebrating with current and future members
The ECC will be announcing the 2025 Small Business Person of the Year in September and host a celebration in their honor at Salvatore’s of Elmont Pizzeria and Restaurant. Marchesella said this is the chamber’s largest event of the year and a great opportunity for local business owners interested in joining to meet some of the chamber’s 70-plus members. Anyone interested in joining can do so at ElmontChamber.com. Marchesella encouraged business owners to attend the chamber’s future events and meetings so they can network, as well. Those interested can look out for announcements on the ECC Instagram page, @ElmontChamberOfCommerce.
