VOLUME 44 • ISSUE 8 • DECEMBER 2025
WOMEN LEADERSHIP ON LONG ISLAND
HIA-LI’S 15TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE | P. 26-27 HIA-LI’S INDUSTRY LIST: PGS 41
HIA-LI’S HEARD AROUND THE ISLAND: PG 46-47
A letter from the HIA-LI President & CEO, Terri Alessi-Miceli
Advertising Agencies, Marketing & PR Firms
News, Updates, Events, and Promotions from our member companies!
LABEL
HIA-LI LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT: PG 5
HIA-LI INITIATIVES HIA-LIPOSITIONING POSITIONING STATEMENT & INITIATIVES
T
HIA-LI POSITIONING STATEMENT & INITIATIVES
HIA-LIheISHIA-LI ONE isOFone THEofRECOGNIZED FORlong BUSINESS ON LONG A POWERFUL the recognizedVOICES voices for island business andISLAND; a powerful force in regional FORCE AND ECONOMIC ENGINE FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT. OUR MEMBER COMPANIES and economic development. HIA-LI’S priorities include important initiatives and projects we will REPRESENT TENS THOUSANDS OFisland BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS. advocateHIA-LI for onOF of THE the long business We are to collaborating ISbehalf ONE OF RECOGNIZED VOICEScommunity. FOR BUSINESS ONcommitted LONG ISLAND; A POWERFUL
to build FORCE supportAND for these priorities as we FOR help REGIONAL restore the DEVELOPMENT. LI economy. OUR MEMBER COMPANIES ECONOMIC ENGINE MANUFACTURING REVITILIZATION REPRESENT TENS OF THOUSANDS OF BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS. MANUFACTURING REVITILIZATION opportunities for a skilled manufacturing workforce. opportunities for a skilled manufacturing WORKFORCEworkforce. DEVELOPMENT Develop solutions to attract, blend and retain employees and keep youth on LI. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Develop solutions to attract, blend and retain employees and keep youth on LI. HEALTHCARE Explore existing and emerging strategies for containing HEALTHCARE healthcare costs. LONG ISLAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESTORE AND GROWand MEMBERSHIP Explore existing emerging strategies for containing healthcare Support and advocate for efforts to improve infrastructure Articulate our deepened valuecosts. proposition to restore and and promote economic development on long island. INFRASTRUCTURE attract new members. • Long Island Innovation Park At Hauppauge membership create a forum Identify•andCEO develop plans –tocontinue addresstocritical Advocate For The Growth And Sustainability Of Theinfrastructure forneeds CEO’s and business owners toIndustrial collaborate and INFRASTRUCTURE of the Hauppauge LIIPH, The Largest In The Northeast. brainstorm grow their businesses. Identify plans to address Park that will fosterand thetodevelop continued growth of critical • LI Macarthur Airport - Build Support And Awareness • infrastructure Premium Onlineneeds Marketplace - Help Our Members of the Hauppauge Industrial business. For Town Of Islip Projects And The Expansion Of Showcase And Connect Their Companygrowth Brand of Park that will foster the continued Long Island Macarthur Airport. Virtually To The LongSUCCESS Island Business Community. business. ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS • Major Projects On LI – Identify And Highlight Create forums to educate and connect business Additional Long Island Transformational Projects. OF BUSINESS BUSINESS growthSMALL andENVIRONMENT survival. Promote the HIA-LISUCCESS Annual Create forums to educate andfor connect business Trade Show and conference as a forum Creategrowth an environment of business success by branding, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS andand survival. Promote HIA-LI Annual important connection discussion on the economic, educating, and advocating for long island small business. Trade Show and conference as a forum for business, and workforce development issues. Work with business to identify challenges and government important connection and discussion on economic, leaders to explore existing and emerging strategies to WOMEN’S COLLABORATIVE business, and workforce development issues. support long island business and quality of life. ALTERNATIVE ENERGY “GO GREEN”
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Support, educate and advocate for women business leaders to affect positive change growth. ALTERNATIVE ENERGY “GOandGREEN”
members. Educate and showcase environmental services. Connect business needs and institutions to better attractand energymembers. Educate REBRANDING HIALI and showcase environmental Long Island’s future workforce. Develop strategies to and energy services. Re - launch HIA-LI’s brand to communicate our unique attract, train and retain employees for Long Island VIRTUAL HIA-LI and solidify our position within the LI market. business. Enablevalue our VIRTUAL members to collaborate, connect and our HIA-LI logo showing that we are evolving to reach • Job portal - create a hub where businesses, job deliverModernize added value by sharing knowledge with Enable next norm.our members to collaborate, connect and seekers, universities and partners can align on jobcurrentthe anddeliver futureadded members global world. with valueand by the sharing knowledge creation and hiring. current and future members and the global world.
HIA-LI DECEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS 3 HIA-LI DECEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS 3 HIA-LI CALENDAR OF EVENTS CEO BRIEFCEO FEATURING KENNETH CERINI 6 BRIEF FEATURING KENNETH CERINI 6
HIA-LI LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
COMMITTEE CORNER CORNER 15 COMMITTEE 15
HIA-LI’S 15TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP
December 2025 - The HIA-LI Reporter Page 2
GET IN THEGET HEAD OF HEAD A CEOOF A18CEO 18 CONFERENCE IN THE
3 5 26-27
20 20 HIA-LIʼS 7TH ANNUAL THE WAYTHE BREAKFAST HIA-LIʼS 7TH WOMEN ANNUAL LEADING WOMEN LEADING WAY BREAKFAST
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
40
HIA-LIʼS HOLIDAY CELEBRATION HONORING THOSE WHO 21 HIA-LIʼS HOLIDAY CELEBRATION HONORING THOSE WHO 21 MAKE A DIFFERENCE MAKE A DIFFERENCE HIA-LI INDUSTRY LISTS 41 HIA-LIʼS INDUSTRY LISTS: ADVERTISING AGENCIES, HIA-LIʼS INDUSTRY LISTS: ADVERTISING AGENCIES, 32 32 MARKETING FIRMS & PR FIRMS MARKETING FIRMS & PR FIRMS
HEARD AROUND THEMEMBERS ISLAND NEW 37 WELCOMEWELCOME NEW MEMBERS 37
46-47
Identify and develop plans to addres infrastructure of the Hauppaug HIA-LI HIA-LIOFFICERS OFFICERS&needs &DIRECTORS DIRECTORS Park HIA-LI that OFFICERS will foster the continued gr & DIRECTORS business.
