Katonah Chamber Elects New Board, Awards Scholarship

With a quick "all in favor say aye," and a round of applause, the Class of 2013 was welcomed onto the board of the Katonah Chamber of Commerce during the organization's annual business luncheon held last week at Caramoor.

The new executive slate took office as well: Jennifer Cook, who remains co-president, welcomed her new co-president, Michael Schecter, owner of Computer Experts. They are joined by Rob Siegel of Robert Siegel Architects, who will serve as the chamber's vice-president, and treasurer Bart Tyler, proprietor of Kellogg's & Lawrence.

The board members and executive officers serve a three-year term. The chamber represents a range of businesses in town including restaurants, retail shops and service organizations. A full list of members is available on their website.

"It's wonderful to see so many people here today and it's such a complement to us given how the general economy is doing," said Cook, welcoming approximately 30 guests.

The chamber's mission is to further the town's community spirit by sponsoring activities to enhance the quality of life in the hamlet, according to their website. To that end, Cook brought chamber members up-to-date on the including the establishment of partnerships with local nonprofits and the creation of a new visitors guide.

With five new stores opened recently, and the real estate purchase [of Village Commons] we think we are well-positioned to make Katonah a weekend destination, said Cook.

Michael Barrett, CEO and General Director of addressed the group in the outdoor dining room. Urging the members to take advantage of the upcoming programming planned at the music center, he also thanked them for being there and expressed his appreciation for being a part of the community.

Recent developments in the town of Bedford were shared by Supervisor Lee Roberts, who spoke about the upcoming construction of the town water filtration plant, and changes in DEP regulations that will allow a wastewater treatment plant to be built—though that project is long-term. She also shared information on the town's energy retrofit program and the need to conserve resources. 

The chamber's scholarship committee chairs, Ian Baren and Michael Berardino, also presented the annual Donald Foulke scholarship to John Jay senior Sarah Esselborn, who received a $1,000 award that she'll use toward her education in the pre-health program at Boston University next year.

"Donald Foulke was a true friend of Katonah, and Sarah exhibits the leadership and service this award represents," said Baren. Esselborn, who has volunteered at the Katonah Community Center in addition to tutoring local students, was joined by her mother and sister to receive the award.

Following the presentations, chamber members networked over coffee and dessert. New board member Geri Smith Suozzo said she joined because she'd recently moved here from Brooklyn and wanted to get involved. "I used to run major street fairs, and I'm hoping they can use me here," she said.

Below is a list of their executive board and board of directors,  including the newest members:

Executive Board

Co-President, Jennifer Cook – Noka/Noka Joe's

Co – President, Michael Schechter – Computer Experts Group, LTD*

Vice President, Rob Siegel - Robert Siegel Architects

Treasurer, Bart Tyler – Keloggs & Lawrence

Secretary, Midge Iorio – Katonah Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors

Roman J. Adrianowycz - Morgan Stanley Smith Barney*

Ian Baron – Katonah Paint and Hardware / Katonah Architectural Hardware

Mike Berardino – State Farm Insurance

Rita Carrozza – Houlihan Lawrence

Ellie Kimelman – The Eclectic Collector

Ted Kozlowski – Lasdon park and Arboretum

Dave Raneri – Charles Department Store

Chris Roberts - Really Social Strategies*

Edris Scherer - Scherer Television Service

Larry Seegers - Jems

Geri Smith - Coldwell Banker

Lauren Spicehandler - Hersam Acorn Newspapers

Barbara Tremain - Houlihan Lawrence

Frank Veith – Frank Veith Attorney at Law

Neil Watson – Katonah Museum of Art

Sara Zipp - Houlihan Lawrence

* New Members to the Board