HIA-LI Reporter Newspaper - February 2024

HIA-LI LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT: PG 33

A letter from the HIA-LI President & CEO, Terri Alessi-Miceli

HIA-LI’S HEARD AROUND THE ISLAND: PG 55-56 News, Updates, Events, and Promotions from our member companies!

HIA-LI’S INDUSTRY LIST: PGS 32 Advertising Agencies, Marketing & PR Firms

March 2024

HIA-LI UPCOMING EVENTS

FRIDAY, MARCH 1ST, 9:00AM-10:00AM Membership Committee Meeting

TUESDAY, MARCH 5TH, 8:30AM-10:00AM Health & Wellness Committee Meeting

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6TH, 5:00PM-7:00PM Member Appreciation Networking

THURSDAY, MARCH 7TH, 8:30AM-10:00AM

Business Acceleration Committee Meeting

FRIDAY, MARCH 8TH, 8:00AM-10:00AM

New & Prospective Member Information Meetings

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13TH, 8:00AM-10:00AM HIA-LI Economic Development in the Town of Islip

THURSDAY, MARCH 14TH, 8:30AM-10:00AM

HYPE & Human Resources Joint Committee Meeting

TUESDAY, MARCH 19TH, 8:00AM-10:00AM

Small Business Task Force Solution Series

TUESDAY, MARCH 19TH, 9:00AM-10:30AM

Social Responsibility Committee Meeting

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20TH, 8:30AM-10:00AM

Education/Workforce Connection Committee Meeting

THURSDAY, MARCH 21ST, 8:30AM-10:00AM

Manufacturing/International Trade Committee Meeting

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27TH, 9:00AM-10:00AM Golf Outing Committee Meeting

THURSDAY, MARCH 28TH, 8:30AM-10:00AM Trade Show Committee Meeting

MAKERS 78% DECISION MAKERS 78% DECISION MAKERS

keepingcurrent

Sales Recruiting 101- Identifying, Interviewing and Retaining the Best Sales Candidates

By Scott Passeser Executive Alliance Commack, New York

11725

scott@execsallied.com

Office: 631 635 1206

In today’s competitive business landscape, hiring and retaining top salespeople is more crucial than ever. Your sales reps are your boots on the ground. They drive revenue, build relationships, and propel your company forward. But finding and keeping these talented individuals can be a challenge. This article will equip you with the strategies and insights you need to attract, interview, and retain the best sales talent.

Attracting Top Talent:

• Go beyond the job board: Utilize your network, attend industry events, and leverage social media to find passionate individuals actively engaged in your field. I have often found that a person who can make a real-life connection to you or your product can often be worthy of an interview, even if the sales experience is incomplete.

• Showcase your company culture: Highlight what makes your team unique and attractive, from your values and mission to growth opportunities and work-life balance initiatives.

• Offer competitive compensation and benefits: Stay informed about market rates and provide packages that cater to individual needs, including flexible options.

• Get creative with incentives: Offer unique bonus

structures that reward specific behaviors aligned with your goals, not just hitting quotas.

What to Look When Interviewing a Sales Executive:

• Assess grit, resilience, emotional intelligence, and coachability. These qualities predict future success more accurately than years in the industry.

• Ask candidates to sell you something and offer objections. Simply put, this is a great interview technique when building a sales team. See how your candidates react to objections and measure their answers against proven sales performers or other members of your current talent pool. “Sell me that pen.” It’s not how you sell the pen; it’s how you react to the objections. Your candidate’s reaction, if seamless, unflappable, and logical can demonstrate a genuine ability to think on their feeta key sales tool.

Retaining Your Stars:

• Find the hot button that motivates each of your sales reps. Keep them on a path to achieving that dream vacation or expensive car, or anything else that motivates them. Share their desire to achieve their dream goal. If your team genuinely believes you are working every day to help them achieve their goals, they will demonstrate their appreciation with longevity.

• Foster collaboration, open communication, and respect for diverse perspectives.

• Recognize and appreciate achievements: Public praise, personalized rewards, and team celebrations boost morale and show genuine appreciation.

• Offer flexible work arrangements: Consider remote work options, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks to improve work-life balance.

• Invest in their well-being: Offer health insurance, access to mental health resources, and wellness programs to support their overall well-being.

• Promote from within: Show your commitment to growth by offering clear career paths and prioritizing internal candidates for open positions.

• Focus on long-term development: Invest in robust training programs, coaching, and mentorship to equip your reps with continuous learning opportunities.

Don’t underestimate the power of a positive candidate experience. From the initial contact to the offer stage, be professional, informative, and responsive. This builds trust and showcases your company culture. It also helps attract talent that values a respectful and efficient recruitment process.

Title- Sales Recruiting 101- Identifying, Interviewing and Retaining the Best Sales Candidates

Tease- This article will equip you with the strategies and insights you need to attract, interview, hire, and retain the best sales talent.

Pre-Amble- This week’s original Executive Alliance

Thought Leadership article focuses on How to Attract, Interview and Retain the best sales talent for your company.

