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Tag: long island economy

  • Study: Farmingdale State College drove $1B economic impact, 10K jobs | Long Island Business News

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    THE BLUEPRINT:

    • FSC contributed nearly $1 billion to Long Island’s economy from 2020–2025

    • The college supported almost 10,000 jobs across Nassau and Suffolk counties

    • A $272 million economic impact was generated by FSC in 2025 alone

    • Construction projects, including a Computer Sciences Center, are projected to add $250 million by 2028

    Nearly $1 billion in economic activity and almost 10,000 jobs were generated by between 2020 and 2025, according to a new economic impact analysis by the . The study examined spending tied to the college’s operations and construction, as well as expenditures by students and visitors, capturing the multiplier effect as those dollars circulated through the regional economy and supported additional jobs and business activity across Long Island.

    The LIA Research Institute, the research arm of the , conducted the study for FSC to assess the college’s recent economic impact and expectations for the future.

    “Farmingdale State College is an economic engine for our region, enabling Long Islanders to obtain a quality education and secure jobs and also serving as a major employer and community asset,” Matt Cohen, president and chief executive of the LIA said in a news release about the study. “The LIA was proud to partner with Farmingdale to conduct this illuminating analysis to demonstrate its ripple effect throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.”

    Founded 114 years ago as a farming and horticultural school, FSC now enrolls more than 10,000 students annually in programs such as engineering, sciences, business and computer science. And the college has plans for continued growth.

    The study found that in 2025 alone, FSC generated $272 million in economic impact, driven largely by university operations and staffing. To support new academic programs, the college is expanding its physical infrastructure, with new and renovated facilities underway. This includes a 50,000-square-foot Computer Sciences Center. Construction-related economic impact through 2028 is projected at approximately $250 million.

    “Colleges and universities are truly remarkable public assets, not only through our role as a major regional employer, but also as an engine of social mobility, and innovation,” Robert Prezant, president of Farmingdale State College said in the news release.

    “FSC plays a vital role in the local and regional economy and the report produced by the LIA solidifies this role with real, meaningful data,” he added. “Through our unique and innovative programs, FSC continues to attract energetic and talented students who will be the future of Long Island’s workforce. We are proud of the work we do on campus and the impact we have on our surrounding community.”

    “What Farmingdale creates for our community goes well beyond its campus,” Steven Kent, chief economist of the LIA Research Institute, said in the news release.

    “The colleges’ spending, construction, students and visitors activate the broader economic chain within Nassau and Suffolk counties,” he said.  “But it is not just dollars. The college transforms its students who mostly stay on Long Island, get high-paying jobs, and create a virtuous circle for our region.”

    For this study, the LIA Research Institute used the IMPLAN calculation process, an economic impact modeling system applied to estimate how spending affects a regional economy. The study looked at direct spending by the college from 2020-2025; indirect spending by employees, students, and visitors and induced impacts including the effect on regional businesses.

    The complete study is available here.


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    Adina Genn

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  • Long Island business confidence dips amid economic challenges | Long Island Business News

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    THE BLUEPRINT:

    • Long Island declined this year after a post-2024 election high.

    • Affordability and housing costs remain major concerns for .

    • Survey included 311 business leaders.

    Last year there was a measurable uptick in confidence among Long Island business leaders. This year that confidence dipped. Some of that decline reflects ongoing challenges, including long-standing affordability issues and, more recently, broader uncertainty. Local leaders met Thursday morning at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury to better understand the factors that are shaping Long Island’s economy.

    The gathering centered on the “Long Island Results Launch,” hosted by in partnership with the (SRI). The results provided insights via 311 Long Island business leaders who participated in the survey, helping to identify emerging trends, challenges and opportunities.

    The event included a panel moderated by PKF O’Connor Davies Partner Jeffrey Davoli. The survey’s results were delivered by Don Levy, director of SRI. Levy was also part of a panel discussion that included U.S. Reps. Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) and Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove), as well as Stacey Sikes, vice president of government affairs and communications at Long Island Association.

