President’s Year-End Message

Fellow Chamber Members,

The Syosset/Woodbury Chamber of Commerce just completed its most successful year on behalf of small businesses and the community at large.  Since 1998, local business leaders have worked together, volunteering their time to help fellow members and the residents of Syosset and Woodbury.  I have been honored to have led this amazing group for the past four years and am so grateful for the generosity and hard work of the fourteen board officers and member volunteers who make our Chamber so successful.

In 2024, thanks to the leadership of Vice President Tami Racaniello, the Chamber held the largest Syosset Street Fair ever in the downtown area.  Board Member Jared Sarney with SRG Residential and Syosset Auto Leasing were the anchor sponsors, the Mid Island Y JCC and Brian J. Levy Associates were platinum sponsors with the 60 other Chamber business sponsors, along with over 100 local vendors, provided the opportunity for upwards of 10,000 local residents to interact with on a beautiful September day.

The Chamber once again brought holiday cheer to the community at the Holiday Lighting Spectacular. Board member Melesia Dechiaro stepped up to lead this year's effort. Local youth could display their talents, and Santa once again arrived to the joy of all. Bell Law Group, Valerie Rosenblatt with Coldwell Banker, Men on the Move, and Brian J. Levy & Associates led a group of fourteen local businesses who helped to make the afternoon happen.  The Chamber has provided all the wreaths and garlands lighting up the downtown area during the holiday season.

The Chamber was once again extremely active in holding in-person events and ribbon cuttings for membership. Our monthly general meetings offer local business owners the opportunity to introduce their firms via five-minute presentations and have featured speakers to educate on how to become more successful.  Chamber Treasurer, Kenya Zachary of Jovia Financial Credit Union, was our community's well-deserving Businessperson of the Year.  Membership has grown almost 100% to 256 business members since I became President in 2021, mostly thanks to the efforts of our long-time membership Chair and Board Member, Alan Goldberg.

The Chamber is also about giving back to the community.  Thanks to the generosity of our membership, the Chamber was able to donate $6,300 to our two designated charities, The Tempo Group and the Children's Orchestra Society.  This past May we provided scholarships to two deserving seniors from Syosset High School.  The Chamber participated in the Gus Scutari VFW Post #6394 Memorial Day parade and the India Day Parade.  Thanks to PSEGLI, the Chamber was able to provide over $6,000 of outdoor items at no cost to ten local businesses.

I want to recognize all the other Board members, Secretary Laura Venugopalan, past President Danielle Delgrosso, Social Media Chairperson Ari Goldblatt, Meeting Chairperson Gregg Jaffee, founding member Bill Chabina, Mike Gallo, Charity Committee Chair Ben Indiviglia, Steve Sprachman and Dr. Parul Makkar.  It is thanks to the generosity of the 14 members of the Board that I can do my best on behalf of our members.  Chamber administrator, Felice Linder, was incredibly patient working with me and the other board members during the year.  On behalf of the Board, I want to thank the Town of Oyster Bay, Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce for our Chamber's participation in the grant program.

In 2025, the Chamber looks forward to holding our annual Syosset Street Fair on September 14th.  There will be many in-person opportunities to interact with fellow business leaders and the local community.  We will continue to grow our presence on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.  I want to thank my wife, Lori, and my two beautiful daughters, Crystal and Kacey, for all your support. Without your encouragement, I wouldn't be able to be such an active part of this great Chamber.  The Syosset/Woodbury Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit volunteer organization.  If you want to make the most of your membership, be active, attend events and volunteer your time.

On behalf of the Board of the Syosset/Woodbury Chamber of Commerce and the 256 business members, I want to wish all of you and Happy and Healthy New Year.

Russell P. Green

President, Syosset/Woodbury Chamber of Commerce