Guest Column

The West Hempstead Chamber of Commerce: Promoting businesses, and community pride, in West Hempstead

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While the West Hempstead Chamber of Commerce is committed to working toward growing and developing the business community, it also strives to serve as a voice for business members while finding news ways to promote community pride.

To support local businesses, both old and new, the Chamber’s website and Facebook page list all current members and their websites. In addition, monthly meetings are organized at local establishments as a way for many to learn about business topics and to network with other businesses.

In May, we honored three recently launched West Hempstead businesses — Sam’s Caribbean Market, KW Kitchens and Hats Off Peruvian Restaurant, all on Hempstead Turnpike — with individual ribbon cuttings.

One thing you should also know is that the Chamber always strives to give back to the community, and unite various groups and organizations throughout West Hempstead.

In April, for example, the West Hempstead School District celebrated its first ever “West Hempstead SHINES” event at the West Hempstead High School gym. Members of various groups, including the Chamber, LIPA and Lady of America Fitness for Women were on hand to support and sponsor the event. Representatives from Lady of America participated and held Zumba classes, while National Wholesale Liquidators and Stop and Shop donated items.

In May, the Chamber purchased more than 50 American flags, which were situated along Hempstead Turnpike for this year’s Memorial Day Parade.

The Chamber has also supported numerous West Hempstead beautification events at Hall’s Pond Park and along Hempstead Avenue, and has worked with a number of clubs and local organizations, including West Hempstead Boy Scout Troop 240, West Hempstead High School Key Club, among other groups.

As we move forward, we’re looking to become even more active in the community. In June, we honored West Hempstead High School senior Joseph DiMarco, 18, with the first ever Chamber of Commerce award for his community service efforts. We are currently working on plans to provide similar awards to students of the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County of West Hempstead and St. Thomas the Apostle School.

Our very first fundraiser for West Hempstead education will be held on Monday, Aug. 27 at Caffe Milano, at 346 Hempstead Avenue. Fifteen percent of proceeds will go toward the Chamber’s new Education Fund to support various education initiatives throughout West Hempstead. We hope you will come out and enjoy a great meal while also supporting West Hempstead students in education.

The Chamber will also co-host an annual street fair on Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the West Hempstead Community Support Association, where members are always guaranteed a table spot to promote their business.

We encourage you to learn more about our community efforts: please visit www.westhempsteadchamberofcommerce.com, or call (516) 619-2045 or visit us on Facebook.

Manny Martinez is a member of the West Hempstead Chamber of Commerce and the West Hempstead Community Support Association.