La Coquille restaurant was the elegant setting for the Installation Luncheon of the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 23. Nancy Morris, president elect, welcomed the gathering saying this was a fabulous event to launch the new year. Networking is the key ingredient, Morris said, and invited each member to introduce themselves to the group.

Don Taylor began the introductions, setting the stage for those who followed, by including personal commentary, in his case, encouraging members "to turn to Page 251 of The Tender Bar for his cameo appearance as "Don the lawyer." Norman Nemec announced he is now also the Building Department Superintendent for the Village of Great Neck; Dr. Peter LaCorte purchased Dr. Kornberg's practice; Melissa Moghaddam, Gourmet Bagels, mother of Sage born on Nov. 12, will be moving with her husband to a new location named after their daughter sometime before spring. She called it a multidimensional food experience as it will provide high end prepared takeout, full deli, bagel store, chopped salad bar and sushi bar; Don Holden noted he is the first lay director of St. Ignatius Retreat House; Jean Robinson, Heather's Hair Salon, announced she has been in business in Manhasset for 40 years, adding quickly, "I started very young;" Angela Kraus, noted she is an interior designer and design consultant at Drexel Heritage; and Bob Moulton, Americana Mortgage Group, introduced himself as the "last man standing in the mortgage industry."

Les Forrai, outgoing co-president, proudly enumerated the chambers accomplishments in 2007: great business card exchange; sponsored antique car show; lunch in the park with political leaders; new logo for chamber; new mission statement; new website;

chamber magazine; Adopt-A-Pole program; wreaths for the holidays; poster contest and tree lighting; sponsored concerts in the park; increased membership; hired a secretary; and a membership management program.

Before announcing the new slate of officers to be sworn in, gifts from Young's Liquors were presented to outgoing treasurer, Joanne Dougherty, and outgoing co-presidents Les Forrai and Bernard Rolsten. And Michael Miller, owner, La Coquille, declared it was his honor and privilege to host the chamber.

President - Nancy Morris

First Vice President - Ed Wassemer

Second Vice President - Pat Roberts

Secretary - Glenn Corbett (HSBC)

Treasurer - Rebecca Pederson (WAMU)

Directors for term ending January 2009

Diane Harragan

Directors for term ending 2010

Barbara Bourgonone

Rae Dowling

Dick Dundore

Melissa Moodhaddam

Directors for term ending Jan. 2011

T.J. Costello

Don Holden

Rita Eredics

Harvey Passes

Steve Trachtman

Directors continuing in office:

Directors for term ending January 2009

Fran Bourguet

Pat Grace

Marion Stainkamp

Directors for term ending January 2010

Eileen Brennan