2026 Businessperson of the Year

On behalf of the Board of the Syosset-Woodbury-Jericho Chamber of Commerce, I want to congratulate Gregg Jaffe for being named our 2026 Businessperson of the Year.

Gregg has repeatedly stepped up on behalf of the Chamber and the local business community as the Networking and Meeting chairperson on our Board of Directors. He has played an important role in organizing Chamber events, securing interesting and informative speakers for our members, and is always willing to lend a hand whenever his assistance is needed. Gregg brings tremendous enthusiasm to the Chamber and has become someone I know I can count on.

This commitment to the Chamber comes while Gregg continues his work as a CPA and local business professional. His willingness to devote his time and expertise to our organization and its members is exactly the type of involvement the Businessperson of the Year Award is intended to recognize.

Gregg was presented with his 2026 Businessperson of the Year plaque at our August General Meeting. He will also represent the Syosset-Woodbury-Jericho Chamber of Commerce at the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce 41^st annual Legislative Breakfast on October 29th at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, where he will be honored alongside Businesspersons of the Year from chambers throughout Nassau County.

Congratulations to our other finalist, Board Director Ari Goldblatt. Ari received strong support from our membership and the Board and was very deserving of consideration for this year's honor.

I also want to recognize Board Directors Dr. Parul Makkar, Jim Nichols and Paula Mauro, along with Chamber member Dr. Patricia Geyer, who were nominated by their fellow Chamber members. Having so many of our business leaders recognized by their peers speaks to the level of involvement and commitment that makes our Chamber such a strong organization.

I was honored to work with previous Businessperson of the Year honorees, Vice President Tami Racaniello, Treasurer Kenya Zachary and Secretary Melesia DeChiaro, in ensuring a fair and secure nominating and voting process. Thank you to the Board for giving due consideration to our finalists when making its decision. The Chamber also appreciates our past President, Ken Robinson, who once again assisted in the balloting and tabulation process.

Most of all, I want to thank all of our members who took the time to nominate their fellow business leaders. It is the involvement and support of our great membership that allows the Board and me to continue working on behalf of our businesses and helping them thrive in the local community.

Congratulations again to Gregg Jaffe, our 2026 Businessperson of the Year, on this well-deserved honor.

Russell P. Green

President, Syosset Woodbury Jericho Chamber of Commerce