Chamber History
2009-2010
[+] Farmingville: Our Vision for Tomorrow is a redevelopment plan that represents the results of a two-year community planning process involving a broad spectrum of community members and local organizations.
Page 78 of the redevelopment plan explains how community members expressed desire for a strong and active Chamber of Commerce that could serve Farmingville.
2011
[+]
January - Farmingville resident and Founding President Michael Wentz, incorporated the Farmingville Hills Chamber of Commerce. With the help of Jennifer Ross and Marisa Pizza, the Chamber got off to an auspicious start.
March - The Chamber held its inaugural meeting at The Flaming Hearth. Business leaders, non-profit organizations, and residents gathered around the hearth to discuss their commitment to making a difference and putting the “unity” back into “community”. Therefore, this chamber meeting served as an outlet for networking opportunities and a forum for communication. The success of this first gathering proved that businesses and residents want to keep moving forward.
- The Chamber was a proud sponsor of the Conquer the Hills 5K Run/Walk for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The event was held at the Lynwood Elementary School in Farmingville and was organized by Jennifer Ross.
April - The Chamber held its second general meeting. At this meeting, we met more business owners, nonprofits, and residents that were excited about making a difference.
- The Chamber's 501(c)6 status was approved by the IRS.
May - At this general meeting, the Chamber introduced Erin Dooley as the Treasurer.
- Page 78 of the redevelopment plan states how community members recommended a "buy local" campaign. In response to this, the Chamber revealed the design layout of the Farmingville FUNds Card.
June - Suffolk County Legislator Tom Muratore spoke to the membership about what he is doing in government and what issues are presently pertaining to local business owners. He was followed by member Paul Cuddy from Teachers Federal Credit Union who educated members about what lenders are looking for when local business owners want to apply for a loan.
July - We had a walking tour of Farmingville and made a few stops along the way. We stopped at JLC Landscape Services where owner Joseph Cerbone showed how landscaping can improve your business. We then stopped at Rio Douro Restaurant where we got a tour and enjoyed a delicious sampling of their cuisine. The last stop was at the Farmingville Fire Department where we received a tour of the main firehouse.
August - New York State Senator Lee Zeldin spoke about the MTA Tax and what issues are presently pertaining to local business owners. He was followed by Peter Fertig from ADP Business Services. Peter explained the new payroll tax laws that will be going into effect and other regulations that business owners may not be aware of. Through the Chamber, members are entitled to preferred pricing and many other benefits.
- The Chamber attended Farmingville's Community Day in the Farmingville Hills Park and began distributing the Farmingville FUNds Card to the community.
September - We met Donna McNally, coordinator of the Sachem School Business Alliance. The Chamber looks forward to working with Donna and her students at future chamber events.
October - The Chamber held its last general meeting for 2011. We gave a recap on the year and announced future events.
November - We hosted our first Feast of Farmingville at The Flaming Hearth. Community members were able to sample food selections from local eateries while listening to live music.
December - The Chamber held its end of the year dinner at Rio Douro Italian Bistro.
2012
January -
Congressman Tim Bishop spoke to the membership about what he is doing in government and what issues are presently pertaining to local business owners. Also, at the first meeting of the second year, the Chamber introduced its
new membership benefit package.
February -
Sachem Public Library's Director, Judith Willner and Head of Reference, Lynne Kennedy explained how to use the Library as a great information resource. Courtesy of the Sachem Public Library, the Chamber now provides you with a
Business Resource Center.
March - We hosted Marketing March Madness. It was a FREE event where the Chamber expressed the importance of marketing and how it contributes to the success of businesses and nonprofit organizations. 5 marketing professionals were on hand to discuss the different options available.
April - At our monthly meeting at The Flaming Hearth, students from Lynwood Elementary School. They announced an event they were having to discuss the 7 highly effective habits.
May - The monthly meeting was held at J&C 68 Restaurant. The guest speaker was Cindy O'Connell, Sachem East High School Transition Liaison. The educational speaker was AnnMarie Horn,
Green Today Health Tomorrow.
June - The monthly meeting was held at Cupcake Girlz. This was the last meeting prior to the summer break. The Chamber discussed with meeting attendees, the Dining & Dancing event on July 12th and the 1st Annual Farmingvile Street Fair on August 26th.
July - We presented Dining and Dancing: The music of Something, Long Island's only acoustic band.
August - Thousands of people flocked to the streets of Farmingville to participate in the
1st Annual Farmingville Street Fair.