DIRECTORS Arthur Sanders Kevin OʼConnor Bridgehampton Omni Funding Jim Coughlan President & CEO Phil Boyle Stuart Lubow LIFETIME BOARD President National BankBank (516) 697EMERITUS - 3900 Tritec Real Co Terri Alessi-Miceli Suffolk OTBEstate & Jake’s Dime Community MEMBERS Terri Alessi-Miceli (631) 537-8826 (631) 543-5355 58(631) Casino Hotel (631) 537-1000 706 4113 DIRECTORS Kevin OʼConnor Fred Arthur Sanders LIFETIME BOARD (631) 543 - 5355 Eisenbud (631) 232-3000 Robert Bridgehampton Quarte Campolo, & Omni Funding OFFICERS MEMBERSMiddleton EMERITUS Jim Coughlan Scott Maskin Robert Desmond President LLP AVZ & Company National Bank McCormick Joseph Campolo SUNation Energy (516) 697 3900 Tritec Real Estate Co AIRECO Real Estate Corp. Terri Alessi-Miceli Campolo, Middleton & OFFICERS Chairperson 750-9454 (631) 434 - 9500 Fred J.Eisenbud (631) 537-8826 Thomas (631) 706 - 4113 (631) Fallarino (631) 273 - 4255 (631) 543 - 5355 McCormick, Anthony Manetta LLP LIFETIME BOARD Campolo, Middleton & Robert Quarte CPA Standard Advisors (631) 738-9100 Murphy MEMBERS Robert Desmond Kelly Chairperson of the Rita DiStefano McCormick LLPEMERITUS Ann-Marie AVZScheidt &IDA Company Richard Group Suffolk County S. Feldman, AIRECO Real Estate Corp. Portnoy, Messinger, Stony Brook(631) University OFFICERS (516) Board 373-6200 Rita DiStefano (631) 853-4802 Esq. | Rivkin Radler 434 9500 Fred Eisenbud (631) Joe Campolo Pearl, Associates, Inc.- 4255 (631) 216 - 7605 Rimon&Law PC 273 LLP Campolo, Thomas J. Fallarino. CPA & Middleton First Vice Chairperson 921-3400 Paule Pachter Campolo, Middleton & of the (516) (516) 921Rita - 3400 Chairperson McCormick LLP Ann-Marie Scheidt DiStefano Susan H. Gubing Kevin O’Connor Long Island Cares, Inc. McCormick LLPBoard Richard S. Feldman, Esq. Stony Brook University Portnoy, Messinger,(631) Anne Shybunko-Moore Career Smarts Valley Bank Jeffrey Dorschuck 582-3663 Joseph Garofalo (631) 738 9100 (631) 216 - 7605 Rivkin Joe Campolo M&T Bank Radler LLP Pearl, &Church Associates, Inc. GSE Dynamics Thomas J. Fallarino. CPA (631) 979-0700 Island Christian Ernest E. Hoffman Campolo, Middleton &(631) 357-1557 Pernice (516) 921 - 3400 Dominick (631) 231-1044 (631) 822 3000 W & H Stampings First Vice Chairperson Second Vice St. Charles Hospital McCormick LLP Ernest E. Hoffman Richard S. Feldman, Esq. Anne Shybunko-Moore(Posthumously) Joseph Garofalo (631) 862-3107 Chairperson Joseph John Bauer (631) 738 - 9100 Reverend W & HRivkin Stampings Radler LLP Susan H. Gubing GSE Dynamics Howard Michael Voltz Garofalo Island Christian Church Michael Voltz Kipnes Littler Mendelson, P.C. Career Smarts PSEG Long Island Huntington Baptist Michael Sabatini (631) 231-1044 PSEG Long Island (631) 822 3000 Cedar Knolls Inc. First- 4525 Vice ChairpersonChurch (631)844-3819 293 Ernest E. Hoffman (631) Citrin Cooperman & Howard Kipnes (631) 979 - 6452 (631) 844-3819 John Bauer (631) 822-3000 WKnolls & H Stampings Jack Kulka Cedar Inc. Susan H. Gubing Company, LLP Michael Voltz Mendelson, P.C. Bob Isaksen The Kulka Group Treasurer (631) 930-5000 Second ViceLittler Chairperson Career Smarts PSEG Long Island Dr. Elana Zolfo (Posthumously) Alan Sasserath Humann (631) 293 - 4525 Rich Bank of(631) America Howard Kipnes 979 - 6452 Kevin Lacetera Berkeley College Carol Allen (631) 844-3819 Nicholas M. Sasserath & Co LLP H2M architects + Santacroce Cedar Knolls (631) 547 7450 Nicholas M. Lacetera Peoples Alliance FederalInc. Peopleʼs Alliance (631) 368-3110 engineers ConnectOne Bank (631) 338-8633 Alliance Bob Isaksen (718) 313-0065 Second Vice Chairperson Federal (631) 434-5000 Dr. Elana Zolfo Peoples Credit Union Federal Credit Union BankKent of America Christopher Corporate Secretary Carol Allen Nicholas M. Lacetera Berkeley College Credit Union Farrell Fritz (631) 547 7450 James Coughlan Robert Isaksen Anne Shybunko-Moore Peopleʼs Alliance Anthony Leteri Peoples Alliance Federal (631) 434 3500 (631) 338-8633 Ed Pruitt LIFETIME BOARD TRITEC Real Estate Bank of America GSE Dynamics, Inc. (631) 367 - 0710 USA Waste Credit Reduction Federal Union (Posthumously) MEMBERS Company Credit Union (631) 547-7450 Christopher Kent (631) 231-1044 & Recycling Co., Inc. (631) 706-4113 CEO Corporate Secretary Farrell Fritz (631) 434 - 3500 Chris David Manning LIFETIME BOARD Ed Pruitt Ed Pruitt Kent(631) 367 - 0710 Chris Jack Valsamos Kulka Brookhaven National Rich Humann, P.E. (Posthumously) DIRECTORS Farrell Fritz, P.C. Centaurus Group MEMBERS John (Posthumously) Rebecchi Kulka Construction Corp. H2M architects + Secretary(631)Laboratory CEO CEO 367-0710 (631) 760-1072 Corporate Disc Graphics (631) 231 - 0900 David Manning Carol A. Allen engineers (631) 344 - 4747 National Jack Kulka John Rebecchi Rich Humann, P.E. Steven People’s Alliance Brookhaven J. LIFETIME (631) 756H2M - 8000 Rebecchi Kulka Construction Corp. Marci John Federal Credit Union architects + KuperschmidLaboratory BOARD Allan Lippolis Tublisky MEMBERS Marci Tublisky Disc Graphics (631) 231 0900 (631) 434-3500 Scott Maskin engineers Ruskin Superior Washer & Moscou (631) 344 - 4747 SUNationP.C. Solar Treasurer AllanGasket Lippolis (631) 756 - 8000 Faltischek, Weingart Corp.Lippolis Norman Norman Weingart Mario Asaro Allan Marci Tublisky (631) 750 - 9454 (516) 663-6632 Superior Washer & Communications Anthony Manetta (631) 273 - 8282 Communications Scott Maskin Industry One Realty Superior Washer & Specialist Gasket Corp. Specialist HB Solutions SUNation Solar (631) 694-3500 Treasurer Gasket Corp. Devin Kulka 273-8282 Norman Weingart Rich (631) Isaac 750 - 9454 (631)Anthony Leteri (516) 762-7523 Group Anthony Manetta The Kulka (631) 273 - 8282 David Winchester Communications John Bauer CleanTech Rocks Sandler Training Leteri Waste Services 231-0900 Arthur Sanders David Winchester Specialist HB Solutions (631) Littler Mendelson, P.C. Funding (631) 231- 3538 (631) 368Anthony - 5533 Leteri Dr. CleanTech Rocks Rich Isaac Omni (516) 762-7523 Alex Elana Zolfo (631) 293-4525 Lipsky (516) 697-3900 Sandler Training Leteri Waste Services Colonial Sales &Winchester David Lipsky Construction Dr. Edward Bonahue (631) 231- 3538 (631) 368 - 5533 MarketingCleanTech Rocks (631) 472-4454
ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS SUCCESS Create forums to educate and connec growth and survival. Promote the HIA Trade Show and conference as a foru important connection and discussion business, and workforce developmen ALTERNATIVE ENERGY “GO GREEN”
members. Educate and showcase env HIA-LI COMMITTEES AND CHAIRPEOPLE COMMITTEES AND CHAIRPEOPLE andHIA-LI energy services.
