June 2026

Dear Chamber Members and Massapequa Neighbors,

As my term as President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas comes to a close, I want to reflect on what an incredible honor it has been to serve this organization over the past two years.

I am extremely proud of everything we have accomplished together. During my presidency, we introduced several new community events, including our first Breast Cancer Walk, Trunk or Treat, and the Massapequa St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which has quickly become one of my proudest achievements. Watching our community come together for these events has been truly special.

This year, we were honored to welcome Massapequa native Brian Kilmeade as Grand Marshal of our St. Patrick’s Day Parade and recognize our Treasurer and longtime Board member, Karen Gawrych, as Grand Marshal of our Annual Street Fair. Both celebrations showcased the tremendous pride and spirit that make our community so special.

One of the highlights of this year was moving into our beautiful new Chamber office at 511 Ocean Avenue. Our new Manhattan-style building offers a welcoming and safe environment for our members and the community. Having a permanent home for the Chamber and creating a space where businesses, residents, and visitors can connect was something I had hoped to accomplish during my presidency, and I am proud to see it become a reality. We are also excited to soon unveil our new Chamber multi-business signs and install memorial benches honoring past Presidents Patricia Orzano and Anthony Ventiera at Marjorie R. Post Community Park.

Our Chamber membership has grown to more than 300 members, the strongest in our history, and we are ending the year in our best financial position ever. We also expanded our scholarship program, continued our food and toy drives, and honored the police officers, firefighters, and veterans who do so much for our community.

These accomplishments are the result of the hard work and dedication of our Board of Directors, volunteers, committee members, and Chamber staff. I am grateful to each and every one of you.

The Massapequas will always hold a special place in my heart. My husband Andrew and I raised our two boys here, and being able to give back to the community that has given so much to our family has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.

I am especially proud that we are ending the year on such a high note with one of the most successful Street Fairs in Chamber history. The support of our sponsors, vendors, volunteers, members, and residents helped make it a tremendous success.

As I pass the torch to my dear friend Sal Polito, who has dedicated more than 25 years of service to our Chamber, I do so with complete confidence. I know the Chamber will continue to thrive under his leadership, and I look forward to supporting him as I join the ranks of our Past Presidents.

Thank you to our members, sponsors, volunteers, community leaders, and residents for your support throughout my presidency. Serving this organization and this community has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life.

With gratitude,

Robin Hepworth
President
Massapequa Chamber of Commerce