Long Island City is the single greatest concentration of business and economic development that I have seen in quite some time.  So, I am happy to have found it, and look forward to being part of its growth.

Friends have told me that it has been "a long time in the making".  I can see that. But what I also see, as I walk the streets and talk to people, is a dramatic amount of investment in the infrastructure necessary to support a larger population. 

We looked at LIC through the eyes of several internet services such as BizWiz and CityEntree.  I also look at it through my career in investment banking, and as a former executive in publishing of magazines and newspapers. As we were getting to know the market and the opportunities, we thought we could add something of value by starting OurLIC.com

Lots of new people are going to find their way to LIC because of new business opportunities, or because the real estate is just right for their needs.  They will all want to become part of LIC as a community.  In order to thrive, people will need to come together.  Businesses and merchants need to come together in order to prosper.  Residents will need to know each other in order to enjoy the promise of a "community" life.

That is why we are here.  We have a unique set of resources and talent that can accelerate the prosperity of Long Island City. We also have a unique internet platform that can bring people together in ways that are unique. I am an entrepreneur, and the platform that has been developed over the past 13 years for our mix of services is ideally suited for the needs of the residents and merchants of LIC.

Coming together is a process.  We are providing a platform and tools to make it happen.  You can benefit.  If you are a resident, join here and tell us about yourself. Tell us what you like, and what you would like to see.  If you are a merchant, a professional, or a business, set up a Profile at our Guide Section....and also Join our Networking service at this section of OurLIC. 

As consumers, please visit the restaurants and stores that are participating here. We especially appreciate Foodcellar & Co. Market getting behind OurLIC at an early stage.  We know the owners from the Amish Market in NYC.  They are good people, and it is a very well run market.  They are committed to a vision of bringing quality food and friendly service to Long Island.  Much of the food is natural or organic.  It is all plentiful, and you will enjoy tasting your way through the samples that they offer throughout the store.  I am personally learning about cheeses.

If you have a web site, a blog, a newspaper, a magazine, or other media, we welcome your participation and collaboration.  We would like to hear your ideas about integrating services you offer into our system.  We'll all benefit from co-operation and collaboration.  We are experienced at integrating services and contributors into our web sites.  It has been an important part of our growth since we started BizWiz in 1995.

Remember...The idea is that people need to come together in order to prosper.

I look forward to getting to know you. 

Have an awesome 2009!

a.