LETTER FROM THE HIA-LI PRESIDENT & CEO

We are excited to announce that 2024 is off to a successful start! On the heels of our well-attended 46th Annual Meeting and Legislative Program in January, we have now recently held our 30th Annual Economic Summit with an incredible turnout. Our program is aimed to inform and educate the Long Island Business Community with findings from our annual economic survey in order to prepare various industries for the on-going year. We will continue to host programming that assists and supports the region for the foreseeable future.

It is critical for organizations across the community to be visible and prominent in their practices to boost productivity.

The HIA-LI’s resources serve as an important lifeline for the Long Island Region to properly connect and grow. Our committee meetings and events are here to help your business reach new heights.

The HIA-LI is always aiming to take the next step forward in a never-ending world of revolution and innovation. Our website and database is a hub for members to interact and connect with fellow organizations in order to encourage engagement and involvement for what the HIA-LI has to offer. With an abundance of committees and events scheduled throughout the year, we are more than happy to assist in learning how to take part.

The HIA-LI continues its expansion with over 45 years of service to the Long Island Business Community and strives to continue its support for what the future has in store.

Partners in Business.

Terri Alessi-Miceli

Terri Alessi-Miceli

HIA-LI President & CEO

Dear HIA-LI Member:

“Every time I expected to encounter bureaucracy, I actually encountered a person.”

—John Riley, Grasshopper’s Comics, Williston Park

John Riley loves comic books. For the last 30 years, he’s been sharing that love with readers young and old. And we’ve been with John every step of the way, helping plan improvements ranging from upgrading LED lighting to replacing a 50-year-old oil tank with a super-efficient heat pump. These upgrades save him money that he reinvests in—you guessed it—more comic books. As it should be.

See how we support small businesses on Long Island and in the Rockaways at psegliny.com/Business

UNCONVENTIONAL APPROACHES.

INGENIOUS RESULTS.

At Littler, we’re lawyers. We’re also innovators and strategists, passionate problem solvers and creative disruptors. And we’re committed to helping our clients navigate the complex world of labor and employment law by building better solutions for their toughest challenges.

John Bauer | Office Managing Shareholder

290 Broadhollow Road | Suite 305 Melville, NY 11747

Labor & Employment Law Solutions

Our Mission. Our Solutions. Your Success.

Our professionals are full participants in our client’s businesses and goals, measuring our success by theirs, and our ability to drive significant impact on their vision.

Managing Partner | Long Island Office

msabatini@citrincooperman.com

"Citrin Cooperman" is the brand under which Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP, a licensed independent CPA firm, and Citrin Cooperman Advisors LLC serve clients’ business needs. The two firms operate as separate legal entities in an alternative practice structure. Citrin Cooperman is an independent member of Moore North America, which is itself a regional member of Moore Global Network Limited (MGNL).

CITRINCOOPERMAN.COM

MICHAEL SABATINI

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHTS

PSEG Long Island proudly serves more than 1.2 million electric customers, from Far Rockaway to Montauk. Over the past decade, we have been committed to delivering exceptional customer service, best-in-class reliability and storm response and a strong level of involvement in our communities.

You depend on reliable power and our dedicated professionals have made PSEG Long Island the most reliable overhead electric utility in New York State and among the most reliable in the nation.

Customers who have taken advantage of PSEG Long Island’s award-winning energy efficiency programs have saved more that $600 million in energy costs, while helping to reduce environmental impact.

PSEG Long Island also offers economic development programs that have helped turn individual businesses into downtown

keepingcurrent

destinations, and we continue to provide grants to local chambers of commerce to beautify shopping districts and encourage more residents to shop local.

PSEG Long Island has a goal to help commercial customers reduce their overall energy consumption (electricity, fuel oil, propane and natural gas). We offer rebates for high efficiency LED lighting, HVAC systems, thermal envelope improvements and other efficient technologies. We also offer incentives for infrastructure related to public charging for electric vehicles.

After a decade of operation, PSEG Long Island understands a great deal about the challenges that business customers face. Whatever the rest of 2024 may bring, we will proudly build on our work to improve customer experience, our communities and our economy.

Decision-Making: Unveiling The Strangest Country

Dr. Subrina D. Oliver CEO, O-High Technologies LLC

445 Broad Hollow Road #25 Melville, NY 11747

888.758.8980

info@o-hightech.com

www.o-hightech.com

So, there I was, scrolling through Instagram, when this reel from “Counting.Countries” caught my eye. Next thing I knew, I was diving headfirst into a DEI rabbit-hole. And guess what? In the heart of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, there’s something totally out of the ordinary: streets filled with nothing but white cars. But as I delved deeper into this intriguing phenomenon, it dawned on me that the absence of diversity and inclusivity in Turkmenistan’s car policy mirrors broader issues of exclusion and uniformity in societal structures.

The decision by Turkmenistan’s President to prohibit colored cars from Ashgabat and allow only white ones appears as a deliberate move to enforce uniformity and control over the visual landscape. This intentional act reflects a disregard for diversity and inclusivity, restricting individuals’ choices and expressions in a significant aspect of daily life.

Likewise, diversity and inclusivity in the workplace can be shaped by intentional actions or policies. Some companies actively promote diversity by embracing inclusive hiring practices, fostering an inclusive culture, and providing equal opportunities for all employees regardless of background.

