Angela Powers, the first woman president and long time member of the Greater New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce, was given the Lifelong Achievement Award on Tuesday for her service during the chamber’s Presidents Gala.
Powers, who was president of the chamber for four years about 21 years ago, said she plans to work on behalf of the chamber.
“I have no intention of retiring from anything,” she said.
Powers, 75, is also the leader of the Stewart Manor-Republican Committee, corresponding secretary of the Nassau Council of Chambers and a member of the Nassau County Distracting Advisory Commission.
During her time as chamber president, she said, the New Hyde Park Chamber joined the Nassau Council of Chambers, an umbrella organization for many of the Nassau County chambers.
Powers, a resident of New Hyde Park since 1966, said while she was president she fostered relationships with local businesses in an effort to keep commerce local and supported a number of local charities.
“Charity begins at home,” she said.
Powers said she began her time with the chamber as its Welcome Wagon Hostess, responsible for welcoming businesses into the organization.
“Several years later, I was proud to be the first woman president,” she said.
Powers son, Edward Powers, who has been a member of the chamber for 20 years, said his mother is a very faithful when it comes to living her life.
“She’s very intricate in the Holy Spirit Church,” he said.
Edward, 52, said his mother was heavily involved in bringing the chamber and its members into the “Shop Locally” program, an initiative backed by Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano.
“Ed Mangano was really happy about that,” he said.
Edward Powers, who is a lifelong resident of New Hyde Park, currently serves as the Director of Emergency Management for the Town of Hempstead. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees at Nassau Community College and has been a member of the New Hyde Park Fire Department for 33 years, he said.
New Hyde Park Mayor Robert Lofaro announced on Tuesday that Jan. 15 had been proclaimed Angela Powers Day.
Powers was salatued at the dinner by Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray, Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello and Town of North Hempstead Councilwoman Lee Seeman.
Along with Powers’ Lifetime Achievement Award, which was signed by Seeman and Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth, eight members of the chamber were re-appointed.
Jerry Baldassaro, who currently serves as secretary and second vice president, was reappointed to his position along with Richard Guilfoyle, who serves as treasurer.
Along with Powers, Donna Pagano, Rich DeMartino, Tom Schrafel, Lesli Hall and Chris Obrien were reappointed as directors of the chamber.
Baldassaro said all of the positions were uncontested.