    Business confidence slipped from a “post-2024 election high,” prompting leaders to take a more cautious approach, according to Levy.

    “Fifty-four percent of the businesses we spoke to a year ago predicted that the year ahead was going to be better,” Levy said. “They were excited.”

    Those business leaders had planned to invest in fixed assets, add employees and see increased revenue and profitability.

    But, Levy said, “the year did not live up to their expectations.”

    Expectations for both the Long Island and national economies, according to the survey, declined sharply, with pessimism about the more than doubling from the year prior.

    Volatility, including and energy, may play a role in impacting business confidence, LaLota said.

    “What government does or doesn’t do, I think, can help or hurt you, and just having stability in those areas” can be important to businesses as they look at revenues and the ability to hire, he said.

    Uncertainty around tariffs are a big concern for owners, Suozzi said, adding that they are worried about upcoming changes to the current business environment.

    “I’ve talked to so many businesses that ordered things from overseas. While it was on the boat, the tariffs went up,” Suozzi said. “They got hit when they got to the dock with a $500,000 bill that they didn’t plan for. People can’t function in that environment. That affects the confidence. That affects your desire to say yes, I’m going to invest in this.”

    Also impacting confidence is affordability, something that’s now part of a national discussion, although Long Island has been grappling with the challenge, especially housing costs, for decades.

    Affordability is even seeping into . Davoli pointed out that, according to the survey, “70 percent express concern, yet only 27 percent have a structure plan in place.”

    Sikes said she wasn’t surprised that succession planning is an issue, especially at a time when the population is getting older.

    “We already have a challenge keeping young people on Long Island,” she said. “A median home price is $800,000 on Long Island. How can any young person afford a down payment, a closing cost, the mortgage and the taxes?” The region’s high cost of living makes it difficult for businesses to bring in and retain the next generation of leaders.

    When it comes to adding housing and navigating zoning, LaLota, said, “local control is always best. The state and the feds should not have a role in that.”

    Suozzi said that 95 percent of housing should be single family homes, but recommended that 5 percent, or less, should include housing in downtowns. “We have to build places where young people can afford to live,” but still “preserve our suburban quality of life in the process,” he said.

    Both Suozzi and LaLota spoke about bringing tax dollars back to New York State, adding that at the federal level, the state only gets back 85 cents for every dollar it sends to Washington, DC.

    Suozzi pointed out that New York State is more expensive than Florida and Texas because New York has the lowest rate of uninsured adults and children, while the two other states have the highest. New York also pays teachers more than many other states.

    New York, he said, has tremendous wealth, “but we have to get that wealth back to our state to try and reduce our costs. Or we’re going to lose this population fight because people are moving to these southwestern and southeastern lowest tax states, and we’re not keeping up with them.

    “Federal tax policy can help with that,” he said. “But it’s going to be a tough fight.”

    The complete survey is available here.


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    Adina Genn

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  • New leaders take charge as Long Island execs step down in 2025 | Long Island Business News

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    In Brief:
    • Northwell , 1-800-Flowers.com and Nassau University Medical Center named new CEOs in 2025.
    • Leadership transitions were announced at major nonprofits including Long Island Cares and Family Service League.
    • Law firms Rivkin Radler and Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman unveiled new managing partners.
    • Stony Brook University welcomed Andrea Goldsmith as its seventh president.

    Long Island organizations saw a change of the guard in 2025, as veteran leaders announced they were stepping down and seasoned executives began to take the reins. From healthcare to law, , and beyond, new leaders are helping to shape the next chapter of the region’s business landscape. Here’s a look back at some of those notable leadership transitions.

    Michael Dowling and Dr. John D’Angelo. / Credit: Lee Weissman/Northwell Health

    Michael Dowling, who served as president and chief executive of Northwell Health for more than 23 years, became CEO emeritus, focusing on teaching and public health, on Oct. 1. Dr. John D’Angelo, the health system’s former executive vice president, was appointed Northwell’s president and CEO after a nationwide search.