Conversely, diversity and inclusivity may be undermined intentionally. Discriminatory hiring practices, unequal treatment based on factors like race or gender, and a homogeneous corporate culture that marginalizes diversity are all examples.

Beyond visible aspects like race and gender, diversity of thought and expertise is crucial yet often overlooked. In various settings, including leadership and management, this diversity enriches decision-making processes and leads to more inclusive policies.

The absence of diversity of thought is evident in Turkmenistan’s decision to ban colored cars. Imposing a uniform color scheme may stifle creativity and innovation, hindering urban planning and transportation decisions that consider diverse needs.

Similarly, in workplaces lacking diversity in

leadership, organizations may struggle to adapt to market dynamics or anticipate trends. A diverse leadership pool brings a broader range of perspectives and innovative ideas, fostering a culture of inclusivity and adaptability. Organizations prioritizing diversity benefit from a wider range of perspectives, innovative ideas, and creative solutions. By empowering individuals to voice opinions and challenge the status quo, they cultivate a culture of innovation and inclusivity.

The O-High Team encourages, embracing diversity of thought and expertise in decisionmaking processes is paramount for fostering creativity, innovation, and adaptability in any organization. Recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives is fundamental to creating inclusive environments where individuals feel appreciated and empowered to contribute their unique insights toward shared objectives.

To stay informed about the latest insights and highlights from O-High Technologies, we invite readers to like and follow our Instagram account, @all_ohigh_highlights and other accounts. Join our community and be part of the conversation shaping the future of technology and diversity in the workplace.

As an independent business, we have strong partnerships with leading technology brands, offering a personalized and unbiased approach to match the best solutions for your needs. Our dedicated team collaborates with you to provide more productive, efficient, and cost-effective solutions, simplifying the business process.

Our commitment to exceptional customer service has earned us recognition as one of the top 100 Best Service Providers in the U.S. by Pro’s Elite Group. With our expertise, resources, and world-class service, Central Business Systems is your trusted singlesource provider in a constantly evolving workplace.

DOCUMENT CHALLENGES

Unforeseeable Expenses

Client Information Vulnerability

Lack of Print Limitations

Processes Relying on Paper

Preventable Expenditure and Waste

Physical Space Needed for Storing Hardcopies

Printing on the Go

Adherence to Regulations

TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGES

Support for Computer Hardware

Performance of the Network

Updates for Software

Insufficient IT Resources

Absence of a Disaster Recovery Strategy

Ensuring Business Continuity

Integrating with the Cloud

Threats to Data Security

Readiness for Mobile Devices

ANTHONY CATANZARO | AXE CREATIVES, INC.

OUR JOURNEY

Founded in 1988, AXE Creatives emerged from a serendipitous encounter. As a student at Stony Brook University, I was drawn into the world of technology when my girlfriend’s father, a visionary in the trucking distribution industry, sought my assistance with a newly acquired computer. What began as a simple favor evolved into something greater—a custom program that streamlined their manual processes. Word spread, and soon other companies sought our expertise.

EVOLUTION & ADAPTATION

AXE Creatives thrives on evolution. Our journey has been marked by continuous growth and adaptation. Over the years, we’ve expanded our horizons, adding new dimensions to our services:

Hardware Sales: We provide cuttingedge hardware solutions tailored to our clients’ needs.

Security Solutions: Safeguarding businesses is our priority. Our robust security measures ensure peace of mind.

In-House Helpdesk Team: Our dedicated team stands ready to assist, troubleshoot, and guide.

THE AI FRONTIER

As we stand on the cusp of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) era, we’re exhilarated by the possibilities. As a proud Microsoft partner, we envision seamless integration of AI across

Microsoft Office, revolutionizing productivity. AI isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the most impactful technology humanity has ever created.

NAVIGATING THE PANDEMIC

When the world faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic, AXE Creatives stepped up. As an essential business, we worked tirelessly to ensure our clients’ continuity. Remote work, security, and efficiency became our battle cry. We’re proud to have

played a role in keeping businesses afloat during those trying times.

OUR VISION

We’re not just about technology; we’re about relationships. We eagerly anticipate connecting with new businesses, sharing our knowledge, and being there when needed. Our commitment to staying at the forefront of technology drives us forward. Whether it’s a startup or an established enterprise, AXE Creatives is here to empower innovation.

Executive Budget For 2024-2025 Is “Groundhog Day” For Hunger Assistance, Once Again

By Paule T. Pachter, A.C.S.W., L.M.S.W. Chief Executive Officer Long Island Cares, Inc. ©

agriculture and fishing industries, and many farm families were saved from filing for bankruptcy during Covid because of this program.

When New York State Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled her proposed executive budget in January for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, many of us working to feed the 3 million New Yorkers that experience food insecurity and hunger had hoped that the Governor would propose a meaningful increase to the Hunger Prevention Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP) and the Nourish New York initiative. Surprisingly, we woke up feeling as if we were cast in the film, “Groundhogs Day,” in which Bill Murray wakes up every morning reliving his day preventing him from moving forward with his work and daily plans.

