By Alexander Dworkowitz
Lucy Nunziato, executive vice president of the Queens Chamber of Commerce and a Middle Village resident, recently announced her plans to retire from the position in the spring.
Nunziato, 66, came to the chamber in 1993, after working at Long Island Savings Bank for 40 years. As executive vice president, Nunziato has been in charge of the day-to-day operations of the chamber as well as working on planning events.
“It would make it a lot easier to leave if I didn’t like the job so much,” said Nunziato.”
Nunziato said she was most proud of two recent milestones for the chamber: the celebration of the group’s 90th anniversary in May 2000 at Terrace on the Park and the formation of a foundation designed to help women and minority-owned businesses.
“One of the biggest things that we did at the end of last year was that we established a foundation so that we could do more educational work in the borough,” said Nunziato. “We’re going to be running a minority and women-owned business seminar for not only chamber members but for anybody in the borough.”
The seminar will take place next spring, just when Nunziato plans to step down in April.
“She’s a phenomenal person. She will be very difficult to replace,” said Joseph Farber, president of the chamber. Nunziato planned her retirement in conjunction with the end of Farber’s three-year term in the spring.
“None of us chamber presidents would have been successful without her efforts,” he said.
The chamber is currently looked for a new executive vice president to replace Nunziato.
Asked what advice she would give to her successor, Nunziato said: “You have a great chamber to work with and a great staff. If you work hard, it will just get better.”
Despite her enthusiasm for the job, Nunziato admitted she is looking forward to retirement.
“I’ve worked a lot of years,” laughed Nunziato.
Reach Reporter Alexander Dworkowitz by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 141.
