“It all comes down to one word about staying with the Chamber – relationships. People buy from people. They don’t buy from robots, e-mails, or websites alone. Being a member of the Chamber, we get to know each other a little better.”

“I think my mom joined the Chamber to be more involved with the community. She always wanted to make a difference,” said Sorrentino.

“Over the years, supplying information plus all the things that the Chamber stands and lobbies for in the community has been very important to us as a local business.”

“We’re part of this community. We care about Staten Island. We care about seeing it flourish in all the ways we want our society, city, and country to flourish. We want to see people connected in their families and people growing in their businesses in ways that are truthful and honest and committed to the common good of all.” 

“I developed a core group of friends from all different businesses on Staten Island, and we have a support system, we get each other work, and we get each other leads. So, it’s a trickle-down effect that may not be immediately apparent, but it’s worked for me.”

“In 1996, I was 21 years old, and at that point, we wanted to make as many connections and meet as many people and continue to have relationships,” said Lanza. “We were sort of the new guys – because our family was from Manhattan – so to come to the Chamber and adjust, we were welcomed with open arms. We’ve made a ton of great relationships and networking. It’s just been a great opportunity.”   

“I like reading the Chamber emails to see which businesses are opening up or joining,” he said. “The Chamber also does a good job of providing information to all businesses on Staten Island, so even if we can’t leave our stores, we can keep updated on critical and important business news.” 

“We’re really proud that we’ve been a member of the Chamber for 75 years. It’s very meaningful to us to be a longstanding cultural organization and, the fact that we can be a member for that long, it’s incredible to know these institutions have existed for this length of time.”

In this new Member Spotlight video, Joe Zichittella discusses his business and why he joined the Chamber.

No matter the circumstances, members of the New York Police Department (NYPD) patrol our neighborhoods daily to keep Staten Island a safe place to live and work.

John Rubino, founder of Purple Panda Rentals, discusses his business and why he joined the Chamber.

Frank Bruno, Allstate Insurance Agent, discusses his business, the Staten Island community, and why he decided to join the Chamber.

George Lence, the firm's President, discusses his business, the Staten Island community, and why he decided to join the Chamber.

Steven Desteoglu, Manager at the Forest Avenue location, discusses his business, the Staten Island community, and why he decided to join the Chamber.