October 2019 | Volume 66, No. 4

Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT: Joseph Garcia Weichert Realtors Performance Homes (516) 449-2028 ♦ Jagarcia@WeichertPH.com

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT: Beth Mignone* Mignone’s Masonry (631) 270-4265 ♦ beth@mignoneconstruction.com

VICE PRESIDENTS: Kathy Lively Farmingdale Public Schools (516) 967-4028 ♦ nutzymom03@aol.com

Joseph Minieri MassMutual (631) 851-5787 ♦ jmminieri@optonline.net

SECRETARY: Suzanne LoBiondo, CPA (516) 791-1303 ♦ suzanne@lobiondocpa.com

TREASURER: Margaret Bertolotti Farmingdale Federation of Teachers (631) 249-0773 ♦ farmingdaleteachers@verizon.net

DIRECTORS: Joel Blitzer Brooks Waterburn Corp (516) 997-9800 ♦ jblitzer@brookswaterburn.com

Ralph Ekstrand Moby Drugs (516) 249-0268 ♦ chip7iron@aol.com

Suzanne D’Amico Inspired by CJA Photography (516) 319-6634 ♦ inspiredbycja@gmail.com

Dan Kornfeld 2SK Marketing & Public Relations (516) 384-2057 ♦ dkornfeld@verizon.net

Ken Marcus Marcus Family Agency - Allstate Insurance Co. (516) 753-2600 ♦ kennethmarcus@allstate.com

Debbie Podolski* Farmingdale Public Library (516) 249-9010 ♦ dpodolski319@gmail.com

Dave Saul Marketing Masters NY (516) 987-5001 ♦ dave@marketingmastersny.com

William Trudden / Rosemary Trudden McCourt & Trudden Funeral Home (516) 249-1303 ♦ williamtrudden@yahoo.com

Mark Wenzel YES Community Counseling Center (516) 799-3203 ♦ info@yesccc.org

ADMINISTRATOR: Jo Wider (516) 286-7800 ♦ inbox@farmingdalenychamber.org

Member of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce *Past President

Joseph Garcia of Weichert Realtors Performance Homes Selected as

Farmingdale Chamber’s NCCC 2019 Outstanding Businessperson

The Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Joseph Garcia was selected as our Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce 2019 Outstanding Businessperson of the Year.

Each year the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce encourages members to select an Honoree to receive this prestigious award. The Honoree must meet the following criteria:

• Active Member of the Chamber of Commerce • Owns or manages a business located in the community • Has made a significant contribution to the local econo-my, to the advancement of the Chamber and has made a meaningful and important contribution to the general welfare of the local community.

The Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors unanimously agreed that Joe fully meets and exceeds these criteria and is proud to recog-nize him as our 2019 Honoree.

Joseph Garcia is the Manager and Realtor of Weichert Realtors – Perfor-mance Homes. Joe spends much of his time recruiting, and training new agents, and finds this one of the most rewarding aspects of his career. Joe is extremely community-focused. As a Chamber Board Member, he be-came heavily invested in forwarding the interests of Farmingdale and its busi-ness community. Since his election as President of the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce in 2018, he has become even more involved, is proud to work with such a hard working Chamber Board, and to count many members, business owners, and managers in Farmingdale as friends. Joe is also a member of the LI Board of Realtors Legislative and Realtor Politi-cal Action Committees, a NYS Association of Realtors Director and State Politi-cal Coordinator. In these roles he actively works to promote Fair Housing, Home Ownership and Professional Standards in his Industry. Joe is married to his childhood sweetheart, Stephanie. They live in Farming-dale with their two sons, Dominick and Anthony.

Please join us to celebrate! Tuesday, October 22, 2019 | 6 - 9 pm

The Garden at Croxley's, 190 Main Street, Farmingdale, NY

Free admission | Complimentary appetizers |Cash Bar Members and guests - all are welcome but please RSVP to

inbox@farmingdalenychamber.org

Joe will also be recognized at the NCCC’s 2019 Outstanding Businessperson of the Year Awards and Legislative Breakfast. The Breakfast is scheduled on Fri-day, October 18, 2019 at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury from 8 am to 10 am.

Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Newsletter October 2019 | Volume 66, No. 4 Page 2

beth@mignoneconstruction.com

Barnyard Lane Sign Co BedGear Charlotte's Speakeasy Cloud 9 Exotics Electric Dudes Global Family Dental Gotham Gold Bus Corp Integrative Health & Wellness LPS Office Interiors Main Street Pizza Nail Glo Inc New York Islanders PDQ ProPac Marketing Quick Draw LLc Striking 101

Welcome to our New Members 6/25 - 10/6/19

Thank you for renewing your membership

Absolutely Mario, Inc.

