MOUNT VERNON

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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Mount Vernon, New York- January 10, 2006

Martin Rego of the King Organization, Chairman of the Board of Directors, called to order the Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors on Tuesday, January10, 2006 at noon. 

New Board members elected to a three year term at the Annual Meeting were:  Alonza Lloyd of Alonza Lloyd and Associates, a construction consulting firm, and Harvey Beringer, CPA and financial analyst.

The Board approved the Chamber of Commerce budget for 2006 and reviewed the reconciliation for the Annual Fundraiser that was held on December 1, 2005.

 

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Juan Teves, George Azar, and Mike Fitzsimmons (left to right)

 

 

Santa Comes to Mount Vernon 

A Christmas Party at the Coachlight Inn in Yorktown was held Wednesday evening, December 21, 2005 to benefit the children of Mount Vernon. The Blue Collar Xmas Foundation asked guests to join them in celebration of the holidays. They also requested a donation of a toy for the girls and boys of Mount Vernon.  The response was overwhelming. 

Three members of the Blue Collar Foundation personally delivered over 200 toys to the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce. Instead of bringing the toys down the chimney like Santa Claus, George Azar, Mike Fitzsimmons, and Juan Teves hoisted them through the window. Charles Borg, the fourth member of the Blue Collar Foundation, was not able to be there. The toys were distributed by the Chamber of Commerce to schools and churches in Mount Vernon. 

Our heartfelt appreciation to the Blue Collar Foundation for bringing the true spirit of Christmas to the City that Believes.

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The Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce

Honors Robert P. Weisz  

The Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Dinner Dance on Thursday, December 1, 2005 at the V.I.P. Country Club. Robert P. Weisz of the RPW Group was recognized for his commitment to the growth and development of the business community in Mount Vernon. 

Joseph Armentano of Paraco Gas was the Master of Ceremonies for this important event. He introduced John Sullivan of Chase Manhattan Bank to lead the audience in the Salute to the Flag. Next, Rev. Winston M. Clarke of the First Reformed Church gave the invocation. Martin Rego of the King Organization and chairman of the Board of Directors welcomed over 170 guests to the annual fundraiser for the Chamber of Commerce. He thanked the members of the Dinner Committee for their tireless efforts to ensure the success of the gala: Natalie Barca, Diane DeVivo, Veronica Goubeaud, Gerrie Post, John Sullivan, Karen Thomas and Adele Zeller.

Mayor Ernest D. Davis presented Mr. Weisz with a Proclamation from the City of Mount Vernon for his redevelopment efforts that have changed the face of the city. Joan Horton, representing Senator Jeff Klein, also presented Bob Weisz with a citation. Loretta Hottinger brought greetings from the City Council.

Adele Zeller of Zelco Industries presented Robert Weisz with the “Man of Distinction” award. Mr. Weisz, an immigrant from South America, arrived in Mount Vernon over twenty years ago. He discovered a city that appreciated and valued the rich ethnic diversity of its residents. Through the Industrial Development Agency and the Local Development Corporation, Mr. Weisz received financial assistance to enable him to restore the old Edison High School and the RKO Proctor buildings which had been boarded up and abandoned for many years.

Martin Rego thanked Mountco Construction & Development Corp. for sponsoring the Cocktail Reception for the gala. He also recognized Bob Weisz for sponsoring the fantastic Alive N Kickin’ band that entertained the guests all evening.

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Helen Blackwood

 

“Quality of Life” Campaign Discussed

With Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce  

Helen Blackwood, Corporation Counsel for the City of Mount Vernon, spoke at the Networking Luncheon of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, November 15, 2005. She discussed Mount Vernon’s three-phase “Quality of Life” campaign with the business community. 

Phase I, which includes a new ordinance that increases the penalty for unauthorized dumping, increases fines for noise, littering, and public drinking, and the installation of speed humps throughout the city, has already been completed. 

Phase II, which affects the business districts, will address the issues of abandoned signs, storefront and sidewalk maintenance, litter, garbage receptacles, and double parking. One of the solutions will be a “Quality of Life” hotline that will be answered 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The Quality of Life Task Force, comprised of representatives from Buildings, Fire, Police, DPW, and Weights & Measures, will be dispatched to different areas of the business district to enforcement the City codes. 

Phase III will focus on property maintenance in the residential, industrial, and construction areas, as well as MTA and city-owned property.  

