Local Businesses Unite at Joint Chamber Event

Members from the Malverne Merchants Association, and Lynbrook and East Rockaway Chambers of Commerce,  met at The Bristal in Lynbrook Tuesday night for a business networking event.

Among the local businesses in attendance were , DaVinci's Apothecary of East Rockaway, , Lynbrook Little League, All Island Taxi and Rolling River Day Camp.

"We're here to meet people in the area, possibly find some new vendors to work with, and work with local businesses instead of out of state," said Marissa Goodman of Rolling River.

Lynbrook Chamber President Bill Gaylor emphasized the importance of the event for local businesses.

"We all need the help during these tough times," Gaylor said. "It's important we all come together."

State Assemblyman and former Lynbrook Mayor Brian Curran gave the crowd an update on local economic plans and spoke about the general state of the economy. Curran blamed the weak economy on reckless spending and government entitlement programs, and blasted Obamacare, what he called a "horrible piece of legislation."

"The fight has been brewing for decades with these entitlement programs. People are questioning the economic system," Curran said. "The choice is now to either lay off people or to cut back."

As for recent activities on Wall Street, Curran showed little sympathy for protesters.

"Everybody wants something for free - just look at ," he said.

Curran also spoke on Cuomo's two percent property tax cap, which will go into effect for the 2012 fiscal year for local governments and the 2012-13 budget year for school districts. He warned of the consequences of not acting soon on urgent economic issues. 

"If we don't do something soon, we won't have anyone left on Long Island," Curran said.

Gaylor told business owners to keep their chins up during these "tough times."

He added, "2011's been a tough year...but we have 60-plus days left. Keep up the good fight."