Avanti

Blue Star Carpentry

Buckle-Down Inc

Cardworks Acquiring

Farmingdale Baseball League, Inc.

Felico's Restaurant and Catering

KGI Design Group

Long Island Athletics

McCourt & Trudden Funeral Home

New York Window Film Co.

Northwestern Mutual

Ruth A. Sattig Betz, CPA

ScrubzBody Skin Care Products

Station Market

Stuff-A-Bagel

TOA USA Fusion

Voda Networks Inc

Wharton B. Allen Agency Inc.

Chamber Elections

Annual Elections will be conducted at the November 7, 2019 General Meeting scheduled for 12 Noon at Palmer’s American Grille, 23 Fulton St, Farmingdale. If you are interested in serving on the board of directors, please email Ralph Ekstrand at chip7iron@aol.com by October 23 to get your name added to the

Ballot.

Here is an excerpt from the chamber's bylaws regarding Elections:

The members of the Board shall, on the January 1 following their election, enter upon the performance of their duties and shall continue in office until their suc-cessors shall be duly elected. (Officer’s Term - 1 Year / Director’s Term - 2

Years)

Election of Directors and Term:

e) Only a person who has been a Member in Good Standing for the preceding twelve (12) months in the year in which he/she is seeking election can be a can-

didate for an Officer's or Director's position. A candidate for Officer must have either been a sitting member of the Board of Directors as an Officer or a Direc-tor for at least twelve (12) months within a two-year period prior to the time of taking office or been a "Member in Good Standing" for three consecutive years prior to the time of taking office. The Board of Directors may waive any of the

above qualifications by a simple majority vote of all Board members.

Please feel free to contact any board member if you would like more infor-

mation.

Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Newsletter October 2019 | Volume 66, No. 4 Page 3

Upcoming Events

Hosting an event? Members can add their special events directly to the chamber’s

online calendar! www.farmingdalenychamber.org/login/

Ribbon Cuttings

Friday Nov 1, 2019 at 12 Noon Jersey Mike's Subs Anniversary Celebration 1280 Broadhollow Rd., Farmingdale. NY 11735 Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at 1PM Farmingdale Public Library Anniversary Celebration 116 Merritts Rd., Farmingdale. NY 11735 Reception to follow in the meeting room on the lower level of the library.

After Hours Networking Celebrating Joe Garcia

Tuesday, October 22, 2019 | 6 - 9 pm The Garden at Croxley's, 190 Main Street, Farmingdale, NY

Free admission | Complimentary appetizers | Cash Bar. Members and guests - all are welcome but please RSVP to inbox@farmingdalenychamber.org

Election Meeting

Thursday, November 7 | 12 Noon | $25 Palmer’s American Grille, 123 Fulton St, Farmingdale, NY 11735 Speaker: Ruth Betz, CPA Topic: Ten Important Tax Items You Should Know or Do Before December 31, 2019

TICKETS GO ON SALE OCTOBER 20, 2019

SAVE THE DATE!

Installation of Officers & Directors and Holiday Party Wednesday, December 4, 2019 | Time: 5:30 - 9:30 PM

Open Bar / Buffet Dinner

The Heritage Club at Bethpage Bethpage State Park, 99 Quaker Meeting House Road

Farmingdale, New York 11735

One representative from each chamber member can attend at no cost. All additional guests must pay $80 each.

This event is for chamber members and their invited guests only. Chamber dues

must be current to attend. You MUST register by November 25, 2019 to attend

this event as we are required to supply the caterer a head count.

We are NOT able to accommodate walk-ins.

Register online or email inbox@farmingdalenychamber.org.

Farmingdale Chamber Community Trick or Treat

Saturday, Oct 19 from 10 am - Noon Howitt Middle School West Gym, 70 Vancott Ave, Farmingdale Enter the parking lot at Grant Avenue.

Members are invited to distribute treats to the children. No charge to partici-pate. Please bring a table (and perhaps dress it up to help make things festive), your signage, and treats for the children (you can even bring 'treats' for the adults - coupons or other promotional offers to promote your business). Set up begins at 9:30 am.

