Chamber To Host Charles Wang,Mike Milbury

Mike Milbury

On Wednesday, March 22, Charles Wang, co-owner, and Mike Milbury, general manager of the NY Islanders will return to the Garden City Hotel to entertain Chamber of Commerce members and guests with their good-natured banter about the hockey world. Additionally, Mr. Wang will reveal his plans to develop the “Lighthouse” Tower, the transformation of the Coliseum and surrounding 77 acres east of Garden City.

As Islanders co-owner, Charles B. Wang has been cited by Sports Illustrated as one of the top 101 influential minorities in sports. He has received national attention for revitalizing the New York Islanders since purchasing the franchise three years ago. He is also co-owner of the New York Dragons of the Arena Football League. Mr. Wang is Chairman Emeritus of Computer Associates International, Inc., a company which he founded in 1976. During his tenure, he built CA from a single product enterprise into a global company with a complete array of Business solutions. Under his leadership as CEO, Fortune called CA one of “America’s Most Admired Companies” as well as a “Best Company to Work for in America. Computer World named CA “Best Place to Work” five years running.

Charles Wang

Mike Milbury has brought passion, intensity and creativity to the New York Islanders throughout his nine-year tenure. Since the arrival of dedicated ownership, as general manager, Mike has put together a nucleus of talented prospects and dynamic veterans. In 2001-2002, he engineered the fourth-greatest single-season turnaround in NHL history. Originally hired by the Islanders as the franchise’s sixth head coach in July 1995, Mike was named GM in December of that year. He is the third general manager in Islanders history. In 1989, during his stint as GM of the Boston Bruins, Mike Milbury was named Coach of the Year by The Hockey News and The Sporting News. On the international level, Mike served as general manager of the United States National Team with his 1995-96 team winning the Bronze Medal - a U.S. win at the Worlds for the first time in 34 years.

At 11:30 a.m., the Chamber will continue its Business Showcase offering Chamber members the opportunity to promote their businesses at an exhibit before the noon reception period. Luncheon will be served promptly at 12:30. Garden City residents are cordially invited to attend to learn of Mr. Wang’s vision for the 72-acre property immediately adjacent to Garden City’s eastern borders. Advance reservations at $60 for Chamber members and $65 for non-members are required. There will be open seating with tables of 10 reserved. Please call the Chamber by Friday, February 25 to reserve. (Fee may be collected at the door); or mail checks payable to the Garden City Chamber of Commerce, 230 Seventh Street, Garden City, New York 11530.