Mark Laytin will head a new slate of officers for the Greater New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce who will be installed at the organization’s upcoming 50th anniversary gala on Jan. 19.
Laytin, who had been first vice president of the chamber for the past two years, will replace Stewart Small as president. Jeanette Frisina will be first vice president, Ralph Ventura is to be second vice president, with Jerry Baldassaro as third vice president and secretary and Chris Vulpis as treasurer.
Laytin, a regional vice president for Utah-based Invisus, was named businessperson of the year from New Hyde Park by the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce in October.
“It’s exciting because this year coincidentally is the 50th anniversary of the chamber,” Laytin said of his new role as president. “We’re looking forward to a festive year, recognizing past presidents for the work they’ve done.”
Paul Wesoly, former owner of Rayo Oil, the chamber’s first president, is among those who will be honored at the 50th anniversary dinner at the Inn at New Hyde Park.
“We really think it’s a great moment for us to reflect back on how the chamber began, how it’s grown over the years and become part of our business community,” Small said.
Laytin, Small and Bill Morales worked together to develop the Web site the chamber relaunched two years ago.
Laytin also has worked on golf committee to raise money for scholarships for students at New Hyde Park Memorial High School, Herricks High School, Great Neck South High School and Sewanhaka High School.
He noted that the chamber also supports the Academy of Finance at New Hyde Park Memorial for students specializing in business studies and the Gladiator Fund, an organization of New Hyde Park Memorial alumni who annually raise money to pay medical expenses for a child in the community.
The New Hyde Park Chamber has also supported Katie’s Run, the annual 5K event to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House.
“A lot of money goes to Ronald McDonald House and we’ve become more involved in that. When you see thousands of people coming out in the community for that, it’s a good thing,” said Small.
Laytin aims to boost the chamber’s level of activities as well as its membership during his term in office.
“We would like to grow the chamber membership and be able to offer more events and continue to be more relevant to the community,” he said.
Laytin said the chamber was seeking to help with the initiative to create a New Hyde Park Museum and was also seeking to become involved in a beautification project in the village.
“We kind of brought ourselves into the community, and a lot of chambers forget to do that,” said Baldassaro, who operates the Town Planner.
As another way to engage residents, the chamber will start running a monthly contest on its Web site next month to give away gift certificates to local businesses. The first giveaway will be a certificate that can be used at the business of the winner’s choice. Residents simply need to register to win on the Web site at nhpchamber.com.
The chamber is currently reorganizing its committees to encourage participation by all of its 230 members, according to Laytin, who said an ambassador committee is being created to provide orientation to new chamber members.
“They are both innovative,” Baldassaro said of Small and Laytin.
Small said the mission of the chamber is well-defined, and he predicted a “smooth” leadership transition.
“We’re all in this together. We all can help each other,” Small said.
Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello will preside over the installation of officers at the upcoming gala on Jan. 19. The dinner event will feature a Chinese auction. Tickets are $30.
Reach reporter Richard Tedesco by e-mail at rtedesco@theislandnow.com or by phone at 516.307.1045 x204