Survey: Chamber Membership is Effective Business Strategy A national survey of 2,000 adults reveals that being active in a local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy because two-thirds of consumers believe that such companies use good business practices, are reputable, care about their customers, and are involved in the community. The study, conducted by The Schapiro Group, an Atlanta-based strategic consulting firm, found consumer perceptions of chamber members to be positive in many ways:

When consumers know that a small business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 49% more likely to think favorably of it and 80% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.

If a company shows that it is highly involved in its local chamber (e.g., is a chamber board member), consumers are 10% more

likely to think that its products stack up better against its competition.

When consumers know that a national restaurant franchise is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 68% more likely

to eat at the franchise in the next few months.

When consumers know that an insurance company is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 36% more likely to think

favorably of the company.

Major Impact on Small Businesses Small businesses represent the largest segment of most local chamber membership rolls, and the study indicates that chamber mem-bership has consistent and powerful benefits for small business members—if consumers are aware that the small business is involved with its local chamber. For example, if respondents know that a small business is a member of its local chamber, the business enjoys a 49% increase in its

consumer favorability rating, a 73% increase in consumer awareness, a 68% increase in its local reputation, and an 80% increase in the likelihood that consumers will patronize the business in the future. Most people know fairly well what their local chambers do; the study assessed the effect of this knowledge on perceptions of cham-ber members. The researchers said ”any belief about the chamber of commerce—whether that belief was true or not—could have a significant positive impact on how someone views a member… he or she is more likely to think that the [member] company’s products stack up well and have a favorable opinion toward the company.” The key factor in developing and maintaining positive consumer perception of chamber members, the Schapiro Group said, was that “positive outcomes only occur when consumers know that a business is a chamber member (i.e., being involved in the chamber is a known facet of the company's reputation).” Accordingly, when consumers know that a large business is a member of the chamber, they are likely to patronize the company more often, to express favorable opinions about the company, to know more about the company, and to buy the company's products. The strength and nature of these effects differ by industry:

Large Restaurant Chains When consumers know that a restaurant franchise is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 15% more likely to report knowing a lot about the franchise, 58% more likely to eat at the franchise more often, 68% more likely to eat at the franchise in the next few months, and 37% more likely to think favorably of the franchise. Among consumers who do not eat at the franchise so often, those who are aware that the franchise is a member of the chamber are 33% more likely to hold favorable opinions of the franchise. Among consumers who hold less favorable opinions of the franchise, those who are aware that the franchise is a member of the cham-ber are 65% more likely to eat there in the coming months.

Insurance Companies When consumers know that an insurance company is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 29% more likely to report knowing a lot about the company, 36% more likely to think favorably of the company, and 36% more likely to consider buying insur-ance from it. Among consumers who hold less favorable opinions of the insurance company, those who are aware that the company is a member of the chamber are 25% more likely to consider purchasing insurance from it. Among those who have not considered pur-chasing insurance there in the past, chamber membership increases that likelihood by 37%.

Automobile Manufacturers When consumers know that an auto manufacturer is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 21% more likely to have a fa-vorable opinion of that company and 31% more likely to consider purchasing their next car from that company. Among those who have ever considered buying a car from a particular auto manufacturer, chamber membership leads to a 44% increase in consumers’ likelihood of purchasing a car there in the future. The study, commissioned by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), in cooperation with the Western Association of Chamber Executives, was sponsored by Insperity, a Houston-based company that provides human resources and other business ser-vices to more than 100,000 businesses nationwide. J. Mac Holladay, founder and CEO of Market Street Services, an economic devel-opment firm in Atlanta, was a key contributor of concepts used to develop the study.

The new study tracks similar data reported by The Schapiro Group in 2007. “Despite changes in markets and demographics, a nag-ging recession and the growing influence of the internet, the chamber brand today is stronger and more dynamic than ever,” sa id ACCE President Mick Fleming. “We’re proud that the numbers prove, once again, that engagement in a chamber means a positive perception of the business in the eyes of the buying public.”

Source: acce.org

About ACCE Established in 1914, ACCE is the only national association serving the professional development needs of executives and managers of cham-bers of commerce throughout the U.S. and Canada. Representing more than 7,300 chamber employees, ACCE enhances the knowledge, leadership skills, and management effectiveness of chamber professionals and their staffs through its education, research, publications, certification, trends analysis, bench-marking, and promotion of best practices.

Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Newsletter October 2019 | Volume 66, No. 4 Page 5

Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Annual Holiday Parade Saturday, November 23 at 21 Noon Members are invited to bring their banners and mascots and march with us. Meet up at Northside School at 11:45 am.

