Huntington, NY - Councilwoman Susan A. Berland was on hand Tuesday evening to present Commerce Plaza with an official proclamation from the Town of Huntington.

Commerce Plaza is a not-for-profit organization that teaches children about the business community.  It was founded in 2000 and is a unique, hands on educational program that introduces economics and business to students through a stimulated work environment.  It operates a model business community in which children have the opportunity to be managers, workers and consumers while learning practical ecomonic and business relations.  Through this program, students are exposed to basic economic principles and learn about the free enterprise system, careers, citizenship and general employment skills.

Participants of Commerce Plaza learn this skills by receiving paychecks, making bank deposits, writing checks, operating model businesses, creating cost sheets and preparing and conducting lectures.  Over 20,000 Long Island students have benefited from this program.

"Commerce Plaza is a wonderful and unique organization that teaches children important lessons," commented Councilwoman Berland.  "It is never too early to begin teaching citizenship and business.  I commend Commerce Plaza on the excellent work they are doing for the children in the community and look forward to working with them in the future. 

Pictured left to right: Commerce Plaza's Board of Directors: Adam Schwam, Jamie Bogenshutz, Marc Horowitz, Scott Barkin, Jane Rubenstein, Karen Tenenbaum, Elizabeth Coogan, Commerce Plaza Board President Teresa Covello, Michael Goodman, Councilwoman Susan A. Berland, Peter Spalding, Ellen Krammer, Lisa Ricciardi and Andrew Schneider.