By Nicole Falco
Boris Klerer, owner of Collision Concepts, was named president and later sworn in by Mayor Ed Cahill during the chamber's October general meeting. It seems as though Klerer has been training for the presidency since he became a member seven years ago. He first planned just to be a member so he could have input in the community, but he was quickly appointed to various positions and committees. Most recently, Klerer served as executive vice president under then-president Dennis Fritzsche.
Because he is a chamber member, Klerer says, "I've been able to achieve things for my business." For instance, the village-owned triangle outside his business, at the corner of Sunrise Highway and Rockaway Avenue, used to be fenced in. Klerer asked the village if the triangle could be turned into a small garden to make it more attractive for him and the community. The village agreed. Klerer said he continues to feel good about the relationship he has with local government officials.
"The Chamber of Commerce is really in place for businesses to thrive," Klerer said. "You have a lot of people who are against the chamber, and I don't know why."
According to Klerer, the chamber has about 200 dues-paying members, but it needs more active members. He wants to encourage membership among businesses in Valley Stream, not just so the chamber can collect more dues, but so it can help improve businesses.
"I would like people not just to join to be members, but because they want to see their own businesses do better ... [and] so they can share ideas and have a voice," Klerer said.
He applauds the work being done by the current executive board and officers, but said the "key element is having more people involved.
"I think there's a lot to be learned from the chamber," Klerer said. "I certainly learned a lot [from other business people] for my own business. Why would someone not want to learn from them for their own business?"
Klerer said he understands that lack of time is an issue for many in the business community. In fact, he was next in line to assume the presidency of the chamber when Fritzsche took over, but he passed because he didn't feel he'd be able to make the time commitment necessary.
During the past few months, changes have been made. For instance, chamber committees have more freedom to act on their ideas and make decisions. The committee heads then report back to the executive board with their decisions.
"They are not going to be questioned or challenged, because I'm sure they are making decisions to benefit everyone," Klerer said.
Computers have made communication among members simpler. Between e-mails and information provided on the Web site, www.vscc.org, members can stay abreast of chamber developments. Klerer said he welcomes comments and suggestions.
Right now Klerer said, he is optimistic about the direction of the chamber. The group is looking forward to its gala dinner in December and sponsoring holiday lights throughout the community. Klerer said the chamber is looking for an alternative to its Thursday Night Thrills event along Rockaway Avenue.
"The whole idea of these events is really two-fold: To raise some money so the chamber survives and to let others outside Valley Stream know that Valley Stream exists," he said.
The chamber also recently announced the creation of a banking committee. It is available to offer members financial insight and answer questions.
"We have a great mix of people," Klerer said. "If you're a businessman, I think there's a prestige to being a chamber member."
