Chamber of Commerce Holds Installation Dinner

Local business owners were treated to a three-course meal at Blue on Tuesday night for the annual Bayport- Blue Point Chamber of Commerce Installation Dinner, which honored members for their services in the community.

Laura Rogacki, president and owner of Little Angels, said it is important to host this dinner for a variety of reasons.

“One, to recognize the dedication and hard work of the existing board members,” she said. “Two, to allow the general membership to know what their board does all year on behalf of, and for the local business owners. And three, as always, it is an opportunity for more face-to-face networking opportunities for all business owners.”

Rogacki, along with Legislator Bill Lindsay and Assemblyman Al Graf awarded proclamations and certificates to new, old and departing board members.

Two members will be leaving this year: Christian Calamia of and Joanna Larking of Mercy Haven and Fashion for a Cure. Calamia is leaving to accept a job at Citibank in Manhattan and Larking is busy with her take-off business, Fashion for a Cure.

Rogacki, who will be president for another year, said she is sad to see members leave, but wishes them well in their new endeavors.

“I really cannot thank them enough for all of the dedication and energy with which they have served through the years with the Chamber,” she said. “They each brought something special to our Chamber family and they will be missed.”

However, the Chamber welcomed a new board member Tuesday night: Michelle Gillette of Ms. Michelle’s Urban Gourmet, a new gluten-free bakery that opened in downtown Bayport last month.

Rogacki said she is pleased to have Gillette on the board and looks forward to working with her. She said she wants Gillette to “be involved and be creative” and help “come up with lots of ideas on how to support not only our local businesses, but the community in which we all work.”

The Chamber also honored two high school seniors with scholarships. Brian Pedersen and Andrew Schultz are this year’s recipients of the Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce Scholarships for their extraordinary efforts in the community.

Rogacki said she is proud of all the hard work and all the achievements this chamber has made.

“The Chamber is so vital because we are such a small community here in Bayport and Blue Point,” Rogacki said. “There is nothing better than walking into a business or utilizing the services of a business where the owner knows you and gives you the personal service that you just cannot get elsewhere.”