Mamaroneck Chamber Of Commerce Congratulated For 'Miraculous' Recovery

MAMARONECK, NY — The past three years have been interesting times in the Village of Mamaroneck, but Thursday was a time to celebrate triumph over adversity.

Representatives from the Mamaroneck Chamber of Commerce stood with elected officials and local small business leaders to acknowledge the remarkable recovery of the village's business community after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastation of Hurricane Ida flooding.

The celebration took place at the Hampshire Country Club during the chamber's annual barbecue. Local business owners and chamber members were also on hand to celebrate the successful revival and expansion of Mamaroneck's small business community .

The event started with opening remarks from board member and government liason, Michael Murphy who congratulated both longstanding members celebrating milestones and new business owners.

Dorothy Palomares, the new chamber president, told those gathered that the chamber has actually grown in numbers due to the recent boom in the Mamaroneck business district. The economic slowdown during pandemic lockdowns sorely challenged the village’s pre-pandemic employers, and the arrival of Hurricane Ida last year left much of the business district submerged under as much as 10 feet of water. These two emergencies cost a staggering number of Mamaroneck’s small business owners their livelihoods.

Other speakers praised Palomares’ leadership as a driving force in the recovery of the local economy from the damage done by the pandemic and flooding. Palomares is also the assistant general manager at Hampshire Country Club.

Mayor Tom Murphy was also enthusiastic about the Chamber’s efforts in the face of generational challenges.

"My thanks go out to the Chamber for working in tandem with Village government so seamlessly to help our local business community following some very difficult circumstances," Mayor Murphy told the attendees. "That kind of teamwork is essential to a healthy local economy, and I am eager to continue collaborating with the Chamber."

Assemblyman Steve Otis presented formal proclamations to four chamber members marking milestone years of continuous business:

Orange Bank & Trust Company (132 years)
Derektor Shipyards (75 years)
Dan's Carpet & Blinds (60 years)
Doc James Cigar Lounge (15 years)

“The recovery of the village's business community in the wake of the pandemic has been miraculous; rows of storefronts that were nearly deserted just a year ago are now humming with activity," Otis said. "I'd like to offer my congratulations and thanks to the Mamaroneck Chamber of Commerce and its fast-growing membership for their perseverance and dedication."

The event wrapped up with an induction ceremony to welcome 30 new MCOC members.

More information about the Mamaroneck Chamber of Commerce can be found here.