At its 75th annual meeting and dinner dance on Friday evening, April 27, at the Garden City Hotel, Bertram F. Donley, a partner in Garden City Properties, Inc., commercial and residential brokerage, will receive the chamber of commerce's "Community Achievement Award" for the year 2001.

Established in 1974 to recognize professionalism and outstanding contributions to the village through one's career, Donley will be acknowledged for his all-out involvement in myriad community and business activities. Having served as president of the chamber since 1999, a change in business responsibilities prompted Donley's resignation as president this past January. However, his leadership, dedication and contributions to the community are most appreciated and well-documented. Donley will continue to serve organizations and committees that relate to business expansion beyond village borders.

Roger Eltringham, 1998 "Citizen of the Year" and presenter, has said of Bert Donley, "there is no greater example of service to t he community than the body of work and contributions made by Bert Donley over a 20 year period. His knowledge of real estate, zoning and architectural issues coupled with his ability to work with people, has served Garden City in so many different ways. His personal involvement has streamlined the approval process for new business building permits in our village and his broad knowledge and variety of contacts was invaluable during the Roosevelt Field expansion fight. All of this is born out of his love for the Village of Garden City. Bert's service is offered cheerfully, without reservation, and with complete enthusiasm. When you couple his work with his incomparable singing voice and entertainment talent, you have a community volunteer with few equals. In every way, Bert has enriched the quality of life in Garden City. He truly epitomizes the spirit and intent of the "Community Achievement Award."

Prior to acquiring Garden City Properties in 1997, Bert Donley had been with the Albanese organizations since 1982 where he was vice president of the Albanese Development Corporation. During his 8-year tenure on the Chamber board of directors, Bert held many committee positions. His volunteer services to the business community in general, have been extensive and varied. Well documented is Donley's service as chamber liaison to village departments and boards with regard to zoning, building code regulations and procedures. He is known to have represented many a member business before the Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Commission, the Village Board of Trustees and Architectural Design and Review Board, to obtain approvals and permits.

Donley is a distinguished past president of the Kiwanis Club of Garden City and has served as co-chair of the annual St. Patrick's Day Luncheon. He serves on the Nassau Hub Citizens' Advisory Committee and is a member of Sustainable Long Island, a not-for-profit focusing on downtown revitalization projects, zoning and planning issues. In his "spare" time, Bert Donley has served as past president and is a current board member of Friends of New Hope Manor, Inc. (substance abuse program for women) and is a volunteer cantor and musician for local churches.

Former Mayor Brian Deveney says of Donley, "what stand s out most in my mind is how wonderful it is that a person who does not live in the village nevertheless lives with us in spriit. Whenever there was a good cause to promote, Bert was there, whether it was as the 'Fourth Irish tenor' at the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot ... at the street fairs which bring so much fun to all the children ... or at the village board meetings to give guidance for programs to make the village better ... or on all the committees that Bert sat and helped others, he always seemed to be there with cheer, song and intelligent advice."

Althea Robinson, 1992 recipient of the award, who has worked closely with Donley for the past several years has said, "In addition to his many "ready-and-willing" contributions-such as serving as a musical emcee for many a fall festival street fair, Bert is like a one-man information service. We have a saying at our offices: 'If you need an answer' (about almost anything)-ask Bert!"

The chamber invites members of both the business and residential communities to attend this gala event featuring the Tom Wagner Orchestra. For reservation information, please call the chamber at 746-7724.