Chamber News

Wantagh business gathering has a local flavor

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Local merchants and other professionals who call the Wantagh business community home gathered for food, drinks and conversation last week, as the Chamber of Commerce hosted a networking night at Thom Thom restaurant.

A few dozen store owners, lawyers, doctors, bankers, restauranteurs and even students were on hand. They discussed the importance of working together to promote their businesses this holiday season to encourage Wantagh residents to shop local.

Ken Jacobson, vice president of the neighboring Seaford Chamber of Commerce and treasurer of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, passed out signs to business owners to hang in their storefronts, urging local shopping in the coming weeks. He noted that local businesses are the ones that support youth sports teams and PTAs, and shoppers should think of those stores before heading to the mall.

Chris Brown, president of the Wantagh Chamber, echoed those sentiments. He also spoke of many activities the chamber hosts, including the upcoming holiday tree lighting at Triangle Park on Dec. 6 and five-mile Snowball Run on Dec. 12.

The networking night was a chance for new businesses to get acclimated to the community. Ryan Koutsogiannis, manager of the new TD Bank at Wantagh and Jerusalem avenues, introduced himself to other members. “I’m excited to be the new guy on the block,” he said.

Koutsogiannis said that despite having two other TD Banks within a mile and a half of his branch, the reception has been good since the Oct. 24 grand opening. He said residents of North Wantagh have been particularly welcoming, glad to have a bank in their neighborhood.

“It’s a great location,” he said, noting its proximity to many well-known Wantagh businesses. He also said that the new TD Bank is a “green” building, with solar panels over the drive-up lanes.

Students from the Wantagh Junior Chamber of Commerce were also in attendance. The teens, who attend Wantagh High School, said they were glad to learn about business from the experts.

“We enjoy networking with the Wantagh community,” said Brandon Blumstein, co-president of the Junior Chamber along with Jonathan Tanner. “It’s important for job opportunities in the future.”