Katonah Chamber Installs New Officers

The Katonah Chamber of Commerce installed a new slate of officers at its annual luncheon, held this week at the , during which the group saluted its outgoing co-president, Jennifer Cook, owner of in Katonah.

“On this particular day, there is something a little bittersweet about our celebration, for, as we welcome new board members and elevate Edris Scherer to the title of co-president, our esteemed leader of the past three years, Jen Cook, is stepping down,” said Michael Schecter, Cook’s co-president of the past year.

Schecter, owner of Computer Experts Group, highlighted Cook’s contributions to the business community including overseeing the , promoting Katonah as a tourist destination, and increasing engagement between the business community and local residents, among other initiatives.

He also bade her a personal farewell, on behalf of the chamber board.

“We’ll miss you as our president, Jen, but we’ll take comfort knowing we still have you in an even more important role: as our neighbor and friend.”

Cook addressed the group of approximately 30 local business leaders assembled for the outdoor luncheon and brought them up to speed on the work of the chamber in the past year.

She highlighted new initiatives, including the chamber’s entrée into social media and the group’s membership in the Northern Westchester-Putnam President’s Council, composed of ten area chambers, which allows Katonah businesses to share best practices and learn from other chamber groups. Cook also announced a new membership opportunity for local residents to support businesses.

“It’s going to be called ‘Friends of the Katonah Chamber,’ and it will give locals who love local businesses a chance to help keep them vibrant,” she said. “For $50 they will become a friend, be listed on our website with appreciation, and receive a coupon book as a thank you.”

Cook also reviewed the chamber’s efforts toward keeping the town open throughout the weekend, noting that 60 percent of the nation’s retail business takes place on Sundays.

Bedfore announcing the new officers, Cook recognized Midge Iorio, director of membership, for her work on the chamber.

"Thank you for your creativity and ideas," she said. "Midge is the face of the chamber for our new members and she does a fabulous job."

The new executive board members and board of directors were welcomed and announced:

Co-President, Michael Schechter, Computer Experts Group

Co-President, Edris Scherer, Scherer Television

Vice President, Chris Roberts, Really Social Strategies

Vice President, Rob Siegel, Robert Siegel Architects

Vice President, Neil Watson, Katonah Museum of Art

Treasurer, Bart Tyler, Kelloggs & Lawrence

Roman Adrianowycz, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Ian Baron, Katonah Architectural Hardware

Mike Berardino, State Farm Insurance

Rita Carrozza, Houlihan Lawrence

Jen Cook, NoKa & NoKa Joes

Ted Kozlowski, Lasdon Park and Arboretum

* Jesse Manginelli, TrustCo Bank

* Pat Neville, Country Estates and Manors

* Seth Pearl, Optimal Health and Development Center

Dave Raneri, Charles Department Store

* Alison Shearer, Caramoor

Larry Seegers, Jems

Geri Smith, Coldwell Banker

Lauren Spicehandler, Hersam Acorn

Barbara Tremain, Houlihan Lawrence

Frank Veith, Frank Veith Attorney at law

Neil Watson, Katonah Museum of Art

* new board members

For more information on the Katonah Chamber of Commerce, click here.