There has never been a better time to visit New York,” says Howard Cohen, owner of Broadway Glass and president of the Long Island Glass Association (LIGA). Cohen has reason to crow. The city itself has become a destination of choice again—from Broadway to Times Square and beyond. “Everything’s here for whatever your interest or entertainment,” says Cohen, “everything.”
And if everything includes industry education and training, then Cohen is correct. On November 19 and 20, LIGA will play host to the second Glass Expo Northeast ’99 (GENE) at the Wyndham Wind Watch Hotel and Golf Resort in Hauppauge, NY. The two-day program of education, seminars, demonstrations, social events and trade show is co-sponsored by the association and USGlass magazine.
Hauppauge is actually in the middle of Long Island and a 35-minute train
ride into New York City. The Wyndham offers a free shuttle between both the train station
and MacArthur (Islip) airport … an airport now serviced by the reasonably priced
Southwest Airlines, among others. “It’s easy to get into New York City, shop,
see a show and then return to the hotel,” says Cohen, “and the event is right at
the beginning of Holiday season in New York—one of the best times to visit. Long
Island itself has quite a bit to offer too.
Cohen expects some national visitors and industry members from the New York, New Jersey
and lower Connecticut areas to attend the event. “We’ve tried to put a program
together that, frankly, will save time and money for those who come.” A number of
programs at the Expo would cost hundreds of dollars to attend. Readers of USGlass
and/or LIGA members receive complimentary admission to both the show and seminars.
“We’ve put together an excellent program of education,” said Debra Levy,
publisher of USGlass magazine. “The Inside Sales Strategies program
and AG Tech Training normally costs $295 per person, but it’s included in admission
to GENE,” said Levy. “It’s a great, painless way to train installers and
CSRs.”
“I got a flyer in the mail for a forklift training seminar last week,” said
Cohen. “The mandatory training is required by OSHA for all fork lift drivers as of
December 1. “The flyer said admission cost is $249 per person,” Cohen added.
“At the expo, you can take the training so you can train your drivers on Friday, or
you can have your drivers come on Saturday at no charge. These are just a few examples of
the types of programs available.”
In addition to the seminars, there will be plenty of opportunity to schmooze, as the New
Yorkers say. An opening session featuring motivational speaker Jerry Wright will be held
mid-day Friday. A cocktail party, sponsored by Floral Glass Industries will be held Friday
evening and USGlass magazine columnist Lyle R. Hill takes on New York at
the breakfast on Saturday morning, sponsored by Palmer Mirro-Mastics.
The trade show on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning will include the latest in
products and materials, with a couple of new surprises. “What could be better?”
quipped Cohen, “free training, free entertainment and free food and drink. Everyone
invited.”
USG
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