"This is still a great place to live. We've got to continue to keep it great and think how to make it better,"Tom Suozzi said. Referring to the intensity of our current tough economy at the Chamber's season kick-off luncheon at the Garden City Hotel on September 24, County Executive Tom Suozzi addressed in detail property taxes, the County budget and economic development, as well as Garden City's standing as one of Nassau's "cool downtowns." Suozzi, who serves as chairman of the State Commission on Property Tax Relief, stated that going forward there are only three choices; reduce expenses or reduce the rate of growth of expense via a tax cap (preferred); increase the State Aid; or continue to pay for the schools by continuing to increase property taxes at their current rate (least preferred). the bottom line, he said, is "this is still a great place to live. We've got to continue to keep it great and to think of ways to make it better."

Nasser Samman, General Manager, the Garden City Hotel with Mary Dolan Grippo, Chief Marketing director, Nassau County Industrial Development Agency. Winston Nesfiedl (L) with Suzanne Eigl and Russell Ciolli, Chamber directors and "Friend of the Chamber" Merchant Discount Card chairs. Joe Giacinto, Chamber Treasurer and Meg Norris, publisher, The Garden City News.Lisa and Vincent Sinisgalli, owners of Alpha Collision exhibited at the Business Showcase. Dr. Robert Feirsen, Chamber director and Superintendent, Garden City Public Schools; Nina Prasso, District Coordinator of Music and the Arts; and Nanine Cuttitta, principal, Garden City High School, special guests. Not pictured was Michael Stepniak, Associated Dean of Performing Arts, Adelphi University. Russell Matthews presents a framed certificate of appreciation to Tom Suozzi for his seventh in a series of enlightening talks for the Garden City Chamber. Bert Cunningham and Chris Capece showcased on behalf of the AvalonBay proposed development for St. Paul's. New Chamber members representing PriMedia Inc. at the Business Showcase were Marie Bogue (L) and Cynthia Adonailo. Julia Shields (L) and Joanne Anthony represented Bank of Smithtown at the Business Showcase exhibit. Roger Eltringham, chamber president with Tom Scinto of Cablevision. Exhibiting at the showcase was new member Liberty Travel. Representatives were Christian Sroboda and Allison Colby. Manuel Herscher and Marilyn Kerr, perennial attendees at Chamber events. Stephanie Cullum, Chamber director along with Coach Realtor associates Marie Grant and Herta Kapp. Exhibiting at the Business Showcase before the luncheon were representatives from Lord &Taylor (L-R): Edward Rawa, Susan Weiss and Fred Ciccone. Showcase exhibitor Jerry D'Andrea of Dignity Home Care. Representing PBI Payroll exhibiting at the Business Showcase, were (L-R): Steve Goldberg, Joe Giacinto, Chamber VP; and Ken Frey. Mary Dolan Grippo, Nassau County Industrial Development Agency with Robert LaRocca and Joanne Adams, president of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Seated (L-R):Scott Knuckles, and Grace Loughran, Chamber directors; Nina Prasso, District Coordinator of Music and the Arts and Nanine Cuttitta, principal, Garden City High School. Standing (L-R):Jeff Sena, Dr. Robert Feirsen, Superintendent of Garden City Public Schools; Garden City Mayor Peter Bee; East Williston Mayor Nancy Zolezzi; and John Mauk, Village Trustee and Deputy Mayor. Showcase exhibitors from Community National Bank (L-R) were: Alba Spinelli, Donna Grasco and Deborah Cassidy. (L-R): Russell Matthews, vice president, Roger Eltringham, President of the Garden City Chamber; County Executive Suozzi; Althea Robinson, Chamber executive director; Joseph Giacinto, Chamber treasurer; and Anthony Libertella, Chamber immediate past president. (L-R): Arthur Anderson, president, Kiwanis Club of Garden City; Cummin and Maureen Clancy (Past Business People of the Year); Nancy Zalezzi, Mayor of East Williston; and Peter Bee, Mayor, Inc. Village of Garden City. A guest of the Albanese organization with Dan Flynn and Russell Matthews, Chamber vice president.