Even before the Covid-19 global pandemic, the ten Feeding America member food banks in New York State and numerous hunger assistance organizations, including our state association Feeding NYS, have been calling upon the Governor and the legislature to increase funding for both of these state funded programs by an additional $35.5 million. Funding for HPNAP, which is administered on Long Island by Long Island Cares, Inc.-The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank, would have been increased from $56.5m to $67m and Nourish NY would have been increased from $50m to $75m. This additional funding would allow food banks to keep pace with growing demand as the number of people in need of emergency food assistance across the state continues to rise. On Long Island, demand is up by 45 percent and in 2023, an additional 42,000 people turned to Long Island Cares for help in putting healthy food on their tables. Nourish NY has become a major source of financial support for New York and Long Island’s

Much of the increased funding to address food insecurity in NYS came from federal funding from the CARES Act, American Rescue Plan, and other Covid-related funding. However, this funding is now exhausted, and we are still seeing the number of people in need of food assistance continue to increase. This is largely attributable to migration and the high cost of groceries placing increased stress on our emergency food system.

Food banks have been advocating for an increase in funding for HPNAP for the past 16 years with no long-term funding plan approved. Instead, every year our legislative delegation makes their case to the Governor’s Office to include additional funding for hunger assistance as part of their chambers’ individual budget requests. Each year a one-time infusion of additional state funding is included in the final executive budget that begins on April 1st.

Why do food banks have to advocate year after year for additional funding to feed people in need when all of the data we provide to our elected officials describes the challenges we face trying to support our residents struggling to feed their families? Thankfully, our Long Island delegation in Albany recognizes the positive impact of both HPNAP and Nourish NY, and a majority have signed on to their chambers’ letters to the Governor encouraging the funding increases that food banks have proposed. I hope that this year we are able to secure the additional $35.5m in funding for these two successful programs, and that come next January we don’t have to wake up thinking that we’ve been in this scene before.

The HIA-LI held a joint meeting amongst the HR Committee and Health & Wellness Committee in order to collaborate on the topic of emotional fitness. Thank you to Beauchamp Team Growth Solutions, LLC Founder Joseph A Beauchamp, MBA, MS for speaking on how focusing on improving morale and personal relationships within the workplace contribute drastically on the health and productivity of an employee. Thank you to the Miller Business Center for hosting this month’s meeting and to all who attended!

to all who attended!

The HIA-LI held its latest Membership Committee Meeting to introduce attendees to the benefits of becoming an official HIALI member and for what is in store for the committee for 2024! Thank you to Carol Hartmann, MBA, Director of Programs, Education, and Training of Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center, Inc. for being a guest speaker and hosting this month’s meeting. Thank you

COMMITTEE CORNER

The HIA-LI held its latest Social Responsibility Committee Meeting where they reviewed the latest topics of Board engagement strategies. Thank you to Orr Group Vice President of the Local Market Organization Regina Cialone, CFRE for speaking of her experiences and understanding of building a proper business culture. Thank you to SYJCC for hosting this month’s meeting and to all who attended!

The HIA-LI held its latest Technology For Business Committee Meeting where this month’s topic covered methods and strategies to keeping you and your business protected from unwanted digital intrusions. Thank you to A+ Technology & Security Solutions, Inc. for hosting this month’s meeting and to all who attended!

ADVOCATING FOR LONG ISLAND BUSINESS

The HIA-LI was invited by H2M architects + engineers President & CEO and HIA-LI Board Member Rich Humann to take a tour of The INN, a not-for-profit volunteer-based organization with a variety of community services. We are grateful to their mission and dedication to aid those who are financially struggling.Thank you to The INN’s CEO Jean Kelly and Chief Development Officer Corporate & Community Relations Cynthia Sucich for giving us this tour!

LIBN BOOK OF INFLUENCERS

The HIA-LI would like to congratulate our President & CEO Terri Alessi-Miceli for being featured in Long Island Business News’ Book of Influencer’s - “Most Dynamic Women Leaders!” We are honored by this magnificent achievement and remain committed to serving the Long Island Business Community.

BECOME A MEMBER BECOME A MEMBER BECOME A MEMBER

Brand your company through Sponsorship, Advertising and Speaking opportunities.

Educate yourself and your team with Strategic Committees and Events that will allow you to get on the right side of the table with decision makers

Advocate for your business by making the right connections to Local, State and Federal Government

Research Target prospective clients by industry, size, job title etc.

Get involved in Community Outreach

Contribute to scholarships, food drives and much more!

To inquire about membership please reach out to Jim Geier please reach out to Jim Geier please reach out to Jim Geier at Jgeier@hia-li.org at Jgeier@hia-li.org at Jgeier@hia-li.org

To inquire about membership

To inquire about membership

This month, the HIA-LI’s 30th Annual incredible turnout! Our executive their findings from the 2024 Economic on industries across the Long Island development, not-for-profit,

THANK YOU TO

JEFFREY BARBER - DIME LARRY EISENSTEIN

RICH HUMANN - H2M

PAULE PACHTERMARYANNE HYLAND

JOHN FITZGERALD - CITRIN

Thank you to all who attended and store for the Long Island

Annual Economic Summit was held with an executive panel took the opportunity to discuss Economic Survey and its potential influences Island Region such as banking, healthcare, not-for-profit, and education.

