Chamber to Honor Nassar Samman as Business Person of the Year

At its eighth annual Pineapple Ball on April 23 at The Garden City Hotel, the Garden City Chamber of Commerce will proudly honor Nasser Samman, general manager of The Garden City Hotel, as Business Person of the Year for 2010.

This prestigious award represents significant contributions to the local economy, to the advancement of aims and objectives of the Chamber of Commerce; and to the welfare of the Garden City Community.  

Samman serves as a key member  on the Garden City Chamber Board of Directors. He also plays a key role in promoting Nassau County and all of Long Island, and has been acknowledged by the region's tourism and business association for his contributions.

Samman joined The Garden City Hotel in 1997 as director of food and beverage operations. Within two years, he was promoted to director of hotel operations.  In 2001, he was appointed general manager. Prior to joining the Garden City Hotel, he served as the assistant food and beverage director at the Grand Hyatt in New York having begun his career at the Sheraton in Damascus, Syria.

As general manager of The Garden City Hotel, Samman has contributed to the hotel's reputation for elegance and unparalleled service making it the leading choice on Long island for meetings, banquets and world-class dining and hospitality. Nasser oversees the daily operations of guest services, food and beverage, sales and day-to-day operations.

In 2010, Nasser Samman joined the board of the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission (LICVB&SC). With fellow board members, he takes general charge of the affairs, funds and property for the non-profit membership corporation promoting the Nassau-Suffolk region as a world-class destination thus contributing to the economic development and quality of life on Long Island.

In 2009, "Long Island Business News" honored Samman in its inaugural "50 Around 50" awards for leading Long Island executives. In 2007, he was selected as one of 20 industry experts to sit on the advisory board of Seven Stars and Stripes, an arbiter of global luxury standards in travel and leisure. In 2004, the Big Apple Chapter of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association international selected Nasser Samman as "General Manager of the Year."    In 2003, he received the "New York State Liberty Award" for exceptional achievement for his work with a local relief fund to support  9/11 families.  Nasser also served as a board director to the Long Island Hotel and Lodging Association and is a member.

Samman possesses the dedication, enthusiasm and efficient management style that have sustained The Garden City Hotel's reputation for elegance and unparalleled service.

As a result, the luxurious hotel won an award from Preferred Hotels and Resorts worldwide for outstanding service. It continues to be the leading choice for meetings and banquets alike among businesses, celebrities and those who request world-class hospitality. 

Samman graduated from New York City Technical College and was honored by its Department of Hospitality Management with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2006. He was trained in hotel management at Damascus University in Syria, where he gained much of his experience from which he draws today. 

At the Pineapple Ball, Samman will share honors with Joanne Adams, "Citizen of the Year," and Allen Mathers, recipient of the "Community Achievement Award."  For reservations, sponsorship opportunities, to purchase an event Journal ad; or to donate a Silent Auction prize, please call Tracey Gittere at Legendary Events (516) 222-0550; or visit the Chamber's web site.