The Syosset Chamber of Commerce made significant advancements in becoming a permanent, influential fixture in the community on Thursday, February 11 morning when its members, 42 of whom were present, unanimously approved their chamber by-laws and named their leaders.

Frank Urso of LI Village Realty, who had played a prominent role in the chamber's holiday lighting ceremony last December, was appointed the new organization's first president. Local commercial property owner Jack Biondo is vice president, Coach Realty's Elise Williams is secretary and Fleet Bank's Anne Powers is treasurer. Terms for officers last for one year.

The 15-member board of directors consists of Jo Costa, La Viola Restaurant; Pat Dimatos, Ace Florist of Syosset; Sophia Drakovlias, Sophia's Restaurant; Steven Goldstein, Goldstein & Avrutine; Judy Jacobs, Nassau County Legislator and chamber founder; Owen Kassimir, Owen Photography; John Kelly; Karin Lynn, Karin Lynn Hair Color Studio; Robert McCullough, AARP president; Corey Massella, Massella, Tomaro & Co., LLP; Steven Ross, Sir Speedy Printing; Gus Sclafani, Syosset Glass; Tricia Shannon, Birch Tree Realty; Gary Topple, Edwards & Topple, LLP; and Marilyn Urso, LI Village Realty. Board of directors terms will consist of three years, with five seats up for election each year.

The chamber members are currently looking into holding an annual installation dinner.

Though a membership core within the chamber has been established, Frank Urso, in one of his first official moves as president, asked that volunteers form a membership committee to continue the growing process. Larry Spinner of Elite Marketing, Rona Altman of Minuteman Press, Jerry Siegel of JASB Management Inc., Ebru Palavan of Syosset Travel and resident Charles Nicholas volunteered to serve on the '''new committee.

Urso also urged each merchant to write a bio on his or her business to place in a Syosset Chamber of Commerce web site.

A year-long schedule of meetings was announced, with meetings on March 11, April 8, May 13, June 2, July 8, August 12, September 9, October 14, November 11 and December 9. All are Thursdays.