Long Island’s eight Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs) in partnership with Discover Long Island, the region’s official Destination Marketing Organization, have united to spur business attraction at a time quality of life is driving work place decisions. The Long Island Economic Development Collective (LIEDC) is a proactive marketing approach capitalizing on Long Island’s talented workforce, advanced industries, intellectual capital, and proximity to New York City.
“As the Country begins to re-think corporate structures in an ever-changing post-Pandemic world where Zoom Towns are the new norm, it is more relevant than ever to promote the many positive qualities that Long Island living offers prospective businesses,” said Kristen Jarnagin, President & CEO of Discover Long Island.
“In today’s changing economic development landscape, it’s not just businesses that drive economic growth — attracting talent and placemaking have become focal points for our regional communities and for the prospective businesses looking at communities. Our $6.1 billion visitor economy is proof that Long Island is a desirable location and utilizing that same marketing playbook to lure prospective businesses to our region is vital to our economic recovery. We applaud our partners in economic development for coming together to ensure that Long Island is top of mind for key business influencers to spur economic opportunities at this critical time.”
“Long Island is a terrific community with a superb quality of life, world-class natural assets, a highly-educated and talented workforce and the best schools in the country, and thus we look forward to partnering with the County Executives, Discover Long Island and the IDAs to attract new businesses, create more jobs and keep our economy growing,” said Kevin Law, President & CEO of the Long Island Association.
The collaboration of the region’s IDAs and tourism officials kicked off in July 2019 with funding by a National Grid economic development grant. Today, the Collective officially announces its unified approach to drive positive awareness and perception of Long Island to key business decision makers on a global front and ultimately, increase regional economic opportunities.
“Long Island’s world-class healthcare network, coupled with our diverse and highly-educated workforce, proximity to NYC, comprehensive transit infrastructure, and variety of commercial real estate options, makes it an ideal place for businesses looking to expand or relocate in our region,” said Nassau
County Executive Laura Curran. “We must capitalize on the increase of businesses looking to move to less dense locations and our IDAs offer attractive incentives that will help us do so. The Long Island Economic Development Collective will ensure Long Island’s unparalleled advantages are showcased to business leaders world-wide and help secure quality jobs for generations to come.”
“There has never been a better time to invest in Long Island’s future,” said Harry Coghlan, CEO of Nassau County IDA. “The Long Island Economic Development Collective will pave the way for the next generation, enhancing the businesses that line our downtowns and make up the fabric of our community for employers and employees alike as physical and virtual business practices converge and evolve.”
“Long Island is an impressive, innovative economic hub, and while our region was once the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are working to build back stronger than ever,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “With world-class destinations, a highly-skilled workforce, leading research and educational facilities, and one of the largest industrial parks in the nation, our message is clear, Long Island is open for business.”
“Our top priority remains dedicated to aiding our community from the ongoing economic devastation of COVID-19,” said Tony Catapano, Executive Director of the Suffolk County IDA. “Long Island’s open spaces and talented workforce continue to attract some of the Countries most innovative industries to our region. We look forward to helping them find the perfect place to relocate during a time when many can take advantage of the quality of life benefits Long Island offers during this challenging time.”
The new campaign launch includes the unveiling of a new micro-site, offering a one-stop Long Island resource for easily accessible information for businesses and site selectors including details on workforce statistics, proximity and connectivity to New York City, incentive and service opportunities, core industries, C-suite testimonials and interactive cluster maps that easily map out the region for prospects.
In addition, the LIEDC partnered with leading economic development agency, Conway Inc. and Site Selection Magazine, a top publication read by CEO’s across the globe and real estate consultants hired to find the best locations for offices, factories, laboratories and warehouses, to execute destination promotional efforts. The magazine’s September/October 2020 issue features an insert titled “The Long Island Intelligence Report,” outlining the Island’s attributes including its skilled workforce, colleges and research institutions, quality of life and key industries.
A digital advertising campaign focusing on business-oriented platforms such as LinkedIn, Siteselection.com and Google keywords, will re-target science and research, aerospace and food manufacturing industry verticals to positively influence business attraction efforts for the region. Distribution of a new monthly newsletter will highlight industry news regarding economic opportunities for the business and site selection community.
“Glen Cove’s unique proximity to New York City and charming waterfront community has been enhanced with a growing number of new residential rentals and condominiums that are attracting both visitors and Manhattanites for relocation purposes,” said Ann Fangmann, Executive Director of the Glen Cove IDA. “As the smallest IDA on Long Island we extend our gratitude to the Collective for their promotion of our region, a vital tool that ensures we remain competitive in this changing market.”
“During this challenging time it is critical to invest and promote our businesses both large and small,” said Lisa Mulligan, CEO of Brookhaven IDA. “The Long Island Economic Development Collective allows us to unite as a region to further highlight the many advantages and resources available on Long Island in order to grow and retain business development.”
“We are proud Long Islanders and are thankful for this opportunity to join together as a region to share the many reasons why Long Island is a place where businesses belong,” said Riverhead IDA Executive Director, Tracy Stark James. “2020 has proven that we are stronger together and the Collective affords us the ability to strategically promote our destination to key decision makers who could make a vital impact for our region, particularly as Riverhead advances the development of its new Calverton Aviation and Technology Park.”
“We are proud to be members of the Long Island Economic Development Collective, said Tom Dolan, CEO of The Town of Babylon IDA. “When we work together, we can effectively raise national awareness of Long Island, and attract companies here who are looking for our quality of life and talented workforce.”
To explore Long Island’s business development and expansion efforts, please visit www.DiscoverLongIsland.com/business.
