New leaders revitalize Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association

With newly elected officials, a fresh idea for member recruitment and new businesses moving into the community, the Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association is seeking to recharge, and to revitalize the commercial landscape.
David Friedman was elected president; John Roblin, 1st vice president; Richard Valenti, 2nd vice president; Albert Risis, treasurer; and Loretta Camarda, secretary on May 11. Dr. Steve Agin and David Toron are also part of the new HWBA board. All of the positions were uncontested, Friedman said.
He added that he is excited about succeeding Jaime Wysocki Azcona, the organization’s president for the past two and a half years. “We thank our past president for all her hard work,” Friedman said. “We are pleased Jaime will continue to help us in the future. Rich Valenti rejoined, and he’s fantastic. We have 55 paid members in our billing cycle. We added some new members, such as LIJ-Franklin Hospital, which wants to be our local hospital.”
New businesses are joining, and there is a potential new member, Petco, which is expected to move into the empty Loehmann’s site at Broadway and Harris Avenue in Hewlett, Friedman said. “We’re negotiating for a European spa in the other property nearby,” he said. “At Mill Road and Peninsula Boulevard, two of the four corners are being filled. Peninsula Shopping Center is going to receive a facelift.” The two other corner sites have a 7-Eleven and a gas station.
The HWBA’s Membership Committee, which includes Camarda and Linda Kriesman and her husband, Burt, a Hewlett dentist, are targeting the medical practices in Hewlett and Woodmere and businesses without storefronts, such as home-based or online enterprises, to increase HWBA membership.

“Our current plans include soliciting members that are up for renewal, and getting those renewals on an annual basis,” Linda Kriesman said. “In addition, we are going to non-members and new businesses and explaining the value of the HWBA and trying to get them to join. Both Loretta and I have strong ties to the community and many local friends, and we’re using those connections to find new members.”
Continuing its ongoing partnership with the Hewlett-Woodmere School District, the HWBA hopes to join forces with Hewlett High School’s Business Department to create a market research project in which students could research the kinds of businesses that could be viable options for the communities. The students would learn a range of business principles and earn academic credit.
Local business people already volunteer to help with the high school’s Career Day, speaking about different industries, and the fall and spring Interview Days, when they take part in mock student job interviews.
“It could be used to satisfy a student’s Senior Project obligation or for community service for an underclassman,” said Rose Panarelli, the district’s Business Education Department chairwoman. “There is a close association between the HWBA and the school district, which is especially true in our department, as we teach business courses and run several programs that involve volunteers from the community. It really is a benefit to the students in the school and community.”
Asked what type of business he would like to see more of in Hewlett and Woodmere, Friedman suggested a place where people could sit down to enjoy a treat. “There is so much opportunity in an ice cream parlor,” he said. “They’re great for bringing families together, and meeting places for large groups of people. It’s also a great place to bring the kids after a game or recital.”