Ben Jackson, a business owner and lifelong Freeport resident, officially began his fifth term as president of the Freeport Chamber of Commerce during a special installation ceremony. Jackson has continued to make the accessibility of the Chamber to all residents a priority for his leadership.
Jackson was installed during a ceremony on Thursday, April 16, at the Bayview on the Water venue on Freeport’s Nautical Mile. He was joined in the ceremony by returning Chamber officers First Vice President Gregory Ingino, Second Vice President Jacques Butler, Third Vice President James Tucker Williams, Treasurer John Hrvatin, Executive Secretary Jennifer Jerome and Directors John Jutt and Matthew Karp.
The officers’ agenda has been described as “ambitious,” with a focus on offering more family friendly events and increasing the Chamber’s membership.
“We don’t just have business memberships, we also have associate memberships for individuals,” Jackson explained. “Any resident can join as an associate member. We also are encouraging not for profit and religious organizations to join the Chamber and experience the benefits we offer.”
In addition to providing valuable networking opportunities for local member businesses, Chamber membership provides further potential public exposure and possible assistance with the missions of each member.
Part of the Chamber’s efforts for 2026 include supporting the U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations in the Village of Freeport. The Chamber is sponsoring special anniversary banners and decorations will be placed on every light pole along Woodcleft Avenue and a special fireworks display in the summer. The fireworks display, which the Chamber supports annually on July 3, will be “bigger this year,” according to Jackson. His wife, Jen, who is trained in pyrotechnics, coordinating the display. More information will be shared closer to the date.
Beyond anniversary celebrations, Chamber officers say they are looking to get even more events and initiatives done across Freeport with help from Village Mayor Robert Kennedy and other community leaders.
“While we do a lot with the Nautical Mile, we want to also be responsive to North and South Freeport,” Jackson said. “We have a good relationship with the mayor and the Village, and it has benefitted both, especially when it comes to big events. The mayor is always supportive and attends all of our events that he can.”
Kennedy affirmed the work of the Chamber and congratulated Jackson and his fellow officers on their installation and the work they are setting out to do.
“They do a fantastic job of promoting and supporting Freeport businesses,” Kennedy said. “I also am 100 percent in favor of growing the Chamber’s membership by adding more individuals and organizations.”
In addition to acknowledging the installed Chamber of Commerce officers, six awards were given to residents and local businesses for their community contributions. The honorees were Martin and Associates, a construction company, Harmony Healthcare, a local medical center, Jimmy Tsikis of bagel shop Pantano Doz. Bagels, retired police officer Shawn Randall, Village of Freeport Fire Chief Michael Gordon and Village of Freeport Police Department Sargeant Melissa Rodriguez.
To learn more about the Freeport Chamber of Commerce’s future events and how to become a member, please visit freeportchamberofcommerce.org or call 516-223-8840.
