East Meadow's Top Seven Business Stories of 2010

As the country continues to recover from hard economic times, residents of East Meaow are doing all they can to stay afloat. In a year that was marred with stories about the MTA Payroll Tax, there were several positive business stories in East Meadow as well. Check below for the top seven business stories of 2010.

1) 

The Brennans, who own and operate  on Merrick Avenue, have been told by Nassau County that they need to vacate the premises by the end of the year, but .

"People are wondering where they are going to go," Danielle Brennan said. "We also give over $10,000 every summer to local farms, some of which have specific lots donated to growing crops just for us."

2) 

Walter Skinner, the owner of  on Front Street, was recently honored by the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce as the chapter's small businessperson of the year.  Skinner is part of many organizations in East Meadow, including Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts and Knights of Columbus, and he serves on the Board of Education as well. Skinner's father Walter J. Skinner was also part of the Knights of Columbus and was active with Kiwanis and Boy Scouts, so the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

"Since I live work and play here, I do anything I can to give back," Skinner said.

3)

The Jordan Walerstein Media Center was established to give patients the opportunity to have some fun while they heal at the Fully equipped with two Mac Book computers, two high definition televisions, as well as Nintendo Wii and Playstation 2 consoles, the area appeals to many different tastes. One Mac Book and PS2 gaming system can be wheeled to patients who are not able to leave their rooms, so they can join in the fun as well. The area is also stocked with board games, videos, books and more to make each of those who use the room feel comfortable.

"We want the children to be happy," Dr. Steven Walerstein said. "They can use this to stay connected until they get better."

4)

Supported by Sen. Kemp Hannon, R-Garden City, small business owners rallied on East Meadow Avenue to fight the MTA Payroll Tax on Sept. 21.

Small businesses across the 12-county MTA region, including Nassau and Suffolk counties, began paying part of a $1.5 billion bailout of the MTA in Nov. 2009. The tax costs business owners 34 cents for every $100 of their payroll. According to the New York State Comptroller's Office, the impact of the MTA Payroll Tax on business and non-profit organizations is about $103.9 million in Nassau County.

"Albany has to wake up and stop this taxing and spending," said Steve Haller, President of Minuteman Press in Levittown. "This MTA tax is just ridiculous. I pay for it, automatically, before I even pay my employees."

5)

The First National Bank of Long Island opened it's doors to become the bank's 33rd branch.   Local politicians, chamber of commerce members and people from the community celebrated what many hope is a step in the right direction for local businesses.

"In this economy, every opening of a new business is great," Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray said. "Hopefully it's a sign that we're coming out of this egregious economy that we're living through."

6)

Randi Shubin Dresner, the CEO of Island Harvest, was recognized at the New York State Assembly's Women of Distinction event. Assemblymen David McDonough and Thomas McKevitt presented the awards on Aug. 21.

The award came as a surprise to Dresner, a lifelong East Meadow resident, who still doesn't know who nominated her for the award. However, she accepts the distinction with selfless modesty.

"The successes that I see are successes because of the fabulous team of people I work with," Dresner said. "This is what I do for a living, but I do it with a team of people."

7)

 While many people still associate hyperbaric medicine with illnesses related to diving accidents; more and more, Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) is being used to treat an increasing number of serious medical conditions and problem wounds alike.

"Some of the most common illnesses and conditions that we treat are diabetic ulcers, carbon monoxide poisoning and the late effects of radiation treatment," says Donna Hangan, unit coordinator at Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Center.