Chamber of Commerce Announces Person of Year, Installs Board Members

The Greater Fort Lee Chamber of Commerce’s “Person of the Year” is Albert F. Buzzetti, the chamber announced Wednesday. The GFCLOC made the announcement at its Spring 2011 General Membership Luncheon at Le Jardin Restaurant in Edgewater.

“The ‘Person of the Year’ is characterized by a combination of dedication to one’s community, determination to drive one’s business and the innovation to establish an organization from the ground up,” according to a Greater Fort Lee Chamber of Commerce (GFCLOC) press release. “Every year since 1970, The (GFCLOC) has singled out individuals for recognition who have made a significant contribution to the Chamber and to the Greater Fort Lee Community. Al Buzzetti, the Chamber's 42nd annual honoree, joins a long list of accomplished business and community leaders who have gone above and beyond their service to Fort Lee and the surrounding areas.”

Buzzetti has been a banker for more than 50 years and is a U.S. Army Veteran, according to the GFCLOC. He established the Bank of New Jersey in 2006, which now boasts seven branch offices and about $400 million in assets.

Buzzetti has also served as a director of various nonprofit agencies, including the YMCA and United Way. He was a three-time chairman of Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Annual Fund, a trustee of the New Jersey Banker’s Association and of the Bergen County Bar Foundation and has been involved in youth football and basketball activities—both as a coach and as an administrator. He has also served as an elected official—trustee of the Clarkstown Central School District—and as an appointed official—chairman of the city of Paterson CETA Program, according to the GFCLOC.

Buzzetti will be honored Nov. 19 at a dinner dance at Fort Lee’s DoubleTree Hotel, program and event coordinator Margaret Maclay said.

Board Installation, Awards and Honors

Also at Wednesday’s luncheon, the chamber installed its 2011-2012 Board of Directors. Here’s what the newly constituted board looks like: 

• President Ken Bruno / KAB Computer Services, LLC
• 1st VP Ashley Yook/DoubleTree Hotel
• 2nd VP Alejandra Pazmino/APG Enterprises
• Secretary/Treasurer Margaret Maclay/Maclay Associates, LLC
• Board Accountant Hope Player / The Arcadian Group
• Immediate Past President Gloria Oh / ASAP Title Agency, LLC
• Presidential Appointee Joseph Mariniello/ Mariniello & Mariniello
• Past President/Presidential Appointee Frank Patti
• Past President/Presidential Appointee Craig Weinstein Esq.
• Board Attorney Sam Cereste Esq.
• Past President Anthony Clores/PHI Enterprises, LLC
• Board Member Michael Errichiello/ Health One
• Board Member Howard Joh/Howard Realty
• Board Member Kiky Kim/Kiky Jewelers
• Board Member Michael Lesler/Bank of New Jersey
• Board Member Anthony Sorrentino/Otterstedt Insurance
• Board Member Jaime Weiss/Weiss Realty

“Each year the GFCLOC also recognizes businesses and organizations that have made improvements to real estate within the Borough of Fort Lee and surrounding communities,” said Maclay, who along with the chamber’s Beautification Committee chair Tony Clores, presented “Beautification Awards” to the following people in the following award categories:

• The Historic/Landmark Award: Richard Radoian of the Fort Lee American Little League

“[This award] is presented annually, when deemed appropriate, to an entity that is closely identified within the community of Fort Lee,” Maclay said.

• The Conceptual Award: 182 Myrtle Avenue (unable to attend)

“[The Conceptual Award] is presented annually for a total project with its’ own impact on the area,” Maclay said.

• Merit Awards, “presented within the Greater Fort Lee area for remodeling of an existing structure; expansion of an existing structure; or replacement of an existing structure,” according to Maclay, were presented to the following:

1. KAB Computer Services 244-246 Broad Ave, Palisades Park - Ken Bruno
2. Food for Life – 489 Sylvan Ave, Englewood Cliffs – (unable to attend)
3. Linwood Plaza – (unable to attend)

Outgoing President Gloria Oh was presented with a plaque and flowers in recognition of her dedication and leadership during the past year.

“I know I speak on behalf of the board, members and staff when I say thank you for your dedication, commitment and support of the Greater Fort Lee Chamber and community during the past year,” Maclay said of Oh. “Your leadership has inspired us. We’d like to present you with a small token of our appreciation. Thank you, and we wish you much success.”

Frank Patti, who presented the plaque to Oh, added that her contribution went “above and beyond,” and that her leadership was outstanding.

Maclay pointed out that while serving as chamber president, Oh attended and graduated from law school. 

Linda Farrell, Director of the Academy of Finance (AOF) at Fort Lee High School, attended the luncheon with AOF student and soon-to-be-senior Ji Hoon, who will serve as the chamber intern this summer, a position funded by proceeds from the chamber’s basketball tournament in March.