Chamber swears in officers, charts course for 2012

AT THE CENTER OF IT ALL: Among those Executive Board members for the North Central Chamber of Commerce are Robert Villucci, Randy Russo, Donna Sebastianelli, Jen Giroux, Deborah Ramos, Leslie Anderson and Geoffrey Greene. Not pictured is Tony Spremulli.

RUNNING THE SHOW: The North Central Chamber of Commerce’s new Board of Directors includes, in bottom row from left: Gina Fugere, Ann-Mary Currier, Dorothy Swain, Donna Sebastianelli, Deborah Ramos, Jen Giroux, Elisa Pollard and Susan Bucci. Top row: Ben Aceto, Anthony Ursillo, Joseph Brito, Randy Russo, Brandon Klar, Geoffrey Greene, Frank Manni, Joseph DeSantis, Henry Gonsalves and Robert Villucci. The group officially took office on Jan. 26.

Pete Fontaine

Posted Thursday, February 9, 2012 1:00 pm

According to North Central Chamber of Commerce President Deborah Ramos, 2012 is going to be a year to remember.

“It looks to be an exciting year for the chamber,” she said.

That’s the sentiment that came out the Jan. 26 annual meeting of the Board of Directors that included an installation of officers.

“It looks to be an exciting year for the Chamber with some new faces and new participation,” Ramos continued. “That’s because many of our members have had interest in taking a position on the board.”

The recent meeting, which was hosted by Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in North Providence, featured networking and planning for events in the upcoming year.

Anthony Ursillo, who was sworn in as one of the new members of the Board of Directors and represents the Johnston Historical Society, said he is looking to get more involved with the Chamber. He also complimented Our Lady of Fatima for putting on a great event.

Brandon Klar, the public relations specialist at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, along with dietary managers Steve Finnegan and Brigette McGrath, coordinated the menu for last Thursday’s meeting with Ramos.

Another bonus from the meeting came with the official welcome to Leslie Karen Anderson, the NCCC’s new marketing and membership representative.

The NCCC is planning to have additional networking opportunities during the coming year.

“We’re gong to add an education series to our events. We’re also hoping to bring back ‘Main Street USA’ to our Camber communities,” Ramos said.

The NCCC serves the towns of Johnston, North Providence, Smithfield, Scituate, Foster and Glocester.

One of the chamber’s primary concerns this year is increasing membership and “increase participation at our many different events. We also talked about the Board working closely with Leslie and myself, not only to help build relationships within our Chamber [but] also within the Board of Directors itself,” Ramos said.

The emphasis for members is to stay engaged.

“Everyone was in agreement that the Chamber is only as strong as its foundation,” Ramos said, “and from what I see, this Board of Directors seems to have a lot of chemistry as we begin a new year.”

Already, Ramos said the board has been involved and supportive in 2012.

“They have come forth in volunteering on several committees and I’m hoping that this is just the beginning of a great year ahead for the North Central Chamber of Commerce,” she said.

Randy Russo, a public relations specialist for The Village at Waterman Lake, was installed as Chairman of the Board. His top officers and their affiliations are: Tony Spremulli, who owns and operates AccuTrust Mortgage, first vice chair; Jen Giroux of Workforce Development and Training at Rhode Island College, second vice chair; Donna Sebastianelli, administrative assistant at the John E. Fogarty Center, secretary; Robert Vellucci, vice president of Navigant Credit Union, treasurer; Geoffrey Green, funeral director/president of the Robbins Funeral Home, member-at-large.

The North Central Chamber of Commerce headquarters is located at 255 Greenville Avenue in Johnston. To learn more about membership and benefits, call Ramos or Anderson at 349-4674.