Seaford Chamber sets 2016 goals

The Seaford Chamber of Commerce has an ambitious agenda for 2016 that includes growing membership and pushing for infrastructure improvements in the community.

It will do it all with the same leadership from last year, after the 2016 officers and board members were sworn in at an installation dinner on Jan. 13 at Il Felice restaurant. Mary Lucere, of Lucere Law on Merrick Road, begins her second year as president.

She will be joined by First Vice President Ken Jacobsen, of LPL Financial; Second Vice President Curtis Schmitt, of Schmitt Funeral Home; Secretary Karen Cass, of Exit Realty Premier; and Treasurer Sergio DeCiantis, of Cara Mia restaurant, who were all sworn in by State Sen. Michael Venditto.

Members of the Board of Directors include Seth Sultan, of the Sultan Agency; Barbara Shane, of Shane’s Anchor Realty; Juanita Duran, of Majestic Salon and Spa; Nick Bilotta, of Final Touch Collision; and Joe Calise, of Sights-N-Sounds. They were installed by County Legislator Steve Rhoads.

“No president can do this job without the support their board,” Lucere said while thanking them for their volunteer service to the community.

Lucere said that the Chamber will be lobbying local legislators to repave area roads, with the top priority Washington Avenue from Sunrise Highway to Merrick Road, because it is a direct link to Seaford’s main business district.

The Chamber will continue to support new businesses by hosting ribbon-cutting ceremonies. She said that events for What a Girl Wants clothing and accessory store and the Selvin Law Firm will be planned in the near future. Any business requesting a ribbon-cutting ceremony should email the chamber through its website, www.seafordchamberofcommerce.com.

Lucere will be looking to grow membership this year. An informational mailing will go out to all businesses with a Seaford address, from those in the Seaford Harbor area to stores up on Hicksville Road. Home-based businesses are also welcome to join, and annual dues are $100.

The annual egg hunt is scheduled for Saturday, March 26 at Seaman’s Neck Park. “Hopefully it won’t be snowing then,” Lucere said.

The chamber will continue to honor local Boy Scouts who earn their Eagle rank. The organization presents each Scout with $50 for their community service project, and another $50 and a certificate at their Court of Honor ceremony.

Additionally, the chamber presents three academic awards for $150 each and a $1,000 scholarship to graduating Seaford High School seniors every year. Lucere said she plans to attend many of these presentations personally to hand out the awards.