Chamber welcomes new leader

Mitchell Allen installed as president

Posted

“It’s an exciting time to be an administrator of a business organization,” said Mitchell Allen, who, on Friday, was installed as president of the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce, succeeding Stephen Haller.

Allen, an East Meadow resident of 20 years, has been involved with the Chamber for a decade and a half. He is a New York state licensed home inspector and owns Inspect-It 1st Property Inspections in East Meadow. He and his wife, Karen, have a son, Evan, a musician, and a daughter, Melissa, who works in special education.

As president, Allen said he has many project ideas in the works, including beautification initiatives for Hempstead Turnpike and East Meadow Avenue, as well as arts and crafts fairs. It’s also his goal to continue building awareness in the community for what the chamber does. “We heave some exciting ideas and plans for 2015,” he said. “In short order, the community will start to see them.”

He emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses, especially now, with the continued emergence of national chains on Hempstead Turnpike. "We urge our membership and our community to support those corporate businesses,” he said. “But to consider the small business before, because they need more help."

But Allen said he believes the local economy is on the rise. “There are spots being filled,” he said. “Some new businesses are either looking at or actively looking to move into community.”

Stephen Haller, whose yearlong presidency officially ended, said the organization is in good hands. "He's very motivated, very focused,” said Haller. “He’s going to be a good president."

Allen is a past president of the East Meadow Kiwanis Club, a sponsor for the East Meadow Baseball League and leader in local cub Scouts. In the chamber, he has served as a board member and executive officer for the past eight years.

Norma Gonsalves, the presiding officer the Nassau County Legislature and an East Meadow resident, commended Allen’s leadership abilities. “He is certainly going to be a prize for the chamber,” she said. “Whatever he puts his heart and mind to, he gets it done.”

Page 1 / 2