Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi With property tax relief his "signature issue," Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi will kick off the Garden City Chamber's season luncheon series on September 24, Noon, at the Garden City Hotel with a report on the progress of the New York State Commission on Property Tax Relief. Suozzi was appointed as Chairman of the Commission in January of 2008. When Governor David Paterson took office, he signed Executive Order #1: "to keep the Commission going!" With a preliminary report issued this past June, a final report is expected in December.

According to information received from the Office of the County Executive, property taxes have risen an average of 7% over the past decade, dramatically exceeding inflation. It is a fact that New York State has the highest local taxes in America - 79% above the national average. On average, 62% of property taxes in New York State are school property taxes. It is also a fact that Nassau homeowners pay the second highest property taxes in the entire United States.

The Chamber welcomes the return of Tom Suozzi to kick off its seasonal luncheon series. "Tom had opened the Chambers luncheon series for five consecutive years - from 2000 to 2005 when his topic was "The Five Causes of Too High Property Taxes," noted Althea Robinson, executive director, who said the Chamber also looks forward to hearing Tom Suozzi touch on other topics - such as the fact that recently, he named Garden City one of Nassau County's four "Cool Downtowns."

The Chamber luncheon program will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a networking reception and showcase of various member businesses. Luncheon will be served promptly at 12:30 p.m. Advance reservations are required at $60 per person for Chamber members; $65 for non-members. There will be open seating with tables of 8 or 10 reserved upon request. Showcase exhibitors may reserve at $50; with a discounted $100 fee for exhibitors staying for lunch. Sponsorships offering many benefits are available. To reserve, please call 746-7724, ext. 101; mail checks payable to the Garden City Chamber of Commerce to 230 Seventh Street; or register online at www.GardenCityChamber.org.