LIA celebrates its 90th Anniversary

Woodbury, NY The Long Island Association (LIA) celebrated its 90^th Anniversary with a poolside reception at the Crest Hollow Country Club.  More than 500 members, elected officials and other special guests were in attendance.

“The LIA has been advocating for the business community and the best interests of the region since 1926,” said Kevin Law, president & CEO of the Long Island Association.  “We are proud of the role we have played in helping transform our region into a dynamic and attractive destination to live, work and play, and we expect to continue to help shape Long Island and our economy for many years to come.”

As the leading business organization in the region and one of the most well-respected throughout the state, and currently chaired by Lawrence Waldman, managing director of First Long Island Investors, LLC, the LIA’s diverse membership includes many of the largest employers on Long Island and many small businesses as well.  In fact, two current members have been with the LIA since its inception in 1926: the MTA Long Island Rail Road and National Grid (formerly KeySpan and LILCO). 

In addition to these two companies, the oldest sustaining members of the LIA include:

• Verizon (formerly NY Telephone), 1927

• Citibank, 1932

• Hofstra University, 1942

• Newsday Media Group, 1946

• Bank of America, 1947

• NY Community Bank (formerly Roslyn Savings Bank), 1952

• H2M Architects & Engineers, 1957

• Northrop Grumman, 1960

• PriceWaterhouseCoopers, 1961

• Peerless Electronics, Inc., 1961

• AVZ & Company, 1961

• EY LLP, 1961

• HSBC Bank USA, N.A., 1962

• First National Bank of Long Island, 1963

• Fortunoff Jewelery (formerly Fortunoff), 1965

• BAE Systems (formerly Hazeltime Corp. absorbed by BAE), 1966

• KPMG LLP, 1966

• Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council, 1968

• Chase, 1969

• King Kullen Grocery Co., Inc., 1969

• Stony Brook University, 1970

• Adelphi University, 1970

“We take great pride in our nearly 60-year membership with the LIA,” said Rich Humann, CEO of H2M Architects & Engineers, an LIA member since 1957.  “As we honor this wonderful organization’s 90th year, we look forward to our continued partnership and commitment to supporting the economic growth and overall vitality of our region.”

New York State governor Andrew Cuomo said, “Since 1926, the LIA has worked tirelessly to make Long Island a great place to live, work and visit; supporting and stimulating area businesses and improving the quality of life for residents and families.  I commend LIA president & CEO Kevin Law, the terrific board of directors and your dedicated staff for all the good things you do for the businesses and people of Long Island and New York State.”

United States Senator Charles Schumer said, “Since its inception in 1926, the Long Island Association has been dedicated to supporting growth, economic development and infrastructure investments on Long Island.  The LIA and its President & CEO Kevin Law are carrying on the organization’s 90 year tradition of influencing public policy at the federal, state and local levels to ensure businesses can start here, stay here and expand here.  I would like to applaud the LIA for its commitment to shaping the Long Island economy.  I am confident that the LIA will continue to work for the betterment of our community for many years to come.”

United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “I would like to congratulate the Long Island Association for celebrating its 90th anniversary.  Long Island is undertaking major transformational infrastructure projects and cultivating a 21st century, innovation economy thanks, in no small part, to the efforts of the LIA.  Just as the LIA was integral to developing the economy in 1926 and the years to follow, the LIA is continuing to influence the direction and future of Long Island for decades to come.  I commend the LIA’s commitment to supporting local businesses, while providing a level of leadership and service that is indispensable to our state.  Please accept my best wishes for many more years of continued success.”

United States Congressman Peter King said, “I would like to congratulate the Long Island Association on the occasion of its 90th anniversary.  It’s a pleasure working with a non-partisan, non-profit organization that cares only about what’s best for Long Island and the business community.  Thank you for your 90 years of service and dedication to the region.  I thank you on behalf of myself for all of those who are undoubtedly better off because of your efforts.  Please accept my personal congratulations and very best wishes for continued success in the years ahead.”

United States Congressman Steve Israel said, “The Long Island Association has been an invaluable resource for Long Island employers and our regional economy for nearly a century.  It has been an honor to work alongside them during my tenure in Congress, and I know their expertise, advocacy and innovation will ensure that Long Island’s economic future will be a bright one.”

United States Congresswoman Kathleen Rice said, “Happy 90th anniversary to the LIA!  I look forward to continue working together to deliver results for Long Island and fight for our region’s fair share of federal funds.”

United States Congressman Lee Zeldin said, “The Long Island Association has been serving our local business community for decades and understands the need for a strong economy.  Congratulations to the Long Island Association on their 90thanniversary.”

New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said, “The Long Island Association is one of the most well-respected organizations in New York State and a staunch advocate for improving the state’s business climate. As Long Island’s economy continues to grow, it will be the LIA leading the way just as it has for the past 90 years.  Congratulations on your anniversary!”

New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said, “Happy 90th Anniversary to the Long Island Association.  The LIA continues to look out for the best interests of the region to ensure Long Island stays a place where people want to live and work.”

Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano said, “I commend the LIA for everything they do to improve the business climate and grow our economy.  Under the leadership of its President & CEO, Kevin Law, the LIA’s mission and advocacy are more important than ever.”

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said, “Kudos to the Long Island Association for its storied history as a unifying voice for Long Island.  What the LIA says matters.  They have their finger on the pulse of what businesses need to succeed and what government can do to help grow the region, facilitate the creation of jobs and spur economic activity.”

The LIA has a history of supporting infrastructure projects on Long Island and has most recently been instrumental in creating an island-wide, broad based coalition to support one of the most important infrastructure projects proposed for our region in decades – the MTA Long Island Rail Road Main Line Enhancement Project.  This collaboration known as the “Right Track for Long Island” could be used as a model to get other big projects completed on Long Island.