Ms. Blackwood stressed the importance of partnering with the business community to effectuate a successful “Quality of Life” campaign. The audience was given the opportunity to ask Ms. Blackwood about issues and concerns that impact the business owners. She assured the business leaders that the City would follow up on all matters discussed at today’s meeting.

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Corporate Sponsor Joe Torrisi Jr.

Mayor Earnest D. Davis

County Executive Andy Spano

 

 

County Executive Andy Spano Is Guest Speaker

At Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce Luncheon 

Over 70 business leaders attended a Networking Luncheon on Tuesday, October 25, 2005. This interesting event was held at the Wartburg Conference Center (off East Lincoln Avenue) in Mount Vernon. Antonee’s Gourmet Foods provided a delicious hot and cold buffet. 

Guest Speaker Andy Spano was introduced to the audience by Mayor Ernest D. Davis. Mayor Davis informed the business leaders of the importance of cooperation between County government and the City administration. Mount Vernon has received important funding from the Westchester County over the past eight years and County Executive Spano promised a renewed effort to help Mount Vernon’s economic development in future years. 

Joe Torrisi, Jr. of Money’s Worth Truck & Car rental was the Corporate Sponsor for the luncheon. Mr. Torrisi donated dozens of trucks to assist in relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. He showed a powerful slide presentation of the tremendous devastation in Louisiana and the Gulf Coast as a result of the hurricane. Harold Morris of Community Choice Health Plan was instrumental in collecting donations in Mount Vernon and delivering them to the ravaged areas in the south. 

Announcements were made about the upcoming Annual Dinner Dance to be held on Thursday, December 1, 2005 at the V.I.P. Country Club. The honoree for the event is Robert P. Weisz of the RPW Group, a longtime benefactor of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce. For ticket information, please contact the Chamber office at (914) 667-7500.

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Marty Rego (left) and Ben Blumberg (right)

 


Ben Blumberg is Guest Speaker

At Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce 

Over forty business leaders attended a Luncheon Meeting at the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, September 20, 2005. Chairman Marty Rego welcomed the members and guests. Each person was given the opportunity to introduce himself and the company he represents. 

Guest Speaker Ben Blumberg, founder of Salesworks, shared his expertise and experience. During his interactive presentation, he helped the audience identify more effective methods for networking, generating leads, and closing deals. “Networking is the process of building and maintaining relationships.” stated Blumberg. “It is a long-term commitment, not a quick fix solution.” 

The next meeting of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce will be a 12 noon Luncheon on Tuesday, October 25, 2005 at the Wartburg Conference Center (off East Lincoln Avenue) in Mount Vernon. The Guest Speaker will be County Executive Andy Spano. For more information or reservations, call  Cloey Sepe at (914) 667-7500.

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Thomas Fowler

 

24-7 SECURITY INC. PUTS CHILD SAFETY FIRST

The Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce welcomes 24-7 Security Inc. as a New Member for 2005. The company is located at 120 Stevens Avenue in Mount Vernon. Thomas Fowler, President, opened the Mount Vernon location in May of 2004. Since child safety is of paramount concern to the company, it recently donated over 2000 Child Print ID Safety Kits to the Mount Vernon Police Department. The kit includes fingerprints, DNA sample, dental records, physical characteristics, and the child’s photo. They are available, free of charge, at police headquarters or at 24-7 Security’s office. 

24-7 Security Inc. is the Brinks Home Security and Brinks Business Security Authorized Dealer for this region.  It is one of six Installation Quality certified alarm companies in the State of New York. IQ companies adhere to a rigid set of standards and operating procedures that set them above other alarm companies. The company is licensed, bonded, insured and specializes in residential and commercial burglary and fire systems.  Mr. Fowler stated that a free residential or business safety inspection is available to all Mount Vernon residents and business owners. Call (914) 668-6625 for more information.

 
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Michael Welday and Joanne Amorosi

 

“Business Killers” Presentation

at the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce 

Over thirty members of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce attended a Networking Luncheon at Chamber headquarters on Tuesday, June 21, 2005. Marty Rego, Chairman of the Board of Directors, welcomed the members and guests. Then, Mr. Rego asked each attendee to introduce himself and his company affiliation. 

The first Guest Speaker was Adele Dowling, Director of Program Development, from County Executive Andy Spano’s office. The audience watched a short video that described the project to develop a memorial to honor the 109 Westchester residents who perished on September 11, 2001. Families selected Kensico Dam Plaza as the site and unanimously chose “The Rising,” an 80-foot sculpture of 109 intertwining stainless steel strands rising together and reaching skyward, for the memorial design.  