    Dowling called it an “extraordinary privilege” to lead the health system, helping it grow to 28 hospitals and 104,000 staff members. D’Angelo said he was “humbled and honored” to succeed Dowling, and stand “committed to build” on Dowling’s “unparalleled legacy.”

    Jim McCann

    In May, Jim McCann announced he was stepping down as CEO of 1-800-Flowers.com, but would remain active in the company as executive chairman. Adolfo Villagomez–who most recently served as CEO of Progress Residential, a private owner and operator of single-family rental homes across more than 40 U.S. markets–began his role as CEO of 1-800-Flowers.com in May.

    “Adolfo is the first person outside the McCann family to take on this role— something I did not take lightly,” McCann added. “From our very first conversation, I recognized in him not only extraordinary business acumen, but also a deep passion and a genuine commitment to partnership with myself and our leadership team. This is a unique and impactful moment for our company, and I’m proud to enter this next chapter of our journey.” Villagomez said “I cannot wait to hit the ground running with Jim and the leadership team to help grow the business dramatically in the years ahead.”

    Paule Pachter said in June that he was retiring as CEO and president of Long Island Cares – the Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank, headquartered in Hauppauge, after leading the organization for 17 years. Katherine Fritz, the organization’s vice president for development and communication, was named Long Island Cares new president and CEO.

    Courtesy of Long Island Cares, Inc. – The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank

    Fritz was the “unanimous choice to guide Long Island through the food-insecurity crisis,” according to Long Island Cares. Pachter, now president emeritus, serves in an advisory role, and called his time at the organization “the most rewarding and productive period of my 46-year history of working in the human services sector on Long Island.”

    Karen Boorshtein said in June that she will step down as president and CEO of Family Service League on March 31, 2026, having led the organization for more than 15 years. “It has been a privilege to work alongside such a talented and committed team and to partner with community leaders and stakeholders who believe in the power of support, dignity and opportunity for all,” she said.

    A successor has not yet been announced.

    Evan Krinick and Barry Levy / Courtesy of Rivkin Radler

    New leadership was announced in September at Rivkin Radler, a law firm headquartered in Uniondale, effective Feb. 1. That’s when Barry Levy will lead the firm as its new managing partner. He will succeed Evan Krinick, who, having led the firm since 2013, will remain active at Rivkin Radler, representing clients and participating in management initiatives.

    “It has been a privilege to be the managing partner of this great organization,” Krinick said. “After more than 12 years as managing partner, it is time to hand the reins to another partner.” Levy said he was “truly honored” by his partners’ confidence in his ability to lead the firm forward.” He added that “working under Evan’s leadership over the past 12 years has served as a tremendous blueprint in terms of continuing to grow the firm while maintaining its unique culture.”

    Thomas Stokes was appointed permanent CEO of Nassau University Medical Center in December, effective in January. The veteran healthcare leader — who at the time of the announcement served as chief financial officer of Weill Cornell Medicine and vice president for finance at Cornell University—will run Nassau County’s only public safety-net hospital, which is operated by Nassau Health Care Corporation.

    Board Chair Stuart Rabinowitz said Stokes’ “arrival strengthens a system that has already made important strides—increasing revenue, improving operations and reducing costs,” adding that “there is still work ahead.” Stokes said that serving “the people of Nassau County is deeply meaningful to me, and I’m ready to get to work.”

    Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, a law firm whose locations include East Meadow and Hauppauge, announced new leadership in December. Partners Brendan DeRiggi and Jaspreet Mayall are now co-managing partners, responsible for overseeing the firm’s growth and operations. Howard Stein, who has served as the firm’s managing partner, is now chair of the firm, focusing on advancing its long-term vision, strategic planning and key client relationships.