Suffolk County Community College (631) 451-4110
BUSINESS SALES & MARKETING ENVIRONMENTAL/GREEN HUMAN RESOURCES INDUSTRIES DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS & MARKETING ENVIRONMENTAL/GREEN HUMAN RESOURCES JoySALES Graceffo Mary Locascio DEVELOPMENT Lilia FactorINDUSTRIES L.I. Essential Software Pierre Lespinasse Esq. Joy Graceffo All Island Media and Training Stony Brook Univerisity Factor Law Mary Locascio L.I.427 Essential Pierre Lespinasse Lilia Factor Esq. (631) 750 1226 (631) - 1083Software (516) 659-9523 (631) 632-1984 All Island Media and Training Stony Brook Univerisity Factor Law (631) 750 - 1226 427 - 1083 (516) 659-9523 (631) 632-1984 Miriam(631) Hubbard Tony Borelli Aoifa RESOURCES OʼDonnell BUSINESS ENERGY/UTILITIES/ HUMAN MEMBERSHIP PBI Payroll Tom Fox Mass Mutual Financial National EAP, Inc. ACCELERATION Miriam Hubbard Tony Borelli INFRASTRUCTURE (516) 338 - 5454 Aoifa OʼDonnell Mark D & B Engineers Nicole Craveiro Businski Group (FORMERLY KNOWN (631) 588-8102 PBI Payroll Tom Fox Mass Mutual Financial National EAP, Inc. Audacy, Inc. Crave HRO AS BUILDING and Voltz Architects 391 - 0300Group x396 Michael (516) (516) 338 - 5454 & B Engineers (631) 829-7793 SECURITY PSEG LongDIsland (631) 588-8102 (212) 315-7083 BUSINESS) (516) 364 9890 and Architects MANUFACTURING/ (631) 844-3819 (516) 391 - 0300 x396 SECURITY Suzanne Mayo Eliud Custodio Allan Lippolis (516) 364 - 9890INTERNATIONAL TRADE EDUCATION/ Lisa Mitnick H2M architects + MANUFACTURING/ GOLF/SPORTS Turn One Studio, Inc. Superior Washer & Brothers Big Sisters Allan Lippolis (631)WORKFORCE 223-8124EDUCATION/ INTERNATIONAL TRADEBig GOVERNMENT RELATIONS engineers of Long IslandCorp. Robert Lippolis Gasket Robert Desmond (631) 392-5024 Superior Washer & CONNECTION (516) 617-9028 WORKFORCE InsutryJack GOVERNMENT RELATIONSSuperiorRobert OneKulka Realty Corp Washer Jonathan Dolan Lippolis (631) 273 Gasket Corp. - 8282 273-4255 CONNECTION (631) H.Y.P.E. Off Main Marketing & Gasket Corp. Washer SOCIAL(631) 273 - 8282 Kulka Construction Superior Jack Kulka (516)Kelly 712-9902 TECHNOLOGY FOR Imperial (631)Perrone 273-8282 Vincent Group Nello & Gasket Corp. RESPONSIBILITY Kulka ConstructionAngela CarpetGroup One BUSINESS NYITKelly Imperial Hamptons TECHNOLOGY FOR Girl Scouts(631) 273-8282 (631) 231 0900 EDUCATION/ Meredith Michaels Floor & Home of Suffolk County BUSINESS (631) 348-3121NYIT WORKFORCE MEMBERSHIP (631) 231 0900 BigDavid Brothers and Big (631) 287-1070 (631) 513-1827 Pinkowitz CONNECTION (631) 348-3121 of Long Island MEMBERSHIP Sisters Chris& Kent David Pinkowitz DCP Marketing Services mmichaels@bbbsli.org HEALTH Ben Kitzen Rich Isaac Jennifer Gunn Farrell Fritz,Chris P.C. Kent USISandler WELLNESS LLC DCP Marketing Services Insurance Services ENERGY/UTILITIES/ Rich Isaac Training People’s Alliance Federal Paule Pachter Farrell Fritz, P.C. (516) 314-8602 (631) 367-0710 LLCThe (631) 491Cares - 5343 Sandler Training Long INFRASTRUCTURE (631) 231 - 3538 Credit UnionENERGY/UTILITIES/ island Heather Dufficy (631) 367-0710 (631)Food 491Bank - 5343 INFRASTRUCTURECatholic Health (631) 434-3500 (631) 231 - 3538 Harry Chapin MANUFACTURING/ Chris Coluccio (631) 582-3663 Ambulatory Center at Jack Kulka Raffelina Cipriano INTERNATIONAL Chris Coluccio MaryAnne Hyland HEALTHCARE TechWorks Consulting, Inc. Jack Kulka Commack Raffelina Cipriano Primerica TRADE Kulka University Construction Adelphi TECHNOLOGY TechWorks Consulting, Inc. (631) 862-3500 HEALTHCARE Kulka Construction Primerica Group (631) 285 1527 (516) 877-4690 FOR BUSINESS (917)Devecioglu 440 - 1925 Kursad (631) 285 - 1527 Group (917) 440 - 1925 (631) 231 - 0900 American Workflows Christine Ippolito MENTORING, Neil Abbruzzese (631) 231 - 0900Sarah Weber Automation & AI Hub for Christine Ippolito MENTORING, Compass Workforce CPR & Safety Consulting EDI Options, Inc NETWORKING AND Compass WorkforceManufacturing and Training, LLC. DBA (516) 741-2032 YOUNG AND (917) 684NETWORKING 2304 Solutions YOUNG Compliance Training COMMUNICATIONS Solutions PROFESSIONALS (631) 794-7400 COMMUNICATIONS Anthony PPROFESSIONALS (631) 882-1808 Lucidi Jr. (631) 794-7400 John Giordano ENTERTAINMENT/ Betsy Jacob Lucidi Technical Solutions Citrin Cooperman Michael Capaldo ENTERTAINMENT/ Betsy Jacob 487-5120 Michael Capaldo (631) SPORTS SPORTS Sage Solutions (631) 930 5000 Sage Solutions Melissa Negrin-Wiener Melissa Negrin-Wiener (516) (516) 396 - 396 9329- 9329 Genser, Dubow, Genser Carmella Carmella Fazio Fazio - 5388 Genser, Dubow, Genser (516) 984 (516) 984 - 5388 All IslandAll Media Island Media & Cona LLP & Cona LLP RobertRobert DooleyDooley Ann Morrison (516) 297(516) - 9011 Morrison McGiff Halverson, 297 - 9011(631) 390-5000 LLP LLP (631) 390-5000The AmericanAnn Foundation McGiff Halverson, The American Foundation (631) 730 8686 For Suicide Prevention (631) 730 - 8686 For Suicide Prevention (516) 869 (516)- 4215 869 - 4215
HIA-LI COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS
VIRTUAL HIA-LI Enable our members to collaborate, deliver added value by sharing know current and future members and the
631-543-5355 • WWW.HIA-LI.ORG 631-543-5355 • WWW.HIA-LI.ORG The Hauppauge ReporterThe Official Newspaper the HIA-ll - (USPS 017-655) The Hauppauge ReporterThe Official Newspaper of theofHIA-ll - (USPS 017-655) - is - is published monthly by the by HIA-LI 225 Wireless Blvd., Blvd., Suite Suite 101. Hauppauge, NY 11788. published monthly the HIA-LI 225 Wireless 101. Hauppauge, NY 11788. The Hauppauge - TheatOfficial Newspaper the HIA-LI - (USPS - is NY published Application Periodical Postage is accepted at 017-655) Smithtown, 11787. Application toReporter mailto at mail Periodical Postage RateofisRate accepted at Smithtown, NY 11787. monthly byPOSTMASTER: the HIA-LI 225 Wireless Blvd., Suite 101, 11788. Application totomail Send change of address notices to HIA-LI ataddress the address noted above to POSTMASTER: Send-change of address notices to Hauppauge, HIA-LI at theNY noted above at Periodical Postage Rate is accepted at Smithtown, NY 11787.The POSTMASTER: change HIA-LI, Editor, Phone (631) 5.43-5355, info@hio-li.org. HIA-ll does notSend endorse the HIA-LI, Editor, Phone (631) 5.43-5355, info@hio-li.org. The HIA-ll does not endorse the of classifieds/display addressclassifieds/display notices to advertisements HIA-LIadvertisements at the address noted above to agree