During the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s recent installation breakfast, the board of directors unanimously reelected the current slate of officers, Al Pennisi, President; Carol Conslato, First Vice President; and Gerard Thornton, Treasurer for another term.
Pennisi said he was honored to be reelected to serve as President, and reflected on all of the wonderful accomplishments the Chamber had during the past year. He spoke about killing the congestion pricing proposal and securing approval for the Willets Point redevelopment project as well as hosting numerous networking events and seminars.
He also spoke about the prospects for the year ahead, which included the Chamber platform of lowering taxes and finding more resources for small businesses.
“Even in a bad economy, the Chamber will act as a catalyst for businesses,” Pennisi said, referring to the organization’s 98-year history of accomplishment for the Queens business community.
In addition, the Chamber also recognized Chuck Callahan, President of Plaza College and Chair of the Chamber’s nominating committee, for his 25 years of service to the organization.
Queens District Attorney Richard Brown performed the honorary swearing in and praised the Chamber and its officers for their leadership in the borough.
“The Chamber does a great deal in the county to lower violence and increase the quality of life,” Brown said.
During the breakfast, the Chamber also confirmed the slate of directors who will serve from May 1, 2009 through April 30, 2012 including:
Thomas L. Bosco, Deputy General Manger of LaGuardia Airport
Hank Auffarth, Senior Vice President Herald National Bank
William R. Blake II, President of Blake Agency
Kenneth J. Buettner, President York Scaffold Equipment Corp.
Joseph Farber, Partner, Farber Rosen & Kaufman P.C.
Joseph Ficalora, Chairman, President & CEO, NY Community Bank
Joshua E. Bienstock, Director of Resolve It, Inc.
Thomas Eagar, Consultant, BBDM Consulting
Jeffrey E. Levine, President of Levine Builders
Vincent L. Petraro, Law Offices of Vincent L. Petraro, PLLC
Caryn Schwab, Executive Director, Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens
