John Gordon said his decision to seek the position as president of the Chambers of the Willistons was based on a long-held passion for local business.
“It’s really a symbiotic relationship,”Gordon said. “When the business community is doing well and there are no vacancies and the stores are thriving, it helps the residents and it helps the community.”
Gordon, who was elected chamber president on Nov. 25 and began his two-year term on Jan. 1., said he plans to encourage residents and businesses to trade and buy locally.
Since joining the chamber four years ago, Gordon said, he noticed a trend in local business where web presence was lacking.
“Small businesses don’t always do that,” said Gordon, who previously served as the chamber’s networking director. It’s something that is needed to stay ahead of the curve.”
Gordon, who is currently an attorney with Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP in Lake Success, said a web presence is important in competing with larger businesses.
“The giant corporations are all over the internet,” he said. “If someone were to search for a hardware store on the internet we would want the local hardware store to come up.”
Gordon, who has been a Williston Park resident for eight years, said Williston Park is unique.
“Everything you need is in walking distance, he said. “That is not very common.”
Gordon, 34, grew up in Queens and moved to Williston Park in 2006. He graduated from Fordham University of Law in 2004.
His term will run until December of 2016, but he said there is no official term limit.
The Chamber of the Willistons, founded in 1949, includes businesses in Williston Park, East Williston, parts of Albertson and Mineola.
“We want to make sure we keep our businesses and our community working forward,” Gordon said.
Reach reporter Bryan Ahrens by e-mail at bahrens@theislandnow.com or by phone at 516.307.1045 x204. Also follow us on Twitter @theislandnow and Facebook at facebook.com/theislandnow.