OUR PANELISTS!:

DIME COMMUNITY BANK

EISENSTEIN - CATHOLIC HEALTH

ARCHITECTS + ENGINEERS

LONG ISLAND CARES

HYLAND - ADELPHI UNIVERSITY

CITRIN COOPERMAN (MODERATOR)

we look forward to what 2024 has in Island Business Community!

HIA-Ll's monthly publication

8,500.

Banner & cube ads on the HIA-LI website and monthly e-newsletter with direct click through to your company website.

HIARLI

Printed Annually and given to all member companies. 202

Jan u ary 2024: 2024 Long Island Forecast

Industry List: Financial Services & Insurance Companies

Ad Deadline: Friday, Jan. 12th

February 2024: The Economic Forecast for Long Island Business

Industry List: A ccounting, Banks & credit Unions

Ad Deadline: Friday, Feb. 9 th

March 2024: Lo ng Island Tradable Sectors Industry

Industry List: Manufacturing & Di stribution

Ad Deadl ine: Friday, Ma rch 8th

April 2024: Doing Business In The Long Island Innovation Park

Industry List: Manufacturing & Distribution

A d Deadline: Friday, April 12th

May 2024: Doing Business At The Largest 828 Trade Show

Industry List: Law/Legal Services & Consulting Services

Ad Deadline: Friday, M a y 10th

June &July 2024: What to do on Long Island

Industry List: Educational, Institutions, Staffing, Workforce Development, Event Planning, Hospitality, Restaurants

Ad Deadline: Friday, July 12th

August 2024: Innovative Trends in Technology

Industry List: Info Services & IT Services

Ad Deadline: Friday, August 9th

S ep t ember 2024: Honoring Long Island Business Excellence

Industry List: Not-for-Profit, Health & Wellness

Ad Deadline: Friday, Sept. 13th

October 2024: The Future of Energy

Industry List: Energy, Environmental & Engineering

Ad Deadline: Friday, October 11th

November/ D e c ember 2024: Women Le ade rship on LI

Industry List: Advertising Agencies, Marketing & PR Firms

Ad Deadline: Friday, Dec. 6th

HIA-LI 2024 PROGRAMMING AT A GLANCE

*ALL DATES ARE TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE* FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNI TIES, CONTACT ANTHONY FORGIONE AT aforgione@hia-li.org

2024 MAJOR EVENTS

Honoring distinguished Long Island executives & business leaders

[ ]January 12

[ ]February 15

[ ]March 13

[ ]April 16

[ ]July 15

[ ]September 26

[ ]October 11

[ ]October 25

[ ]November 15

[ ]December 5

HIA-LI 46th Annual Meeting & Legislative Program

HIA-LI 30th Annual LI Economic Summit

HIA-LI Economic Development in the Town of Islip

Explore the LIIPH: The Largest Innovation Park in the Northeast

HIA-LI 45th Annual Golf Outing

HIA-LI 30th Annual Business Achievement Awards Gala

Young Professional Scholarship Program

HIA-LI 16th Annual Energy & Environmental Update

HIA-LI 14th Annual Women's Leadership Conference

HIA-LI 2nd Annual Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program

INDUSTRY SERIES / LEADERSHIP EXECUTIVE PROGRAMMING

Complimentary educational programming highlighting specific industries/executives Programming to come....

36TH ANNUAL BUSINESS TRADE SHOW & CONFERENCE

Long Island's largest B2B Trade Show - make connections & close deals at one conference!

[ ]May 8

[ ]May 23

[ ]May 23

HIA-LI Pre-Trade Show Networking Event

HIA-LI 36th Annual Business Trade Show & Conference

HIA-LI 36th Annual Business Trade Show: Executive Program

NEW & PROSPECTIVE MEMBER INFORMATION MEETINGS

Get to know HIA-LI! Learn about our organization, get involved & meet other HIA-LI members!

[ ]January 26 [

MEMBER APPRECIATION NETWORKING

Complimentary networking with the HIA-LI business community and highlight of new HIA-LI members

[ ] January 24 [ ] March 6 [ ] June 11

SMALL BUSINESS TASK FORCE SOLUTION SERIES

12 [ ]

10

Programming designed by the HIA-LI Small Business Task Force to help small businesses thrive in a competitive economy .

[ ] March 19 [ ] September 10

SPECIAL NETWORKING EVENTS

Connect with the business community at unique Long Island venues

[ ] August 15 Networking Boat Cruse & Networking at Ditch Kitchen & Surf Bar in Bayshore

Manufacture More Productive Employees

Through SUNY Suffolk’s Workforce and Economic Development Center, we are training Long Islanders to find rewarding careers through nationally certified programs that only take one semester to complete. These workforce preparation programs are producing talented welders, CNC machinists and electronic assemblers that can increase the profitability of regional manufacturers and companies by keeping them moving forward.

Day and evening classes are now filling.

To learn how better trained employees can help your business become even more successful, speak with our Workforce Training Experts at 631-851-6200 or visit sunysuffolk.edu/workforce.