    “This is an exciting moment for our firm,” Stein said. “I am honored to assume the role of chair and confident that with Brendan and Jaspreet as co-managing partners, we will continue to drive innovation, deepen client relationships and invest in our people.” DeRiggi said that their “shared vision will help advance the firm’s strategic priorities.”  Mayall said he is “committed to building on our strengths and fostering a mindset of excellence across the firm.”

    Andrea Goldsmith, State University of New York

    Andrea Goldsmith began her tenure on Aug. 1 as Stony Brook University’s seventh president. Goldsmith previously served as dean of engineering and applied science at Princeton University, where she had served as a researcher in engineering, technology company founder and faculty member. Goldsmith holds 38 patents in wireless technology, and served in roles at Stanford University and Caltech. Stony Brook’s previous president, Maurie McInnis, left to lead Yale University.

    SUNY Chancellor John King Jr. said Goldsmith’s “experience as an academic, dean and researcher–as well as an innovator and entrepreneur–will serve our students, faculty, staff, and the campus community well.” Goldsmith called it “an honor to join Stony Brook University–a champion of excellent, affordable education that will launch students into very successful careers and lives as citizens of the world.”


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    Adina Genn

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  • Long Island Association adds seven new board members | Long Island Business News

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    THE BLUEPRINT:

    • LIA elects seven new board members from major Long Island institutions.

    • New members represent , research, defense and accounting.

    • Leaders elected to help bolster economic growth and competitiveness.

    • LIA says new voices will support innovation and small-business success.

    The recently elected seven new members to its . The new board members serve in higher education, accounting services, scientific research and defense manufacturing, bringing expertise in their fields.

    These members, all from organizations that were already represented on the board, were elected to support the LIA’s mission to advance regional economic and business development.

    “We are excited to welcome these accomplished and knowledgeable leaders to the LIA Board of Directors,” Lawrence Waldman, chairman of the LIA, said in a news release about the board members.

    “Their leadership and industry expertise will bring fresh perspectives and help guide our mission to strengthen Long Island’s competitiveness and economic resilience,” he added.

    The board members include Dr. Jerry Balentine, president of New York Institute of Technology, with a campus in Old Westbury; Damon Brady, product line director of , with locations in Greenlawn; Andrea Goldsmith, president of ; John Hill, interim director of ; Craig Savell, managing principal of the New York metro region of , which includes offices in Uniondale and Melville; Christopher Storm, interim president of president of , whose main campus is in Garden City; and Jerry Ward, office managing partner of , with a location in Jericho.

    The LIA’s Board of Directors comprises “a cross-section of our region’s leading industries and institutions, and these new voices will contribute to the LIA’s efforts to ensure a thriving economy,” Matt Cohen, president and chief executive of the LIA, said in the news release.

    “The work of the new board members at their respective companies and organizations is critical to both the growth of our innovation economy and success of small businesses, and we look forward to having their input as we advocate for a prosperous Long Island,” he said.


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    Adina Genn

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  • Cantor: Rising costs squeeze Long Island small businesses | Long Island Business News

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    In Brief:
    • Nearly 89% of Long Island businesses have five or fewer employees, making them vulnerable to and rising costs.
    • Restaurants face pressure from higher labor, food and energy costs, forcing many to cut staff, raise prices or close.
    • has fallen as rent, energy and insurance costs rise faster than wages.
    • Consumers are shifting spending toward discount retailers and essentials, leaving struggling to survive.

    Long Island small businesses are having a tough time, and with nearly 89% of Long Island businesses having five or fewer employees, that would portend difficult times ahead for the backbone of Long Island’s economy. The signs are everywhere. Neighborhood restaurants and shopping stores are closing, and vacant storefronts in community strip malls are growing. Even the haircutter I have been going to for over 30 years—after reducing her days of operation to three days—is wondering if she can hang on.

    The combination of rising labor and food costs fueled by minimum wage increases and inflation, restaurants are deciding to either raise prices, reduce menu options, operate with fewer employees, or just close for good. Other small businesses are finding it difficult competing with online sales, which have increased by 9.1%.  With consumers being 70% of the economy, Long Island consumers are not only having difficulty in supporting their local businesses, but also in meeting the needs of their household budgets. When household necessities of rent, energy and food claim most of what an employee earns, there is little discretionary income to spend in local stores.

