At next month's meeting of the Mineola Chamber of Commerce, Steve Ford of Willis Hobbies will be inducted as the chamber's next president. This month' meeting gave members an opportunity to show their appreciation to outgoing president Carmela Bernacchio, who delivered the state of the chamber address.

Bernacchio spoke about the chamber as being a vibrant part of the community as well as a diverse organization, which features retail stores, service industries, professionals, banks, Winthrop-University Hospital, the Salvation Army and Mineola Youth and Family Services to mention some of the members.

Bernacchio made the point that each of the members of the chamber can benefit from each other through networking and by working together to improve the business community in the village. "Here we are together trying to make a difference in the community," she said.

Bernacchio mentioned the partnership that exists between the village government, the residents and the chamber, both of which have made significant investments in Mineola.

The Mineola Chamber of Commerce is a unique position in that members can take advantage of each other's services. But, as Bernacchio said, "the relationship between residents and businesses is essential. Chamber members hope local shoppers will take advantage of all the business community has to offer."

Among some of the accomplishments that occurred under Bernacchio's three-year tenure as president were the continued promotion of business in Mineola, the creation of events that showcases businesses, the Taste of Mineola and Mineola In Style fundraisers, the participation of the chamber in community events, a new newsletter, expanded board of directors and the continued camaraderie among members to create an internal support system among local businesses.

Bernacchio also suggested some goals for the chamber such as having an office for the chamber, increasing cultural entertainment events and possibly having a street fair. She also said businesses and residents can look forward to the aesthetic improvement that will take place with the streetscape project on Jericho Turnpike.

Bernacchio concluded her address by thanking chamber members for the opportunity to serve. The businesswoman who is president of Humanistic Consultants and Parent and Child Education (PACE) received a standing ovation.

Bernacchio leaves the presidency in the capable hands of Steve Ford, who has been a businessman in Mineola for years as the owner of Willis Hobbies. He will be installed with the other officers next month.

The chamber also thanked Lud Odierna for his years of dedicated service. Last month, Odierna became the Williston Park mayor after a convincing win. The John S. DaVanzo Mineola Republican Club President Nancy Portoghese announced that the annual club dinner dance would be held June 8. The honoree as businessperson of the year will be Carmela Bernacchio. The Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra will be returning to Mineola once again this summer for concerts on Sunday, July 9 and Friday, July 28. As always the concerts are free and are truly one of the great treats of the summer in Mineola. The Nassau Pops will be performing on Oct. 22 at the Tilles Center for their benefit concert for cerebral palsy. The concert will be a tribute to Frank Sinatra. The past presidents of the chamber who attended last week's meeting included Peter Gollobin, Gary Katz, Jerry Mehlman and Lou Sanders.