Next, Marty Rego introduced Joanne Amorosi, CFP and Michael Welday, CPA to the audience. They presented a unique educational workshop consisting of two concise modules that alerted the business owners to the serious consequences of under-planning and under-protecting their business assets. During the workshop, the audience discussed possible outcomes and solutions for each mistake. The dramatic videos also included appearances by expert consultants from across the country. The business owner had the opportunity to assess how well his own business and personal financial assets were protected.  A lively question and answer period followed the impressive presentation.

 

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Norm Sylvester, Alice Steininger, Carlita Belgrove and Karen Thomas


Business Leaders Certificates Awarded to Three Members

of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce

The four-part Business Leaders Workshop concluded on the evening of June 16, 2005. Three members of the Chamber received award plaques for the successful completion of all four sessions. Carlita Belgrove of Belgrove Appliance, Alice Steininger of Century 21 Try Us Realty, and Karen Thomas of the Wartburg Foundation were the recipients of the Business Leaders Certificate. 

Gerry Gutterman and Norm Sylvester from SCORE were the instructors for the workshops. Over one dozen members of the Chamber of Commerce participated in the informative sessions. Topics of discussion included: Understanding Financial Statements, Sales and Marketing, Managing the Profitability of Financial Statements, Advertising and Public Relations, and the Internet for Business.

SCORE is an association of executive volunteer counselors who are dedicated to helping businesses define business goals, create a business or marketing plan, advise you on ways to improve efficiency, manage cash flow, and determine financing options. All attendees of the Business leaders Workshop commended the instructors for sharing their knowledge and experience with them.  

 

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Mayor Davis and Race Teams
Vincent HoSang, Mayor Davis & Sabrina HoSang
Mountco/Mount Vernon Health Center
Kiwanis Club
Cava Construction
Royal Caribbean
Richard Caparelli Family
Penna Paving Corp.
G&S Investors
Mayor's Team
QFI Inc.
Red Bull Hospitality Tent
Andrus Children Center
Subway/Ice Hutch
Coca Cola
Grand Prix Race Team
Red Bull Arch
Pony Rides
Classic Car
Fidelco Racing
Classic Car
Chief Fire Prevention
Zelco Industries

 

Mount Vernon Grand Prix VIII

On Sunday, June 5, 2005, the City of Mount Vernon, the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce, and the Mount Vernon Merchants’ Association sponsored the Eighth Annual Grand Prix on the downtown streets of Mount Vernon.

Over the past seven years, the Grand Prix has raised over $100,000 for the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau’s “Summer Jobs for Youth” program. This year’s race will generate an additional $20,000.  The Title Sponsor for the Grand Prix is the Generoso Pope Foundation.

The massive task of transforming Gramatan Avenue into the Grand Prix Race Track took place on Saturday evening, June 4th. The Mount Vernon Police Department closed Gramatan Avenue to vehicular traffic at 7pm. Next, the Department of Public Works sent sweepers to clean the street and the Mount Vernon Fire Department assisted with powerful fire hoses. The fencing around the race track was installed by workers from DPW and youngsters from the Youth Shelter unloaded over 2000 tires onto Gramatan Avenue. Under the supervision of the race director, the youngsters configured a challenging race track.

On Sunday morning, June 5th, the race team from MPN Racing, Inc. along with volunteers from the Grand Prix Planning Committee, registered all race participants. This year, Red Bull hosted a special Youth Race Challenge for youngsters 13-17 years of age from the Mount Vernon community. Several departments from City Hall competed in the Interdepartmental Race held on Sunday afternoon. The winner was the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau.

The Grand Prix race participants included: Mayor’s Team, Chief Fire Prevention, Coca Cola, Mountco/Mount Vernon Health Center, Caparelli Family, Subway/Ice Hutch, Kiwanis Club , QFI, Inc.,  Fidelco, Cava Construction, Andrus Children’s Center, Zelco Industries, Mount Vernon Hospital, G & S Investors, Royal Caribbean Bakery, and Audi Classic Cars.

Winners of the Grand Prix Championship Race were:

     First Place – Mountco/Mount Vernon Health Center

     Second Place – Kiwanis Club

     Third Place – Cava Construction

Royal Caribbean Bakery won the “Best Dressed Race Team” award and the Richard Caparelli Family claimed the “Best Decorated Car” award.