HIA-LI, Editor, Phone: (631) 543or neccessarily with the opinions expressed or neccessarily agree with the opinions expressed 5355, marketing@hia-li.org. The HIA-LI does not endorse the classifieds/display advertisements in the articles written for this newspaper. Total number of copies (net press run 3,301, the articles written this newspaper. Total number of copies (net press run 3,301, orinnecessarily agree with for the opinions expressed in the Outside articles written for this newspaper. Total Paid-In-County Subscriptions Paid - County Subscriptions Paid-In-County Subscriptions 2,163, 2,163, Paid Outside - County Subscriptions 638, 638, number of Distribution copies (Net Press Run:the 3,301 | Paid-In-County Subscriptions: 2,163Total | Paid Outside-County Outside Mail 200r Copies not Distributed 300, 3,301. Distribution638 Outside the Mail 200r Copies Total 3,301. Subscriptions: | Distribution Outside the Mail:not 200Distributed | Copies Not300, Distributed: 300 | Total: 3,301).
HIA-LI DECEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS 3
HEARD THE AROUND THE ISLAND 39 HEARD AROUND ISLAND 39
HIA-LI CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2026
January 2026 HIA-LI UPCOMING EVENTS HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMITTEE MEETING Tuesday, January 6th, 8:30am - 10:00am
MANUFACTURING/INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMITTEE MEETING Thursday, January 15th, 8:30am - 10:00am
TECHNOLOGY FOR BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING Wednesday, January 7th, 8:30am - 10:00am
HIA-LI 48TH ANNUAL MEETING & LEGISLATIVE FORUM POLICY & PROGRESS Friday, January 16th, 8:00am - 10:30am
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE MEETING Thursday, January 8th, 8:30am - 10:00am
HYPE COMMITTEE MEETING Tuesday, January 20th, 8:30am - 10:00am
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING Friday, January 9th, 8:30am - 10:00am
YOUR ROADMAP TO HIA-LI MEMBERSHIP Tuesday, January 20th, 8:30am - 10:00am
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING COMMITTEE MEETING Tuesday, January 13th, 8:30am - 10:00am
EDUCATION/WORKFORCE CONNECTION COMMITTEE MEETING Wednesday, January 21st, 8:30am - 10:00am
MENTORSHIP MATTERS: STRENGTHENING YOUR FUTURE WITH HIA-LI Wednesday, January 14th, 9:00am - 10:30am
ENERGY/UTILITIES/INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE Friday, January 30th, 8:30am - 10:00am
HIA-LI UPCOMING PROGRAMS
December 2025 - The HIA-LI Reporter Page 3
keepingcurrent
December 2025 - The HIA-LI Reporter Page 4
ALERT: New York Mandates Retirement Plans for Small Businesses
Starting in 2026 By Eric Monroe Senior Associate Risk Strategies | Standard Pension Services Part of the Brown & Brown Team (516) 583-5655 www.riskstrategies.com Beginning in 2026, all New York small businesses and not-for-profits will be required to offer a workplace retirement plan or automatically enroll employees in the state-run New York Secure Choice Savings Program.
This new rule is designed to expand retirement savings access for workers across the state. Who Must Participate Any business that: • Has operated in New York for two or more years • Employs 10 or more workers (including parttime) • Does not currently sponsor a retirement plan such as a SIMPLE IRA, SEP, 401(k), or 403(b) About the Program • The Secure Choice Plan is a payroll-deducted Roth IRA. • Eligible employees are automatically enrolled at a 3% contribution rate. • Employees can opt out, adjust their contributions, and manage investments directly. • The program is administered by Vestwell, with BlackRock Target Date Funds as the default investment option. • Annual contribution limit: $7,000 in 2025 (subject to IRS updates). Fees and Costs • $28 annual fee ($7 per quarter) per employee • Investment fees: 0.22% – 0.31% annualy • Withdrawal penalty before age 59½ • $10 annual paper statement fee • $50 account closure fee • No employer fees, according to the program website
Employee Eligibility • Must be age 18 or older • Must earn wages taxable in New York • High-income earners may face contribution limits — consult a tax advisor Enrollment Deadlines Company Size Deadline 30+ employees March 18, 2026 15–29 employees May 15, 2026 10–14 employees July 15, 2026 Explore Your Options Employers can choose to join the state plan or sponsor their own qualified retirement plan. There are federal tax incentives available that can help offset the cost of starting, administering, and funding a new star-up retirement plan like a 401(k). As with any benefit decision, there are pros and cons to each approach. Education is key. For more information on the state plan, visit www.newyorksecurechoice.com. If you’d like to explore private plan options, contact me or another qualified retirement plan specialist to discuss what best fits your organization.
LETTER FROM THE HIA-LI PRESIDENT & CEO
community.
As 2025 comes to a close, I want to express my deepest gratitude to our members for contributing to an exceptional year for HIA-LI. From our dynamic committee meetings to fantastic events like our 15th Annual Women’s Leadership Conference in November, this year has been nothing short of remarkable. Together, we have set a high bar, and I am confident that 2026 will bring even greater accomplishments to the Long Island business
As we enter the holiday season, I wish you and your loved ones a time filled with joy, warmth, and cherished connections. Looking ahead, we’re excited to begin the new year with a robust lineup of events, including our 48th Annual Meeting & Legislative Program: Policy & Progress on Friday, January 16th, at The Hyatt Regency. I hope you’ll join us as we launch another year of progress and collaboration. Here’s to continued success and a bright year ahead!
Terri Alessi-Miceli
Terri Alessi-Miceli HIA-LI President & CEO
December 2025 - The HIA-LI Reporter Page 5
Partners in Business,
December 2025 - The HIA-LI Reporter Page 6
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we’ ve been down this road before.
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December 2025 - The HIA-LI Reporter Page 8
Lisa’s passion is baking. Opening a store was a big step—one she made with support from PSEG Long Island. She earned incentives for choosing a vacant space that reduced her monthly energy costs. Now, her thriving business has made life a little sweeter for all of us.
