The Commercial Industrial Brokers Society of Long Island (CIBS-LI), the leading organization for commercial real estate brokers and industry professionals on Long Island, has appointed David Pennetta, SIOR, of Oxford and Simpson, Inc., CIBS past president, to the position of CIBS strategic officer. Pennetta will head up a newly chartered committee responsible for keeping CIBS in front of local business, community and government leaders to maintain CIBS high profile and relevancy in planning and development in the region. The committee will also assume an advocacy role related to education, green building, energy, transportation and other factors that impact the Long Island economy. "As part of my administration I want to ensure that CIBS becomes an even greater player in issues and topics relating to development, regional planning and economic growth. It is vital that the voice and interests of the commercial real estate sector continues to be heard. To accomplish this we are actively engaged and communicating with elected officials, developers and the media. This effort has become an important part of our mission today and will be a top priority in the months and years to come," said CIBS president Gary Joel Schacker, SIOR, United Realty. "CIBS has come a long way over its first 20 years, even astonishing the hopes of its original founders. The organization was for many years an industry focused trade group which concentrated on internal membership issues. However with many important development issues taking place on Long Island CIBS become an outward looking regionally focused organization. We have and are forging alliances with other regional business and development groups and we provide our expertise and views on significant issues to elected officials and the media. The creation of this new position shows the organizations long term commitment to maintaining CIBS-LI's roll as an important player in regional development and economic planning," said Pennetta. For information about CIBS-LI visit www.CIBS-LI.org.