Business and the economy were in the news throughout 2011. New businesses opened, but many long-standing businesses reported suffering through hard economic times. The unemployment figures improved over 2010, but stayed flat this year.
Help decide the biggest business stories this year. Take our simple poll attached to at the bottom.
THE ECONOMY: By the end of the year, the latest unemployment figures were disappointing across Long Island and in the Town of North Hempstead. Jobs in the health care sector showed some of the most promise.
NEW VENTURES AND MORE: Several opened, including new yogurt shops, eateries, salons and a dress boutique. Linda's G2g relocated.
LEAVING PORT: Several business closed its doors, including Livorno, La Bottega and Shanghai Pavillion, which some thought served up the best dumplings in town. Brenda Garfield of After Five said goodbye to Main Street, but moved her shoe, bag and accessory business to En-Toto in Great Neck.
MODEL BLOCKS: A new Main Street was proposed for Port Washington, designed to test ways to drive foot traffic and new businesses to the peninsula.
FESTIVALS: There were a number of festivals and happenings in 2011, including HarborFest, special shopping days, and a newcomer, the Gold Coast International Film Festival, which attracted Hollywood types.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Port's Chamber of Commerce named new officers And directors at its installation dinner, honoring business leaders who enhance the peninsula.
LIPA PROBLEMS: The power company was widely criticized for its response to Hurricane Irene, where Plainview residents were left in the dark for days. Then the utility announced it would raise its rates by 2 percent.
LIRR PROBLEMS: The Long Island Rail Road experienced delays and cancelled trains and also raised its rates. Then it became embroiled in a scandal involving some of its workers being accussed of claiming disabilities they weren't entitled to.
COLISEUM VOTE: The voters shot down the referendum to refurbish the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Ed Mangano went after private firms to redevelop the 77-acre site. Charles Wang had hinted of moving his NHL team, the Islanders, and all sides debated whether jobs were really on the line.
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCILS: Gov. Cuomo announced the program in the summer.
Editor's Note: All this week, Port Washington Patch is asking readers to decide the most important stories of the year. Take our easy poll to help name the winners.
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Town of North Hempstead
220 Plandome Rd, Manhasset, NY -
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Long Island Rail Road's Port Washington Branch
Main St & Haven Ave, Port Washington, NY -
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Tiffany Lee Hair Design
45 Main St, Port Washington, NY
