Huntington Township Chamber Board Member Virginia Russell will be honored in May by the Long Island Business News as one of Long Island’s Top 50 Women.  The Long Island Business News' Top 50 Women recognizes the significant contributions of women professionals to the region's economy and to the communities in which they do business. 

“To be recognized as one of Long Island’s Top Women is an incredible honor,” said Russell, “This is truly a highlight in my professional life.”

Russell founded and runs a leading web-based gift basket business, VIP Basket Store (www.VIPGiftBasket.net).  Her business has attracted a loyal following who consider VIP to be the premier corporate gift source in the region.  At the same time as building her successful gift basket business, Russell’s day job for 19 years, until her recent retirement this past March, was as a Corrections Officer at Rikers Island.

Russell spends an enormous amount of time volunteering for numerous not-for-profit organizations. She serves as a mentor in the nationally recognized Girls Going Places program and is the chair of the Suffolk County Women’s Business Enterprise Coalition and was the 2005 Trade Show committee chair.

During the past year Russell has devoted her time as a member of the Board of Directors of the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce and has served as Co-Chair of its Membership and Events Committees.  She was honored as one of its 101 Volunteers. 

Russell is a graduate of the 2005 Class of Leadership Huntington and also serves as their Program Coordinator.  She serves on the Speakers Bureau of the Long Island Works Coalition and is co-founder of The Onyx Group, an organization consisting of black women business owners which provides networking, support and social opportunities.  Russell was recently inducted into The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. She has been a member of The Upper Room Christian World Center in Dix Hills for 12 years and serves on its Usher Board.