By Maddy Vitale
David Allegretto was sworn in as the new Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce President Thursday night. He told the audience at the 2018 Installation of Officers and Board of Directors dinner at the historic Flanders hotel that he will continue the good work done by outgoing president Carol Heenan.
“Having been born and raised in Ocean City, it is an honor to be here tonight. I hope to get businesses working together for the good of the town,” Allegretto said. “We all have a common brand, and that brand is Ocean City. The thing above it all is we have a special place to work and live. My goal is to make it a little better over the next few years.”
Allegretto thanked Heenan for her tireless efforts working for the chamber.
“You’ve attended countless meetings and you never wanted to be acknowledged only to make sure the work got done,” he said.
He said Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce Michele Gillian and her staff do an exceptional job promoting the city.
“Your entire team makes everyone successful,” Allegretto said. “I am constantly amazed at the way you promote Ocean City.”
Mayor Jay Gillian performed the swearing in ceremony of Allegretto, the directors and the officers of the chamber.
Allegretto said Gillian’s love of Ocean City is evident.
“You have a vision for the future and willingness to work for the community,” he said. “Jay, you love Ocean City. You have taught me the importance of being involved.”
The new president also expressed thoughts about the strong support of his wife Kendra and their three children.
“No words can describe how much you mean and how proud you make me,” he said.
Heenan received a bouquet of flowers and both the mayor and Michele Gillian noted how she was and is an integral part of the chamber and the community.
“It’s all about being a team. When I look at the (City) Council eight years here, what we’ve done, we are up and comers, but if it wasn’t for carol we would not be as successful. Carol you are amazing,” the mayor said.
Michele Gillian said that Heenan, who served as president from 2016 to 2018, was and is, an important part of the team.
“Our office can’t say enough nice things about Carol. She has been great. We always appreciate everything she has done,” Gillian said. “Carol has been very supportive of the community. She promises me she will still be involved.”
At the end of the program, Michele Gillian remarked about some of the focus for the chamber.
“We look forward to the next few years,” she said.
On March 15 the chamber will host a workshop at the Flanders hotel to market to the millennials, tech-savvy people ranging in age from ages 18 to 35.
“We want to become more apt to know how to communicate and market with them,” Gillian said. “We believe in tradition, but we also always believe in being on the forefront of the edge of technology. We look forward to working with David Allegretto and our new team.”
She also noted that the Ocean City App is doing very well. The chamber launched the App in late August last year. Currently, it has 10,000 users.
In addition to Allegretto, 1st Vice President Cricket Frank – OC Hotels was installed. The 2nd Vice Presidents are as follows; Robert H. Adams – Tidelines Management Services Inc., Thomas Aromando – Fitzpatrick Bongiovani and Kelly, Brian Broadley – Broadley’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Pat Gallelli – Tahiti Inn, Gary Jessel – Fox Real Estate, Scott Halliday – Halliday-Leonard Contractors, William McMahon, III, – McMahon Insurance Agency, Phil Perri – Forum Motor Inn, Mark Reimet – Ocean City Financial Group, Ken Sedberry – Berger Realty.
Other installations included John (Jake) Birch – Merrill Lynch, Secretary Michael Lloyd – Sturdy Savings Bank, Immediate Past President Carol Heenan.
Board Members installed were At-Large Directors to three-year terms are as followed; Brian Broadley – Broadley’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Scott Halliday – Halliday-Leonard Contractors.
