HIA-LI, one of the recognized voices for Long Island business and a powerful force for regional economic development, honored five exceptional businesses at its 30th Annual Business Achievement Awards ceremony, held at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. The awards celebrated companies that have demonstrated excellence in corporate performance, employee relations, and commitment to the Long Island community.
“Our Business Achievement Awards have long been considered the “Academy Awards” of the Long Island business community,” said Terri Alessi-Miceli, President and CEO of HIA-LI. “This year’s honorees have set new standards in their respective industries, demonstrating incredible resilience, innovation, and community leadership.”
Carol A. Allen, Board Chair of HIA-LI and President and CEO of People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union, added, “These companies represent the best of Long Island — forward-thinking organizations that prioritize not just their own success but also the wellbeing of their employees and the broader community. They serve as examples for all businesses to follow.”
“These awards were not given because someone wrote a check or took a journal ad,” commented Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine in his welcoming remarks. “They were given for hard work and investment. So, to all the award winners, my congratulations.”
Catholic Health received the Industry Partnership Award for its outstanding leadership and contributions to the Long Island community. Declan Doyle, President of St. Catherine of Siena Hospital in Smithtown, accepted the award on behalf of Catholic Health. The organization, with nearly 16,000 employees, serves the region through its network of hospitals, nursing homes, home health services, and physician practices. Catholic Health’s mission is rooted in its dedication to compassionate, high-quality healthcare for all Long Islanders.
This year’s honoree in the Large Business category, which includes firms with 100 or more employees, was Suffolk OTB/Jakes 58 Casino Hotel, based in Islandia. The award was presented to Phil Boyle, President and CEO of Suffolk OTB. Suffolk OTB operates Jakes 58, a premier gaming and entertainment destination in Suffolk County.
Other finalists in this category included Certilman Balin, based in East Meadow, and Forte Construction, based in Plainview.
In the Small Business category, which recognizes businesses with fewer than 100 employees, the award went to IVCi, based in Hauppauge, with CEO Bob Swing accepting the honor. IVCi provides cutting-edge audiovisual and video conferencing solutions for businesses. Finalists in this category included Active Web Group of Hauppauge, bld architecture of Patchogue, Guac Shop Mexican Grill (with locations in Garden City, Jericho, Wantagh, Freeport, New Hyde Park, and Commack), and Mercer Culinary of Ronkonkoma.
In the Not-for-Profit category, the recipient was EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies, based in East Meadow, with Lisa Burch, President and CEO, accepting the award. EPIC offers a range of services to individuals with developmental disabilities, empowering them to live independent, fulfilling lives. Other finalists included AHRC Suffolk of Bohemia, Community Mainstreaming Associates of Westbury, Habitat for Humanity of Long Island in Middle Island, and the Marty Lyons Foundation of Commack.
Finally, the Rookie of the Year award, presented to businesses operating for fewer than five years, was awarded to Ignite IPA, a Ronkonkoma-based management consulting and software implementation/software services firm. Mark Shivers, CEO, accepted the award. Finalists for this category included Apparel Boss of Hauppauge, SecureTech Systems of Hauppauge, Tiki Boat Long Island of Freeport, and Whoggga of Lindenhurst.
Approximately 300 guests attended the gala event, celebrating businesses and organizations that are making a significant impact both within their industries and in the community.
ABOUT HIA-LI
Now in its 46th year, HIA-LI is one of the recognized voices for Long Island business and a powerful force for regional economic development. It also represents the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge, the largest industrial park in the Northeast. The park supports 55,000 jobs, produces $13 billion in goods and services each year, and accounts for eight percent of Long Island’s gross domestic product. For more information, go to www.HIA-LI.org or call (631) 543-5355.