You Decide: Top Business Story of 2011

Business and the economy were in the news throughout 2011. New businesses opened, and long-standing businesses reported suffering through hard economic times. The unemployment rate dipped in North Hempstead, but some sectors saw a steady growth.

Help decide the biggest business stories this year. Take our simple poll attached at the bottom.

THE ECONOMY: By the end of the year, the were disappointing across Long Island and . Jobs are becoming available ., but jobs are still needed.

NEW VENTURES: Several opened: A and a . Others were spotlighted: A New York , a nationally-known and an .

NORTH SHORE-LIJ MEDICAL CENTER: The medical center brought new innovations, like a new and a new, $300 million .

ANGELINA’S FIRESHACK AND PIZZERIA: This venue went through a lot this year, starting with their on April 30. Just two months later, the pizzeria a former employee was .  From there, the venue underwent held their on June 20 and is working toward Angelina’s is known for their in which patrons must sign a waiver before attempting.  

NEW JOBS CREATED: Ed Mangano announced that DealerTrack Holdings Inc. would in Nassau County.

BUSINESS PERSON OF YEAR: Mark Laytin, first vice president of the Greater New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce and president of ML Marketing, was honored as the in October.

LIPA PROBLEMS: The power company was for its response to , where New Hyde Park residents were for days. Then the utility announced it would by two percent.

LIRR PROBLEMS: The Long Island Rail Road experienced and and also . Then it became embroiled in a scandal involving some of its workers being accused of claiming disabilities 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. in the summer, which was created to make New York State more business-friendly.