Farmingdale Chamber Community Resource Guide

We are pleased to announce that we will partner with The Giametta Group, Inc. to publish the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Resource Guide. The Guide will include a history of Farmingdale, annual events, community resources, important numbers AND a directory of all chamber members.

We expect the project to be completed in early 2020. A full-color Farmingdale business guide will be printed and distributed to the commu-nity throughout the year.

Over the next few months, and on behalf of the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce, a Giametta Group representative will be stopping by to discuss our project with you. They will be on the streets of our community helping to boost Chamber membership by enlisting businesses that partic-ipate in the chamber project.

The Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to partner with The Giametta Group Inc. to create a resource guide of our unique business community. We encourage your participation.

For information on placing an ad, Email joe@giamettagroup.com or call Joe Giametta, 631-609-0079.

Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Newsletter October 2019 | Volume 66, No. 4 Page 6

New Business in Farmingdale

Business is booming in Farmingdale and the chamber is always proud to be on hand to help celebrate!

Grand opening of Nail Glo Salon, 180 Merritts Road, Farmingdale. Photo courtesy of Bill Moseley, BBA Photography.

Grand opening of Orangetheory, 253 Airport Plaza Blvd, Farmingdale. Photo courtesy of Bill Moseley, BBA Photography.

Grand opening of Whiskey Down Diner, 252 Main Street, Farmingdale. Photo courtesy of Bill Moseley, BBA Photography.

Cloud 9 Exotics, 855 Conklin St Suite M, Farmingdale. Photo courtesy of Bill Moseley, BBA Photography.

October 2019 | Volume 66, No. 4 Page 7 Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Is your business celebrating a milestone event? Visit the Membership tab on our website

FarmingdaleNYChamber.org to Request a Ribbon Cutting!

30th Anniversary of Minuteman Press, located at 324 Main Street, Farmingdale. Photo courtesy of Bill Moseley, BBA Photography.

Grand opening of Main Street Pizza, 302 Main Street, Farmingdale.

Grand opening of Blink Fitness, 237 Main Street, Farmingdale. Photo courtesy of Joann Saul, Marketing Masters NY.

Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Newsletter October 2019 | Volume 66, No. 4 Page 8

Lower This Year's Tax Obligation - Action to Take Now! Submitted by Suzanne LoBiondo, CPA Now is a good time to assess your current situation and address those lingering tax moves that may improve your tax picture for 2019. Here are five things to consider: 1. Check on your withholdings. Review your taxable income and the amount of tax you’ve paid to Uncle Sam so far this year. How do the numbers compare to last year? Based on your analysis, you may have to adjust your paycheck withholdings or make quarterly estimated tax payments during the balance of the year to avoid underpayment penalties or a surprising tax bill. 2. Build up your retirement accounts. Don’t neglect your retirement savings during the remainder of the year. In fact, setting aside more money for retirement can lower this year’s tax bill. For instance, if you have a 401(k) plan at work, you can defer up to $19,000 of salary in 2019, plus an extra $6,000 if you’re age 50 or older. 3. Identify potential taxable events. It’s easy to overlook one-time events that will have an impact on your 2019 tax liability. For instance, if you win a prize at a church raffle, the prize is generally taxable to you. Perhaps you changed jobs, lost a child as a dependent, or got married. Each of these events can create a change in your tax obligation. Review your records now to avoid any unpleasant tax surprises later. 4. Consider business property needs. If you acquire business property, you can often choose to write off the cost in the first year the property is placed in service under the latest tax laws. If it makes sense, consider combining the benefits of the Section 179 expensing deduction, up to a maximum of $1 million (indexed for inflation), with 100% bonus depreciation for both new and used property. 5. Account for gig taxes. Finally, workers in the gig economy (like Uber and Lyft drivers) should understand the basic tax rules. Generally, income from such jobs is fully taxable, but you may be entitled to offsetting deductions. Essentially, you’re treated like a self-employed individual. Estimated quarterly tax payments are often required for these workers. Should you wish a review of your situation, call now. It's better to be prepared than surprised when it comes to your tax obligation. Suzanne LoBiondo (516) 791-1303.

The Chamber welcomes content for the newsletter. All members may contribute articles on topics that may be

helpful to the general membership.

Visit the MEMBERSHIP tab on the chamber’s website www.farmingdalenychamber.org

choose “MEMBER SPOTLIGHT SUBMISSIONS” to submit your article.

