Ocean City Chamber Installs New President

By MADDY VITALE William “Billy” McMahon III was sworn in as the new Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce president during an installation dinner for the officers and board of directors Thursday night at the Flanders Hotel. McMahon, of McMahon Insurance Agency, will fill the post formerly held by David Allegretto, of Fortress Financial, who was the longest continuous president in the Chamber history. He served from 2018 to 2022. “Dave is one of the nicest guys,” McMahon said after being sworn in by Mayor Jay Gillian. “He helped lead the Chamber through four years.” Some of those times were tough, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Officers gather for a photo prior to the dinner. McMahon spoke of his family. He and his wife, Anita, have four daughters. He also spoke of how his extended family comes to visit them for vacations at “McMahon Camp” because they love the resort, just as he does and his wife and children. It is one of the reasons he said he is eager to work with the community as president of the Chamber. He wants to grow the business community and continue the hard work of Allegretto. He thanked Michele Gillian, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, for all that she does to work with the business leaders. “It is an honor to work with Michele and her team at the Chamber,” McMahon said. Former Chamber President Dave Allegretto receives a trophy of appreciation from Michele Gillian to honor his four years of service. Prior to McMahon being sworn in, Michele Gillian said a few words about her excitement to work with McMahon, but also how essential Allegretto has been to the Chamber and the community. “Dave really brought us through,” Gillian said of the difficult times for the business community during the height of the pandemic. “I can never thank him enough.” The mayor also thanked Allegretto for his dedication. “This really is an amazing place, and it is in part because of your leadership,” Mayor Gillian said. “I also know Billy will do a good job.” Attendees enjoy conversation during the event. Allegretto spoke of how he enjoyed his time as president. “I got to really know more people in town. I want to thank the mayor and administration for their partnership during my term and I want to thank the Chamber staff,” Allegretto said. “And Michele, she does so much for our business community. She fights for us in Trenton. Her love for Ocean City is second to none.” Prior to the swearing in ceremonies, Michele Gillian spoke of the dedication of the Chamber officers. “Ocean City’s board of directors is a very active board and key to the success of the business community,” she said, adding that the officers’ enthusiasm over the years has been essential. Mayor Jay Gillian swears in Billy McMahon as the new Chamber president. A list of officers is as follows: 1st Vice President Janet Galante - 13th Street Bathhouse & Bikes/Piccini’s 2nd Vice Presidents Robert H. Adams - Tidelines Management Services, Inc. Thomas Aromando - Fitzpatrick, Bongiovani and Kelly Brian Broadley - Broadley's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Cricket Frank - Magton, Inc. Carol Heenan - Garden State Valuation Gary Jessel - Fox Real Estate Scott Halliday - Halliday-Leonard Contractors Patrick McMahon - McMahon Insurance Agency Mark Reimet - Ocean City Financial Group Ken Sedberry - Berger Realty Treasurer John (Jake) Birch - Merrill Lynch Secretary Michael Lloyd - Sturdy Savings Bank Immediate Past President David Allegretto - Fortress Financial Business Segment Directors One Year Term: Dean Adams - Dean Adams Custom Builder Robert H. Adams - Tidelines Management Services, Inc. Dave Allegretto - Fortress Financial Tom Aromando - Fitzpatrick, Bongiovanni & Kelly, CPA's Jon Batastini - Loveland, Garrett & Batastini Tara Becker - McMahon Insurance Agency John (Jake) Birch - Merrill Lynch Brian Broadley - Broadley’s MDI Carmine Cantwell - Liberty Flooring, Inc. Brandie Cesari – Cesari Real Estate Kevin Corcoran - Wet N Wild Waverunner Rentals Jane Davis - Johnny B. Goode Ice Cream Parlor Mike DeVlieger - OCNJDaily.com Michael Dukeman - Hobby Horse Ice Cream Parlor Andrew Fasy - OCNJDaily.com Cricket Frank - Magton, Inc. Becky Friedel- 7th Street Surf Shop Janet Galante - 13th Street Bathhouse & Bikes Kim Styer Gallagher - Coastal Marine Piling Beverley Gill - Island Beach Gear Patrick Gill - Tackle Direct Chris Halliday - Halliday Architects Scott Halliday - Halliday–Leonard Contractors Carol Heenan - Garden State Valuation Thomas Heist - Heist Insurance Agency Jim Hennessy - Heritage Surf Shop Walt Hohman - Ward's Pastry Gary Jessel - Fox Real Estate Michael Lloyd - Sturdy Savings Bank Peter Madden - Goldcoast Sotheby’s Nick Marotta - Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Fox & Roach Realtors Mary McGuckin - Shore Medical Center Patrick McMahon - McMahon Insurance Agency William McMahon III - McMahon Insurance Agency Winnie Piriano - The Road to Living Well Ryan Price - Price Brothers Construction Eric Reich - Reich Asset Management Mark Reimet - Ocean City Financial Group Aimee Schultz - JASM Consulting Ken Sedberry - Berger Realty Avery Teitler - Teitler & Teitler Law Don Tomlinson - Gleeson's Audio Video Ronnie Town - Atlantic City Electric Gloria Votta - RE/MAX at the Shore Joan Williamson - Ocean City Coffee Company Tony Wilson - Wilson Plumbing & Heating Organization Representatives One Year Term: Mike Allegretto - City of Ocean City Dr. Thomas Baruffi - Ocean City Board of Education Karen Bergman - Ocean City Tourism Commission Anthony Conte - Exchange Club of Ocean City John Davidson - Somers Point Business Association Danielle Guerriero - Downtown Merchants Association E. Marie Hayes - CMC Freeholders Cynda Hollenbaugh - Ocean City Board of Realtors Wes Kazmarck - Boardwalk Merchants John Loeper - Ocean City Historical Museum Karen Mahar - Ocean City Free Public Library Bill McGinnity - Ocean City Restaurant Association Caitlin Quirk - Downtown Merchants Association Pastor Jay Reimer- Ocean City Tabernacle Wendy Seymour - Ocean City Hospitality Association Alternates: Nancy Aiken - Ocean City Hospitality Association Leonard Desiderio - CMC Freeholders Bill Westerman - Boardwalk Merchants