Bush Visits Long Island Rebuilder By Traci Matt STAFF WRITER Employees of U.S.A. Industries, a rebuilder located in Bay Shore, N.Y. on Long Island, were treated to a visit from President Bush on March 11. Bush, who was in New York for 9/11 memorial activities, held a “town hall meeting” with U.S.A. Industries employees, New York Governor George Pataki, and several local government officials and business leaders. According to Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Frank Doria, U.S.A. Industries was one of about 20 companies contacted about a potential visit. He said they were chosen because they have taken advantage of several state and federal programs, including the bonus depreciation program, and job creation programs which have resulted in about 75 new employees. “T don’t think the name U.S.A. Industries hurt either,’ said Doria. Bush’s short visit began with a speech promoting his economic policies, and then the floor was open for discussion with roughly 700 guests. U.S.A. Industries remanufactures alternators, starters, cv axles, and disc brake calipers, and employs about 200 people. “We were not productive for about three days,’ said Doria, “but it was worth it. The employees were in a euphoric state. I don’t think morale has ever been any higher.” Doria said the security measures were “amazing.” “There were Secret Service and White House staffers omnipresent from the time were contacted about the visit through the entire process. Anyone who was going to be near the president needed a background check.”