Wantagh Chamber Welcomes New Members at Installation Dinner

For the , 2012 brings positive change and clear goals for both businesses and residents in the community.

A special award ceremony accompanied dinner and dancing Tuesday night at the chamber's annual installation dinner at  where new and existing officers were installed to the chamber, including first time board trustee Joseph Anderson and newly appointed financial secretary Dennis Pekoff.

Veterans to the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce were also recognized for their outstanding services within the community. Both Marlena Schein and Carole Friedman were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award while Linda Swanson was named Citizen of the Year.

"Because I don't like to be in the public eye, it was nice to be recognized tonight," said Swanson, co-president of . "I like to run under the radar - that's just my personality - but it felt really good tonight."

In addition Wantagh Chamber of Commerce president Chris Brown said that in the start of the new year, the organization's main focus is generating business to its many members. Board members developed 'Wantagh Bucks', a general gift certificate that can be used at chamber businesses.

"Our biggest campaign is to drive more people to our businesses," said Brown, who is in his third year as  president. "We've developed 'Wantagh Bucks' for people to use in the community. If you don't know what kind of gift certificate to buy, you come to us and they can use it at one of our stores or restaurants."

Brown also said the chamber is looking to continue its scholarship program that was implemented in 2011 after the "Good Guy" project honoring Mulcahy's owner John Murray allowed them to distribute $8,000 through the community.