Annual Meeting 2022: Lessons in Marketing, the Future of Workforce, and More

On Wednesday, October 19th, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce held its 2022 Annual Membership Meeting at the Vanderbilt at South Beach. Nearly 200 individuals from the small business community gathered to network, listen to expert business advice, honor long-term members, and of course, enjoy breakfast provided by the Vanderbilt team. 

Amazon served as the Presenting Sponsor for this year’s Annual Meeting. National Grid served as the event’s Signature Sponsor. Con Edison, Northfield Bank, Honda of Staten Island, and Tekie Geek were the event’s Partner Sponsors. 

The morning kicked off with an outstanding performance of the National Anthem by Staten Island Academy students, and cousins, Allison Gallagher ’23 and Jane Benvenuto ’25. Linda Baran, President and CEO of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, and Frank Scarangello, President of the Board of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, gave opening remarks.

Dom Provenzano, Marketing and Communications Manager at the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, this year’s our long-term members. This year, five members were honored for celebrating their 25th anniversary with the Chamber: Del Rey, Tanzi, Guglietta, D’Ambrosi, CPAs, LLP; Fastsigns; DeSantis, Kiefer, Shall, & Sarcone, LLP; Pratt Industries; and Lahr, Dillon, Manzulli, Kelley, & Penett, P.C.

The last and most impressive anniversary belongs to St. John’s University, who is celebrating half a century with the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. 

In years that we find a worthy recipient, the Chamber issues a Volunteer of the Year award at the Annual Meeting. This year, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce honored Chuck Sommers for his incredibly impactful time with the Chamber.

Anthony Onesto, Chief People Officer at Suzy, hosted a panel discussion on the future of the workforce, featuring panelists Penelopi Koutras of Elan Hair and Nails, Joseph Paradise of Northfield Bank, and Joseph Gualtieri of Metro Ink 360 Corp.

This year’s keynote speaker was renowned marketing connoisseur Larry Bailin, CEO of Single Throw Marketing. During his engaging keynote, Bailin spoke about all facets of marketing, with a focus on the differences in generational consumerism.

A photo gallery is below, courtesy of Steve White, Staten Arts Photography.