The Chamber was established for the purpose of promoting business, providing information, and to take a leadership role in promoting community pride. In addition, we offer you the opportunity to join our Lake Ronkonkoma stewardship program, encouraging consumers to walk to local businesses along the boulevards and generous parklands in a beautiful and secure environment. When you join us, your "Ronkonkoma Chamber Member" decal says it all! You are part of the solution: bringing neighbors and businesses together; helping to improve the environment in the Ronkonkoma area; and being an official sponsor of the Lake Revitalization and Lake Ronkonkoma Clean Up Events. Seasonal banners, permanent planters and park benches are just a few of our recent accomplishments.

Only through your support can we attain these goals and help our community prosper.

The Chamber is the eyes and ears of the community. Together, we can solve problems, answer your community questions, and refer your business to contacts both nationally and locally. We are members of the Brookhaven Coalition of Chambers, the Three Towns Task Force, and the Lake Ronkonkoma Advisory Board. Our Networking Events and General Meetings provide you with the opportunity to meet Chamber members, local residents, and County leaders. The Chamber offers a variety of membership levels to suit your business needs:

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Our Mission Statement

The Chamber is the platform for business to provide leadership, education and advocacy so the Greater Ronkonkoma's area thrives in the 21st century.

The Chamber is comprised of business people committed to improving the economic climate and quality of life in the Greater Ronkonkoma's area. The strength of the Chamber lies in the size and diversity of the membership. Both large and small businesses from virtually every profession are represented. The members are the Chamber!

Objectives

•	To coordinate the efforts of commerce, industry and the professions in maintaining and strengthening a sound and healthy business economy in the Greater Ronkonkoma area.
•	To sponsor aggressive programs and to stimulate activities which will provide for the full development and employment of our human and economic resources.
•	To provide creative business leadership and effective coordination of interested parties in solving community problems and initiating constructive community action.
•	To create a broad understanding and appreciation of the opportunities in the Greater Ronkonkoma area and to promote the advantages and assets of our community.

A Message from our President

Dear Business Colleagues and Neighbors,

“If you can’t be with the one you love… love the one you’re with” -- Love the One You’re With, Stephen Stills

February, the Love Month!

Speaking of love I have to share a story with you. A person who grew up here, attended Sachem Schools and is a big part of the community is over the top in medical bills due to illness in her family. As hard as it was for her to do, she asked for help. Well Bruno’s Restaurant and their staff answered her call. They organized a fund raiser and our community and businesses came out in full force supporting it by donating raffle items. Despite the snow the place was packed, everyone enjoying the buffet that Bruno’s donated. You guys Rock! Everyone could feel the LOVE that was being shared with a friend in need!

On February 23rd the Chamber is hosting our very own Networking/Karaoke Night! This has the potential to culminate business networking, fun, musical talent and potential embarrassment for all who join in. The evening begins at 5:30 with networking - so don’t forget to bring your business cards. Then at 7:00 let the crooning begin - so don’t forget your ear plugs (just kidding)! Remember, this is meant to be fun. So practice singing in the shower or in front of your mirror with a hair brush and come sing a song. We invite neighboring Chambers of Commerce and residents to participate. Visit www.ronkonkomachamber.com for full details. There will be prizes.

We Need YOUR Help!

The Chamber has been at work strategizing how to provide more contemporary and useful benefits to continue supporting our growing membership. We are asking for volunteers from the business community to help with this endeavor. Our business and community events during 2012 call for many hands. Won’t you share your talents with us? We have committees that need volunteers. Give me a call at 737-0489 and I’ll sign you up! We are all part of Ronkonkoma and together we all have something to offer and something to gain. I invite YOU to get involved and be a part of it.

That’s it for now. So until next month Happy Valentine’s Day - share it with those you love!

And remember… small businesses are crucial to New York’s recovery. Use local businesses whenever you can.

Love,
Denise Schwarz

President, Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce

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Officers and Directors

Chamber Officers

Denise Schwarz, President Affiliation: Word Pro Group - Direct Mail email: president@ronkonkomachamber.com Denise Schwarz has made Ronkonkoma her home for over 30 years. Her company, Word Pro Group Direct Mail, a Certified NYS WBE Corportion, recently celebrated their 25th Anniversary. Services they offer include high speed inkjet addressing, wafer sealing, mailing list acquisition and color digital printing. They service all industries; business, political, non-profits. Denise is also the President of the MacArthur Business Alliance, a Board Member of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County, Inc., a member of East End Women’s Network, SCWBEC and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 2206 Port Jefferson. Denise can be reached at 631-737-0489 or themailinglady@aol.com.

