The Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce (NCCC) is Nassau County's largest business organization representing 6,000 businesses from 52 chambers of commerce in Nassau County. As the president of this organization for the past three years, Gary has been an advocate, a motivator, a promoter and a supporter to small businesses and the local chambers of commerce.

Gary is current with the issues that impact small businesses in Nassau County such as helping business owners to minimize graffiti on their property; promoting community awareness by encouraging businesses to sponsor local youth sports teams and to donate to local charitable organizations; and most recently urging the Nassau County Legislature to eliminate the local tax on shoes and clothing as our neighboring counties have done.

Every year at the holidays, Gary, as NCCC president and honorary vice chairman of the New York State Toys for Tots Campaign, encourages businesses to participate in this worthy cause directed by the United States Marine Corps. Gary's accomplishments as the president of the NCCC are numerous.

The Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce is a respected organization representing small business. Not only is Gary Hudes a most worthy recipient of the Small Businessperson of the Year Award, but so are the 39 other recipients throughout Nassau County. These people are pillars in their community. They are dedicated business people who have made an important contribution to their community. How dare Ms. Haugen minimize the accomplishments of these incredible people in her lame attempt to attack Gary Hudes? I am appalled at Ms. Haugen's insulting editorial and in my opinion she owes every recipient an apology.

Ms. Haugen's ignorant questions do not warrant a response except to qualify my position as assigned to me by the executive board of the NCCC. I'm confident that I just coordinated a NCCC breakfast for 500 people and did so for the past two years, I mail information monthly to 52 chambers and attend monthly meetings at Hofstra University. I am the sole paid employee of this fine organization.

It is apparent that the only "sham" is Ms. Haugen's uninformed, politically motivated double-talk. Isn't it a shame that some individuals cannot accept the selfless intentions of a true man of the people such as Gary Hudes.