By:John C. O'Connell
Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce holds seventh annual gala ball
It was so long to the outgoing leadership of Valley Stream's Chamber of Commerce, and in with the new officers and directors of the village's growing and effective business community organization.
Held Thursday evening at the Coral House in Baldwin, the Chamber's 2001 Awards and Installation Gala was well attended, filling both sides of the catering hall's main room.
Outgoing President Carol Gallo-Turschmann was at once nostalgic at departing the leadership role she has so successfully performed for the group, and appreciative of the help and support she has received from her board of directors and fellow officers.
"There have been many exciting things that have happened in the Chamber during the two years I have been president," she said. "Our progress and growth have been unstoppable."
The Valley Stream Chamber has increased by 75 members since she has led the organization.
Gallo-Turschmann thanked her administrative assistant, Ann Flanagan, and "the Bill Gallo Realty Team for everything."
The outgoing president said that she "will be grateful for the opportunity you have given me to grow personally and professionally. Thank you for the confidence in my ability to lead your organization to new heights. "Remember," she said, "together we can make a difference."
The new president, Rosemarie Del Grosso, was sworn in by Mayor Edward Cahill, and expressed her appreciation for being elected to the important position.
"I would like to thank all the members of the Chamber for having the faith and confidence in me to take over the responsibility of president of this prestigious Chamber. I'm about to follow in the footsteps of two great women who served before me. I have gained a lot of knowledge from working with Noreen [Carro] and Carol, and will cherish their friendship forever.
"As the new president, I am looking forward to working with my executive officers and board of directors jointly with the businesses and residents of Valley Stream, to make this the best town to work and live in. I believe that as a board of dedicated volunteers we can continue to support and grow our community for the future of out town.
"I am sure I will have many challenges and a lot of hard work, but I know if we all work together, we can enjoy the rewards of a thriving Valley Stream community."
After the installation ceremonies, the Chamber made a special Business Person of the Year presentation to its recipient this year, Joseph Zabatta, and to the Chamber's Business of the Year, Collision Concepts and its owners, Boris Klerer and Anthony D. Salsone.
The 2001-2003 slate of Executive Committee members is Rosemarie Del Grosso, president; Boris Klerer, exec. vice president; Elliott M. Rosenbaum, vice president; Dennis Fritzsche, secretary; and Annette LoCascio, treasurer.
The Board of Directors consists of Bruce Abate, Keith Berry, Noreen Carro, Jack Cazes, Francis A. DeMita, Carol Gallo-Turschmann, William Kowalewski, Donna J. Moore, John Nicolich, Jules Rabin, Joni Rubert, Arthur Sanders, Edward Sorensen and Ray Tesar. Honorary directors are Joseph Zabatta, John Gregorio, Harry Nicolino and Guido Cirenza.
