May 2, 2011

Nassau County Legislator Denise Ford Teams up with

Suffolk Legislator Wayne Horsley to Boost Long Island Businesses

Nassau County Legislator Denise Ford and Suffolk County Legislator Wayne Horsley have joined together to unite the Island’s counties in establishing the “Long Island First” working group to create a plan to advertise and market Nassau and Suffolk-based businesses and products, and fuel a much-needed boost to Long Island’s economy.

The Legislators jointly drafted legislation approved in both counties to establish the “Long Island First” working group charged with developing a plan to encourage consumers to purchase Long Island-based products, services and labor. The Working Group will conduct research to establish an interactive website and a marketing campaign to promote Long Island businesses and products.

“The purpose of this initiative is to develop a renewed appreciation for work done on Long Island by Long Islanders,” said Legislator Ford, the Chairwoman of Nassau’s Economic & Community Development & Labor Committee. “I am thrilled to be a part of such a ground-breaking initiative, and I am committed to turning the economic tide in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.”

The working group will be made up of twenty-nine members of the Long Island business community and will be chaired by the Executive Director of the Long Island Planning Commission. Members include representatives from the various industries across Long Island, representatives from Long Island’s Towns and Villages, union leaders, elected officials and civic leaders.

The Suffolk County Legislature approved the legislation at their general meeting on March 22, 2011, and the Nassau County Legislature unanimously approved the measure on April 18, 2011.