Community Corner
Orzano Takes Helm of Chamber of Commerce
Longtime small business owner installed at Riviera in Massapequa.
Patricia Orzano has been a part of the small business community in Massapequa for over four decades.
Her experience and knowledge of the local business scene made her a natural selection to take over as president of the Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas.
Orzano—surrounded by family,friends and other members of the chamber—was sworn in by Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano at the Installation Luncheon on Thursday afternoon at The Rivera in Massapequa.
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“I hope to serve my members with consistency. I hope to bring vision and economic development back to Massapequa,” said Orzano, who co-owns the East Massapequa 7Eleven and has been a Chamber member for 16 years.
"I want to replace a lot of the businesses that were lost in the economic crisis. That will be my goal."
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Outgoing president Phyllis N. Doria said she is confident that Orzano will take the Chamber of Commerce to where it needs to be in order to bounce back from the recent economic hardships.
“She’s a businesswoman in Massapequa,” Doria said. “Her area [East Massapequa ] is economically challenged and her goal is to revitalize. She definitely has the edge on things like that and that’s her goal is to revitalize the Massapequas. I have no doubt that she will be able to accomplish that.” Doria feels Orzano will be an excellent president because of her work ethic and her tenacity for success. “I worked for her when I needed work. She definitely has a good head for business.”
Orzano thanked her family and friends for all of the encouragement and support over the years, but especially thanked her husband for all his hard work and setting an example for what makes a successful business person. “I have to thank my husband who took it upon himself to become self-employed at the ripe old age of 24. Forty-two years later, we are still in the same community that raised us.”
Other executive officers for the 2012/2013 term include Susan M. Martin (CPA, PC) who was sworn in as the First Vice President. Fran Libretto-Ward (Chase Home Lending) will be Second Vice President, while former president Gary Slavin (Slavin Employee Benefits) will be Third Vice President. Outgoing Doria (Avon) is the new Treasurer and Jamie Bogenshutz (YES Community Counseling Center) is the Recording Secretary. Robert M. Leff (Leff & Leff, LLP, Attorney at Law) will serve as General Counsel.
