The Gold Coast Arts Center has been named as an advisor to a newly formed group called Select Long Island, whose goal is to promote economic development on Long Island.
Select Long Island was created by business journalist Warren Strugatch and aims to bring together private-sector employers, government officials, education leaders, and business advocacy groups. “We need to change the dialogue about Long Island and promote some of the dynamic things that have been happening here, like downtown revitalization, mixed-use growth, and the development of a regional airport,” Strugatch said in a statement.
“Essential to any economic development plan aimed at attracting young people, and keeping older residents from moving away, is to offer cultural and arts-related opportunities and entertainment venues, which are also beneficial for economic growth,” said Regina Gil, founder and executive director of the Gold Coast Arts Center. “The arts on Long Island is a vital economic engine that employs more than 2,100 employees with an annual payroll of over $73 million.”
Select Long Island’s first event was a roundtable discussion held at BNB Bank in Hauppauge on April 5 and was attended by Caroline Sorokoff, associate director of the Gold Coast Arts Center and director of its Gold Coast International Film Festival. “We are looking forward to working in collaboration with the members of Select Long Island and exchange ideas that will bring meaningful solutions to help solve some of the region’s economic development challenges,” said Sorokoff.
In addition to the Gold Coast Arts Center and Film Festival, other advising or supporting organizations include Stony Brook University’s Department of Economic Development, Hofstra University’s Zarb School of Business, Discover Long Island, the Manufacturing Consortium of Long Island, PSEG Long Island, and Vision Long Island.
