The Garden City Hotel continues the tradition of its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Monday, November 27 beginning at 5:30 pm.

For more than 20 years, Garden City and the surrounding communities have ushered in the holiday season by joining together at The Garden City Hotel for a very special event - the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony - to share the holiday cheer, festive caroling, a winter wonderland complete with Santa Claus and his elves, and the ceremonial lighting of the hotel's spectacular tree.

"Each year, we set aside one special evening to bring together families, friends, neighbors, and valued business associates as we join in this heart-warming celebration," says Cathy Nelkin Miller, president of The Garden City Hotel. "As we do each year, the tree will be decorated from top to bottom and lit by an outstanding member of the Long Island community."

Serving as guest of honor at this year's ceremony will be John Kominicki, president and publisher of the Long Island Business News, one of the most important business publications serving the region since 1953.

"We are delighted that such a citizen of Long Island will help us to launch the holiday season. Mr. Kominicki's efforts on behalf of the region extend to board member roles with the Long Island Association and the Long Island Business Development Council; and he is a trustee of Suffolk County Community College," says Nelkin Miller.

The highlight of the festivities will be the moment Mr. Kominicki lights the tree, officially launching the holiday season and illuminating the decorations that will be admired by thousands through the New Year.

Before coming to Long Island, Mr. Kominicki ran business newspapers in Fort Worth, Texas and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Prior to joining the business side of publishing, he was a longtime writer and editor for European Stars and Stripes, The New York Times, USA Today and The Dallas Morning News. He has been named an advocate for small business by the Small Business Administration and was honored as a Distinguished Citizen by Dowling College, from which he received an honorary doctorate of humane letters. His community and charitable work have garnered him numerous other honors. The native of New Hampshire now resides in Stony Brook.

"We are all looking forward to welcoming Mr. Kominicki as our esteemed guest of honor. Like the Garden City Hotel, The Long Island Business News is a cornerstone of Long Island's business community," adds Patrick Smalley, executive vice president, The Garden City Hotel.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony will feature performances of holiday carols by the St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Choir. Following the lighting, all are invited into The Garden City Hotel for complimentary refreshments. A private reception will be held in the hotel's Grand Ballroom to thank members of the business community for their ongoing support.

"This event gives us the opportunity to exchange holiday wishes and give thanks to our clients and community members for their valuable support throughout the year," concluded Smalley.