Due to hurricane Sandy, ACCA felt it was necessary to cancel the November monthly meeting.  Our area experienced a storm of epic proportions….one that will be called the perfect storm.  It will take a long time to rebuild and to get back to normal.  On a personal note, a tree came crashing into my house when my whole family was inside right by the area that got struck.  As the whole house shook, my family and I ran to safety in the basement.  Luckily we were unharmed and able to seek safer shelter nearby during the storm.  We are fortunate for our friends and family who took us in.  Many houses were left without power and still are in the dark.  Others do not have a home to go back to.  Our hearts and prayers go out to all that suffered loss. 

The storm also created business road blocks with the gas shortage.  I am sure that everybody struggled with the limited amount of gas available in some way.  Unproductive hours were wasted waiting on line for gas with the hopes that the gas tankers will actual show up.  Even mass transit was disrupted.  We cannot operate our businesses without gas.   It seems that the gas shortage has lightened up this week, however we are still being told when we can fill up our gas tanks.

I hope you and your families are safe and everybody can move forward.   Family, heart and determination will help us get through this horrifying disaster.

The next event will be the annual holiday party at 420 North Restaurant in Great Neck on December 6th starting at 6:30 for cocktail hour.  Please bring an unwrapped toy for the annual Toys for Tots Campaign. 

This year we will be focusing on increasing the membership within our organization and seeking out greater participation from our contractors, suppliers and associate members.  If anybody has an idea or issue relating to our business and industry, please get in touch with us and we will make it happen.    How can ACCA help you this year?   Are there any issues or topics you want to hear about this year?
Please use ACCA as a networking experience and a place where you can bring the hottest and most relevant business topics back to your day to day operations.  As I always say this year has been legendary. 

Thank you for your support and I look forward to seeing you at the next meeting!   Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

            — Mike Newman