Sandy Weber, Vice President Affiliation:Agnew & Taylor Hardware email: vicepresident@ronkonkomachamber.com Sandy has owned Agnew & Taylor Hardware with her husband for the last 26 years. Agnew & Taylor is a full-service hardware store which has been located at the corner of Hawkins Ave. and Portion Road since 1888. It still has the creaky wood floors and that old time feel and charm. Some of the products and services provided by Agnew and Taylor include: Benjamine Moore paint and stains; Radio Flyer wagons and ride-on toys; Windows and screens repaired on premises; Glass and plexiglass cut to size. Sandy has a Master of Art's Degree in Developmental Psychology and is on the Board of Directors of Temple B'Nai Israel's Sisterhood.

Lydia Louise, Treasurer Affiliation:TD Bank email: treasurer@ronkonkomachamber.com Lydia Louise has been in the banking industry for over 38 years. She is currently Store Manager of TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank in Lake Ronkonkoma. TD Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of TD Bank Financial Group of Toronto, Canada, a top 10 bank in North America and one of the strongest financial institutions in the world. Open seven days a week, TD Bank offers a full range of financial services including commercial, small business and personal products and services through an extensive network of more than 1000 locations from Maine to Florida. Lydia is also Secretary of the Rotary Club of the Ronkonkomas and a member of the MacArthur Business Alliance. Lydia can be reached at 631-588-1564 or llouise@yesbank.com.

Kevin Hyms, Secretary Affiliation: email: secretary@ronkonkomachamber.com Kevin has been a resident of Lake Ronkonkoma for over 40 years and has served as both the Treasurer and Secretary of the Ronkonkoma Chamber since 2007. He is also our Scholarship Chairperson, serves on the Suffolk County Legislature's Lake Ronkonkoma Advisory Task force and represents the Chamber on the anti-bias task force and the Brookhaven Coalition of Chambers. He is a graduate of Sachem High School, earned a B.S. in Chemistry from Stony Brook University, an M.B.A. in Management from New York Institute of Technology, became a Certified Safety Professional and is also a Notary Public. Kevin is a safety and environmental consultant and has over 30 years of professional experience in government, insurance, safety, law and the environment. He is very involved in the community and has served as a PTA President for 4 years, has been a member of the Sachem School Business Alliance, has been Chairperson of the Sachem Community Advisory Council for the past 11 years, was Co-Chair of the Sachem at 50 Committee, and serves on numerous other committees and organizations.     Kevin has received numerous honors and awards, including:  Heart and Soul Award, Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce - 2011, Golden Key International Honor Society - 2008, Heart and Soul Award, Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce - 2006, New York State PTA Honorary Life Member Award - 2006, Volunteerism Award, New York Institute of Technology - 2002, Who's Who in America - 1991, Who's Who in Finance and Industry - 1990, and Delta Mu Delta (National Honor Society in Business Administration) - 1985. Contact him by phone at 585-6950 or by e-mail at kgbshyms@aol.com.

Chamber Directors

Doreen Brohan, Director Affiliation: Bruno's Village Restaurant

Elaine Halpin, Director Affiliation: Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate email: Elaine.halpin@prudentialelliman.com A native Long Islander and a True “Ronkonkoma” - Elaine graduated Sachem High School, Married her High School Sweetheart, raised two children and has worked within the community for many years. You might recognize Elaine from your local PennySsaver front covers - a local Realtor who has served the community for over 20 years. Elaine is delighted to be on the Board of Chamber of Commerce and is looking forward to seeing “you” at one of our town parades, events, fairs or events.

Kevin Kanakos, Director - Membership Committee Affiliation:LongIslandAlive.com email: info@LongIslandAlive.com Kevin has lived in the Ronkonkoma area for more than 30 years. He is President of Peradata Technology Corp., a local electronics manufacturing firm, which recently celebrated it's 25th anniversary. He is also Website Director for MyChurchandTown.com, a website which promotes events in the towns of Long Island. He has a BE degree in Electrical Engineering and a Masters Degree in Industrial Management and is a NYS Licensed Professional Engineer. Kevin is also one of the designers and proponents of The Lake Walk at Ronkonkoma, a Park proposal for the revitalization of the Lake Ronkonkoma shoreline.

Steve Kopezna, Director Affiliation: Enviro Health Systems email: ENHealth@optonline.net Steve Kopezna lives in Bohemia with wife and three sons. Enviro Health Systems is a company that sells air purifaction/water filtration systems(try before you buy) enviromentally safe household/industrial cleaners and energy saving devices. He is a member of The Long Island Association and Scoutmaster of Troop 438 in Bohemia. Contact him at 631-946-4352.

Fran Maccarone, Director Affiliation:OurPlaceNews.com email: ourplace20@optonline.net

Tony Mingoia, Director Affiliation: Now & Then Entertainment

Dottie Roman, Director Affiliation: Tax & Financial Services of NY

Michael Sullivan, Director Affiliation: Unique Home Sales of Long Island email: mike@askteamsullivan.com

Daryl Walsh, Director Affiliation:Walsh Signs email: WalshSigns@aol.com