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New Member of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce,
Vincent HoSang, Sabrina HoSang and Mayor Ernest D. Davis

 


Press Release

 Caribbean Food Delights Grille dba JERKQ’ZINE

will host TWO FRANCHISE seminars in Florida JUNE 24-25

Tappan, N.Y…. May 20, 2005, Caribbean Food Delights Grille dba JerkQ’zine “A Vacation from Ordinary Food” will host two franchise seminars in Florida.  The first will be in Orlando on Friday, June 24 at the Sheraton Suites Orlando Airport and the second one in Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday, June 25 at Sheraton Ft. Lauderdale Airport Hotel.  Both seminars will begin at 6 pm sharp and end at 9 pm. 

With a focus on expansion and growth opportunities, Vincent HoSang, founder and CEO of Royal Caribbean Bakery and Caribbean Food Delights, will introduce his franchise team who will conduct the seminar of the launch of their new franchise opportunity to inform the media and interested parties of this exciting venture.  The presentation will include a virtual tour to visually aide in the presentation of their concept.  At the conference, interested parties will “explore creative business opportunities” while “building synergistic partnerships.”  

Currently celebrating over 27 years of success within its growing niche market, Royal Caribbean Bakery and Caribbean Food Delights had determined that their next step for growth and expansion was to offer franchise opportunities.  It’s no surprise that their list of prospective franchisees has grown to over 600 people since their announcement last year to offer franchises to the general public. 

To register for this franchise seminar or for further information on franchise opportunities, visit our website www.jerkqzine.com or contact Alan Bernstein, Franchise Director at 845-398-3000 or e-mail info@jerkqzine.com.  Don’t miss out on the opportunity to become a part of one of the most successful Caribbean companies in North America.


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Police Memorial & Appreciation Day 

was celebrated by the city of Mount Vernon on May 17, 2005

 

 

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Press Release

“Bring Your Child To Work” Day

Mobile Communications Plus Celebrates

It’s First Year of “Bring Your Child to Work” Day

Mount Vernon , NY , Mobile Communications Plus, cellular phone distributor in Westchester County launches the national program “Bring Your Child to Work“ Day to create awareness about the workplace for girls and boys in the community.

Mobile Communications Plus is participating in the national program “Bring Your Child to Work” Day on April 28, 2005 to expose young people ages 7-17 to the world of communications. The staff’s children will be able to shadow their parents throughout the day and learn about the wonderful world of wireless technology. In addition, enjoy insight into the workplace while heightening their awareness on how a small family business operates and promotes Mobile Plus’ team core values. The children will also have time to be mini-apprentices and explore what talents they have and what they dare to aspire to be. But don’t fret; there will be “playtime” involved. The girls and boys will have time to kick back and relax for an hour while enjoying each others company, snacks, and games!

Through the efforts of Mobile Plus’ volunteer program, Owner/President David Simkins is on the board of the Make A Wish foundation and aspires to make children’s dreams become a reality.

If you would like more information about this program, please contact peopledevelopment@mobileplususa.com or call (914) 922-7239.

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Mayor Ernest D. Davis Honored

by Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce

 

Almost 200 members and friends attended the Annual Dinner Dance of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, December 2, 2004 at the V.I.P. Country Club in New Rochelle . This year’s honoree, the Honorable Ernest D. Davis, was recognized by the Chamber for his accomplishments in transforming the City of Mount Vernon into a great place in which to do business. The Sandford Boulevard retail development center, the Third Street corridor revitalization project, the preservation of Levister Towers , the Hartley Park renovation and the Roundabout at Gramatan and Lincoln Avenues, represent public and private investment in Mount Vernon .

State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson and City Council President William Randolph commended Mayor Davis for his visionary leadership in moving Mount Vernon forward into the 21st century.

Commissioner of Planning & Economic Development, Gerrie Post, treated the audience to a short video presentation that showed the struggling and neglected Mount Vernon prior to 1995 and the rebirth that has taken place during the Davis administration from 1995 to the present.

Mayor Davis was presented with a plaque by the Chamber of Commerce. He stated that the Chamber of Commerce was a most respected partner that played a vital part in the business community and the city of Mount Vernon . The Chamber partnered with the City of Mount Vernon and the Merchants’ Association to purchase New 6 Foot Snowflake Holiday Street lights to brighten our entire shopping district. From Sandford Boulevard to Third Street to Mount Vernon Avenue as well as Gramatan and Fourth Avenues, the Mount Vernon streetscape is illuminated for the holidays.