Advanced

NEW MEMBER PROFILES

Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI)

Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI) provides compassionate personal care to meet the emotional, educational, therapeutic, and vocational needs of children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Founded by parents in 1961, DDI has grown to be a dynamic, nonprofit, multi-site agency serving 1,500 children and adults each day. Over six decades, we have built a strong reputation for providing exceptional services for all people in our programs, and in particular those who present with the most complex needs. At our core, DDI believes that every person deserves every opportunity to live a rich and meaningful life. Therefore, DDI provides the highest standards of individualized services, supporting people on their path of personal growth and fulfillment. For more information, visit www.ddiny.org.

keepingcurrent

Why The Charitable Act Is Essential For New York’s Non-Profits

By Nicole L. Weingartner Director of State Government Affairs Regulatory Analyst, Cannabis Practice Group Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP nlw@dhclegal.com 646-428-3241

A friend of mine is keen to say that “nonprofits need to make every dollar dance like it’s ten.”

In the spirit of that analogy, a piece of federal legislation called “The Charitable Act” (S566/HR3435) will help non-profits call the tune, giving every taxpayer an incentive to donate to non-profits of their choice.

The legislation revives a universal deduction for charities, hoping to spur more Americans to donate or increase their giving to the organizations close to their hearts.

Studies show this legislation has real impact. During the last deduction of this kind in 2020 and 2021, the Fundraising Effectiveness Project of the Association of Fundraising Professionals found that the

number of donations in the $300-$600 range went up by nearly 11%. Since then, the deduction was allowed to expire, and we saw a 5% decline.

Further studies, such as one performed by GivingUSA, have found that when the tax code allows for more deductions, there is more of an incentive for people to give more. GivingUSA found that 2022 – the year that deduction expired – was one of the worst giving years in philanthropy history.

The Charitable Act is supercharged far beyond this. All taxpayers (even nonitemizers) can deduct donations up to $4,600 for individuals and $9,200 for joint filers. The math goes vertical fast, and so it’s no wonder that the bipartisan bill has been supported by more than 500 organizations from all 50 states as well as both sides of the aisle in Congress and the U.S. Senate.

According to polling, 87% of voters say that they would like to see a permanent restoration of a universal charitable deduction and over half of the surveyed

voters said they would give to more charities if they could get deductions for their donations.

In a time where Washington D.C. is unpredictable, The Charitable Act would help non-profits to rely on funding from their donors as government cutbacks continue to loom over the sector.

To read more about The Charitable Act, visit ww.afpglobal.org/lobbyweek2023.

Nicole L. Weingartner is the Director of State Government Affairs at Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP. Known as “The Long Island Lobbyist”, Nicole is particularly skilled in assisting clients who are located and/or do business on Long Island. Her decade plus long relationships on the municipal, county, state and federal levels allow her clients to navigate complex issues such as funding, relationship building, contracting and crisis management.

Stony Brook University Economic Development collaborates with regional innovators, supports startups, and encourages early-stage enterprise by leveraging the resources of a SUNY Flagship University and its close partner Brookhaven National Laboratory. The alignment of Economic Development with the university’s research enterprise leverages the world-class expertise of university researchers, unique stateof-the-art facilities and an unmatched history of collaboration to create an environment of possibilities and excitement about the future of Long Island’s economy, and the opportunity for industry to get the best cuttingedge ideas by tapping into the brains of the brightest minds.

ACCELERATE INNOVATION IMPACT THROUGH ACADEMIC-INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP

Economic Development Centers, Programs and Areas include:

Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center (AERTC): Focused on innovative energy research, education and technology deployment.

Center of Excellence of Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT): Conducts first-class interdisciplinary research and development in wireless and information technology.

Center for Integrated Electric Energy Systems (CIEES): Enhances the development and integration of cutting-edge technologies into electric energy systems.

Intellectual Property Partners (IPP): Licensing of intellectual property developed at Stony Brook University to industry.

Manufacturing and Technology Resource Consortium (MTRC): Assists small to medium-sized manufacturing companies develop business growth and increase competitiveness.

Small Business Development Center (SBDC): Brings together the resources of the University, the private sector and government to assist entrepreneurs, business and industry

Strategic Partnership for Industrial Resurgence (SPIR): Providing technically advanced multidisciplinary assistance to local industry.

AMERICAN AIRPOWER MUSEUM

Larry Starr | (631) 293-6398

AT&T BUSINESS

Nicole Centrella | (347) 702-1802

CASTLE INTERACTIVE LLC

Joseph Costello | 516-263-6555

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES INSTITUTE

Maria Broadway | (631) 366-2900

FIBRENEW DIX HILLS

Howard Sachs | (631) 455-1494

GLEN COVE MANSION HOSPITALITY

Adriana Bueno | (646) 518-8817

GOTHAM IMMERSIVE EVENT SPACE

Angela Adamkiewicz | (631) 846-0363

HAUPPAUGE FIRE DISTRICT

Carl Thomas | (631) 265-2499

HELPIPEDIA

Phil Vetrano | (516) 509-2500

INDUSTRIAL FLOOR WORKS

Stephen Zito | (516) 764-4700

INTERCHANGE BUSINESS ORGANIZATION

Tom Gibson | 516-672-4558

KUEHNE NAGEL INTERNATIONAL AG

Frank Caggino | (201) 716-9587

LDI CONNECT

Jay Feldman | (516) 348-2222

LONG ISLAND FIELDHOUSE

Richard Garrett | (631) 237-8150

MAGNIF-A-TENT

Patrick Pyne | (631) 445-6109

MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF NASSAU CO.

