Chamber of Commerce Announces New Awards, Members

Assistant secretary of the New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce Jerry Baldassaro announced a new initiative to reward local store-owners who have nice window displays at the group's year-end dinner at restaurant.

Beginning in January, some of the most attractive storefronts in the area will receive the platinum storefront plaque. To be eligible for the award, a shop's storefront has to be visible to the public and must be both clean and have a nice presentation, Baldassaro explained. In January 2012, there will be a best of the best award given.

There were also five board members who were renominated at the dinner -- including Cheryl Fajardo, Reena Gulati, William Morales, Rocco Orlando and Ralph Ventura -- as well as two new board members, Norman Dawson and Larry Armstrong, who were approved.

Florence Giannattasio, 92, was given an honorary board membership for her contributions and long span of service to the Chamber.