BY JOHN SNYDER
OF PASCACK PRESS
WESTWOOD, N.J. —— Nominations are sought for six board positions at the Chamber of Commerce for 2018. The deadline is Dec. 15.
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Writing to members Nov. 29, the chamber’s executive director, Joseph Abou-Daoud, thanked this year’s board members for their hard work and dedication to the chamber, the town, and local businesses.
President MaryAlice Farella, Vice President Linda Del Santo, and trustees George Pappas and John Sambogna will stay on to serve the chamber in other capacities.
Treasurer Frank DiDolci will remain as Scholarship Fund treasurer.
One board seat is being vacated by Mike Fitzsimmons.
If more than six nominations are made, Abou-Daoud said, the chamber will send out a ballot for a vote. If only six nominations are made, the chamber will announce its new board, whose term begins Jan. 1, 2018.
Nominees must be chamber members in good standing. Email nominations to info@destinationwestwood.com.
Chamber president takes stock
Farella is staying on as liaison to the mayor and council and the Westwood Taxpayers Alliance.
Asked to comment on the chamber’s accomplishments, challenges, and opportunities as she winds down this phase of her service, she told Pascack Press on Nov. 29 that she’s enjoyed “a great three years” as chamber president.
She said she was part of a team that established a strong voice in the community “that strives to flourish business and keep Westwood as the top downtown destination for shopping, dining, and professional services.”
She added, “I thank my fellow board members—all of them, including the liaison and bookkeeper—and the incredible businesses and officials who are Westwood. I hope the next president and board maintains the strong success and momentum we have established.”
Of the chamber’s recent accomplishments, Farella touted highlights familiar to anyone alert to the changing of the seasons here, with their festivals, inviting decorations, and opportunities for businesses, residents, and visitors.
Recently, the chamber was named an American Express Neighborhood Champion for Small Businesses.
The Scholarship Fund in Memory of Elizabeth Fasciano has disbursed more than $45,000.
On Dec. 2, downtown and Veterans Memorial Park swelled with revelers at the signature holiday parade of the Pascack Valley, and started twinkling in snowflake winter decor, a joint effort with the borough and Westwood Taxpayers Alliance.
In addition to ushering in “Love Westwood,” a February ad campaign for Westwood as a destination for shopping, dining, and professional services, the chamber teamed up for improved patron and employee parking (a joint effort with the Taxpayers Alliance and the Westwood Parking Authority).
The chamber also has teamed up with Westwood for All Ages in support of designating Westwood as age-friendly. A car service for seniors launches this month.
She also touted shop-and-dine events and an overall push for productive, rewarding relationships within the borough and with the mayor and council.
Initiatives teed up for her successor in 2018: a chamber map, signage for side streets, and a Westwood Perk Card good at retail stores and restaurants.
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