Chamber calls on folks to shop ‘the Square’

Posted

The Franklin Square Chamber of Commerce pulled out all the stops at its annual Installation Dinner at the Plattduetsche Park Restaurant in Franklin Square on Jan. 25. At the celebratory affair, chamber officers and board members were sworn in by State Assemblyman Edward Ra, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Anthony Santino and Nassau County Legislator Vincent Muscarella.

"Congratulations to all new members, and I applaud all who work hard together," President Bruno Caracciolo said. "Let's continue to get the word out about how valuable chambers of commerce are.

"People are able to join the Chamber of Commerce from the internet, which is helping increase our numbers," he added. "It's a great advantage that we have now so that we reach out to even more people. As the Chamber of Commerce, we provide a valuable service to the community and to each other, and we all benefit."

Membership has steadily risen, and is up to 165 members, Caracciolo said. On Hempstead Turnpike and Franklin Avenue, the business group is working with the Town of Hempstead to encourage merchants and their customers to keep sidewalks litter-free.

Patrice Maresca-Sehne, owner and operator of My Comfy Pet, said she was thankful and honored to serve as the chamber's second vice president. "We have an amazing group of people on our board whose commitment and dedication to our town is truly commendable," she said. "We all work hard to help our businesses and residents have a better quality of life in Franklin Square."

Maresca-Sehne implored community residents to support "our businesses by shopping 'the Square' and patronizing our restaurants. We welcome our businesses and residents to voice your opinions and contact our chamber website or phone. Let's all work together and keep our town strong." 

Members were invited to comment on issues affecting their businesses. Susan Ataro, of Gemelli Boutique, warned others about a trolling Facebook page, "Franklin Square No Rules," which attacks local businesses.

Nasty remarks were posted about Ataro's business on the page. "I'm very upset," she said. "We're hard-working people ... I have great customers. I love my store."

Local community organizations are invited to join the Chamber of Commerce. "I had joined, but then had to serve overseas," said Heshem Khafaga, president of the Franklin Square Civilian Patrol and a member for two years. "When I returned, my predecessor hadn't kept up with the membership or our patrol organization, so now I am starting from scratch in rebuilding both. Being a member has so many benefits. It's great for us to maintain communication with everyone."

The next Chamber of Commerce meeting is Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. at Murph's Restaurant. For more information, go to fschamberofcommerce.com/.