For the second time in its history the Greater New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce inducted a woman as its president. Mary Ellen Divone was sworn into office by New Hyde Park Mayor Daniel Petruccio on Monday night, Feb. 10, at Pencenzo's restaurant on Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park and the place was packed in spite of the bitter cold and snow on the ground.

Also taking the oath of office were Florence Lisanti as first vice president and Richard DeMartino as second vice president, John Supernant as third vice president, Virginia Koehler as secretary and Christopher Vulpis as treasurer.

Newly installed to the board of directors was Peter Caputo while Thomas Arnone was reinstalled as a member of the board of directors.

To add to the merriment Linda Cutter and Zelda Platt both worked very hard to obtain raffle prizes for the evening and they truly raised a lot of money. Plus, there was entertainment. Thomas Deegan, a local tenor and guitarist along with his daughter Melanie Deegan provided beautiful music for the group. In fact, the entire event was the most successful in years.

After her installation Mary Ellen Divone made the following comments:

Úquot;First, I want to thank Peter Caputo for all his work and accomplishments these past two years. It is a difficult and time consuming job . On behalf of the chamber, we appreciate all your efforts.

Úquot;I am fortunate to have a very able group of officers including Florence Lisanti, Richard DeMartino, Virginia Koehler, Chris Vulpis and John Suprenant to assist me in the coming year. I appreciate the wealth of experience that I have from the members of the board of directors. Thank you, in advance, for your support in the coming year. Together we shall try and make the Greater New Hyde Park area an even better place to establish a business and provide service to the residents.

Úquot;I hope to conduct the business of the chamber in the following manner. My experience has led me to the conclusion that certain basic tenets for living your life and running a business lead to success. I have found them to be Communication, Respect, Loyalty.

Úquot;Communication-Focus must be placed on keeping the lines of communication open among the businesses, local officials, civic associations and residents. Let's start by continuing our monthly newsletter.

Úquot;Respect-This is probably the first lesson we were taught as children. It continues to be the best guide our professional and personal lives. I hope to keep an awareness of this trait among the members. Let's get back to basics.

Úquot;Loyalty-In our current, fast paced society, this attribute seems to have been put aside in favor of 'disposable' relationships among employers with employees and among business associates. It is time for us to support each other. Make the chamber member list your first avenue for searching for a vendor or service you need for your business. For example, the locksmith, the computer specialist, the printer, the office supplier, the termite inspector. We have capable, reliable businesses to satisfy your business needs. A strong business environment starts from strength within the chamber. Support for your fellow member business is the foundation needed to maintain a strong small business community. It is true that physically we are spread out over Jericho Turnpike, Hillside Avenue and Union Turnpike. However, we have our website with a full listing of members. I encourage each of you to contribute to the newsletter. An article will give important information to our members.

Úquot;Get involved, it's good for business. Once again, thank you, in advance for your cooperation and assistance in helping the chamber to grow and flourish.Úquot;