Senate Resolution No. 1994

BY: Senator MURRAY

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the Long
Island Association, Inc.

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those individuals and businesses that contribute
substantially to the economic vitality of their communities, thereby
enhancing the economic well-being of the entire Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Long Island Association, Inc.;
the Centennial Celebration will culminate in a Gala Event on Wednesday,
November 4, 2026; and

WHEREAS, The Long Island Association (LIA), a non-profit and
non-partisan organization, is celebrating its 100th year of advocating
for the region's business community and Long Island's economy, honoring
its legacy through its Gala by featuring important leaders who have
helped define the LIA's mission and impacted its success over the years;
and

WHEREAS, Originally called the Long Island Chamber of Commerce, the
organization was created in 1926 to promote the region's special quality
of life and the significant opportunities for business expansion by
attracting companies from New York City to relocate on Long Island and
encourage new infrastructure and roadways to spur population growth; in
June 1934, the organization was renamed the Long Island Association; and

WHEREAS, The LIA has played an instrumental role in transforming the
region from a bedroom community of New York City to a dynamic, vibrant
place with its own diverse, bustling economy that offers exciting
opportunities for professional success; the LIA's regional leadership
has played a direct role in encouraging progress by advocating for
government policies and funding that created jobs for people who sought
the suburban way of life; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, the LIA Foundation, the non-profit's
philanthropic arm, has expanded its programs in recent years to support
small businesses operating in Nassau and Suffolk Counties through direct
grants; and

WHEREAS, For 100 years, the LIA has been a powerful voice for Long
Island, focusing on economic development, building infrastructure, and
advocating for the interests of small businesses; hundreds of small
businesses and manufacturing hubs were created to meet the needs of the
growing population; today, it continues to meet the challenges of the
region while fostering a sense of community; and

WHEREAS, Long Island has been home to groundbreaking technologies
and discoveries, from constructing the lunar module that put the first
person on the moon to discovering the structure of DNA; this innovation
has flourished in Long Island's business community, and the LIA has
played a direct role, supporting growth through its advocacy; and


WHEREAS, During the 1970s, the LIA focused on education on Long
Island; by the end of the decade, the Long Island Development
Corporation (LIDC) was formed to provide low-cost loans and free
technical assistance to business and non-profits in the region, allowing
companies to grow through its broad program of resources; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the decades, numerous organizations and programs
were launched, including the Long Island Business Development Council
(LIBDC), Small Business Support Program, Long Island Action Plan, LIA
Health Alliance, Long Island Works Coalition, and LIA Research
Institute; and

WHEREAS, Today, 100 years later, the LIA continues to provide for
the Long Island business community by creating awareness, conveying
information, and lobbying on their behalf to help businesses achieve
their goals; the LIA continues to innovate, advocate, and support the
region's growth; and

WHEREAS, Although much has changed through the century-long
existence of LIA, its core values of integrity, collaboration,
accountability, agility, respect, and excellence remain the same; and

WHEREAS, It is with great pride that the Long Island Association,
along with their dedicated workers, celebrate this milestone 100th
Anniversary and anticipate many more years of success for generations to
come; and

WHEREAS, The progression of the Long Island Association is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its owners and employees, whose
involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive
commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of
excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the business and the community
it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges this exceptional business, its contributions to the local
and State economies, and its vibrant role in improving the quality of
life in its community, fully confident that it will continue to enjoy
the remarkable success it has experienced thus far; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Long Island Association, Inc.;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Long Island Association, Inc.