    The U.S. Census and related housing market and consumer expenditure data indicate that 33% of earnings are spent for housing costs, 30% for federal and state withholding taxes, and 13% for food. The balance of 24% of earnings—or discretionary income—would be spent on property taxes, insurance and transportation, with what’s left spent in local businesses. However, this discretionary income is sure to decrease, considering the latest data indicating that rents have increased by 3.8%—the largest increase since 2011. This also includes electricity and natural gas increasing by 6.2% and 13.8%, respectively since last year. Additionally, for those who purchase insurance on the federal marketplace, premiums are estimated to increase by 75%.

    The U.S. Census is scheduled to release updated consumer expenditure data at the end of this month, and with inflation and costs outpacing wage increases, it can be expected that (at best) the 24% discretionary income will remain. However, more likely any discretionary income will decrease. Both options are not good news for struggling businesses, with any relief from consumers not appearing on the horizon.

    Consumers concerned about their financial future is not new. What is new is that consumer confidence is at the lowest level since June 2023, when the economy was struggling to rebound from the pandemic. This concern has impacted spending patterns, leaving businesses playing catch up with consumers as they become more selective in their purchase choices that include seeking better value for their dollar, and goods and services reflective of their lifestyle changes.

    Placer Research has found that consumers are choosing to shop at discount, dollar stores and off-priced apparel than conventional department stores. As for major, big ticket costly renovations to homes and wardrobe, consumers are favoring lower-cost wardrobe updating and refreshing home décor, while deferring larger electronics and home improvement spending. And as my haircutter is finding out: Shorter customer trips are giving way to longer visits.

    Discretionary income is crucial to Long Island’s small business base, and with economic headwinds and increased everyday costs, discretionary household budgets are being squeezed, leaving consumers with little choice but to be selective in how they spend their discretionary income.

    Not a welcome message to Long Island’s small business base.

     

    is director of the Long Island Center for Socio-Economic Policy and former Suffolk County economic development commissioner. He can be reached at [email protected].


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  • Rugile: Offshore wind powers jobs and growth for Long Island | Long Island Business News

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    In Brief:
    • project invests $5B to power 500,000 homes
    • South Fork Wind already powers 70,000 Long Island homes
    • Orsted, projects have created thousands of local jobs
    • Offshore wind strengthens energy security and U.S. supply chains
    • Long Island manufacturing and workforce training benefit directly

    If you’ve walked along Brooklyn’s Sunset Park waterfront lately, you may have noticed a new barge near the , with a unique set of equipment onboard. This American-flagged vessel is loaded with American-made cable, manufactured in South Carolina and now being installed with help from union workers into the seabed off the coast of New York. That cable will soon connect the Empire Wind offshore wind project directly to New York City’s electric grid.

    In today’s tough economic climate, it may feel like New York’s clean energy ambitions have been put on pause. But that’s far from the truth. This barge is one indicator that projects like Empire Wind 1 are moving forward—creating jobs, strengthening local economies and proving that offshore wind is not some distant hope, but a real and rising industry.

    On Long Island, we face real economic headwinds: A shrinking youth population due to high housing costs, sluggish job growth and tariff exposure. But we also have valuable assets: over 2,000 manufacturing companies, a resilient defense sector, and world-renowned research institutions like Cold Spring Harbor and Brookhaven labs.

    When population trends are shifting, and job growth is slowing, one of the best responses is to encourage emerging industries that create well-paying, future-ready careers. That’s exactly what we’re seeing now as a handful of major, federally approved offshore wind projects begin to deliver real economic momentum across the region.

