Business at its BEST.

The Annual LICBDC Exhibition and Award Luncheon for 2009

Long Island City, NY November 18, 2009 - The Annual Exhibition and Award Luncheon organized by the Long Island City Business Development Corporation was vibrant and alive. Hundreds of exhibitors and thoudands of attendees enjoyed an upbeat six hours of concentrated, enthusiastic business. It was Business at its Best!.

The Long Island City Business Development Corporation has a three-decade track record of assisting businesses in LIC.

Go to Keynote Speech by Thomas DiNapoli, Comptroler for the State of New York   Part 1: LICBDC Annual Luncheon and Award Ceremony, Gary Kesner, Chairman 11/18/09, Terrace on the Park Part 2: LICBDC Annual Luncheon and Award Ceremony, Gayle Baron, President 11/18/09, Terrace on the Park Part 3: LICBDC Annual Luncheon and Award Ceremony, Recognition of Joseph Conley's work at Community Board 2. Award from Gary Kesner, Chairman LICBDC 11/18/09, Terrace on the Park Part 4: LICBDC Annual Luncheon and Award Ceremony, William D. Modell Foundation, Introduction by Gayle Baron, President of LICBDC, LICBDC 11/18/09, Terrace on the ParkLICBDC Part 5: LICBDC Annual Luncheon and Award Ceremony, William D. Modell Community Service Award Honoree , LICBDC 11/18/09, Terrace on the ParkLICBDC Part 6: LICBDC Annual Luncheon and Award Ceremony, William D. Modell Community Service Award Honoree , LICBDC 11/18/09, Terrace on the ParkLICBDC Part 7: LICBDC Annual Luncheon and Award Ceremony, William D. Modell Community Service Award Honoree , LICBDC 11/18/09, Terrace on the Park LICBDC Part 8: LICBDC Annual Luncheon and Award Ceremony, William D. Modell Community Service Award Honoree , LICBDC 11/18/09, Terrace on the Park LICBDC Part 9: Jimmy Van Bramer introduces Thomas DiNapoli, Keynote Speeaker, LICBDC Annual Luncheon and Award Ceremony, LICBDC 11/18/09, Terrace on the Park           Jimmy Van Bramer, City Council Member-elect

Thomas P. DiNapoli, New York State Comptroller, Keynote Speech discusses Economic Development in Long Island City, Astoria, and Queens. DiNapoli presented "An Economic Snapshot of Long Island City and Astoria, Queens" [ PDF File ]. Gary Kesner was honored as the 2009 William D. Modell Community Service Honoree. Mr. Kesner is Vice President of Silvercup Studios, and Chairman of LICBDC. The column on the left offers video of 120 Exhibitors as part of a 4.5 minute walk through of the display areas. The NYS Comptrollers Office release "An Economic Snapshot of Long Island City and Astoria, Queens" Highlights: Private sector employment in the Long Island City-Astoria area reached 88,070 jobs in 2008, a gain of 2,140 jobs (2.5%) since the end of the 2001-2003 recession. Private sector employment declined by 2,760 jobs during the first quarter of 2009 compared with the same period last year. Manufacturing accounted for 14 percent of the area's private sector jobs in 2008 - a much higher share than the City as a whole. From 2002 to 2008, the areas housing stock increased by 4.8 percent (3,640 units) to reach 79,220 units - a faster rate of growth than the increase citywide (3.6 percent). About 60% of the 6,300 businesses in the area have fewer than five employees. Only 20 firms have 500 or more employees. After several years of decline, the population in the area grew by 1.8% in 2008 to 178,460, and the area has become increasingly diverse. More Highlights and Report Also presented in the left hand column is a video of Joseph Conley, Community Board 2, as he was cited for his commitment, dedication, and acheivement on behalf of the Long Island City business community. Jimmy Van Bramer, NYC City Council Member-elect for District 26, stood in for Kathy Nolan, NYS Representative, who was fighting for budget priorities for the community in Albany. Van Bramer was interviewed by OurLIC at the conclusion of the meeting. Terrace on the Park was a packed house, and did an excellent job with both the facilities as well as food service.   Full Photo Story and Links Go to Photo Story of LICBDC Annual Exhibition and Luncheon 2009