Mark Franzoso Elected as New Hudson Valley Chamber Chairman of the Board

Thanks to the for sending this information: The Board of Directors of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce elected new officers its annual reorganization meeting on Wednesday, July 18.  Serving as Chairman of the Board will bePresident of Croton-on-Hudson based Franzoso Contracting. Franzoso’s business has been a member of the chamber since 1984.

Linda Murphy, Vice President of Putnam Savings Bank was elected Vice Chairwoman; Larry Denoia, President of ITI Strategies was re-elected Treasurer and Jane Solnick of Con Edison was elected Secretary.  Officers are chosen from the Board.  

“I am looking forward to working with a very talented and diverse group of businesses leaders who have stepped forward to serve on our Board. The Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce is the business group to join if you want to conduct business in Northern Westchester,” said Franzoso. 

Three at-large members were also elected: Kish Melwani, President of ServiceByte, David Wright, Financial Analyst at Wheelabrator; and re-elected was Alan Dillon of Dillon and Dillon, LLC.

 Outgoing Chairman, Bill Powers of Powers Public Relations, who completed two one-year terms will serve as Immediate Past Chairman. 

“Mark brings an unparalleled business acumen, unrivaled community service record and a dedication to the chamber that few others possess.  Mark’s remarkable success in creating the region’s premiere home remodeling business will be of great benefit to the chamber and it’s members.  He knows first hand the value of chamber membership and has been dedicated to the community for more than 30 years,” said Powers. 

The Chamber has seen stunning growth in its membership despite a stagnant economy and now boasts 420 members--the highest number of members in over twenty years.  In addition, it is seeing its highest member retention rate ever. 

 “We have been able to re-engage our loyal members, expand our benefits and services, energize the chamber’s signature events and inspire an entirely new generation of business leaders to join us.  That’s what I am most proud of--bringing along the future business leaders of tomorrow,” said Powers. 

The Chamber has recently added a significant number of benefits and services to enhance the value of membership, according to Executive Director Deborah H. Milone.  

 Included in the new suite of benefits:  

Identity theft protection, 

Energy savings programs, 

Enhanced listings in the Chamber membership directory and website 

Health insurance choices, 

Spanish-for-business lessons, 

Reciprocal chamber member event rates, 

Beneficial seminar series, 

Member referral bonus. 

“I wish Bill all the success in the world and I thank him for his dedication to the chamber over the past two years.  I am looking forward to growing our membership and moving the chamber forward under Mark’s leadership.  It’s an exciting time to be a member of the chamber and an exciting time for me as Executive Director,” said Milone.  

For more information on joining the Chamber, call 914-737-3600 or visit www.hvgatewaychamber.com.