    For the first time since the exit of Grumman Aerospace from Long Island, we are building an industry that could rival the post-World War II defense boom. Offshore wind brings with it advanced manufacturing jobs, supply chain investments and innovation-driven careers. These are not abstract promises—they’re already taking shape. As Long Islanders know, Orsted’s South Fork Wind project is already operational and powering 70,000 homes. The company’s development is next in line, and between the two, Orsted has already supported more than 1,400 workers logging over 3 million hours, with a local economic impact estimated at $58 million.

    Building on this momentum, Equinor’s Empire Wind project represents the next major leap in New York’s offshore wind ambitions, with $5 billion in capital investment and the capacity to power half a million homes. Work is underway at the 73-acre South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, which will become the project’s control center and maintenance base. So far, Empire Wind has supported more than 2,000 jobs and activated a broad network of American suppliers, from steel fabricators to underground utility crews.

    We see the same momentum elsewhere. In Massachusetts, Vineyard Wind has employed 1,700 local workers and is set to come online soon. In Virginia, Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, first leased in 2013 and fully permitted in 2023, is on track to power 660,000 homes by 2026.

    And there’s more to come. Developers like Community Offshore Wind are actively engaged in the bidding process for future New York contracts, and others like Attentive Energy could re-enter the market if conditions improve.

    These projects don’t happen overnight. They require years of planning, permitting, technical studies and public engagement. What they truly require, above all, is sustained commitment. Success doesn’t come from short-term thinking—it comes from staying the course.

    Offshore wind represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reinvest in domestic manufacturing, modernize our infrastructure, and expand the workforce training programs that prepare people for tomorrow’s jobs. It’s also a matter of national security. Strengthening our energy independence makes us more resilient in a volatile global economy.

    This must be part of a broader strategy that includes solar, hydrogen, thermal, existing fossil fuel production and other emerging technologies. The goal is not to replace one energy source with another. It’s to build a balanced, secure and forward-looking system.

    We’re not starting from scratch. Long Islanders have powered this country before—designing complex systems, solving big problems, and helping America lead. Offshore wind is our chance to do that again, and this time with cleaner, smarter tools. The foundation is in place, the progress is real, and the potential is enormous. Now is the time to keep building.

     

    Phil Rugile is the president for the Institute for Workforce Advancement and co-chair of the Regional Economic Development Council’s workforce and education and energy committees.


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  • Burman: Ryder Cup at Bethpage drives Long Island tourism and economy | Long Island Business News

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    In Brief:
    • draws 250,000 visitors to
    • Hotels and restaurants see record bookings across Long Island
    • Homes near Bethpage rent for $3,000 per night during event
    • Global TV audience of 500M showcases
    • Event fosters community pride and shared experiences

    I don’t play golf.

    However, I know colleagues who do. In many instances, however, they will candidly admit it’s not about placing that little white ball in a cup far, far away that is blocked by sand and water. Rather, it’s about doing business on the fairway, creating what has been alleged to be a bonding experience in a game that the late comedian Robin Williams once described as a baffling, maddening and expensive sport that is inexplicably played 18 times.

    One suspects, however, no one is “bonding” in what will be a ruthless competition to win the Ryder Cup on the challenging grounds of Bethpage Golf Course. There is no cash prize for the golfer athlete winning the Ryder Cup (although there are lucrative appearance fees). While their reward is the honor of lifting the trophy before an adoring audience, for Long Island the Ryder Cup is very much a cash prize.

    Those who have driven by the golf course over the last several weeks have been stunned to see a literal township of temporary multilevel suites, grandstands, broadcast studios and support structures consume a good portion of the greens. Hotels as far as Garden City have been booked for months, and in some cases, for years, to ensure celebrity names would get the accommodations they wanted. Long Island restaurants are likely telling their regulars that getting reservations this weekend may be a tad bit difficult given that there are a quarter million people descending on Bethpage and at least 65% of them are from off island.

    For those whose homes are adjacent to the golf course there are reports that some owners are leasing out their places for $3,000 a night. If that is too expensive, you might consider using their driveway at several hundred dollars a day.

