You Choose: Top Business Story of 2011

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  were disappointing across Long Island and in the . Jobs in the showed some of the most promise.

NEW VENTURES AND MORE: Several opened, including  ,  and a . .

LEAVING PORT: Several business closed its doors, including Livorno, La Bottega and , which some thought served up the best dumplings in town. 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  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 , , and a newcomer, the , which attracted . 

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Port's Chamber of Commerce named new officers And directors at its , honoring who enhance the peninsula. 

LIPA PROBLEMS: The power company was widely criticized for its response to  where Plainview residents were  Then the utility announced it would by 2 percent.

LIRR PROBLEMS: The experienced  and also  Then it became embroiled in a scandal involving some of its workers being accussed of they weren't entitled to.

COLISEUM VOTE: The  to refurbish the  Ed Mangano went after  to redevelop the 77-acre site. had hinted of moving his NHL team, the Islanders, and  whether  on the line.

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCILS: Gov. Cuomo  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.