TD Bank, PCC honored by Chamber

Neither TD Bank nor the Peninsula Counseling Center have been in Valley Stream for a particularly long time. But in a short time, those institutions have made significant contributions to the community, and specifically to the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce.

The two businesses were recognized by the Chamber at the annual gala dinner on Sept. 26 at the Pompei restaurant in West Hempstead. TD Bank received the Business Achievement Award with Peninsula Counseling Center chosen for the Special Recognition Award.

TD Bank arrived in Valley Stream in late 2008, but its roots go back to when Commerce Bank first opened up on Merrick Road and Central Avenue several years earlier. The bank has hosted a pair of holiday parties for the Chamber of Commerce, as well as other networking events. “TD Bank has went above and beyond to support the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce,” said Dominick Minerva Jr., a Chamber board member and the gala chairman.

Accepting the award on behalf of the bank was Glenore Anderson, the Valley Stream store manager since February 2012. She was joined by Assistant Manager Aldo Novo, and Hempstead store Manager Sharon Hamlin. Frank Ryan, the prior store manager, had previously served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

Minerva noted that TD Bank maintains a beautiful property at one of the village’s busiest intersections. He said having the business in town is an asset. “They’re a great part of the Valley Stream business community and a great neighbor,” he said. “Glenore and TD Bank are quick to help local small businesses with their needs.”

Anderson, who said she was grateful for the recognition, wants to continue the strong relationship between the bank and the Chamber. “We look forward to getting involved and just doing as much as we can,” she said.

Peninsula Counseling Center might be fairly new to Valley Stream, but it is not new to Nassau County. The mental health agency is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. It was based in the Five Towns for its first 95 years before opening up its new headquarters on Hawthorne Avenue in 2008.

Chamber President Debbi Gyulay spoke highly of PCC. She said the agency joined the Chamber shortly after moving into Valley Stream and has taken advantage of the networking possibilities that membership provides.

PCC’s liaison to the Chamber of Commerce is Audrey Goodman, who was unable to attend the dinner. Accepting the award were Executive Director Lois Goldsmith and President of the Board of Directors Steve Bernstein.

“Under their leadership, PCC heads into its second century continuing a history of help and healing for those in need of mental health services,” Gyulay said.

“Being around for 100 years is a tremendous accomplishment in an of itself, none of us have ever done that,” she added, “but being a non-profit organization that helps people in need makes that accomplishment even more special.”

Goldsmith said that she appreciates the support the Valley Stream community has shown PCC, and she hopes the agency has provided the same support in return. On Oct. 21, PCC will celebrate its 100th anniversary with it’s a Tasteful Evening fundraiser at the Woodmere Club.

Minerva noted there was a connection between the two award recipients, as TD Bank’s Anderson serves on PCC’s Board of Directors.

Also at the gala, the Chamber’s slate of officers was installed. Gyulay began her fourth term as president. The other officers are Elliott Rosenbaum as executive vice president, Jules Rabin as vice president, Lisa Norwich as secretary and Jaime Grasso as the new treasurer. Elected by Chamber membership in June, their terms are for two years.