Both a Commemorative Journal honoring Mayor Davis and the New Chamber Membership Directory & Business Resource Guide for 2005 were distributed to everyone who attended the event. The guests danced to the sensational music of the Alive n’ Kickin band with vocalist Pepe and his talented orchestra.

Martin Rego, Nancy DeSantis(raffle winner), Adele Zeller

 

Kiwanis Table

Century 21 Try Us Realty Table

 

Rosa Boone, Brenda Smith, Sioux Taylor, and Ronnie Cox

Lititz Healthcare Staffing table

 

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of Restaurant Depot

Wednesday, July 21, 2004 was the official ribbon-cutting for Restaurant Depot at 650 South Columbus Avenue in Mount Vernon. Stanley Fleishman, president of the restaurant wholesaler, told members of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce and City officials that he was delighted to be the newest addition to the Mount Vernon business community. Store manager, Al Cabrera, will handle the day-to-day operations of this location. Restaurant Depot will supply the needs of restaurants and other businesses at competitive prices.

Mayor Ernest D. Davis complimented Mr. Fleishman on the exceptional transformation of the building and welcomed Restaurant Depot to the Sandford Boulevard corridor.

 

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The Mount Vernon Grand Prix

Sunday, June 6, 2004

Behind the Scenes at the Mount Vernon Grand Prix

For the past seven years, the City of Mount Vernon, the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce, and the Merchants’ Association have sponsored the Mount Vernon Grand Prix – a fun-filled day of racing in downtown Mount Vernon. It took months of planning and countless meetings to ensure the success of this major event. The Organizing Committee is grateful to Kiwanians Don Ciota, Kevin Schaefer, and Jason Schaeffer for coordinating many aspects of this endeavor.

All proceeds from the Grand Prix provide summer jobs for the youth in our community. Last year, the Grand Prix contributed over $28,000 to the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau so that youngsters could have a productive and successful summer. This year, we hope to do even better.

The timeline for the Grand Prix started with the closing of Gramatan Avenue to vehicular traffic at 7pm the night before the race. The Mount Vernon Police Department worked diligently to clear the street of cars and trucks. At 8pm, the Department of Public Works came in to sweep and clean the street. Jason Schaeffer of the Kiwanis Club was in charge of the installation of the fencing and the set up of the tire race track. He worked tirelessly with DPW workers to fence off the entire racing area. While the fencing was being installed, 24 youngsters were loading 2000 tires into trucks (donated by Money’s Worth Truck Rental). The trucks delivered the tires to the race site where Jason Schaeffer supervised the same group of youngsters in arranging the tires into a challenging, yet safe race track. It was a monumental task to transform Gramatan Avenue into the Grand Prix Race Track.

 

The Day of the Grand Prix

In the early morning hours of June 6, 2004 under drizzly skies, all participating race teams arrived on Gramatan Avenue. They received last-minute instructions from the race director, tuned up their race cars, and took practice laps around the course. The competing heats began in early afternoon, followed by the City Hall Interdepartmental Race at 3pm. This exciting competition was won by the Mount Vernon Police Department. Shortly thereafter, Mayor Ernest D. Davis started the Grand Championship Race in which all teams participated. After 50 exhilarating laps, the Mayor’s team took first place with Royal Caribbean Bakery a close second.

The Title Sponsor for the Grand Prix was the Generoso Pope Foundation with David Pope entering two cars in the competition. Other race participants were: Andrus Children’s Center, Audi Classic Cars, Cava Construction, Chief Fire Prevention, CocaCola, Delta Funding, Giovanni’s Auto Body, G & S Investors, Health Source, Keane & Beane, Kiwanis Club, Marshall’s Office, Mountco/Mount Vernon Health Center, Red Bull, Royal Caribbean and Zelco Industries.

There were other points of interest on Gramatan Avenue all day long. The Hobby Store Tent was filled with cars and bikes that appealed to girls and boys of all ages. Many young people were amazed at the temporary tattoos created by a very talented artist. A variety of Classic Cars were on display and the SoLow hydraulic car demonstrations were a big hit.

Thousands of spectators visited the downtown business district throughout the day to cheer their favorite team across the finish line. It takes more than a few rain drops to keep Mount Vernonites from supporting such a worthy endeavor.

 

 

 



 

 

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