    Yet there are strategic economic returns for Long Island that may not become immediately apparent. An international focus on the region comes with coverage of the Ryder Cup with a potential global television audience of half a billion people. No state or local government tourism agency would have the multi-million-dollar budget to reach that many potential visitors to the Island.

    There are also serious intangible rewards that go beyond the cash register. Sporting become shared experiences that can bring communities together and for Long Island, that too often views itself as a series of profoundly separate communities, that is a welcome change. For non-golfers, the Ryder Cup may become similar to how people who don’t usually watch tennis might tune in for Wimbledon, or casual baseball fans get seriously invested in the World Series. For non-golfers such as myself, it is a chance to watch from a comfortable distance the masters of a difficult sport compete for honors.

    Robin Williams envisioned the demonic mastermind who first conjured golf, telling his companions, “Here’s my idea for a sport: Knock a ball in a gopher hole! But it’s different than pool…you don’t use a straight stick but one that’s crooked… after whacking away and missing, you feel like you are going to have a stroke, so that’s what we’ll call it: A stroke.”

    It is typically hilarious Robin Williams banter but for Long Island hosting the Ryder Cup, our region’s economy is gratefully welcoming the enormous economic benefits that come with the game.

     

    David Burman is principal and president of development at B2K Development in Jericho.


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  • Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black set to generate $160M for LI | Long Island Business News

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    THE BLUEPRINT:

    • held Sept 23–28 at on Long Island

    • Expected $160 million economic boost and 1,000 new jobs for the region

    • Over 250,000 visitors anticipated

    • Hotels and Airbnb near Bethpage nearly sold out with premium pricing

    Long Island is gearing up to host the 2025 Ryder Cup, scheduled for September 23–28 at the renowned Bethpage Black course in Farmingdale. The announced Bethpage as the event’s host back in 2013, setting in motion years of preparation for the tournament.

    New projections reveal that the event is expected to infuse $160 million into the , and create an estimated 1,000 jobs, according to the LIA Research Institute, the research arm of the Long Island Association.

    The event is expected to draw more than 250,000 people – including President Donald Trump. Of the attendees, at least 65-70 percent will likely hail from elsewhere in the U.S., and other countries, according to the LIA Research Institute. They will look on as 24 of the top male players from around the world compete between Team USA and Team Europe.

    “Long Island is an unparalleled place to live and work, and assets like the Bethpage Black Course allows our region to attract world-class sporting including this year’s Ryder Cup,” Matt Cohen, LIA president and CEO, said in a written statement.

    “This preeminent golfing tournament will provide a unique opportunity for Long Island to host visitors throughout the world who will spend their money at our hotels and restaurants and boost job growth both on and off the course,” Cohen added.

    The latest analysis considered several types of spending related to the Ryder Cup. This includes direct spending, such as money for tickets and merchandise. It also includes indirect spending, such as expenses at local hotels, restaurants and other businesses. And it includes induced impacts, which refer to how employees may spend the wages they earn from Ryder Cup-related jobs. Overall, the total income earned by workers is expected to be approximately $57 million, according to the report.

    Research shows that there are 16 hotels within 25 miles of Bethpage Black, and all are nearly sold out with prices per night at between $900 and $1,000. Airbnb properties within 25 miles were also largely sold out, though at the time of the report’s release, one three-bedroom location was priced at $36,000 for a six-night booking.

    Tournament packages, including hotel, transportation, tickets and upgraded food options started at $7,000 and ranged up to $20,000. Week-long passes were being resold for more than $6,000.

    Billy Lodato, catering director at Lessing’s of Heritage Club at Bethpage – a venue located within Bethpage State Park – has been leading the venue’s preparations throughout the Ryder Cup process.

    “It is an honor to lead Lessing’s in executing one of the world’s premier sporting events,” Lodato told LIBN.

    “Hosting the Ryder Cup is not just about service, it’s about precision, planning and the relentless attention to detail required to welcome golf’s biggest stage,” Lodato said.

