The Syosset Chamber of Commerce held their fifth annual Installation Dinner on Feb. 12 at the North Ritz Club in Syosset. The event allowed both chamber members and those interested in the chamber to celebrate the success this past year brought and also to swear in the officers and directors for 2003.

Frank Urso, dinner chairman and past president of the Syosset Chamber, began the evening by thanking everyone for attending. "We are here at the Fifth Annual Installation Dinner honoring those who give more of themselves than anyone else in the business community," he said. "They do more to make themselves and others successful."

He then asked everyone to observe a moment of silence to reflect on what is happening in the world, the men and women who are risking their lives to protect the United States and also the seven astronauts whose lives were lost on the Shuttle Columbus.

"This is tremendous how many people turned out tonight to help our chamber," said Urso. "I would like to thank the entire dinner committee as well as Michael Siciliano of Minuteman Press for printing the programs, Owen Kassimir of Owen Photography for taking pictures tonight and also Michael Elardo of Hi-Tech Entertainment for the donation of their services and providing the great entertainment tonight."

Urso next introduced Jim Tinnelly, president of the Syosset Chamber of Commerce. "We are for real," said Tinnelly. "This is a very serious and strong operation. We are over 200 members now and that is a tribute to the hard work of the people who started the chamber. This town is going to be the focal point of eastern Nassau County and we have a lot of things in the works for 2003."

Urso next presented the past president award to Jerry Siegel. "Jerry Siegel has been a guiding force in the chamber of commerce," said Urso. "Thank you for carrying the torch and making your mark on the chamber and on the community. You are responsible for the growth in membership."

Senator Carl Marcellino, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto, Town Councilman Chris Coschignano and Town Clerk Martha Offerman each presented Siegel with a citation thanking him for his work over the past year. "The chamber was blessed with your presidency Jim, thank you," said Jacobs.

Marcellino installed the new officers. James Tinnelly, president; Tricia Shannon, first vice president; Michael Biggiani, second vice president; Steven Cohen, Esq., secretary and Stephen Rothmaler, treasurer, took their oath and were sworn in as officers.

Next, Marcellino swore in the directors. Maria Anderson, Marie Bergwall, William Chabina, Chris Coschignano, Esq., Jo Costa, Thomas Dunn, Stella Edelblum, Joe Hilker, Owen Hilker, Lisa Predmore, Phil Rhoads, Denise Rogers, Jonathan Rudes and Michael Siciliano all took their oath as directors. Jack Biondo, Sal Biondo and Judy Jacobs were all named honorary directors.

After dinner and dancing, the special service awards were given. The spirit of Syosset award was presented to the Syosset Fire Department. The Community Service Person of the Year award was given to Ron Geraci, the Chamber Director of the Year award was given to Tricia Shannon and the Chamber Person of the Year was given to Jo Costa from La Viola Restaurant.

"I am so proud that I was named director of the year," said Tricia Shannon of Century 21 Benjamin Realty. "The chamber has really helped me grow and I enjoy helping it grow. It is a pleasure working with everyone and this honor is very special to me."

The evening ended with the announcement of the auction winners. The Syosset Chamber of Commerce meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 a.m. for networking and 8 a.m. for the regular meetings. The meetings are held at the Casey Center at St. Mary's Children and Family Services, 525 Convent Road in Syosset. For more information, contact Jim Tinnelly at 496-4622.