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HARRISON, N.Y. -- A fresh start for the Harrison Chamber of Commerce involves the naming of a fresh face as its president. Harrison Wine Vault owner Anthony D'Arpino has been named president of the local group, filling the seat left vacant after seven-year President Ada Angarano resigned last month.
D'Arpino landed the position earlier this week while working on the downtown revitalization committee and said his interest in landing his business in Harrison showed his faith in the area.
"I've been here for five months and people always ask why I chose Harrison," D'Arpino said. "I tell them that I'm optimistic. I think the town of Harrison is at a unique time with a lot of things on the agenda, both long and short-term."
D'Arpino said that the short-term goals were simple but effective tasks that he believes the chamber can quickly make routine by simply making a larger presence in Harrison. He said the chamber will continue to work closely with the Harrison Beautification Committee to assure that there are more people collecting garbage downtown, cleaning the sidewalks and upholding the area's image.
"There are a lot of little things that add up," D'Arpino said. "As far as we're concerned, we're looking at what we can do to attract local business and give them a reason to be part of the chamber."
Angarano said that D'Arpino was a great fit to take over as chamber president.
"Anthony has only been in town for a short period, but he is already displaying a 'Mom and Pop' attitude with his customers," Angarano said. "I was happy to hear that he was interested in the chamber. This is the type of personable character that the president needs."
Angarano said that Harrison Ale House and Oakland Grill Owner John Stubenvoll would help in assembling the chamber's new executive board.
The new board will represent what Angarano said was a much needed freshness to Harrison's business district. It's a change that D'Arpino also said he believed in.
"I think the most important thing is that I believe in Harrison and the potential that it has," D'Arpino said. "A lot of my customers want to support local businesses and I think that's very important."
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