Ken Krieger, vice president, Independence Community Bank, a luncheon sponsor, presents a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the Chamber to Mr. Souzzi. With the topic “Fix Albany,” Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi returned in September as keynote speaker to kick off the Garden City Chamber of Commerce’s 38th annual luncheon season. Stating that New York State local taxes are 72 percent above the national average, Mr. Souzzi said “the system is badly broken and desperately in need of a fix.”

On October 27, Richard M. Kessel, chairman and chief executive officer, Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), presented an overview of energy issues, costs and the prognosis for Long Island’s energy future. The Chamber luncheon series will resume on January 26 when John Gibson, Fox News anchor, returns to focus on his view of world events.

Russell Matthews, executive vice president, Albanese Organization, a luncheon sponsor, poses with Ken Krieger, vice president, Independence Community Bank, luncheon sponsor. Seated are Patrick Smalley, general manager; Kathy Nelkin, president; and Nasser Samman, general manager, Garden City Hotel, a luncheon sponsor.

Richard Kessel, chairman and CEO of LIPA receives a certificate of appreciation from Roger Eltringham, vice president, Alliance Plus and Chamber of Commerce secretary treasurer. Chamber members representing three new establishments recently opened and one to open soon on Franklin Avenue, included the owners of Gramaldi’s Italian restaurant, Sushi Ya Japanese restaurant, Cold Stone Creamery and Quiznos Sub. Members of the dais with Richard Kessel (third from left) and Peter Bee, Village trustee and liaison to the business community (right), are Althea Robinson, Chamber executive director; Jerry Unger, president; and Dr. Anthony Libertella, dean of business, Adelphi University and Chamber vice president.