About
Our History
In 1947, a group of local businesspeople organized together in Maspeth and formed the Maspeth Progressive Merchants Association. From various records recovered over the years we formed the opinion that this organization was an attempt to get merchants and business professionals in the Maspeth business district involved for the common good and betterment of the community in which they made their living.
In 1953 this group decided to form what is now known as the Maspeth Chamber of Commerce – and so the Chamber was “born”. The objectives of this new organization were “to promote the general welfare of the community of Maspeth, to foster its commerce and to dedicate itself to the perpetuation of a free economy and competitive enterprise to the end that the community of Maspeth shall make the greatest possible contribution to the advancement of society.”
The early Chamber had many wonderful accomplishments. They were able to unite businesspeople and encourage residents to shop locally. In those days, there were wonderful family owned businesses such as Leberfeld’s, Griffs Hardware, Fisher’s Men’s Shop, Thrifco Ladies Apparel, Maspeth Federal Savings, Francis Gruebel Plumbing, Maspeth Press Printers and Mount Olivet Cemetery to name a few. The last four are still in business today. It was easier in the fifties and sixties because there were no big box stores, no shopping malls and no chain stores. People were less likely to travel to other communities to purchase their needs. The Chamber survived the decades through many peaks and valleys and through the many changes to the make up of our business community. Many Mom & Pop stores were forced out of business.
Today, the Chamber stands proud as both a dynamic force in the business community and as a voice for our merchants
Words of Encouragement
There is so much to do and, as always in life, few hands to do it. The membership of the Chamber has shown their support by being part of our great organization. We strongly encourage people to actively support those merchants and business professionals that display their membership decal. It is these people who care enough about the community where we live and make our living. Tell them you appreciate their contributions.
And finally, to our Maspeth merchants and business professionals who have not yet joined, we invite you to become part of this important organization so together we can ensure a bright and prosperous future for both our businesses and our town.
Business Benefits
As a member, a businessperson will enjoy the following benefits:
- A Free Listing on our Website.
- A Free spot at our Annual Street Festival
- A Vehicle for Dialogue with other Business Owners on a regular basis
- A conduit to the Police, Community Board No. 5, Queens Chamber of Commerce, Local Elected Officials and other community groups to address the various issues of our Business Community.
Community Programs
The Chamber has implemented many programs over the years including:
- Holiday Street Lighting
- Seasonal Banner Program
- Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Support of Anti-Graffiti Programs
- Erected a “Welcome to Maspeth” Sign
- Participation in the NYC Green Streets Program
- Benefactor Sponsor of the Maspeth Memorial Day Parade
- Placed Decorative Trash Receptacles along Grand Avenue
- Planted and Maintained the Spruce Tree at Maspeth Memorial Park
- Founder and Co-Sponsor of the Annual Grand Avenue Street Festival
- Installed Antique Street Lights in Coordination with Assemblywoman Margaret Markey
- Installed Light Pole Planter Baskets also in Coordination with Assemblywoman Margaret Markey
- Throughout the years, the Chamber has joined forces with many community organizations to fight against issues that would adversely effect our community and our business district. In recent years, many thousands of dollars have been spent to enhance our small-town appearance.
OFFICERS
All of our officers are unpaid volunteers and we thank them for the time and effort they put into all Maspeth Chamber initiatives.
Maryanna Zero
President
Home Hunters Realty
(718) 326-2400
David Daraio
Vice President
Maspeth Federal Savings
(718) 335-1300
Joelle Matuszewski
Recording Secretary
Home Hunters Realty
(718) 326-2400
Kristen Sapienza
Treasurer
Maspeth Federal Savings
(718) 335-1300
