Chamber of Commerce swears in officers

Freeport Chamber of Commerce held its annual installation dinner on April 11 at Coral House at 7PM.

About 180 individuals attended.

The purpose of the installation dinner is to swear in the Chamber’s new officers, i.e. it’s president, vice-presidents, treasurer, and secretary as well as to honor the winner of the chamber’s awards, selected by a special committee.

This year Mayor Robert Kennedy swore in the chamber’s new president Ken Dookram, also an insurance agent for State Farm in Freeport.

In addition, Greg Ingino, Jacques Butler, Jorge Martinez, John Hrvatin, and James Tucker Williams were sworn in as first vice-president, second vice-president, third vice-president, treasurer, and secretary respectively.

In addition, awards were presented to the following honorees.

Bobby Ford, owner and head chef of Bobby Q’s Jus’ like Mama’s in Freeport, was awarded Business Person of the Year, for his work in establishing and pushing forward the restaurant as well as his commitment to protecting and service the public.

Raymond F. Maguire received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his 47 year career at the Freeport Fire Department, as well as a number of other positive contributions to the village, including the initiation of a Bike Helmet Program and the “Take a Kid to Lunch” program.

Monica Bennett received the Chamber Service Award for her work as a certified reflexologist, biodynamic gardener, reflexologist, and Life Success Consultant coach. Bennett helps clients to heal by providing a holistic outlook on health and helping clients in working through emotional blocks.

The South Shore Guidance Center won the Community Services Award for its six decade long work in addressing the behavioral health needs of communities like Freeport and Roosevelt.

The center works to help inhabitant of Nassau County, both young and old, to recover from life’s challenges and trauma’s while promoting well-being.

Dookram, who had previously worked three of the other four officer positions, emphasized the caliber of the new officers.

Willy Zambrano, founder of Zambrano Architectural Design in Freeport, was awarded the Community Development Award.

“They’re all accomplished in their own industries, and (regarding) what they do for the community and the chamber… they’re well known guys (in Freeport) and it’s a great service for the community and businesses of Freeport