Editor’s note: This statement was provided by Pelham Chamber of Commerce President Cristina Chianese. The Pelham Examiner publishes statements in the form received as a service to the community.
After four incredible years serving as the President of the Pelham Chamber of Commerce, I’ve made the bittersweet decision to step down.
I first took on this volunteer position during peak pandemic, at a time when uncertainty loomed over us all. As we looked around, and felt uncertain about the future, I decided to put aside my own worries and immerse myself in helping our town. Over the past four years, the role and the Chamber has grown and evolved to new heights. I’m proud to say it is now its own community that supports each other and fills vital gaps in real times of need.
From 2020 on, we’ve introduced initiatives like Split the Bill, Hunt for Hearts, MOMinate bundles, Spring into Pelham, Winter Wonderland, and Fall in love with Pelham—all of which aimed to bring people together in celebration of our community. We secured two pandemic relief grants that funneled crucial funds back into the hands of our local businesses. And most recently, Pelham was one of five towns selected for a downtown improvement grant, thanks to the partnership we formed with the Village of Pelham. Along the way, we were honored to win Best of Westchester, a testament to the Chamber’s impact and the community’s support.
From bringing Santa Claus to town via green screen when in-person visits were impossible, facilitating a convertible Easter Bunny tour (with heartfelt thanks to the late Mike Paradis and to Joe Solemini for the ride), and distributing over 3,000 stuffed eggs along Fifth Avenue—these events weren’t just about supporting our small businesses, they were about preserving joy when joy was hard to find.
These four years have been deeply rewarding. I’ve forged friendships, can now understand the complexities of running a local business, and was able to channel my passion for marketing into the Chamber. Pelham has grown stronger and more connected, and I’m so proud of that.
A sincere thank you goes out to all the amazing people who stepped up over the years to support our efforts. There are so many to name, but I’d like to recognize a few incredible contributors: Amy Platt, Miranda Bucciero, Dave Katz, Christina Biaggi, Petroula Lambrou, Deanna Zammit, Stephanie Royce, the late Mike Paradis, and many more. Without your dedication, we couldn’t have achieved what we did. And a special thank you to Clay and Joe, former Chamber Presidents, for trusting me with this responsibility.
While this decision wasn’t easy, I am confident that the Pelham Chamber of Commerce is in a strong position to continue its important work, and I’m excited for someone new to take the reins. Unfortunately, as I step down, my co-Vice Presidents Amy Platt and Miranda Bucciero will also be joining me in tendering their resignations to focus on their own personal pursuits. Over the last two years, the three of us have managed these efforts in full partnership, and I don’t know what I would have done without their unconditional support and tireless efforts. Together, we’ve accomplished so much, and we’re hopeful for the future of the Chamber with new leadership.
This change will be effective January 1st, and if you’re looking for an incredible opportunity to drive impact in our town and improve our downtown, this is a great role for you. It’s a chance to continue the momentum and help shape the future of Pelham.
A special thank you also to my husband, John, and my two amazing kids, Nicholas and Mackenzie. Juggling my time between work, kids, sports, PTA, and the Chamber wasn’t always easy, but as they say, it takes a Village (and a Manor!) to make it work—and we did.
With deep gratitude and excitement for what’s next,
Cristina Chianese
Outgoing President
Pelham Chamber of Commerce
