Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Hosts 2025 Annual Meeting

On October 9, 2025 at the Hilton Garden Inn, The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Meeting, celebrating 130 years of service to the borough's business community, and announcing the Chamber's new distinction as New York City's first Five-Star Accredited Chamber of Commerce.

Held at a packed afternoon program followed by a lively Member Meetup, the event brought together Chamber members, sponsors, elected officials, and community leaders to reflect on the organization's enduring legacy and its forward-looking vision for Staten Island's economic future.

Board Chair Carol Decina, Public Affairs Manager at National Grid, opened the program with a warm welcome, acknowledging the Chamber's Board of Directors, Foundation Trustees, community partners, and sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor, Amazon, along with Signature Sponsors Con Edison, Valley Bank, and Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, and Partner Sponsors National Grid, Northfield Bank, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, TD Bank, and Tekie Geek.

Carol also introduced a short video capturing highlights from the Chamber's programs and the impact of its work over the past year.

Chamber President & CEO Linda Baran took the stage to reflect on the organization's remarkable journey: one that began in 1895 and continues today as a trusted advocate, convener, and champion for Staten Island's business community.

Linda highlighted the Chamber's most recent achievement: earning Five-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce,the highest possible rating and a distinction achieved by only 3% of chambers nationwide. Staten Island's Chamber is now the first in New York City and only the fifth in the state to earn this elite honor.

Linda also outlined the Chamber's strategic planning process, now underway, ensuring that every event and initiative aligns with member value and mission impact. Members were invited to complete a brief event survey provided at their seats to share feedback and help shape future programming. Baran also reaffirmed the Chamber's continued role as a strong advocate for Staten Island's business community, highlighting efforts around wage mandates, property taxes, transportation access, ferry expansion, and infrastructure investment.

She emphasized the Chamber's leadership on several citywide and regional platforms, including the Mayor's Small Business Advisory Commission, Workforce Investment Board & Council, and Regional Economic Development Council, ensuring that Staten Island's unique needs remain part of the broader policy conversation.

The afternoon also celebrated the next generation of entrepreneurs. Matthew Granberg of MG Collectibles and Toys, a Chamber member and mentor in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), shared his experience working as a mentor for Staten Island Technical High School junior Anna Lau, who won both the local and national YEA! competitions. Anna Lau then spoke about Snugshi, her award-winning idea, and how the program inspired her to pursue entrepreneurship and strengthened her confidence as a young leader.

Six businesses were recognized for celebrating 25 years of membership: Troost Bros, Northfield Community LDC, Lifestyles for the Disabled, Jacobson Contracting, South Beach Psychiatric Center, and Joe & Pat's Pizzeria.

Kathleen Bielsa, Executive Director of Northfield Community LDC, took the podium to reflect on the organization's commitment to local business development and why the Chamber has remained a key partner for more than two decades.

The Chamber also presented the Volunteer of the Year Award to Zoltan Kemeny of Zoltan Kemeny LLC, honoring his exceptional commitment as an instrumental member of the Chamber's Finance Committee and Washington, D.C. advocacy trips.

The program concluded with a keynote address from Ben Max, Executive Editor and Program Director at the Center for New York City and State Law at New York Law School, and host of the Max Politics podcast. Max offered a compelling overview of New York's political and economic landscape, followed by a Q&A session that invited audience participation.

Following the formal program, guests gathered for a Member Meetup, where conversation, connections, and celebration continued well into the evening, a fitting close to a momentous year for the Chamber and Staten Island's business community.

Photos by Steve White, Staten Arts Photography