Talking with: JoAnn Boettcher, Chamber of Commerce President

Enthusiasm for business and for Lindenhurst drives the direction JoAnn Boettcher has been steering the for the past 10 years as president.

“We care passionately about Lindenhurst businesses, and we’ll do anything in our power to help the community,” said Boettcher, who’s been a real estate salesperson for 25 years and has been ranked in the top one percent nationally.

She injects this same passion and high-energy spirit that drove her to succeed in real estate into a constellation of projects and activities to support local business across the entire 11757 zip code, as well as improve everyday life in Lindenhurst.

“The Chamber of Commerce has about 230 members,” she said, noting that Lindenhurst comprises both the hamlet of North Lindenhurst as well as the incorporated .

“We keep our focus on the entire 11757 zip code. We make sure to remember that,” Boettcher said.

So the chamber – which is headquartered at 15 West Hoffman Avenue – promotes businesses by sponsoring networking nights, an Annual Business Expo and , and through advertising.

“We bring informative speakers to our monthly meetings to keep business people up-to-date on things they need to know," Boettcher said. “We hold lots of ribbon-cutting ceremonies to welcome new businesses and provide publicity for them. We’re really trying to uphold our members in this difficult economy.”

Her passion for Lindenhurst and its businesses stems from the deep roots she has in the South Shore Long Island community.

“I grew up here, my husband grew up here and our two sons did, too. And we all attended the ,” said.

That’s why under her direction, the chamber, in cooperation with the village, also works to enhance local beauty.

“Streetscape improvement is important to welcome in commerce,” said Boettcher, adding, “The southern end of Wellwood Avenue between West Gates Avenue and Montauk Highway is wide enough to support additional beautification projects. We’ve raised the cannon and added lights and eye-catching landscaping to the existing median [at ].”

She continued, “Now we hope to secure funds to further extend the visual appeal of this well-traveled area.”

Also in the works are plans to construct a replica of the original railroad station. It will be built in cooperation with the Downtown Business Advisory Board and the village, according to Mayor Tom Brennan.

This new attraction would house public restrooms, a small meeting room and a code enforcement substation. It’s expected to be constructed in Village Square, along with the on tap this year, according to Brennan.

“Interestingly, Village Square is right across the street from the original site,”  Boettcher said.

In addition to the Chamber of Commerce, Boettcher contributes to the pulse of Lindenhurst through several other affiliations. She’s the District 14 appointed representative for the Downtown Revitalization Citizens Advisory Panel. And she sits on the Business Advisory Board for .

Boettcher also plays a role in improving the lives of children as the past distinguished president and current vice president of the

The chapter is part of the larger, world-wide Kiwanis organization which works with local member groups who perform service projects to help kids.

Part of current Boettcher’s current Kiwanis role includes chairing the annual Kiwanis Steak Fry which raises scholarship money for high school students who reside in Lindenhurst. It’s sponsored with the cooperation of Outback Steakhouse.

“Lindenhurst is a wonderful community, and the Chamber of Commerce exists to support it,” Boettcher said.

“We remind the community to support local businesses by eating at the restaurants and using the dry cleaners and other services in town," she added. "While it may be nice to save five cents by going here and there outside Lindenhurst, the only way to really have a thriving downtown is to give it your support."