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keepingcurrent Automating Business Workflows: Transforming Operations for Greater Efficiency and Profitability By Ed Avizur President e.avizur@abcsi.com A. B. Computer Systems, Inc. www.abcsi.com 200 Broadhollow Road, Suite 207, Melville, NY 11747 800-440-4082, Ext. 5022
In today’s fast-paced business environment, companies are under increasing pressure to operate efficiently, reduce costs, and respond quickly to customer needs. One of the most effective ways to achieve these goals is through business workflow automation—the use of technology to streamline processes, eliminate manual tasks, and ensure information flows seamlessly across the company. What Is Workflow Automation? Workflow automation uses technology to automate repeatable business processes based on predefined rules and logic. Rather than relying on manual steps— emails, spreadsheets, or paper forms—automated workflows route tasks, notify team members, update systems, and ensure work is completed quickly and consistently. Common tools include solutions like Microsoft Dynamics, Power Automate, and other cloud-based platforms that allow businesses to automate tasks across departments such as finance, sales, operations, and customer service.
Key Benefits of Automating Business Workflows are: Increased Productivity - Automation removes timeconsuming, repetitive tasks from employees’ workloads. Instead of entering data, sending reminders, or searching for information, staff can focus on highervalue activities such as serving customers, analyzing data, or developing new strategies. Reduced Operational Costs - By replacing manual processes with automated ones, companies reduce labor costs, minimize errors, and improve resource utilization. Automated workflows also require fewer tools and reduce reliance on spreadsheets and workarounds that often slow down operations. Improved Accuracy and Consistency - Manual work is prone to mistakes. Automation ensures that data is captured and processed correctly every time. This leads to more reliable reporting, fewer customer service issues, and better compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements. Faster Decision-Making - Workflow automation gives leaders real-time visibility into performance metrics. Automated dashboards and alerts bring attention to bottlenecks or exceptions immediately, enabling faster, more informed decisions.
or billing, help reduce delays, keep customers informed, and improve satisfaction and loyalty. Better Employee Experience - Employees are more engaged when they spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time on meaningful work. Automating workflows also reduces frustration caused by unclear processes or missing information. Greater Scalability and Flexibility - Automated workflows can be adapted as your business grows. Whether you’re opening a new location or adding new services, automation makes it easier to maintain consistency and efficiency across the company. Modern cloud platforms such as Microsoft Dynamics, Microsoft 365, Power Automate, and Azure give businesses the ability to automate processes without complex programming. These tools are reliable, secure, and scalable—and can integrate seamlessly with many other applications your company uses every day. Conclusion: Automating business workflows is no longer optional for companies that want to remain competitive. It is a proven way to reduce costs, streamline operations, and increase productivity, sales, and profits. Whether you’re looking to digitize a single process or transform your entire company, workflow automation provides long-term value and measurable results.
Enhanced Customer Experience - Customers benefit when processes move faster and more smoothly. For example, automated order processing, service ticketing,
keepingcurrent Ensuring Accurate Property Tax Assessments: Pay Attention to Municipal Records By Camila Morcos Associate Forchelli Deegan Terrana, LLP cmorcos@forchellilaw.com (516) 248-1700
Camila Morcos is an associate at Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP in Uniondale, NY. She is a member of the firm’s Tax Certiorari practice group. Questions? Contact Camila at cmorcos@forchellilaw.com or (516) 248-1700.
A simple, but essential, question exists for every property owner: Does your assessment accurately reflect the condition and use of your property? The physical character of commercial and residential properties can change over time as owners adapt to their needs, changing markets, and/or tenant demands. However, the assessor’s inventory may not always reflect
This article illustrates two examples of discrepancies: a change in the use of a property and an inaccurate calculation of a property’s size. The first example shows how converting office space to industrial space may not be reflected in municipal records, resulting in an inaccurate assessment. The second example explains how differing calculations in a property’s size, such as including a parking garage in total square footage, may cause an assessment to be inflated. Change in Use: When the use of a building shifts, the impact on assessed value can be substantial. For instance, imagine an area where older office buildings are gradually converted to industrial uses. If Owner A historically used a building as office space, the assessor may have valued it accordingly for those years. However, if Owner B purchases that building and converts the interior to industrial use, the assessor may innocently continue valuing it as office space. This is consequential because if your property is mistakenly assessed as office space when in reality it is used as industrial space, you have a right to correct the records so that they reflect the accurate use of the property. An Inaccurate Calculation: Discrepancies in building area calculations may also lead to inaccuracies in assessments. Consider an office building containing a parking garage. Typically, parking garages are considered an amenity, meaning that its incremental value is already reflected in the overall value
of the property. An assessor may erroneously consider the garage as leasable space that can be separately occupied. This would inappropriately and unfairly increase the total square footage of the property. For example, if the main building is 20,000 square-feet, and the parking garage is 10,000 square-feet, the assessed value should be based only on the 20,000 square feet of primary space. However, if the assessor treats the garage as part of the gross leasable area, then the full 10,000 square foot garage may be included at the same market rent attributed to the main building. The same hazard exists for mezzanine build-outs and ancillary structures. The Critical Importance of Filing an Assessment Challenge: Once tax bills are issued, it is generally too late to contest the underlying assessment for that tax year. Taxpayers are often unaware of errors in their assessment data and only realize something is amiss after receiving their bills. The opportunity to correct an error on an assessment is typically only possible within the statutory grievance window. The Suffolk County filing period deadline is on May 19, 2026, and the Nassau filing period deadline is March 1, 2026. It is important to consult with a property tax attorney to ensure that you are being fairly and accurately assessed on your property, which includes reviewing the assessing jurisdiction’s records to ensure it is properly accounting for the condition and use of your property. Additionally, it is important to stay on top of filing deadlines so that you have the opportunity to address any assessment errors.
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Notoriously, New York ranks among the highest property tax areas in the United States. Under New York’s statutory framework, annual tax bills are calculated by multiplying the tax rate by the property’s assessed value. While the rate is fixed by the tax levies of the various municipalities, school districts and special districts, the assessment itself is subjective and fact-sensitive. Pursuant to NY Real Property Tax Law §§ 301 & 302, tax assessors must value each property annually according to its condition and use. A property that is not correctly inventoried in municipal records may be assessed at a higher market value than it should be, resulting in unfair taxes.
a property’s condition, which can result in an inflated assessment.
HERE FOR EVERY STAGE OF THE JOURNEY. Let’s connect at cnb.com/business
Dani Shulman SVP, Private Banker P: 332-294-5254 dani.shulman@cnb.com
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City National Bank Member FDIC. City National Bank is a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. ©2025 City National Bank. All Rights Reserved. cnb.com® is a registered trademark of City National Bank.
Davi Tserpelis SVP, Regional Business Banking Manager P: 516-655-7837 davi.tserpelis@cnb.com 3825252-01
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Do You Know a Privately-Owned, Small or Family Long Island Business That’s Making a Big Impact? Join us at the HERALD Thrive Awards dinner at the conclusion of the Summit to celebrate the resilience, innovation, and dedication of Long Island’s family and small businesses who drive our economy forward. Whether they’re creating jobs, leading with vision, or giving back to the community, these businesses deserve recognition.
