Business people from Williston Park, Great Neck, New Hyde Park and Mineola were among 30 people honored at the 2012 Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce Small Businessperson of the Year and Legislative Breakfast on Friday morning at the Crest Hollow Country Club.
“The largest employer in New York State is small businesses, and whatever we can do on a state level to stir economy growth for those businesses, we will do that,” state Sen. Charles Fushillo (R-Massapequa) said in opening remarks.
Peter Masterson of the Masterson State Farm Agency, who was the honoree of The Chamber of Commerce of the Willistons, was described as “a dedicated member of the community since 1977” by the chamber council.
Masterson demonstrated his dedication to his work during Hurricane Irene, when despite losing power for two days, his agency remained open to the public. His Williston Park agency staff moved its operation to the sidewalk to meet with clients with storm related problems.
“In an era when insurance and the whole concept of protecting your assets and livelihood has been reduced to a 15-minute computer interaction, it is comforting to know that at the Masterson Agency there are real people who are committed to old fashion personal service and respect,” Chamber of the Williston’s President Bobby Shannon said of Masterson. “Their recognition is well deserved.”
Masterson supports local organizations, including the Williston Park, East Williston and Albertson Little Leagues, the Rotary Club of Williston Park, and local fire departments.
Corinne Doria, director of sales and marketing for The Andrew Hotel in Great Neck since 2005, was the Great Neck Chamber of Commerce honoree. An active member of the Great Neck Community, Doria has been a board member for the Great Neck chamber since 2009.
Doria organizes an annual Jeff Bosinger Memorial Run fundraiser, which raises money for children born with Zellweger Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. Bosinger was a cousin of Doria, who she described as “like a brother to me.” A year prior to his death, Jeff’s child was born with Zellweger Syndrome and Doria decided to do something to help.
“Every year we get a lot of people to raise money. It’s wonderful,” Doria said.
Doria also works closely with North Shore Unversity Hospital and the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
Commenting on the recognition she received, Doria said: “It was overwhelming, much more than I expected. I’m just grateful that Great Neck would think of me.”
From the Greater New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce, M&T Bank Vice President and senior branch manager Ralph Ventura was honored. The son of parents who were small business owners, Ventura has lived in New Hyde Park since 1952. He is described by the New Hyde Park Chamber as: “A seasoned financial service professional with 30 years experience committed to small business.”
Ventura is co-chair of the chamber’s golf committee, helping to organize its annual fundraiser to benefit local scholarship funds, as well as the Ronald McDonald House, the New Hyde Park Gladiator Fund and the annual Katie’s Run charity even to benefit the Ronald McDonald House.
Ventura has served as assistant scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 944 and soccer coach for both the New Hyde Park and Albertson Soccer Clubs.
Roseann Peritore, former account executive with Anton Community Newspapers, was the honoree from the Mineola Chamber of Commerce.
Known as “the eyes and ears of Mineola” by her collagues, she currently serves on the Mineola Chamber’s board of directors.
During the past six years with Anton, Peritore was the top salesperson for all four editions of the Anton Dining Guide.
“Being honored was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” Peritore said.
In her personal time, Peritore has a passion for Reiki, a spiritual healing practice.
Peritore is an ordained interfaith minister through the Loving Touch Center, and holds a Reiki master, teacher and practitioner degree.
Recalling his years with the Bethpage Chamber of Commerce, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano said: “These recognitions remind us of the importance of working together, and the struggle to run a business in Nassau County. The businesses here represent 60 percent of the employment in Nassau County.”
Mangano noted the recent death of Nassau County Legislator Peter Schmitt and his focus on small business, saying: “He certainly was a strong advocate for small business. He spent most of his time making certain that we cared about the mom-and-pop stores lined up in our communities across Nassau County.
