Change of Guard at Chamber of Commerce

Three years ago, Phyllis Doria was out of a job. On Thursday, she became the president of one of Massapequa's most important business and civic organizations.

Doria was installed as president of the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce at a luncheon held at Manor East.

"When I lost my job, everyone stood behind me," she said.  "They said you'll find another job, and you'll stay in Massapequa.

Doria is now a successful Avon sales representative and she hasn't forgotten the help and encouragement of her chamber colleagues.  

In her installation speech, she quoted a note she got from former chamber president Bob Rubino after she lost her job.

"One day you will be president of the Chamber of Commerce and I will be your biggest supporter,"Rubino wrote.

"Well Bob, here I am," Doria said.

She has certainly paid her dues. Doria has been a member of the organization for 18 years and on the board for 12 years.

"She was one of the first people I met when I joined the chamber," said Robert Barrett the outgoing president.

"She's a real person and a  fine lady. She's going to do a tremendous job."

Barrett will remain on the chamber's board of directors, but acknowledged, "There's a certain sadness in leaving the position."

"It's hard to leave the best group of volunteers in the best organization in a community I've called home for 51 years," Barrett said.

"It's a dream job and I'd do it again."

In addition to Doria, new executive officers were also sworn in.

Patricia Orzano of 7 Eleven food stores in East Massapequa will be first vice president. Carol Ann Hasenstab of TD Bank becomes second vice president. Wally D'Amato of D'Amato and Sons Construction, a former chamber board member, will now be third vice president, while Fran Libretto-Ward of Chase Home Finance will serve as treasurer and Howard Ritzer of South Bay's Neighbor will be recording secretary.