The head of the Empire State Development Council came to Long Island Tuesday declaring the region was "well-positioned for technology-driven economic development," and highlighting state programs to boost the creation of technology start-ups.

"We've got a lot going for us, once we level the tax playing field," Kenneth Adams, chief executive of the Empire State Development Council, said at a meeting of the Long Island Regional Planning Council at Molloy College's satellite site in Farmingdale. "We need to do more to attract and re-attract the investment capital back to the state."

Proclamation says:

"WHEREAS, it is my privilege as a member of the legislative body to recognize organizations of such noble aims and accomplishements and to command such organizations for the edification and emulation of others.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, STATE SENATOR JACK M. MARTINS, on behalf of the New York State, do hereby award this proclamation to LaunchPad
And do add my personal recognition and wishes for continued success.
Senator Jack M. Martins, Seventh Senatorial District"

LaunchPad Long Island, a project of local investors Andrew Hazen and Rich Foster, is a "co-working" office where the inhabitants -- start-up companies at different stages of growth -- share work space with the aim of fostering creativity and collaboration.

Such office spaces, which are popping up across the United States, work to promote the expansion of entrepreneurial communities through a social work environment.

LaunchPad Long Island Takes Off in Mineola
Mineola Patch
Feb 22, 2013

New 12,000 sq. ft. space to provide resources to start-up businesses.
Posted by Geoffrey Walter (Editor) , February 22, 2013

Mangano welcomes LaunchPad Long Island to Mineola
Mineola Patch
Aug 1, 2013
Nassau executive gien tour of new business accelerator on Mineola Boulevard.
Posted by Geoffrey Walter (Editor) , August 01, 2013

Nassau Executive Edward P. Mangano recently welcomed LaunchPad Long Island to Mineola. The county executive was given a tour of the newly formed business by partners Andrew Hazen, Richard Foster and Peter Goldsmith.
LaunchPad Long Island plans on using funds to seed the startup of many Long Island companies and accelerate their growth. The business accelerator and co-working community occupies a 12,000 sq. foot space and is conveniently located at the Mineola train station.
The company will underwrite at least $250,000 in stipends for Long Island based start-ups with guidance from the owners, who are successful entrepreneurs with start-up experience.
LaunchPad LI was created to help great entrepreneurs improve the odds of start-up success and build successful companies on Long Island. For more information on the many programs they offer visit www.LaunchPadLI.com.