New Rockland Business Association Board members for 2008

RBA Welcomes New 2008 Board Members
From December 10, 2007 Press Release

Along with the new year comes the addition of some fresh and some familiar faces to the Rockland Business Association Board of Directors. The RBA welcomes the following members to the 2008 Board effective January 1st:

Leonard J. Birbrower: As a litigation trial lawyer specializing in personal injury and medical mal practice cases, Leonard J. Birbrower has been in the business of helping people for more than 40 years. Born and raised in the Bronx, Birbrower moved to Rockland County in 1963. He is a partner at Birbrower, Beldock & Margolis, P.C. with offices in New City and Tarrytown. While he is a long time RBA member, Birbrower is new to the Board of Directors. “I am excited to be in conversation with the people that make a difference in Rockland County,” Birbrower said. “I want to continue to serve many areas of the county including people of disabilities, social services needs, and health needs.” He is heavily involved in Rockland activities, which includes past service as chairman and president of Jawonio and chairman of the Community Services Board. He presently sits on the board of the Sons of Israel Temple in Nyack and is a member of the select committee for the “40 under 40,” sponsored by The Journal News and Rockland Economic Development Committee. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Michigan State and a juris doctor from New York Law School. He resides in Nyack.

Linwood Carter: With his Spring Valley based company entering its twentieth year, Linwood Carter is well acquainted with the business scene in Rockland County. As a managing member of Carter’s Insurance Agency, he aids companies and individuals who are considered “hard to place risk.” Meaning, he helps anyone or any company that has been cancelled by their insurance company and has difficulty regaining it at a favorable rate. “I’ve gotten into a niche here, and saw there was a need for hard to place businesses,” Carter said. He formerly served on the RBA Board of Directors from 2000 to 2006. Carter was born and raised in Westchester County, graduating from Woodlands High School in Hartsdale. He holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Cheney State College (now Cheney University of Pennsylvania). He lives in Spring Valley with his wife and children.

Gregg Kroner: As Senior Vice President of Investments for Kroner Investment Group of Wachovia Securities, Gregg Kroner manages financial portfolios for corporations and individuals across the country. Kroner’s grandfather Robert started the New City based business in the spring of 1929 and ultimately passed it down to his son Herbert. Gregg Kroner grew up in Rockland County, graduating from Clarkstown South High School before joining the business 28 years ago. He served as President of the New City Rotary from 1992 to 1993 and was formerly on the board of the American Heart Association-Rockland Division. Kroner previously served on the RBA Board of Directors from 2000 to 2006 with a position on the Executive Board as Secretary. “It’s very, very important that business and individual residents understand that there’s a need for both in this community,” Kroner said. “I always support things that can help build business as well as maintain or raise the quality of life in Rockland.” Kroner holds a Bachelor’s degree in economics from Bentley College in Waltham, MA. He currently resides in Orange County with his wife.

Bill Madden: While his Chestnut Ridge based company Madden Communications and Marketing launched just five years ago, Bill Madden has long been a fixture in the Rockland business community. Madden worked as managing editor for The Journal News and was later promoted to a managing editor position for the 11 Gannett newspapers in Rockland, Westchester and Putnam counties. In 1998, he was named the newspaper’s public relations director. Throughout his career, Madden maintained a strong relationship with the RBA. “I liked to be a part of the leadership team that helps the organization grow and play a critical role in lobbying and supporting business,” Madden said. He previously served on the RBA Board of Directors from 1997 to 1999. Now at the helm of one of the Hudson Valley’s leading public relations firms, Madden is excited to be back on the Board. He is a past chairman of Leadership Rockland, a non-profit program that educates individuals who demonstrate a commitment to Rockland County. Madden is a graduate of Pearl River High School and St. Thomas Aquinas College. He lives in Stony Point with his wife and three children.

RBA Welcomes New 2008 Board Members From December 10, 2007 Press Release

RBA Welcomes New 2008 Board Members
From December 10, 2007 Press Release