LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the Long
Island Forum for Technology (LIFT) to be celebrated September 17, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 30th Anniversary of the Long Island Forum for Technology
(LIFT) to be celebrated Thursday, September 17, 2009, at the Air Power
Museum, Farmingdale, New York; and
WHEREAS, Thirty years ago, Long Island leaders recognized the need for
an organization that would focus its resources and mission on the devel-
opment of science and technology-based industries in the region; and
WHEREAS, This group noted the availability of a large, well-educated
population, enlightened business, labor and government leaders, a
concentration of top quality research institutions, and an outstanding
secondary public school system buttressed by top rated institutions of
higher learning, with a physical and cultural climate conducive to a
high quality lifestyle; and
WHEREAS, A program was needed to harness these strengths to power Long
Island's economic development; subsequently, LIFT was founded as a non-
profit membership organization; and
WHEREAS, Building on its manufacturing and technology roots in 1989,
LIFT was designated as the Technology Development Organization (TDO) for
Long Island by the New York State Science and Technology Foundation, now
known as the New York State Office of Science, Technology and Academic
Research (NYSTAR); and
WHEREAS, In August of 1994, LIFT was recognized and awarded a US
Department of Commerce Federal Grant as the Manufacturing Extension
Partnership (MEP) Center for Long Island; this award supports LIFT as it
provides direct, on-site engineering expertise to small and medium sized
manufacturers; and
WHEREAS, LIFT is a dynamic and flexible organization and responds to
the opportunities and challenges of the region, the nation and the
globe; this prominent organization has facilitated the establishment of
the Technology Roundtable and the Manufacturing Roundtable to provide
for the sharing of technology and processes across industry segments for
the eventual creation of new products and services; and
WHEREAS, In 2006, New York State allocated $25 million for the estab-
lishment of an Applied Science Center of Innovation and Excellence in
Homeland Security; LIFT will manage this cutting edge economic develop-
ment project which will commence operations in 2010; and
WHEREAS, Two years later, New York State again allocated $15 million
for the establishment of an Advanced Manufacturing and Material Technol-
ogy Innovation Center; LIFT, as the Center's Operational Manager, will
help New York State and individual companies become world-class suppli-
ers of advanced composite products for this growing world market; and
WHEREAS, LIFT has worked closely with both local and State DOL Profes-
sionals in efforts to create the workforce needed by local industries;
this collaboration has resulted in DOL's recognition of LIFT as the
regional "intermediary", honest broker, (NYS DOL's term is Manufacturing
Sector Intermediary) transforming Workforce, Education and Industry; and
WHEREAS, In 2008, LIFT was awarded two important workforce grants
aimed at improving the way the region prepares its workforce from

elementary education through incumbent worker training by creating an
industry demand educational system; and
WHEREAS, After three decades, LIFT is still providing Long Island
businesses with networking opportunities, access to enabling technolo-
gies, hands-on assistance and a wide range of programs directed at
creating an environment for innovation, lowering the cost of operations
and increasing growth, focused on creating Long Island's future; and
WHEREAS, The Long Island Forum for Technology is a solid cornerstone
of the community, and stands ready to continue its important mission for
many years to come; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to call attention to
organizations such as LIFT, which serve to bring people together for the
united purpose of actively pursuing improvements in their communities;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the Long Island Forum for Technology
(LIFT) to be celebrated September 17, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Long Island Forum for Technology, 111 West Main Street,
Bay Shore, New York 11706.