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Longtime Bay Shore Chamber of Commerce board member Edward Fraser it taking the helm in the hamlet after Donna Periconi stepped down as president after 27 years. He’ll be sworn-in on Tuesday, March 25.
Fraser, who lives in Bay Shore and currently serves as the vice president of community relations for Northwell Health, previously volunteered for eight years as the chamber board’s director.
His term as president runs for three years.
Periconi has also retired as the executive director of the Bay Shore Business Improvement District’s management association, a role Fraser has also now assumed. The Town of Islip appointed him as deputy commissioner (the taxing district position’s new title) on March 11.
Greater Bay Shore caught up with Fraser this month to talk about the future for Bay Shore.
Q &A
Q: What did you most admire about Donna’s leadership with the chamber?
A: Her love for Bay Shore, Donna’s favorite line was “the finest people live in Bay Shore.”
Q: Were there any immediate changes that you made, either to how and when meetings are conducted, or anything else of note?
A: There are no meeting changes for this year, but we are updating, organizing and upgrading our existing website, social media channels and email platforms for consistent messaging.
Q: What are some key challenges, in your opinion, facing the downtown area in particular?
A: I see tremendous opportunity for growth in our downtown, but we also face key challenges that require strategic solutions.
One of the biggest hurdles is infrastructure — aging sidewalks, parking accessibility and streetscape improvements are critical to enhancing the experience for both residents and visitors.
Additionally, supporting our small businesses remains a priority. We need to balance development with maintaining the unique charm that makes our downtown special, ensuring that new investments complement our existing businesses, rather than overshadow them.
Through collaboration with local government, business owners and community stakeholders, we can address these challenges and continue building a thriving downtown that serves as the heart of Bay Shore’s economic and social life.
Q: Of those challenges, what are you tackling or addressing first?
A: My top priorities for year one are cleanliness, safety and supporting our businesses.
A thriving downtown starts with a welcoming environment, so ensuring our streets are clean and safe is essential. We’re actively working with local officials and stakeholders to enhance security measures, improve walkability and maintain the charm that makes Bay Shore such a great destination.
Beyond Main Street, I’m also focused on bringing more commerce to Union Boulevard and beyond.
As the Greater Bay Shore Chamber of Commerce, it’s important that we support all businesses throughout our community. That’s why I’ve been meeting with business owners across Bay Shore every day, inviting them to join the chamber and ensuring they have a voice in our collective success.
By fostering inclusivity, strengthening our business network, and addressing key quality-of-life issues, we can continue to build a stronger, more dynamic Bay Shore for everyone.
Q: With all the development and business activity that’s happened in Bay Shore since you’ve been involved in the chamber, what’s good about it? Anything not so good, or something the chamber wants to keep an eye on?
A: Bay Shore has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, and much of it has been positive for our community. The influx of new businesses, restaurants, and apartments has energized our downtown, attracting more visitors and creating a vibrant, walkable destination.
This development has strengthened our local economy and reinforced Bay Shore’s reputation as a thriving hub for commerce and community life.
That said, with rapid growth comes new challenges. Parking, safety and cleanliness are top priorities, and as our downtown continues to evolve, we must be proactive in addressing these concerns.
I recently asked our government partners to assist with a new walkability study to ensure that our infrastructure keeps pace with expansion. Safety remains my number one priority on Main Street — ensuring well-lit streets, pedestrian-friendly crossings and a welcoming environment for all.
The chamber is committed to working closely with local officials, business owners, and residents to strike the right balance — embracing growth while maintaining the charm, accessibility, and security that make Bay Shore such a special place.
Q: Lastly, can you tell us about any new events or plans for 2025 that you’re especially excited about?
A: We have our Arts Festival by the Bay on June 8 from 11a.m. to 6 p.m., and our Bounty by the Bay Farmers Market is back starting in June at a new location on Union Boulevard to accommodate my initial remark of bringing more commerce to Union.
Top: A 2019 downtown street festival in Bay Shore. (file photo) Inset: Edward Fraser, new chamber president
