The Long Island Association (LIA) is the region’s leading nonprofit, non-partisan business organization and serves as Long Island’s chamber of commerce. It was founded in 1926 as the Long Island Chamber of Commerce, took its current name in 1936, and is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026. It’s based in Melville.
The LIA advocates for Long Island businesses at the federal, state, and local levels, on issues like affordability, housing, energy, and infrastructure. Members get policy updates, networking events, strategic committees, research reports, a members-only online portal, and a chance to share company news through LIA channels. Through the LIA Foundation, it also runs small business programs, including the L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grant Program, and works with the Long Island African American and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce on shared small business initiatives.
The LIA is a strong fit for established companies and growing businesses that want a voice in regional policy and access to Long Island’s business and political leaders.
Membership requires annual dues, and much of the LIA’s value comes from showing up to events and joining committees. Very small or brand-new businesses may get more immediate help from free resources like SCORE or an SBDC.
For businesses that want to be part of the conversation about Long Island’s economy, the LIA is the place to start.