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History of the East Northport Chamber of Commerce
The East Northport Chamber of Commerce was established in 1994 and is proud to be celebrating 18 years of serving the East Northport neighborhood and the business community. The Chamber is dedicated to creating a positive climate for doing business and living in East Northport.
Dr. Mark A. Capodanno along with Stuart Besen, Esq., Rich Greco, CPA and a few other business people toyed with the idea of starting up a Chamber of Commerce. At that time, many storefronts on Larkfield Road were empty and this group of energetic hopefuls pooled their ideas on how to revitalize the business district. In June, 1994 the East Northport Chamber of Commerce was officially formed under the leadership and guidance of first president, Dr. Mark A. Capodanno.
Little by little the word got out and a few new members joined in. Attendance at meetings held at the East Northport Library was small, but thanks to the energies of that small group, the Chamber began taking baby steps towards its true existence.
There was no funding for such an extravagance as an office! For the first few years, the 'office' was housed at the Lynn's Type location (in the basement of her home). It was there that paperwork was done, mailings organized and the first project was born. The first introduction to the East Northport Community of the Chamber's being was the installation of the Welcome To East Northport banners on Larkfield Road. Still not having any funds, the Chamber reached out to local businesses to support the cost and installation of these banners. It was then that so many new businesses joined in and thirty banners were ordered and installed. Today, the banners are still hanging proud on both Larkfield Road and Jericho Turnpike.
Little by little other projects were introduced and tried out. For example, the Chamber Handbook. The handbook, which lists all members, their services and member discounts is distributed to every new member. This idea really took off and brought in even more businesses. Today, this handbook contains the information of over 240 businesses and is a key tool in letting each and everyone know where to find locally whatever it is they need.
Not only did the membership grow but it brought in more energetic and talented people and ideas started to really start flowing. Back in 1996, Board Member Stuart Besen suggested we hold an 'East Northport Festival'. What a challenge that was! This would be the Chamber's first real community major event. Nerves were shattered, the committee members were exhausted but by the end of the first Festival weekend, the committee managed to drag themselves to a local tavern to unwind, rehash the weekend events and planned for Festivals of the future. It was really another great beginning!
After his three year term, Dr. Capodanno stepped down and the momentum continued with the new President, Stuart Besen. Now at three years old, it was time to move from the basement location to an office. More space and exposure was definitely needed. A back office became available at 246 Larkfield Road, adjoining Dr. Capodanno's office. Thanks to a New York State Assembly Grant from John Flanagan, the Chamber was able to rent and purchase the much needed office equipment. A part time office manager (remember Janet Plantin?) was hired and now the Board of Directors had a place to meet a bit more comfortably on a monthly basis.
During Stuart's two year term, membership grew, the Festival kept getting bigger and better, grant money continued to assist in defraying expenses, the Sign Grant Program was born and the Board of Directors became even more enthused and energetic.
The juices continued to flow and more events were put on the agenda. The Annual Golf Classic was started. Scholarships for graduating seniors were formed. We became the Charter Organization for Boy Scout Troop 52. Monthly membership meetings at the East Northport Library actually had attendance!
Following Stuart, Chuck Adams grabbed the reign of Presidency. The Chamber is now a growing vital force in the community and a bit more financially stable to take on more events. Each September, the Chamber sponsors the Breast Cancer Victory Train. Many residents and members proudly welcome with flowers, balloons, goodie bags all those who graciously stop at the East Northport Station on their way out to Mather Hospital. In addition to this sponsorship, the Chamber, along with the Northport Running Club, helped make wishes come true by donating to the Make A Wish Foundation each year from the proceeds of the successful 10 Mile Classics. Now major grant money for the downtown revitalization had been applied for but was held at bay for awhile. It was a time to wish good luck to Office Manager Janet Plantin on her retirement and move to North Carolina and welcome Sharon Moulton to the office.
It was after Chuck's reign, and during the present President Lynn Ruvolo's stint, that the grant money became available. Thanks to that funding and the funding assistance received from the Town of Huntington, the sidewalk pavers and antique lighting project became a reality. Additional grant monies awarded provided the hanging flower baskets. Membership meetings took a little different twist, insofar as locations and agendas. Over the past few years members have tried yoga, miniature golf, bowling, fishing, entertained and enlightened by various speakers and enjoyed quite a few delicious barbeques. This year, for the first time ever, we joined forces with the East Northport Rotary and Visiting Nurse/Hospice of Suffolk County to bring 'A Taste of Long Island' to the East Northport Community. What a lovely, delectable and well received event this was and which contributed towards attaining the new Hospice House, a first of its kind on Long Island (yes, here in East Northport!).
The momentum continued to grow and it was time to move from a crowded office to a storefront location in the newly renovated downtown area. In the window of the new office, in case you haven't seen her, "Wanda" sits proudly and dresses for each upcoming fundraising event or holiday occasion.
Not only is the Chamber blessed with new businesses joining in but now we're approached by residents who want to help keep the momentum going on sprucing up East Northport! We've received assistance on helping alleviate graffiti and redesigning and maintaining the stationary planters around town. It's obvious that the sense of pride of living and working in East Northport is not the Chamber's alone!
The growth of the East Northport Chamber is due to many marvelous, caring people. The past and present board members should be highly commended for taking their time and utilizing their talents. The members and residents alike for their support and enthusiasm have helped greatly in each and every success of the East Northport Chamber of Commerce. It's up to each and everyone in the East Northport Community to keep this vital organization prosperous and assist the incoming to keep it going.
| Upcoming Events |
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General Meeting - 7:00pm
Wednesday, 3/7/2012 |
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Rotary Club Multicultural Event
Wednesday, 3/7/2012 |
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A Taste of Long Island
Thursday, 3/29/2012 |
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General Meeting - 7:00pm
Wednesday, 4/4/2012 |
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Networking Event
Wednesday, 5/2/2012 |
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General Meeting - 7:00pm
Wednesday, 6/6/2012 |
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BBQ at Crab Meadow
Wednesday, 7/11/2012 |
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