Submissions will be printed in the newsletter as space allows.

PLEASE

NOTE

Farmingdale Village Community Events

Farmingdale Village Halloween Parade and Free Family Fun On The Village Green Sunday 10/27/19, 1-3pm featuring a costume contest, pony rides, petting zoo, face painting & more! All ages are wel-come to come in costume!

Halloween Parade steps off from Northside School at 1pm and proceeds down Main St. to the Village Green, 361 Main St., rain date 11/2.

Chamber members are invited to set up a table on the Village Green to distribute treats after the parade.

Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Newsletter October 2019 | Volume 66, No. 4 Page 9

Member News Farmingdale Adult Day Care Open House Friday, November 1, 2019 9 am - 2 pm 407 Main Street, Farmingdale (located in Fellowship Hall at Farmingdale United Methodist Church)

The Farmingdale Adult Day Care Center is a social day care program offering socialization and stimulation for individuals 60 and above with physical and/or memory impairment, generally Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia.

For more information, call (516) 293-8928 or visit www.farmingdaleadultdaycare.org South Farmingdale Fire Department Open House Saturday, October 19, 2019 Noon - 4 pm 819 Main Street, Farmingdale, NY (see page 10 for more info)

The chamber has been invited to have a table at this event to promote our members to the community, however, we are in need of members to help man the table. Please email Jo Wider or call/text (516)286-7800 if you can vol-unteer an hour or two to help.

We're excited to announce that once again we have been nominated in the Best of Long Island contest. Voting is now open and you can vote once a day through December 15. Please support us by submitting your votes.

Visit bestof.longislandpress.com/voting. Vote for Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce in the Shopping Category under Chamber of Commerce. While you’re voting, please cast a vote for Farmingdale Village, also under the Shopping Category under Downtown.

Farmingdale Public Library Celebration

The Farmingdale Public Library will be celebrating 25 years in our new build-ing located at 116 Merritts Road. We hope that you can be part of our festivi-ties. The event will take place on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. The Chamber of Commerce is organizing a ribbon cutting to take place at 1 PM on our front steps.

The library will be serving coffee and cake in the meeting room on the lower level. We would welcome any donations of platters or trays of food, treats, or snacks. This event is open to the residents of the Farmingdale Library district. Show the community your specialty!

Please include your flyers, menus, and business cards with your food donations as we would proudly display them to the many residents we are anticipating.

For more information contact Debbie Podolski dpodolski319@gmail.com

Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Newsletter October 2019 | Volume 66, No. 4 Page 10

Any suggestions?

Contact a Board member to share your ideas!

Or email inbox@farmingdalenychamber.org

YOUR AD

BELONGS HERE! EMAIL INBOX@FARMINGDALENYCHAMBER.ORG

FOR INFO

Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce Newsletter October 2019 | Volume 66, No. 4 Page 11

Thank you to Misolino Silva and Douglas Olsen of People's United Bank for their presentation on "How to Protect Your Company from Fraud" at the networking event they hosted for Farmingdale Chamber members. Photo courtesy of Bill Moseley, BBA Photography Corp.

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2019 Calendar of Chamber Events

October 19 10 am - 12 Noon Community Trick or Treat (see page 3) Howitt Middle School West Gym, 70 Vancott Ave, Farmingdale Enter the parking lot at Grant Avenue.

October 22 6-9 pm Businessperson of the Year Celebration Honoring Joseph Garcia The Garden at Croxley's, 190 Main Street, Farmingdale, NY

November 7 12 Noon November Luncheon / Election of Officers and Directors Palmer’s American Grille, 123 Fulton St, Farmingdale, NY

November 19 6 - 9 pm Salute to Veterans Multichamber Networking Event American Airpower Museum (see page 3)

November 1 12 Noon Ribbon Cutting at Jersey Mike’s Subs 1280 Broadhollow Rd., Farmingdale. NY

November 5 1 pm Farmingdale Public Library Anniversary Celebration 116 Merritts Rd., Farmingdale. NY Reception to follow in the meeting room on the lower level of the library

November 23 12 Noon Farmingdale Chamber Holiday Parade and Visit with Santa Meet up at Northside 11:45 am. Parade step off at Noon sharp

Please note: WEDNESDAY December 4

5:30 Holiday Party and Installation of Officers Heritage Club at Bethpage 99 Quaker Meeting House Road, Farmingdale, NY (see page 3)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS Oct 24, Nov 21, Dec 12 (FFT 8:45AM)