"Nassau County - Long Island, New York"

Acknowledging that Hurricane Sandy’s multibillion dollar economic toll will hamper every facet of recovery while harming the fiscal stability of the region, Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano has announced the creation of the Nassau County Economic Recovery Task Force comprised of leaders in business, health, banking, retail, technology, infrastructure and education.

County Executive Mangano stated, “There are now two eras in the history of our county; pre- Hurricane Sandy and post-Hurricane Sandy. The storm did more than alter lives, take homes and destroy entire sections of our south shore. It has created a gaping wound in our economy that, if left ignored, will leave a far more permanent and destructive scar on our communities than gas lines and week-long power outages. This task force is a reflection of the simple fact that we need to start our economic recovery today if we expect to protect the quality of life of every county citizen in the months to come.”

Mr. Mangano said, “I can’t conceive of ever saying again, `it’s business as usual.’ This task force reflects the start of a clean sheet of paper towards the creation of a strategy that helps our business community recover. Every idea, every concept and every proposal offered by this group will be promptly reviewed and considered for implementation; red tape will be dismissed out of hand. Partisanship will have no place at the table. If there were prior disagreements on policy it doesn’t matter anymore. We want results, investment, the restoration of confidence in our future and a return to economic activity that protects the region.

In announcing the effort the County Executive welcomed the assistance of New York’s Empire State Development Corporation and the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council.

“We will welcome federal and state assistance but Nassau County also has an obligation to streamline its government processes to ensure that businesses get what they need when they need it. We are racing the clock and every member of this Administration has been put on notice that after the lights come back the daunting job of restarting our economy begins,” the County Executive continued.

Task Force Members

Chairing the group is Richard J. Daly, CEO of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Michael Dowling, President and chief executive office of the North Shore – Long Island Jewish Health System, Dr. Stuart Rabinowitz, President of Hofstra University, Kevin Law, President of the Long Island Association, Jan Burman, President of the Association for a Better Long Island, Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein, Inc., Jerry Kremer, former chairman of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, John Kominicki, Publisher of Long Island Business News, Linda Armyn, Vice President for Corporate development at Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Bob Gleason, New York regional vice president for Stop & Shop Supermarkets and Marc Herbst, Executive Director of the Long Island Contractors’ Association. Edward Ambrosino has been appointed counsel to the group.

Mr. Daly stated, “One cannot assume that without prompt and effective post storm policies implemented by government that the business climate will be returned to normal in Nassau County and across Long Island. Accordingly, this task force has one central mission. We are to provide elected officials with the information they need to construct and implement executive orders that protect the businessman and woman struggling to open their store, the entrepreneur who just lost his startup company, the tax bill that just arrived at the demolished, empty and dark home of a county resident. From our perspective, the real crisis has just begun.”

North Shore’s Dowling represents the region’s largest employer

“Better health care for our families and workforce is a key component for any economic recovery. I applaud County Executive Mangano's leadership in recognizing that all of the health care institutions in our region will continue to play a crucial role in keeping our people healthy and in fueling our economic engine. As the largest employer on Long Island, North Shore-LIJ is leading the way to create better health care provider and payor models for all of our employers, workers and residents.”

Dr. Rabinowitz explained, “The arrival of Hurricane Sandy created billions of dollars in damage and untold suffering among thousands. But its departure challenges every regional leader in every economic sector to recognize that they have now a crucial role to play in rebuilding our economy because it has been grievously damaged. Going forward there can be nothing casual about how both public and private sectors need to respond to this enormous financial toll.”

Henry Schein’s CEO welcomes collaborative effort

“As the largest public company on Long Island, Henry Schein had many Team Schein Members affected by Hurricane Sandy, and we are working to assist our colleagues in this time of need,” said Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein, Inc. “Our other primary concern is for our customers -- the dentists, physicians and veterinarians across Long Island and throughout the Northeastern United States whose practices have been seriously affected by this catastrophe. As a large business that serves small businesses, we are committed to helping our customers recover, but it will have to be done in partnership with local, state and federal government agencies. We are eager to be part of this collaborative effort.”

ABLI’s Jan Burman said, “When the emergency teams go home, when the plywood is secured over damaged homes and after the power is reconnected there comes a time when a region is truly at its most vulnerable. Either it rebuilds its economy, restoring confidence in its future or it begins to slowly hemorrhage in a most insidious way that ultimately destroys its place within the economic fabric of the nation. Amidst the wreckage and heartache the County Executive has recognized the strategic threat and this task force marks the first step in preventing the real loss, that of our future.”

Ms. Linda Armyn, Vice President of Corporate Development at Bethpage Federal Credit Union, stated, “When employees are displaced for what will be months to come, when commuting becomes a daunting odyssey, when sales tax revenues plummet and when entire neighborhoods are abandoned for community shelters there is little doubt that the economic fallout from this hurricane will be severe and long lasting. Bringing together various disciplines now to provide government with advice and direction will allow our region to rebuild and restore business confidence quickly.”

Jennifer Rimmer, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Sustainability for AECOM stated, “Our neighbors, friends and families continue to cope with the devastating effects of Sandy. While we help those who are suffering through great loss and major disruption, we are committed to rebuilding and strengthening vital infrastructure, buildings, and systems to make our communities resilient, safe and thriving. Sustainability planning will be a critical element in that effort, and we are pleased to participate in the discussions and work to build a stronger future for Nassau County and Long Island.”

As Disaster Recovery Continues County Executive Mangano Seeks To Counter The Coming Economic Wreckage Of Hurricane Sandy