Melville, NY — June 16, 2026 — Yesterday, Rahm Emanuel, former Mayor of Chicago, White House Chief of Staff, and U.S. Ambassador to Japan, joined Kevin McCarthy, 55th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, for a wide-ranging conversation at the Long Island Association’s (LIA) annual Spring Luncheon. Held as part of the organization’s Centennial Celebration, the event brought together Long Island’s business and civic leaders to discuss the economic and policy issues shaping the region’s future.
Against the backdrop of continued affordability pressures and ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, Emanuel and McCarthy offered perspectives from across the political spectrum on bipartisan governance, the evolving geopolitical landscape, economic competitiveness, and national policy priorities — including discussion around a pending peace agreement involving Iran — and what those developments could mean for Long Island’s economy and business community.
“The Long Island Association would like to thank Ambassador Emanuel and Speaker McCarthy for participating in a thoughtful and timely discussion on some of the most important issues facing our nation and Long Island,” said Stacey Sikes, Acting President and CEO of the LIA. “This event demonstrates the continued influence of the LIA on our region’s economy and nation’s political landscape and our role in offering the business community the opportunity to engage with prominent national leaders.”
Ambassador Emanuel, speaking about affordability, said, “People worry about owning a home, affording their healthcare, saving for education and retirement. Here on Long Island, a starter home is $800,000. I think as a country, the American people feel we’re at a crossroads. This is a make-or-break point for America.”
Speaker McCarthy addressed the upcoming midterm elections, and shared, “Suburban voters in regions like Long Island continue to decide elections because they’re focused on results, not rhetoric. They want leaders who can address the issues affecting their daily lives -- affordability, housing, public safety, and economic opportunity. Lasting progress requires bringing people together around common goals.
Lawrence J. Waldman, LIA Board Chairman, added, “As the Long Island Association celebrates 100 years of serving the region, the discussion was a reflection of our commitment to convening leaders and ideas that help shape Long Island’s future. Ambassador Emanuel and Speaker McCarthy have each played defining roles in American policymaking, and their perspectives offered valuable context on the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
The Spring Luncheon drew more than 500 business executives and community leaders and served as a forum to examine the forces shaping Long Island’s economic outlook. Moderated by LIA Acting President & CEO Stacey Sikes, the discussion explored lessons from the speakers’ public service careers including how to make progress in a divided government and examined different ways government and business can work together to strengthen regional competitiveness and economic opportunity.
The full livestream recording can be found HERE and a suite of images and videos can be found HERE, attributable to the Long Island Association (LIA).
About Rahm Emanuel
Rahm Emanuel is a former U.S. Ambassador to Japan (2021-2025), Mayor of Chicago (2011-2019), White House Chief of Staff under President Barack Obama (2008-2010), and Member of Congress representing Illinois’s 5th Congressional District (2002-2008). As White House Chief of Staff, Emanuel played a central role in advancing major legislative initiatives, including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the Affordable Care Act. During his tenure in Congress, he served as Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and was instrumental in advancing measures such as the Great Lakes Restoration Act and bipartisan budget agreements. Earlier in his career, Emanuel served as Senior Advisor to President Bill Clinton, where he worked on key legislative efforts including the Balanced Budget Act and the Violence Against Women Act. Across public service roles, Emanuel has focused on leadership, crisis management, urban policy, and the intersection of government and business.
About Kevin McCarthy
Kevin McCarthy served as the 55th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (2023) and held multiple leadership roles in the House Republican Conference over nearly two decades in Congress. Throughout his tenure, McCarthy served under four U.S. Presidents and played a central role in major legislative negotiations during periods of economic and political volatility. Known for his focus on coalition-building and legislative strategy, he rose quickly through Republican leadership ranks, ultimately serving as Speaker. After his election to Speaker, McCarthy went on to secure $2 trillion in deficit reduction. McCarthy’s experience in Washington has centered on fiscal policy, governance, and institutional reform, with a long-standing emphasis on government efficiency and accountability.
About the Long Island Association
The Long Island Association (LIA) is celebrating its Centennial in 2026, and 100 years of advocating for the region’s business community and economic growth as a non-partisan, non-profit organization. The LIA’s regional leadership has played a direct role in shepherding progress by urging for government policies and securing funding that created jobs for people who sought the suburban way of life. The LIA is the voice for businesses in Nassau and Suffolk Counties and has introduced unparalleled opportunities for businesses to network and build relationships to accelerate their growth. For more information, visit longislandassociation.org.
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- June 17, 2026
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