Regional Airport vies to Become Hub for Tourism; Long Island MacArthur Airport Recognized with Award for Outstanding Social Media Usage; Event to be Held at Long Island MacArthur Airport, Bohemia, NY; July 14, 2011 from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM

HAUPPAUGE, NY, July 6, 2011 – Can a regional airport become a hub for domestic and international Long Island tourism? That’s one of the questions that the HIA-LI Executive Breakfast series will explore as local government and tourism officials discuss “The Airport and Tourism: Two Long Island Economic Generators.” Hosted by HIA-LI, the recognized voice for business on Long Island, the discussion will be held at the Veterans Memorial Concourse Entrance of Long Island MacArthur Airport on Thursday, July 14, 2011 from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM. In a discussion introduced by Airport Commissioner Teresa Rizzuto, Town of Islip Supervisor Phil Nolan and Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission President and CEO Moke McGowan will discuss the impact that the airport and tourism can play as a dynamic economic engine to drive the Long Island economy. In addition, Supervisor Nolan will receive the Fair Media Council Media Savvy Business Award for the Airport’s use of social media in promoting its brand. More information and registration is available at http://hia-li.org/calendarDetails.cfm?eventID=1322

“Long Island’s economy is diverse and multifaceted, from B2B industry to business and consumer tourism,” said HIA-LI president Terri Alessi-Miceli. “We look forward to this discussion about the impact of travel and tourism as an economic driver.”

“Long Island MacArthur Airport is a recognized New York airport and a hub for regional tourism,” said Nolan. “Travelers can fly to MacArthur, eat at Long Island’s gourmet restaurants, shop in our fine boutiques, stay at our destination location bed and breakfasts and enjoy our world-class beaches, all only a short train ride from New York City.”

“As the official tourism promotion agency for Long Island’s travel and tourism industry, we’re pleased with LIMA’s recent designation as a New York airport and excited by prospects of it possibly becoming an international airport – something that would have a huge impact on Long Island’s tourism industry,” said McGowan. “As a world world-class destination for both domestic and international visitors, air transportation and ease of access is a critical component to our ability to grow our tourism economy.”

Long Island MacArthur Airport (LIMA) has been focusing its efforts on increasing travel options to top destinations of New York area travelers following the recommendations of a recent study commissioned by the airport. Its focus on tourism is reflected in its award winning branding campaign. The Media Savvy Business Award recognizes the airport’s social media campaign, which reinforces LIMA as the traveler-friendly alternative to the expense and inconvenience of major NYC airports. The campaign employs relationship building through Facebook and Twitter to provide time-sensitive customer service support for information including weather issues, customer questions, and flight updates and airline specials.

For additional event information, please contact Terri Alessi-Miceli at 631-543-5355 or talessi@hia-li.org, or visit http://hia-li.org/calendarDetails.cfm?eventID=1322.

About HIA-LI
HIA-LI helps Long Island businesses prosper. For over 30 years, we have been the recognized voice for business on Long Island and a powerful force and economic engine for regional development. We provide a forum for business leaders to network, problem solve and obtain advice on critical issues facing their businesses. Our member companies represent tens of thousands of business professionals. We’re headquartered in and support one of the largest industrial parks in the United States. HIA-LI programs and events promote strategic partnerships, targeted networking, and information sharing and business advocacy. Members benefit from our committees, educational programs, career resources, research capabilities, mentoring opportunities and business advisory services. For more information, visit https://www.hia-li.org or call 631-543-5355.

HIA-LI CONTACT:
Terri Alessi-Miceli, 631-543-5355, talessi@hia-li.org

MEDIA CONTACT:
Angela Kambarian, Communication Strategy Group, 631-766-6810; akambarian@gocsg.com