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At Coffee Distributing Company, a division of Canteen, our mission is to deliver exceptional break room experiences one cup of coffee at a time. We provide top-notch coffee and pantry services, eco-friendly products and innovative solutions to keep your team energized and satisfied. For more information, please reach out to: Alissa Fey Regional Sales Director • Coffee Distributing Company alissa.fey@compass-usa.com • 516-864-1251
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Our Bank@Work program offers on-site visits at your workplace to open new accounts and assist with existing ones–for every employee.
THE 15TH ANNUAL HIA-LI WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE What an incredible day of empowerment, connection, and growth at the Hilton Long Island! The 15th Annual HIA-LI Women’s Leadership Conference—Women Rising: Fearless & Focused—brought together a community of leaders and change-makers for powerful conversations and endless inspiration. Attendees were treated to an outstanding keynote speech from the President of the New York Bankers Association, Clare Cusack, and a dynamic panel of executives, founders, and industry trailblazers who shared insights on leadership, resilience, and personal transformation. From thought-provoking stories to actionable takeaways, the energy in the room was unmatched. The day continued with a slate of engaging breakout sessions covering topics like improving self-confidence, redefining wealth, and navigating AI. A huge thank you to all our panelists, breakout session speakers, sponsors, vendors, and attendees for making this day so special. Here’s to continuing the momentum—and empowering women to rise, lead, and inspire every day! A list of all our fabulous speakers: Keynote – Clare Cusack Opening Remarks – Carol Allen & Terri Alessi-Miceli
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Panel: Moderator – Domenique Moran Panelists – Dawn Cagliano, Katherine M. Fritz, Teresa Ferraro, Skye Ostreicher, and Davi Tserpelis Breakout Speakers – Lety Algeri, Mollie Wescott Barnett, Jacqueline Custance, Anne Fidje Davis, Lisa Mitnick, Melissa Negrin-Wiener, Kiki Orski, and Sarah Weber Photo Credit: Bob Giglione
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keepingcurrent Top 5 Tax Mistakes Law Firms Make — and How to Avoid Them and help your firm maintain both compliance and liquidity. 4. Ignoring Succession and Exit Strategies Many firms delay planning for partner retirements or ownership transitions. Without a tax-efficient strategy, these events can create financial strain for both the firm and the departing partner.
By Timothy Reiter, CPA’ Key Takeaways: • Misclassifying income partners, overlooking state tax obligations, and poor distribution planning are just a few tax traps law firms often fall into. • Proactive planning and tailored guidance can help your firm manage risk and avoid costly penalties. • From partner succession to underused deductions, staying tax-savvy supports both profitability and long-term growth.
How to avoid it: Start early. Develop a buy-sell agreement that accounts for valuation, funding, and tax treatment. Consider installment sales or deferred compensation plans to spread out tax burdens. A tax advisor can guide you through structuring options that align with your firm’s goals. 5. Failing to Leverage Available Deductions and Credits From continuing legal education to technology investments, law firms often miss out on deductions that could reduce their taxable income. This is especially true for firms that don’t regularly review their chart of accounts or expense classifications.
In today’s complex regulatory environment, law firms face increasing scrutiny from tax authorities — and the stakes are high. From misclassifying partners to overlooking state tax obligations, even well-established firms can fall into costly traps. Here are five common tax mistakes law firms make, and how to avoid them with proactive planning and the right advisory support: 1. Misclassifying Partners and Employees Law firms often operate under partnership structures, but the line between partner and employee isn’t always clear. Misclassifying individuals — especially income-earning partners who function more like employees — can result in the assessment of back employment taxes (including the firm’s share of FICA/Medicare), withholding tax liabilities, IRS audits and penalties, and damage to the firm’s reputation. How to avoid it: Ensure your firm’s classification policies align with IRS guidelines. Review compensation structures, voting rights, and management responsibilities regularly. A CPA firm can help assess risk areas and recommend adjustments to stay compliant. 2. Overlooking State and Local Tax (SALT) Obligations With attorneys working remotely and firms expanding across jurisdictions, SALT compliance has become a moving target. Many firms underestimate their nexus exposure or miscalculate apportionment, leading to underpaid taxes, as well as late
filing and late payment penalties and interest. Additionally, the complexity of pass-through entity taxes (PTETs) is a critical issue as it impacts the firm’s cash flow and partner tax returns. How to avoid it: Conduct a nexus study to determine where your firm has tax obligations. Implement systems to track where services are performed, and revenue is earned. A SALT professional can help you stay ahead of evolving state rules and avoid surprises. 3. Inadequate Tax Planning for Partner Distributions Distributions to partners are often made without considering the tax implications — especially when cash flow is tight. This can result in partners owing significant taxes on guaranteed payments and/or distributive share of income shown on their K-1 that they haven’t received in cash. How to avoid it: Coordinate tax basis and other distribution planning with distribution schedules. Use quarterly projections to estimate partner liabilities and adjust draws accordingly. Also, consider clawback provisions. A CPA can model various scenarios
How to avoid it: Conduct an annual deduction review. Look for underutilized areas like Section 179 expensing and R&D credits for legal tech innovation. A proactive CPA can help you identify and document eligible expenses. Strengthening Your Firm’s Tax Strategy Tax compliance is more than a year-end exercise — it’s a strategic function that can impact your firm’s profitability, partner satisfaction, and long-term sustainability. By avoiding these common mistakes and working with a CPA firm that understands the legal industry, your firm can stay ahead of the curve and focus on what matters most: serving your clients. How MGO Can Help Our Professional Services practice works with law firms of all sizes to navigate complex tax challenges. Whether you’re managing multi-state operations, planning partner distributions, or reviewing deductions, we offer tailored strategies to help your firm stay compliant and financially efficient. Reach out to our team today to start building a stronger tax foundation for your firm.
keepingcurrent 3 Questions You Should Be Asking Before You Claim Social Security
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By Paul S. Feigenbaum, Ph.D., RICP, RSSA, CLTC, LUTCF Special Care (Needs) Planner Certification in Long Term Care Registered Social Security Analyst Investment Advisor Representative Retirement Income Certified Professional (516) 686-7034 2200 Northern Blvd, Suite 200 East Hills, NY 11548 Pfeigenbaum@FinancialGuide.com www.Linkedin.com/in/ PSFeigenbaum
Often, the question of when one should apply for Social Security is more important than when one can apply. Social Security may feel like a simple decision: turn a certain age, file a claim, collect your check. But the impact from when one claims can potentially be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars over your lifetime. As one approaches retirement age, here are three critical questions to ask before you file. 1. How long do I plan to work, and how will working affect my benefits? If you claim Social Security before your full retirement age (FRA), your benefits may be reduced if you keep working and earn more than the annual earnings limit. In 2026, that limit is $24,480. For every $2 you earn above the limit, $1 of your benefit is temporarily withheld. However, once you reach your FRA, those withheld benefits are recalculated back into your monthly check, potentially increasing it going forward. Still, it’s important to understand the short-term and long-term impacts of working while receiving benefits. Potentially even more important, consider how your work income affects your taxes. Depending on your total income, up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be subject
to income tax.
