The Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce hosted its 40th annual Businessperson of the Year and Legislative Breakfast on Oct. 31 at the Crest Hollow Country Club, celebrating honorees from nearly 40 local chambers across the county.
Formed in 1979, the council began as an informal gathering of chamber leaders from communities including Great Neck, Hicksville, Merrick, Hempstead, Baldwin, Westbury, Long Beach, Levittown, Freeport, Garden City, Franklin Square, East Meadow, Massapequa and Rockville Centre, along with the Spanish Chamber of Commerce of Long Island. The group met to discuss shared concerns in the local business community, from legislative issues to parking, special events and membership growth.
What began as a non-structured advisory forum soon developed into an organized body that now serves as a countywide resource for advocacy, leadership and support for Nassau’s chambers of commerce. Today, the council continues to promote economic growth, business stability and its “shop local” initiative, working as a unified voice for small businesses across the region.
This year’s breakfast program began at 8:15 a.m., following early-morning photos with honorees. The event featured the national anthem performed by Nassau County Legislator-elect Kayla Knight, and a keynote address by Laura Bonelli, president of LifeVac, a Nesconset-based company known for its life-saving choking-rescue device. Island Harvest Food Bank was named the breakfast’s charity partner, with president and chief executive Randi Shubin-Dresner offering updates on the organization’s ongoing hunger-relief efforts.
In a letter to attendees, NCCC president Frank Camarano Jr. thanked the event’s sponsors, partner organizations, and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for continued support of chamber-based small business initiatives, including the Nassau County Small Business Support & Training Center at Nassau Community College.
The East Meadow Chamber of Commerce recognized Maureen Pye, an area director for JAG Physical Therapy, as its 2025 Businessperson of the Year at the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce annual breakfast on Oct. 31.
Pye, a licensed physical therapist with more than 14 years of experience, oversees multiple JAG clinic locations, where she manages operations, supports staff development and works to ensure that patients receive high-quality, compassionate care. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to helping patients recover from injury, restore mobility and maintain long-term wellness.
Beyond her professional work, Pye serves as the chamber’s second vice president, taking an active role in planning and supporting community events that connect residents and local businesses. Her involvement reflects her belief in service, collaboration and strengthening the East Meadow business community.
Chamber officials said Pye was selected for her professional leadership, her dedication to patient care, and her continued commitment to giving back to East Meadow.
