Rita Gilley was named the chamber' s Woman of the Year, and Marty Dillon was honored as its Man of the Year. Both are longtime residents and community activists. Gilley, a retired Merrick School District music teacher, is president of the Merrick Symphony and one of its founding members. She also sings in the Merrick Chorale.
Dillon, a retired labor attorney, is a longtime member of and volunteer for the Merrick Kiwanis Club, helping out with numerous projects, including the club's annual pancake breakfast, the senior citizens' ball and several fund-raisers.
Chamber officers are: Marian Fraker-Gutin of Mary Elmore Realty and Margaret Mueller of R.S. Jones restaurant, co-presidents; Ira Reiter of Merrick Dodge and Randy Shotland of New York Life Insurance, co-vice presidents; Julie Marchesella, Queen of Hearts, treasurer; Susan Helsinger, Custom South Shore Real Estate, secretary; and Marchesella, liaison officer.
The Board of Directors includes: Margaret Cincotta of the North Merrick Library, Richard Dasch, CPA, Ilene Dixel of the Merrick Herald, David Erhlich of Diversified Marketing, Ellen Firer of the Merrick Library, Arlene Gregory of Century 21-American Homes, Carmela Lage, Fran Guercio of the Merrick Chorale, Family Court Judge Richard Lawrence, Kelly Leung of What's N Store, David McDonough of Graydon Associates, Douglas Mills of Printing Emporium, Mal Markowitz of Malmar Electric, Kathy O'Malley of First National Bank of Long Island, Fran Santacapita of Remax, Sally Tilles of Curves of Merrick, Linda Toscano of L&M Publications, Barbara Traugot of B.T. Financial Services and Salvatore Vassallo of Vassallo Insurance Agency.