Things to consider: • Will you be working part-time or full-time after you start collecting? • Do you need your benefit income right away, or can you wait? • How might your continued earnings affect your overall tax situation? 2. What will my benefit be should I file early or late and how much will I receive over my lifetime? Your monthly Social Security benefit depends on when you claim. The earlier you file, the smaller your monthly check, but you receive it for more years. The later you claim (up to age 70), the larger your check, but you receive it for fewer years. Here’s the tradeoff: If you claim benefits at age 62, you can start collecting early, but your monthly amount may be reduced by as much as 30%. If you wait until your full retirement age (FRA), you’ll receive 100% of your earned benefit. And if you delay beyond FRA, your benefit increases by 8% for each year you wait, up to age 70, potentially reaching up to 124% of your full benefit. But it’s not just about the monthly amount. It’s about your lifetime value. Depending on how long you live, delaying can increase your total lifetime benefits by tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Things to consider: • What are your projected benefits at 62, Full Retirement Age, and 70? • What is the maximum age you expect to live – consider your family’s longevity? (Social Security is a lifetime benefit so make sure you consider your longevity risk.) • Do you have other income sources that can cover your needs should you delay?
3. How does my decision impact my spouse or dependents? Social Security isn’t just about individual retirement benefits. It’s a safety net for families. Often, your claiming decision will affect more than just your own benefit. A lower-earning or non-working spouse may be eligible for up to 50% of your benefit, but claiming early can reduce that amount. If you pass away first, your spouse may receive your benefit as a survivor benefit, so a lower claim now could mean less for them later. Divorced spouses may also qualify if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and they haven’t remarried. And if you have minor children or a disabled adult child, they may be eligible for benefits based on your record. Things to consider: • Are you coordinating with your spouse to maximize household income? • Have you reviewed eligibility for any dependent benefits? • Do you understand how survivor benefits are calculated? Social Security is not a one-size-fits-all strategy. The “right” age to claim depends on your work plans, health outlook, income needs, and family structure. These three questions can help uncover what’s truly at stake, and why personalized planning matters. Adapted from content originally provided by the National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts Ltd. (NARSSA). Any modifications, interpretations, or opinions are those of the RSSA® and do not reflect the official views of NARSSA. For additional information on this subject, please reach out to the Registered Social Security Analyst associated with this article.
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keepingcurrent Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine Shines a Light on Free Assistance for Local Businesses approach that simplifies hiring.
Contact the SC-DOL Business Services Unit at 631-853-6763 for details.
By Victoria Ryan One-Stop Operator Suffolk County Dept. of Labor 631.853.3813 Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine is spotlighting the services offered by the Suffolk County Department of Labor (SC-DOL) to support local businesses. “We want to publicize real services that help create and maintain jobs in Suffolk County,” said County Executive Romaine. “For too long these programs and services seemed like a well-kept secret. I want everyone to know that the Suffolk County Department of Labor provides meaningful, no-cost support to local employers and jobseekers.” Under Mr. Romaine’s leadership and at the direction of SC-DOL Commissioner Wayne Rogers, the department serves as a resource for both employers and those seeking jobs or employees. Workforce Recruitment and Development Recognizing that a skilled workforce is essential to business success, SC-DOL connects employers with qualified job seekers to ensure companies find the talent they need. Job Placement Through its comprehensive job placement services, SC-DOL helps businesses identify candidates that meet their specific needs. Employers can post job openings, access a wide pool of applicants, and receive assistance screening candidates — a streamlined
Customized Training Programs SC-DOL collaborates with businesses to create customized training and internship programs that, when funding is available, can offset wages during training. These tailored initiatives equip employees with critical skills while helping companies remain competitive in an evolving marketplace. For more information, contact the SC-DOL Business Services Unit at 631-853-6763. Business Services and Support Beyond workforce development, SC-DOL assists employers in navigating regulations, accessing incentives, and planning strategically. Labor Market Information The department provides up-to-date labor market data to guide decisions about hiring, expansion, and operations — including wage trends, industry growth, and employment forecasts. Contact the SC-DOL Business Services Unit at 631-853-6763 for current information. Business Incentive Programs To promote economic development, the department links businesses with incentive programs such as tax credits, grants, and workforce training subsidies that reduce costs and encourage growth. Call 631-853-6763 to learn more. Specialized Industry Support Sector-Specific Job Fairs SC-DOL organizes job fairs tailored to key industries, connecting employers directly with qualified candidates and facilitating valuable networking opportunities. For upcoming events, contact 631-853-6763.
Apprenticeship Initiatives For industries requiring advanced technical skills, the department supports apprenticeship programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled workers. Learn more at 631-853-6763. Fostering Collaboration and Innovation Collaboration is central to SC-DOL’s mission. Through partnerships with local organizations, educational institutions, and industry leaders, the department advances workforce innovation and economic progress. Public-Private Partnerships By working closely with chambers of commerce and other stakeholders, SC-DOL ensures its programs remain effective, responsive, and aligned with business needs. Networking and Knowledge Sharing The department hosts workshops, seminars, and networking events that connect employers, job seekers, and experts to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore strategies for success. For event details, contact 631-853-6763. Conclusion The Suffolk County Department of Labor is a vital resource for employers — providing recruitment, training, compliance, and incentive support that empower businesses to thrive. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and workforce excellence, SC-DOL strengthens Suffolk’s economy and helps ensure a prosperous future. Whether you’re a small business owner, corporate leader, or entrepreneur, County Executive Ed Romaine wants you to know: SC-DOL is here to help your business succeed — free of charge.
