Long Island Association Holds Annual Evening of Honors

On June 12, 2024, the Long Island Association (LIA) held its third annual Evening of Honors event, where approximately 400 members of the business community celebrated the achievements of innovative companies and their employees who have boosted Long Island’s economy and supported our region’s communities through philanthropic efforts. The event was held at the Heritage Club at Bethpage.

“The Long Island Association is proud to recognize companies and individuals who have made a transformative impact on our region’s economy and contribute to Long Island’s unparalleled quality of life,” said Matt Cohen, LIA President & CEO, “They are all truly deserving of these honors, as they continue to lead the way to ensure Nassau  and Suffolk Counties flourish now and in the future.”

“The Long Island Association can advocate and foster a positive business climate because of the support of our members, as well as the honorees and sponsors of the 2024 Evening of Honors,” said Larry Waldman,  Chair of the LIA Board of Directors, “With collaboration between the private and public sectors, the LIA can achieve  its mission to spur growth and remain economically competitive.”

The Honorees included:

Medal of Honor Award: Catholic Health

•     The Medal of Honor is the LIA’s most prestigious award. Catholic Health is the region’s second- largest private employer, with approximately 16,000 employees, six acute care hospitals, three nursing homes, a home health service, hospice, and a network of physician practices. Under the sponsorship of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, Catholic Health serves hundreds of thousands of Long Islanders each year, providing care that extends from the beginning of life to helping people live their final years in comfort, grace, and dignity. Its facilities have been nationally recognized for excellence, including St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center, which has been rated among the top 10 hospitals in the region by U.S. News & World Report.

Dr. Patrick O’Shaughnessy, President & CEO of Catholic Health, said, “Catholic Health shares the LIA’s strong commitment to Long Island. Our mission is to provide  exceptional health care services to communities across Nassau, Suffolk and even parts of Queens. We do this n ot just at our six hospitals, but at our expanding network of Ambulatory Care sites, always delivering outstanding care and treatment with a healthy dose  of compassion.”

The Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award for Community Service: Optimum

•     Jen Chapin, Harry and Sandra Chapin’s daughter, joined the LIA in recognizing  Optimum for their widespread community support and treated the audience to a musical performance. Optimum is one of the largest broadband communications and video services providers in the United States, with offices on Long Island. Their commitment to our region’s communities includes support of FIRST Long Island Robotics and the Optimum Innovator Awards and their long-standing relationship with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Recently, Optimum Business teamed up with the LIA Foundation (the LIA’s charitable arm), Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, and Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to launch the L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grants program that awarded $250,000 in direct financial support to 50 small businesses in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

“Optimum is honored to receive the Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award for Community Service from the LIA for our work in empowering and making a positive impact in communities across  Long Island,” said Andrew Rainone, Senior Vice President, National Sales at Optimum, “This award  is a testament to Optimum’s commitment to deepening its community presence throughout Long Island, and connecting our customers to what matters most, which includes supporting, understanding, and celebrating what makes each of our local communities unique. We thank the LIA for their support and collaboration, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the organization.”

Key to the Island: Dr. Timothy  Sams, President of the State University of New York at Old Westbury

•     The Key to the Island recognizes someone who may not have been born on Long Island but has now become an adopted son or daughter of the region. Dr. Timothy Sams was raised by his paternal grandparents on the South Side of Syracuse and attended Union College in Schenectady, New York, SUNY Albany, and Temple University in Philadelphia for his PhD in African American Studies. Immediately prior to Old Westbury, Dr. Sams served as Vice President of Student Affairs for Prairie View A&M University in Texas. Dr. Sams was appointed President of SUNY Old Westbury in January 2021, and his notable accomplishments include leading the institution to university status, expanding opportunities for students through a partnership with Brookhaven National Laboratory, and contributing to Long Island’s efforts to train the next generation of employees and make sure they stay in our region.

Dr. Timothy Sams, President of the State University of New York at Old Westbury, said, “It is an honor to be recognized with the Key to the Island and I thank the LIA Board of Directors and all of its members. While my time here has been just three years, I've come to recognize the strength of our business and civic communities and am pleased to build here on the more than 50-year foundation that's been created by SUNY Old Westbury as a leader on issues involving education, service and justice for our region."