Michael Balboni The Garden City Chamber of Commerce is pleased to invite members of both the business and residential communities to attend its season kick-off Luncheon Program Series on Wednesday, September 22, at the Garden City Hotel.

The Chamber is delighted to welcome as keynote speaker Homeland Security and Government Affairs Expert Michael Balboni who will include among his topics: safety, and the role of governments; transition from NYS Legislator to cabinet officer and positions as Homeland Security Advisor of New York State. In this position, Mike oversaw 63,000 employees and a budget of five billion dollars. Having held several national posts, Mike had served as an advisor to former Secretary of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff as well as Outside Advisor to President Obama’s Transition Team for Homeland Security.

Michael Balboni had served as the Deputy Secretary for Public Safety for the State of New York. He became the Senior Homeland Security and Law Enforcement Official in Governor David Paterson’s Administration, having been appointed to the cabinet-level position by former Governor Eliot Spitzor in January of 2007. In 2009 Balboni annouoncsed he would be leaving the Paterson administration to work in the private sector.

Mike had previously served as a Republican representing the 17th District in the State Assembly for ten years until being elected to represent the 7th District in the State. He was elected continuously until resigning in 2007 to head the NYS Office of Public Safety where he had day-to-day responsibility for managing homeland security affairs, emergency preparedness and response along with law enforcement.

The luncheon program will commence at 11:30 a.m. with the traditional Business Showcase of various member businesses and the professions combined with a reception-networking period. Luncheon will be served promptly at 123:30 p.m. Advance reservations are required by Friday, September 17. The fee is $60 per person for Chamber members; $65, non-members. To reserve, call Liz at the Chamber (246-7724, Ext. 101); or register on line at www.GardenCityiChamber.org. Credit cards are accepted via telephone of fax: 746-7725.