Village Of Mamaroneck Chamber Of Commerce Names New President

MAMARONECK, NY — The local chamber of commerce that became a model of recovery and innovation after the one-two-punch of the pandemic and historic floods strained businesses to the brink, has a new leader at the helm.

Over 60 Mamaroneck area business leaders were joined by state, county and local officials recently to celebrate the success of expanding the Village of Mamaroneck's small business community this year.

The Mamaroneck Chamber of Commerce's Annual General Meeting and Networking Luncheon took place on November 9, at the Hampshire County Club.

Dorothy Palomares, who served as the chamber's vice president in 2021 before serving as president in 2022 and 2023, stepped down from her leadership position amidst praise from the local business community. Many chamber members acknowledged her strong leadership of the organization, which was heavily involved in the recovery of the local economy from the damage done by the pandemic and village floods, both recent and after Hurricane Ida, along with other challenges that came up.

SEE ALSO: Mamaroneck Chamber Of Commerce Congratulated For 'Miraculous' Recovery

"Year after year, this Chamber has been able to tap different people—to find and encourage them to step forward and become terrific leaders. Dorothy, what you have done is the next in that line of leadership," Westchester County Executive George Latimer said. "Particularly given your youth and the fact that you have a tough job doing this job, it’s exceptional what you have done."

Speaking on behalf of NYS Shelley B. Mayer and himself, NYS Assemblyman Steve Otis (D-Rye) presented Palomares with a proclamation commending her for "exemplary service and achievement in the community and state."

"It’s amazing to see what a thriving Chamber you have here," Town of Mamaroneck Supervisor Jaine Elkind Eney said. "It’s so important for the businesses and for the community itself."

Jim Killoran, CEO of The Fuller Center for Housing, presented Palomares with the 5th Anniversary Fuller Award, recognizing her most recent achievements and leadership.

"It has been the honor of my life to serve the Mamaroneck business community as their President, and I look forward to the new board continuing the mission to get the Village government to pay attention to the concerns of the entire business community," said Palomares, who also serves as the Assistant General Manager and Director of Sales at the Hampshire Country Club.

Taking over as MCOC president is Michael Murphy, Director of New Project Development at Murphy Brothers Contracting in Mamaroneck. He most recently served as the organization’s vice president and government liaison and received the Business Council of Westchester’s prestigious Ambassador of the Year Award in 2022.

"Dorothy has truly set the bar high as to how one serves as Chamber board member and President," Murphy said. "I will follow her glowing example and strive to lead this wonderful organization to even greater success."

Murphy will lead the organization’s new executive board as president, along with Jennifer O’Neill (vice president), Michael Sepkowski (secretary) and Shelly Blaufeux (treasurer).

Otis also presented formal proclamations to two area businesses for their contributions to the community: Sedona Taphouse, which gives a percentage of their Monday steak dinners and writes a check to various charities; and Duck Donuts, which has been a champion of the community since opening in 2020, donating donuts to various charity events.

The event ended with an induction ceremony welcoming 14 new chamber members, who were sworn in by Palomares and will begin their service on January 1.

For more information about the Mamaroneck Chamber of Commerce, visit their website or send an email to this address.