    “From meticulously coordinating logistics and culinary offerings to ensuring every guest experience is seamless, this event showcases the true scale and capability of our team,” he added. “Employees from every division, from New York to Florida, have come together, bringing expertise, dedication and pride to make this moment truly unforgettable. This opportunity highlights not only our company’s strength and spirit, but also our unwavering commitment to excellence in every detail.”

    And for those who didn’t get tickets, viewing parties will help them participate.

    Optimum, for instance, is hosting viewing parties. There is one slated for Sept. 26, from 12-4 p.m.  at Bacaro Italian Tavern in Massapequa Park. Another is scheduled for Sept. 27, from 12-4 p.m. at B.K. Sweeney’s Parkside Tavern in Bethpage. And yet another on Sept. 28 will take place from 12-4 p.m. at Sal’s Place in Hicksville in North Massapequa.

    The extends beyond Long Island, officials said.

    “When including the entire state of New York, the Ryder Cup will leave an economic impact far more than $200 million,” Bryan Karns, Ryder Cup director, said in a written statement.

    “The Ryder Cup economic impact goes well beyond the initial spend by the PGA of America, sponsors and visitors; it creates a ripple effect through Nassau and Suffolk Counties,” Steve Kent, chief economist of the LIA Research Institute, said in a written statement. “Our regional businesses also buy locally and hire locally, so there is a multiplier effect that percolates throughout Long Island.”

    Read more about the Ryder Cup:   

    Toasted Oysters heading to 2025 Ryder Cup showcase

     Ryder Cup 2025 at Bethpage to boost Long Island economy


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  • Suffolk County approves working waterfront protection law | Long Island Business News

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    THE BLUEPRINT:

    • Suffolk Legislature approves “” bill unanimously

    • 2,400+ acres of commercial waterfront uses to be preserved

    • $9.5M in capital funding allocated from 2026 to 2028

    • New committee to oversee for marine use

     

    The Legislature unanimously approved legislation Wednesday to safeguard the county’s working waterfronts, protecting more than 2,400 acres of commercial waterfront property. 

    The law establishes a Working Waterfront Committee to oversee conservation easements, ensuring that properties historically used for marine purposes remain dedicated to industries such as fishing, , , marine repair and other maritime businesses, according to a legislature statement. 

    Co-sponsored by East End Legislators Ann Welker and Catherine Stark and known as the “Working Waterfronts” bill, the measure is backed by $9.5 million in capital funding from 2026 through 2028. 

    Photo by Judy Walker

    Suffolk is home to nearly 3,000 marine-related businesses employing over 38,000 residents and the legislation aims to protect local jobs and small businesses, while preserving access to docks, boatyards and marine facilities. 

    Some of the impetus for the bill was concerns about the sales of waterfront properties on the East End. Last year, Gosman’s Dock in Montauk was sold for $34.35 million to founders of the private equity firm Black Diamond Capital Management. 

    Similar to the county’s 51-year-old farmland preservation program, the county will be able to purchase development rights for waterfront property which would remain privately owned but ensuring its future use within the maritime industry. The legislation received strong support from the area’s industry, which generates tens of millions of dollars annually, boosting tourism and perpetuating a vital Long Island heritage. 

    “The economy of Long Island began with fisherman who risked their lives making a living on the sea has been facing challenges for decades,” Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine told LIBN. “Establishing a working waterfront is a tremendous step in helping preserve that way of life and bolster our blue economy. Thank you to my partners in the legislature who supported this legislation, as we could not do this without partnership. I am very excited to see how this program will bolster this historic and important industry.” 

    Once signed into law by Romaine, the measure will create a 17-member committee to oversee the program and review property owner applicants. While dwellings and buildings will be excepted from the conservation easements, “docks, piers, wharves, packhouses, ice houses, and other ancillary structures that support operation of commercial fisheries businesses, aquaculture businesses, or the recreational fishing and boating businesses, and their customary accessory uses, may be included in the conservation easement subject to the approval of the county legislature,” according to the bill. 


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    David Winzelberg

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