Jeffrey McQueen | (516) 489-2322

MIDATLANTIC PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES

Bryan Beine | (631) 664-4216

MUTUAL OF AMERICA

Connor Hughes | (516) 949-5178

NORTH BABYLON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Garrett P. Simulcik, Sr. | (631) 983-4283

NORTHEAST TITLE SERVICES

Patrick Rodgers | (516) 418-8787

OMG SHOWER DOORS INC.

Rennie Gonzalez | 631-842-2515

OXFORD HOSPITALITY ADVISORS

Dorothy Roberts | (516) 935-2000

PRO PROTECTION SECURITY INC

Christopher Innace | (631) 439-6842

PRO-FORCE PEST SOLUTIONS CORP.

Anthony Garguilo | (631) 897-0708

PROTILLY INC

Marie Chindamo | (516) 297-8166

ROY H. REEVE AGENCY, INC.

Dennis Remski | (631) 902-4111

SOUNDVIEW

Julie Fehring | (631) 676-7990

TD BANK

Elena Mullahey | (516) 578-4744

THE BARTHOLOMEW COMPANY

Helene Heras | (516) 513-1295

THE BUILDING SURVEY CORP

David Breitbarth | (212) 727-7282

THE RETREAT

Sherri Leiva | (631) 329-4398

INDUSTRY LISTS

ACCOUNTING, BANKS & CREDIT UNIONS

ALL COUNTY TAX RESOLUTION

Bruce Ermolovich | (631) 924-1300 actinfo02@gmail.com

BANK OF AMERICA

Robert Isaksen | (631) 547-7404 robert.a.isaksen@bofa.com

BANK UNITED

Alyssa Weigert | 6314544741 aweigert@bankunited.com

BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Justin Merk | 1-800-628-7070 jmerk@bethpagefcu.com

BUTTON DOWN SOLUTIONS

Glenn Reed | (631) 383-2147 glenn@bdsemail.com

CALLAGHAN LLP

John Callaghan | (631) 546-0000 lkaufman@callaghanllp.com

CAPITAL ONE BANK

Brigitte Ferrada | (631) 838-2128 brigitte.ferrada@capitalone.com

CBIZ MARKS PANETH

Mark Cuccia | (516) 992-5900 mark.cuccia@cbiz.com

CBMS CONSULTING SERVICES

Darren Cioffi | (631) 721-4347 Ext. 101 dave@atlanticontracting.com

CERINI & ASSOCIATES, LLP

Ken Cerini | (631) 582-1600 kcerini@ceriniandassociates.com

CFGI

Andrew Verrillo | (215) 285-3267 averrillo@cfgi.com

CITIZENS BANK - MELVILLE OFFICE

Chad Levy | (631) 770-3631 chad.m.levy@citizensbank.com

CITRIN COOPERMAN

James Knoebel | (631) 930-5000 jknoebel@citrincooperman.com

CITY NATIONAL BANK (CNB)

Davi Tserpelis | (516) 655-7837 Davi.Tserpelis@cnb.com

COHNREZNICK LLP

Bradley Hausman, | (516) 336-5500 bradley.hausman@cohnreznick.com

CONNECTONE BANK

John Vicedomini | 718-313-0065 Jvicedomini@cnob.com

CROWE LLP

Devon Stone | (646) 231-7290 devon.stone@crowe.com

DIME COMMUNITY BANK

Libby Doumanis | (631) 537-1000 libby.doumanis@dime.com

FAMILY RESIDENCES & ESSENTIAL ENTERPRISES

Bryan Pollack | (516) 870-1600 clong@familyres.org

FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF LONG ISLAND (FNBLI)

Thomas F Kirby | (631) 952-2223 thomas.kirby@fnbli.com

FLAGSTAR BANK, NA

John Madigan | (631) 962-2841 John.Madigan@flagstar.com

FLUSHING BANK

Jacqueline Custance | (631) 246-0410 jcustance@flushingbank.com

FULLER LOWENBERG & CO., CPAS

Thomas C. Lowenberg, CPA | (631) 499-7900 tom@flcpas.com

G.S. GARRITANO & ASSOCIATES, CPAS, LLC

Theresa Palagonia | (631) 218-6800 community@gsgcpa.com

GRASSI & CO.

Robert Grote, | (516) 256-3500 rgrote@grassicpas.com

HORAN, MARTELLO, MORRONE, P.C. (HMM, CPAS LLP)

Suzanne Breit | (631) 265-6289 sbreit@horanmm.com

HSBC

Gareth Roberts | (631) 752-4315 gareth.a.roberts@us.hsbc.com

ISAYEV GROUP

Victor Isayev | (917) 796-9532 victor@isayevgroup.com

ISLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Vincent Accardi | (631) 851-1100 VAccardi@islandfcu.com

JANOVER LLC

Christine Miller | (516) 542-6300 christine.miller@janoverllc.com

JOVIA FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION

Raymond Schwetz | (516) 289-2409 RSchwetz@mynefcu.org

JP MORGAN CHASE LONG ISLAND

Cristian Anghel | (631) 755-5158 cristian.anghel@chase.com

LI TECH ADVISORS

Anthony Buonaspina | (631) 422-0969 anthony@litechadvisors.com

M&T BANK

Peter Piegari | (631) 501-4117 ppiegari@mtb.com

MANUFACTURING TAX RECOVERY SERVICES (MTRS)

