Chamber of Commerce fetes Riverhead’s stars of 2012

The Riverhead Chamber of Commerce presented its 2012 Annual Awards last night at the Vineyards Caterers in Aquebogue.

Riverhead Raceway was honored as Business of the Year for its contributions to the community and the local economy. Thanks to modern technology, track owners Barbara and Jim Cromarty, in the Carolinas and unable to attend in person, were beamed into the event via online video chat.

The Cromartys bought Riverhead Raceway in 1984. One of the oldest stock car tracks in the country — it first opened in 1949 — Riverhead Raceway is the last remaining NASCAR modified track in the N.Y. Metro area.

The 2012 Gold Key Award went to the Meras family, owners of Star Confectionary on Main Street, known as Papa Nick’s. Purchased by Nicholas Meras in 1920, it expanded from a candy and ice cream store to a restaurant. It is operated today by the third generation of the Meras family to run the downtown icon, Anthony. The Chamber called the Meras family and the Star Confectionary “a community treasure” and recognized them for “all they have lent to the character and good will” of Riverhead’s business community.

The L.I. Cauliflower Association earned the Agricultural Achievement Award for its “dedicated and loyal service to our farming friends and neighbors.” Founded in 1901, the LICA is Long Island’s last full-service farm supply company. The organization has adapted to changes in the island’s agricultural industry, serving today not only potato and vegetable growers but also sod growers, wine grape growers, nurserymen, landscapers, greenhouse growers, municipalities, school districts and homeowners.

Ray Maynard received the Chamber’s Person of the Year Award. Maynard is the founder of Skydive Long Island, located at the Calverton Enterprise Park since 2000. He has grown his skydiving business from two to 50 employees and recently purchased a 23,000-square-foot hangar on 16 acres at EPCAL. He was recognized for “his entrepreneurial spirit, compassion and commitment to a better Riverhead.”

Chamber board member Carmela DiTalia was honored as Director of the Year. A partner in the law firm Esskes, Hefter & Angel, she has served on the Chamber’s board since January 2011 and is currently board secretary. DiTalia is the board’s “voice of reason” and is always willing to get involved with the organization’s projects.

The 2012 Riverhead Blue Waves girls basketball team received the Spirit of Riverhead Award, honoring the girls and their coaches for the magical season and a historic playoff run that captivated the entire community. The team won the Long Island Championship for the first time ever, in addition to league, county and Section XI titles. “Their teamwork, talent and heart reminded our community of just how much we can accomplish when we support each other and devote ourselves to a common goal.”

Riverhead Building Supply founder Jesse R. Goodale II was presented with the Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The son of a Riverhead potato farmer, Goodale established the building supply in 1948 with his brother, Harold, and uncle, Percy Ketcham. In its 64th year, the company now has 11 locations across Long Island and Rhode Island and is in its third generation of family ownership.
Former president of the Riverhead Board of Education, former president of the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce, former president of Central Suffolk Hospital, he was also Suffolk County chairman of the Salvation Army and very active in Old Steeple Community Church. He and his wife, the former Mary Lupton, raised five children in Aquebogue. In his retirement, he founded the Riverhead Litter Control Volunteers and spent countless hours cleaning up the streets of the township.

The Chamber feted Goodale “for his obvious love, commitment and dedication to the Riverhead community.”

The Riverhead Chamber of Commerce 2012 board of directors: Janine Nebons, Tanger Outlet Center, president; Monique Gablenz, Stony Brook University Calverton Business Incubator, 1st Vice President; Angie Reese, Suffolk County National Bank, 2nd Vice President; Carmela DiTalia, Esseks, Hefter & Angel LLP, secretary; Tracy Stark-James, Riverhead Industrial Development Agency, treasurer; Tom Lennon, Pine Barrens Printing, director-at-large; Bob Lanieri, L.I. Aquarium & exhibition Center, immediate past president; Bob Bugdin, American Tent Company; Brian Curtin, Blackwells/Great Rock Golf Club; Clete Galasso, Lighthouse Marine Suppply; Bob Kern, 2XS Consulting; Kristen Reyes, Holiday Inn Express/Hotel Indigo;
Debbie Schmitt, Schmitt Farms on Sound; Pat Snyder, East End Arts; Evon Walters, Suffolk County Community College. Executive director: Mary Hughes.

Source: Riverhead Chamber of Commerce 2012 Annual Awards Dinner program.

RiverheadLOCAL photos by Peter Blasl

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