Business News

Seaford Chamber looks to grow membership

Open house set for Oct. 23 at firehouse

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Seaford’s business community runs the gamut from small shops, to restaurants, to service professionals. All are invited to attend the Seaford Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming open house, which will be held at the firehouse.

Ken Jacobsen, immediate past president of the Chamber, is organizing the event. He said the last open house a few years ago was successful, so he decided to try it again. Every business owner will be welcomed to the evening program on Oct. 23, which will feature speakers and networking opportunities.

“We want to get in front of people and tell them why they should be a part of the Chamber,” he said. “With any Chamber, membership is important.”

The Seaford Chamber of Commerce includes doctors, lawyers, bankers, restaurateurs, other small business owners and community leaders. Even the school district, churches and non-profit groups belong. Jacobsen said the goal is to continue to grow the organization’s membership to keep it vibrant.

“We need new ideas,” he said. “We need to get people involved.”

Planned speakers include Julie Marchesella, president of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, and a representative from the Seaford 9/11 Committee.

Jacobsen said he wants business owners to walk away with an understanding of what the Seaford Chamber does for the community. It supports the school PTAs, Historical Society, Wellness Council, Lions Club and 9/11 Committee, among other organizations. The Chamber awards scholarships to graduating Seaford High School seniors, hosts an annual Easter egg hunt at Seaman’s Neck Park and places light-up snowflakes around the village for the holidays. “We are involved in basically everything that goes on in the community,” he said.

An advantage to joining the Chamber, Jacobsen said, is being part of a group that is recognized for its service to the community. The Chamber also promotes the concept of “Shop Local,” he explained.

Seaford businesses were hard hit by the one-two punch of the economic recession and Hurricane Sandy, he explained. Now more than ever, Jacobsen said it is important to for business owners to go beyond their doors and make connections with others.

A financial planner, Jacobsen said he conducts most of his personal business in Seaford, both to support his fellow merchants and make others aware of his services. “When you’re networking,” he said, “it opens up more opportunities. I think in today’s world, you need to do a little more than what you were doing.”

The open house, which will include free food, is open to all businesses in Seaford, Chamber members or not. It begins at 7 p.m. at the Seaford Firehouse, 2170 Southard Ave.