Briarcliff Manor Chamber of Commerce Gains Momentum

Though the Village of Briarcliff Manor celebrated its centennial in 2002, it has never had a Chamber of Commerce—until now. While the Greater Ossining Chamber’s purpose is to “promote community of Ossining and its surrounding area [including Briarcliff Manor],” local business owners never felt well served by the organization.

According to Marie Alpert, owner of on Pleasantville Road, “The two villages are just too different geographically and population-wise. It just seemed to make sense to form a chamber of our own.”

She added, “We for years had a Merchant’s Association consisting mainly of retail shops and real estate brokers along Pleasantville Road but it never really took off. We’d have maybe five or six attendees at a meeting. At the first Chamber meeting, we had almost fifty!”

Elsie Smith—who co-founded the Chamber alongside Eric Messer—said, “Local businesses wanted a local Chamber. The Chamber of Commerce represents the gold standard of business organizations.”

Messer, chamber president, agreed.

“This group of business people is very tight knit, very close. Everyone wants to step up, everyone is motivated.”

What makes this work, said Sue Taub, Owner of , a gift and specialty food shop, also on Pleasantville Road, is, “It’s not just retailers and brokers. Our membership roster consists of CPAs, dentists, insurance agencies and financial planners–even !”

The four agreed the purpose of the Chamber will be to promote a productive and positive local business environment through programs, cooperative partnerships, networking opportunities and legislative advocacy.

“As a group we are able to speak with one voice to lobby Village Hall on issues such as sidewalks, snow removal and lighting,” said Smith.

Networking and referrals were equally as important to the members.

Said Taub, “There is strength in numbers and we all learn from each other, both on a professional and a personal basis. The more contacts you have, the better business person you are.”

Strength in numbers will also allow the Chamber to create programs for the community as a whole, members believe.

“We work together to plan joint events such as the ‘Harvest in the Village’ where local merchants and community groups sold food and merchandise and provided entertainment for young and old alike,” said Messer.

What’s next for the fledgling Chamber?

“There are plans in the works for a ‘Late Thursday Night’ with merchants offering food, entertainment and special events in the shops. Look for this to begin in May,” revealed Taub.

To learn more about the Briarcliff Manor Chamber of Commerce, visit its website.