City Chamber Works to Survive Tough Times

During those inevitable periods of economic downturn, the need to know that you don't have to go through it alone becomes even more important. It adds an even greater sense of poignancy to the mission statement of the Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce: "Enhancing the Health and Profitability of our Member Businesses."  

Despite losses of some of the larger businesses in the community, the chamber's membership is healthy and continues to grow.  

"We have more than 250 of members," explained Phyllis Gorham, the chamber's executive director, "and we are adding new members all the time. Along with businesses actually located in town, our membership is also made up of organizations doing business in Glen Cove."   

Mary Stanco, the chamber's president, joined seven years ago after she left her management position at Stop & Shop to go into the real estate and mortgage businesses. She served in a number of positions on the chamber's Board of Directors, including first vice president, before becoming its president.   

Born and raised in the city, Stanco noted that she has been drawn to business since her childhood newspaper route, her working in a pizza parlor as a teenager and her degree in business management. An active role in the chamber seemed a logical step in that ongoing progression, an endeavor she so excelled at that in 2008, she was honored with the organization's Leadership Award.   

"In business, networking is key," she emphasized. "Of course, marketing and advertising are very important, but interacting with other businesses, sharing events together, passing on information via word of mouth is absolutely critical. These are all important services the Chamber provides our members."   

Gorham explained that the chamber addresses the needs of its members by creating, planning and coordinating events and meetings, including seminars, grand openings and ribbon-cuttings. Members attend meetings where they are encouraged to speak and make presentations. They can also showcase their businesses at any number of special events. Programs and events are as diverse as an evening of culinary delights to a program about fitness and finance for men over 50.   

Dues range from $95 per year for individuals to $895 for businesses with more than 100 employees, with graduated fees between those two figures, depending upon the number of workers.   

The chamber's biggest event each year is the October Gala Celebration, where recipients receive awards ranging from corporate excellence and small business achievement to community service and leadership. The gala is so popular it has caused issues for the organization.   

"Last year we had to have the event in Bayville," Gorham explained, "because there was no facility in Glen Cove that could accommodate the large guest list."  

Stanco's civic involvement, she said, was greatly influenced by her father, whose mantra was: "It's all about community."   

"It's all about how you can give back and make a better place for all of us to share and live in this City of Glen Cove," she said. "A place we choose to call home."  

The chamber's next meeting will be held on July 28 at The Downtown Cafe from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit glencovechamber.org.