“Welcome to Glen Cove” landmark highlights shop local message

A new “Welcome to Glen Cove” sign now stands along one of the city’s busiest gateways, marking not an entry to the community and a symbol of economic vitality and partnership. The Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce and PSEG Long Island, formally unveiled the double-sided landmark sign at 238 Glen Cove Ave., adjacent to Jeanine’s American Bistro, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by city officials, business owners, and chamber members.
The sign greets motorists entering the city with “Welcome to Glen Cove,” while the reverse side reminds drivers to “Please Shop Local, Thank You.” Chamber leaders emphasized that the message reflects the organization’s ongoing work to support local commerce and encourage residents and visitors to spend locally. Businesses may purchase advertising space on the sign through weather-proof display panels designed to be visible to thousands of daily commuters.
Current participating businesses include the Deep Roots Farmers Market and Care First Home Solutions. Councilman Michael Ktistakis provided the landscaping, flowers, and maintenance, which are included as part of the project.
Chamber President Dr. Maxine Meyreis told attendees that the sign symbolizes far more than aesthetics. “This sign represents more than a gateway into Glencove and into our city,” she said. “It reflects the pride, the partnership and the economic vitality of our community.” She credited PSEG Long Island for providing the Community Thrive grant that funded the project, saying the utility’s support has allowed the chamber to undertake visible community improvements.
Meyreis highlighted the ongoing partnership with PSEG Long Island representative Christine Bryson, saying, “She goes out of her way to let the Chambers know that this money is available and you’ve got to apply for it and make a project that’s worthy of their money. So here it is.” She noted that prior grant funding from the utility supported the installation of “six beautiful, sturdy trash barrels on the Cedar Swamp Road corridor coming into our city and helps to keep our city clean.”

Bryson said the utility’s goal is to continue working closely with local business groups through its grant programs. “All of us together make a great business community so we’re really glad that we can be a part of that,” she said. She noted the Community Thrive program typically awards up to $10,000 to chambers each year.
Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck praised the Chamber’s momentum and the new entryway. “We have the most wonderful booming, growing, dedicated, committed chamber of commerce,” she said, adding that the sign is “just beautiful,” and that the project would not have been possible without grant funding.
The landmark will serve both as wayfinding and a emphasis on small business support.