Letter from the President, Michael DeLuise
Can you remember yourself as a nineteen year old? I treasure memories of my nineteenth year as a time filled with adventure, opportunity and discovery. Those were the days I first actively sought a mentor who might help answer questions about life and career then hopefully guide me through the challenges I was experiencing as a young man at the beginning of my career. Of course throughout my young life I had been offered advice from parents, teachers and friends. More often than not it was very good advice I rarely paid attention to. As I was ready to leave my teens and enter adulthood I realized the importance of listening to the right people and how the addition of a good mentor can be a most important ingredient to a successful life. It took a few years but as I reached my early twenties I was benefiting from the assistance of several mentors, men and women who I greatly appreciate to this day. Excellent mentorship programs should be imbedded into every business environment. Your Melville Chamber of Commerce appreciates the necessity of access to qualified mentors. That is why we place a significant effort into providing appropriate matches for mentors and mentees in an effective one-on-one program. Working closely with our Young Professionals Group, the Melville Chamber of Commerce has created an excellent and growing no cost to the participants mentorship program. Whether someone is just starting out in the workforce, having mid-career questions or considering life after retirement the Chamber's mentorship program will match you to that perfect caring person who can help solve some of the simple and more complex obstacles of life and career. Never forget that your Chamber is focused on assisting you in your quest for success. When you can use a little help your first step should be to ask us for our assistance. The Melville mentorship program provides great benefit to all involved. Many Chamber members have discovered the reward of serving as volunteer mentors sharing years of knowledge and experience with others. If you feel you might be a good mentor but question your ability just ask yourself if the years of experience you possess today would have been helpful to you when you were younger. Maybe, like me, you did not take full advantage of the good advice offered to you by others. You learned through trial and error. Hopefully you did listen and benefit from the advice of others. Are you willing to share your knowledge? Then allow us to match you with an interested and dedicated individual who wants to hear what you say. Together both of you will be rewarded with the great feeling that comes with accomplishment. Whether you are at a point in your career that could use the benefit of enlightened guidance or you are a seasoned executive willing to share your expertise please accept our invitation to learn more about the Melville Chamber of Commerce Mentorship Program and our Young Professionals Group. For more information please contact the Melville Chamber of Commerce at info@melvillechamber.org or call the Melville Chamber of Commerce office at 631- 777-6260 or visit the Chamber website at www.melvillechamber.org.
Best regards,
Michael DeLuise
President
Melville Chamber of Commerce
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