The Plainview Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce has a long history in the community, although it was not always an active one.

According to past chamber president Donna Goldstein, the chamber started about 30 years ago and then, for unknown reasons, it was discontinued.

Approximately ten years ago, the chamber started up again and was called the Greater Plainview Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce. Donna Goldstein got involved about four years into the new chamber's existence. She then sat in the presidency for awhile. Although her passion was there, trying to run three businesses and the chamber was hard for Goldstein. The chamber went on a hiatus although never officially shut their doors.

John Casal stepped up and is picking up where the chamber left off. Casal was elected president of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce in March.

The most recent meeting of the chamber was the morning of May 15. Casal explained to members and those in attendance that he would like to create a newsletter and send it to the 2,000 companies in the Plainview-Old Bethpage area. This newsletter would contain a president's message, new member list, advertisements, information on how to join, and newsworthy articles.

"I like to view us as a liaison between various businesses and residents," said Goldstein. "We need something to create cohesion between everyone. My image or goal was always to be a representative for everyone and not to lose sight of that and become a large retail representative. I believe that we should always have a voice for small businesses and residents and John will carry that through."

Former Town of Oyster Bay Councilman Lenny Symons spoke at the meeting to chamber members about the upcoming Memorial Day Parade in Plainview. "Some people look at it as a day of sales and a day off," he said. "Let's remember people who served our country on Memorial Day."

He urged all chamber members and residents to come out and participate in the parade. "There is no litmus test to march," said Symons. "Just honor heroes past and present."

Symons also hopes to have every vehicle in Plainview and Old Bethpage displaying an American Flag in their window or on their bumper.

The next meeting of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce will be on June 25 at noon at Castle Senior Living, which is located at 150 Sunnyside Boulevard in Plainview. The meeting will be a Summer Barbecue and current members are encouraged to bring interested guests. For more information about the Plainview Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce please call 932-3779.