Brian Croutier has been named Rockville Centre’s Business Person of the Year by the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, recognizing his longtime involvement with the local business community.
Croutier, a past president of the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce, will be honored at the council’s 41st annual Businessperson of the Year & Legislative Breakfast at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury on Oct. 30. He was nominated and selected by the Rockville Centre Chamber board.
“It’s always nice to be honored,” Croutier said. “You put your time in, and you try to help the community and they honor you with a nice honoree. So, I’m happy to be honored and feeling blessed.”
Croutier served as chamber president in 2020, when local businesses were navigating the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The chamber worked alongside the village, business owners and residents as the community dealt with the economic and practical difficulties created by the pandemic.
“The village, the chamber, the community, the business owners all rallied to help each other,” Croutier said. “Although it was a very difficult time, it makes you believe in the community of Rockville Centre.”
Current Rockville Centre Chamber President Ed Asip said Croutier’s recognition was overdue because of his work during the pandemic and his continued involvement with the chamber after his presidency. Croutier has remained active on the chamber board and participates in its events and initiatives.
“He’s a good advocate,” Asip said. “He’s a good mentor and advisor.”
Croutier, who was born and raised in Rockville Centre, said his connection to the community is a major reason he has continued volunteering with the chamber.
One of the events Croutier is particularly proud of is Playing on the Porch, which began during his presidency and has become an annual community event. Residents gather to listen to music, socialize and visit different parts of the village.
“I just think that people in Rockville Centre are proud to be from Rockville Centre,” Croutier said. “And something like that brings everyone together.”
Asip said Croutier’s contributions extend beyond his formal role with the chamber, noting his involvement with community events and other local organizations. He also praised Croutier for continuing to serve as a resource for current chamber leadership.
Croutier said the village’s business community stands out because of its personal connections, with many business owners having grown up locally and maintaining strong ties to the community. He said supporting those businesses is important to keeping the village vibrant.
“A lot of people who grew up in town own businesses in town,” he said.
He said the chamber will continue working with local partners and organizing events that bring residents together while supporting businesses. Among its current efforts are beautification projects and community events, including the Little Town event planned for later this month.
For Croutier, the award ultimately recognizes more than his individual contributions.
“We all put, the entire chamber board and chamber members put a lot of effort into everything that goes on in Rockville Centre,” he said. “So, to have your peers acknowledge that is very important. And I feel blessed by that.”
