Matthew T. Crosson At the Garden City Chamber of Commerce luncheon, 11:30 a.m., on March 25 at the Garden City Hotel, Matthew T. Crosson, president of the Long Island Association (LIA) will speak to Chamber members and guests. The Long Island Association (LIA) is the largest business organization in New York and the leading organization in the Long Island region with some 5,500 member companies and organizations.

The focus of the LIA is on such regional priorities as affordable workforce housing, education, emergency response plans, supporting tourism growth, transportation, energy, and high technology initiatives. Mr. Crosson will provide insight on these initiatives and how they relate to Long Island's future growth as we work our way out of the current downturn. His topic: "Coming Out Ahead: Long Island After the Recession."

In addition to his role with the LIA, Matthew Crosson currently serves as president of the LIA Health Alliance, Inc.; is a director or trustee of WNET/Thirteen, WLIW/21; the Committee for Modern Courts; the Long Island Housing Partnership; Dowling College; the Long Island High Technology Incubator; the Long Island Works Coalition and several other not-for-profit corporations. Mr. Crosson co-hosts two weekly news programs on WLIW and WLNY-TV. He is well-known as the co-publisher of Long Island Magazine, an award monthly publication in which his editorial writing has been awarded a Folio Award.

The program will begin at 11:30 with a Business Showcase of various member businesses. In accordance with Chamber By-Laws, it will also include the election of six Director Candidates to serve 3-year terms on the Chamber Board. Luncheon will be served promptly at 12:30 p.m. Advance reservations are required at $60 person for Chamber members; $65 for non-members. To reserve, call the Chamber at 746-78724, Ext. 101; or visit www.Garden City Chamber.org. Credit cards are accepted.