Danielle Michel | (631) 872-5023 dmichel@MTRSnow.com

MARCUM LLP

James Aspromonti | (631) 414-4220 james.aspromonti@marcumllp.com

MAZARS USA LLP

Donna Venezia | (516) 282-7267 donna.venezia@mazarsusa.com

MPP ASSOCIATES, INC

Marc Palker | (631) 425-6374 mppalker@cs.com

NETREX CAPITAL MARKETS

Edward Rivadeneira | (646) 600-9408 erivadeneira@netrexcapital.com

ONSHORE FUNDING

John Kozey | (516) 641-8890 johnk@onshorefunding.com

PAC CONSULTING CORP

Phyllis O’Leary | (631) 205-6555 phyllis@pacconsultingcorp.com

PEOPLE’S ALLIANCE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Carol Allen | (631) 434-3500 lmitnick@pafcu.org

PKF O’CONNOR DAVIES, LLP. (PKFOD)

Jean McKenna | (631) 434-9500 jmckenna@pkfod.com

SALES TAX DEFENSE, LLC

Mark Stone | (631) 491-1500 mstone@salestaxdefense.com

SANTANDER BANK

Donna Cleary | (917) 428-2601 donna.cleary@santander.us

SASSERATH & CO

Alan Sasserath | (631) 368-3110 asasserath@sasscpas.com

SMG ABA

Gregory Scotto, | (516) 843-0219 gregory@scottomelchiorre.com

TD BANK

Elena Mullahey | (516) 578-4744 elena.mullahey@td.com

TEACHERS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION HAUPPAUGE

Christine Dunn | (631) 698-7000 ext. 3691 christined@teachersfcu.org

TFG ACCOUNTING GROUP

M Johnston | (631) 870-3946 rfuoco@fuoco.com

UNITED FINANCIAL PLANNING GROUP LLC

Gerry Barrasso | 631-234-0871 gbarrasso@unitedfpg.com

VALLEY NATIONAL BANK

Savina Indelicato | (631) 953-3308 sindelicato@valleynationalbank.com

WELLS FARGO COMMERCIAL BANKING - LONG ISLAND

Eric Stelz | (516) 577-8307 Eric.stelz@wellsfargo.com

HEARD AROUND THE ISLAND

APPOINTMENTS, PROMOTIONS, HONORS & OTHER HAPPENINGS

City Publications of Long Island; A direct mail marketing and digital solutions company, is proud to announce that they have been named Best of Long Island 2024 in Advertising on Long Island. They appreciate this recognition and thank all who have supported them on their journey.

John Farrell and Edward G. McCabe, two of Sahn Ward’s most experienced attorneys, lead the Firm’s Suffolk County office, located at 1300 Veterans Memorial Highway, in Hauppauge. The Firm opened the Suffolk office in 2018 to serve its clients in Suffolk County, and for the convenience of its attorneys who have hearings and proceedings before courts, administrative agencies and tribunals in Suffolk. The Firm’s Suffolk based practice has grown

substantially since the Suffolk office opened.

David Herold has been elected president of the board of directors at Long Island Cares, Inc. Herold has been a member of the board since 2009, and in 2019 received the food bank’s Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award. He is a partner at the law firm of Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP in East Meadow, where he co-chairs the Banking and Commercial Lending Department and serves on the firm’s executive committee. David also sits on the board of The Real Estate Institute of Stony Brook University.

Founded by Theresa Pinelli and Halie Geller in 2018, LocaLI Bred began as a home-based business, eventually settling at their Northport headquarters. They’ve worked with hundreds of local brands to sell nearly 20,000 subscription and gift boxes. LocaLI Bred has also bolstered Long Island’s economy, returning over half a million dollars to local makers through their purchases.

Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP (“FDT”) welcomes Johanna C. David to the firm’s Tax, Trusts & Estates practice group as a Partner. She is also an Adjunct Professor at the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University. Ms. David teaches an estate planning

course. Prior to joining FDT, Ms. David was an associate at a Garden Citybased law firm, where she consulted and advised clients with respect to all aspects of Estate Planning and Estate Administration.

Ms. David, a Valley Stream, NY resident, earned her J.D. from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University and her B.A. from the College of Mount Saint Vincent.

Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP congratulates partner Kathleen Deegan Dickson on being appointed Co-Chair of the firm’s Land Use & Zoning practice group. She also co-chairs the firm’s Cannabis practice group. “I am honored to have been appointed to this position by my partners,” said Kathleen Deegan Dickson. “In my thirty-plus years of practice, I have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge and built lasting relationships with other professionals within the real estate industry. Together as co-chairs of FDT’s land use and zoning practice group, Jeff and I will continue to ensure that the firm continues to provide the highest quality legal services to our clients,” she added. Ms. Dickson is a board member (Membership Co-Chair) of the Women Economic Developers of Long Island (WEDLI) and a member of the Nassau County Village Officials Association (NCVOA). Ms. Dickson, a Glen Cove, NY resident, earned her J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law and her B.A. from Providence College.