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WELCOME OCTOBER & NOVEMBER NEW MEMBERS MCFAR CONTRACTING CORP Penny Mendelsohn | (516) 873-9080 Penny@mcfarcontracting.com TWISTED COW DISTILLERY John Pawluk | (631) 617-4418 john@twistedcowdistillery.net PTPCONSULTING Paule Pachter | (516) 236-0626 ppachter@optimum.net STRONG ISLAND K&J LLC (FILTA) Keri Gardner | (631) 559-6610 keri.gardner@gofilta.com MICHAEL J. ANGERHAUSER, CPA PLLC Michael J Angerhauser, CPA | (631) 226-4184 michael@angerhausercpa.com NEW YORK ISLANDERS Tania Lawes | (516) 445-0102 tania.lawes@newyorkislanders.com EASTERN ADVISORY GROUP Joseph Tavernite | (631) 389-2388 jtavernite@eagroupli.com NEVALLIANCE Dr. Neva Alexander | (516) 537-8180 nalexander@nevalliance.com ISLAND MASTER LOCKSMITH LLC Ashley Spetta | (516) 880-4136 aspetta@imlsecurity.com ELLEN PALAZZO Ellen Palazzo | (516) 313-4894 palazzoe@veinternational.org SOTER TECHNOLOGIES, LLC Derek Peterson | (934) 500-4658 derek.peterson@sotertechnologies.com NEW EDGE IT SERVICES Tim Reid | (631) 625-5219 treid@newedge-it.com JOHNSON CONTROLS Patrick Abate | (516) 329-4939 patrick.abate@jci.com ELL’S CREATIONS Michelle Weinfeld | (516) 557-5475 michelleweinfeld4@gmail.com FULFILLMENT PLUS Jakki Buonaiuto PURO CLEAN OF BOHEMIA & CORAM | (631) 615-1330 pcofbohemia@puroclean.com CORE CONCEPTS CONTRACTING INC. Nicole LaMontagne | (631) 326-8985 KALAMAKI (631) 387-4976 | chris@kalamakigreek.com IMA FINANCIAL GROUP Desiree O’Neil | (914) 457-1251 desiree.oneil@imacorp.com
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D&D CBD, INC. Brandon Nichol | (631) 305-7072 DC ELEVATE CONSULTING Cesar Del Carpio | cesar@dcelevateconsulting.com THE PICKLEBALL HEAVEN Don Rickey | (631) 371-2660 don@thepickleballheaven.com HOZIO Steven Orandello | (631) 750-6295 steve@hozio.com EXIT FACTOR OF LONG ISLAND Mark Basile | (631) 990-1210 mark.basile@exitfactor.com CASTRO CONTRACTING CORPORATION Erika Castro | (631) 940-7101 erica@castrocabinetry.com
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PRINCE PUBLIC RELATIONS & PRODUCTS Rick Ammirati | (516) 318-9555 rick@prince4productions.com
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TELESTORY PICTURES, LLC Michael Mills | (888) 759-6096 mmills@telestorypictures.com
ACTIVE WEB GROUP INC. Scott Forde | (800) 978-3417 info@activewebgroup.com
THE HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS/RICHNER LIVE Amy Amato | (516) 569-4000 aamato@liherald.com
AMPERSAND MARKETING Steve Marran | (631) 228-8898 steve@ampersand.marketing
TURN ONE STUDIO, INC. Eliud Custodio | (631) 223-8124 info@turnonestudio.com
AUDACY Mark Businski | (212) 315-7083 mark.businski@audacy.com
TURNPOINT MEDIA Jonathan Schlackman | (917) 597-2387 jon@turnpointmedia.com
BENNINGTON BROOKSTONE INC. Sonja Bellem | (631) 745-9196 sbellem@bbrookstone.com
VERTIGO MARKETING GROUP LLC Lisa Mirabile | (516) 852-5030 lisa@vertigogrp.com
BOB GIGLIONE PHOTOGRAPHY Bob Giglione | (516) 848-9600 bobgiglionephotography@outlook.com
WALTER F. CAMERON ADVERTISING John Frame | (631) 232-3033 jframe@cameronadvertising.com
BRAINSTORM STUDIO John McHugh | (631) 367-1000 X1001 john@brainstormstudio.com
WINCOR STRATEGIES, LLC Lila Corwin | (516) 885-8241 lcorwin@wincorstrategies.com
CITY PUBLICATIONS OF LONG ISLAND Travis Jackson | (631) 933-0502 travis@citypubli.com
WSI WORLD Mike Paradiso | (516) 641-6453 mike.paradiso@wsiworld.com
DIDIT Todd Matises | (516) 629-3351 todd.matises@didit.com EGC GROUP Ernie Canadeo | (516) 935-4944 ernie@egcgroup.com GRIT & GRACE DESIGN STUDIO Melissa Ingino | info@gritandgracedesignstudio.com KICKADS BRAND MARKETING LLC Laurie Taylor | (631) 319-9094 laurie@kickadsnow.com LGC STUDIOS Gregory Demetriou | (631) 694-1500 deana@lgcli.com LIGHTHAUS DESIGN Glenn Romanelli | (631) 240-6315 info@lighthausdesign.com
OFF MAIN MARKETING Jonathan Dolan | (516) 712-9902 offmainmarketing@gmail.com PENNYLANE PRODUCTIONS Adam Forgione | (631) 486-2881 adam@plvisuals.com PRIMEDIA, INC. Richard Rutigliano | (516) 222-2041 rrutigliano@primediany.com
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MARK GROSSMAN PUBLIC RELATIONS Mark Grossman | (631) 786-0404 mark@markgrossmanpr.com
NEW MEMBER PROFILES From solo entrepreneurs to thoughtful friends and growing companies — we help you stand out and stay thoughtful. Let us take gifting off your to-do list. We think outside the basket! Ell’s Creations Michelle Weinfeld 20 Cranford Road, Plainview, NY 11803 516-557-5475 www.ellscreations.com michelleweinfeld4@gmail.com
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Ell’s Creations provides premium embroidery with a creative twist. I specialize in custom branded swag for small businesses and personalized items for the home and apparel. For reliable quality and custom attention, skip the online marketplace and work directly with me.
Kalamaki Fresh Greek 694 Motor Parkway, Ste 2 Hauppauge NY 11788 631-387-GYRO (4976) www.kalamakigreek.com Kalamaki is Hauppauge’s fresh new Greek street food spot — fast, casual, and all about big flavor. We’re known for our juicy souvlaki skewers, overstuffed pita sandwiches, crisp salads, and custom bowls packed with color and fresh ingredients. Everything is made in-house: from our marinades and dips to our roasted veggies, lemon potatoes, spanakopita, and fan-favorite Halloumi sticks.
We keep things simple: fresh food, generous portions, and friendly service. Whether you’re Gifts By Adele grabbing lunch on a busy workday, picking Adele Viola up dinner for the family, or ordering delivery Professional Gifting on a cozy night in, we make it easy. Our menu 516-951-8300 has something for everyone — classic Greek GiftsbyAdele.com favorites, and fun new creations like Greek pita At Gifts by Adele, we specialize in beautifully nachos, zucchini bites, and street-style pitas. curated gift baskets that help you celebrate, appreciate, and connect — in both business and If you love Greek street food (or you’re ready to life. Whether you’re thanking a client, celebrating discover it), we can’t wait to welcome you. See a birthday, or sending comfort to a loved one, why so many locals have made us their new gowe take the guesswork out of gifting and deliver to Greek spot! something truly memorable.
We’re putting our energy behind the HIA-LI and all they do for the customers and communities we serve. ngrid.com Connect with us on
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Looking for your next off-site or corporate retreat venue? The Southampton Inn is a 90 room hotel in the heart of Southampton Village with onsite dining and spacious conference rooms. We specialize in corporate packages including AV equipment, full-service catering, and a year-round staff that can curate a unique experience catered to your company’s needs and vision. Contact us to start planning your next productive meeting or memorable retreat. 91 HILL STREET, SOUTHAMPTON, NY 11968 | WWW.SOUTHAMPTONINN.COM | 631.283.6500
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HEARD AROUND THE ISLAND APPOINTMENTS, PROMOTIONS, HONORS & OTHER HAPPENINGS
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Executive Alliance is pleased to announce Daria Teller as the company’s new President. Daria began her career with Executive Alliance as a Recruiter and advanced through leadership roles, most recently serving as Vice President of Recruiting. She brings extensive experience, a proven track record, and strategic vision to guide Executive Alliance’s continued growth and success.
Executive Alliance proudly announces the promotion of Susan Burden to Executive Vice President. Susan expressed her gratitude for the challenges and rewarding experiences that shaped her journey, and looks forward to driving continued success with the support of her team. Please join us in celebrating
her accomplishments and this Estate Law; and Tier 2 on exciting new chapter. Long Island in Construction Law, Employment Law – Management, and Litigation Labor and Employment. Firms included in the Best Law Firms® Rankings are recognized for professional excellence with impressive ratings from clients Farmingdale State College and peers. Achieving a tiered (FSC) is proud to announce ranking indicates a unique the launch of a new bachelor’s combination of quality law degree program designed to practice and breadth of legal prepare students for impactful services. careers in government, nonprofit organizations, and in the many fields that intersect with public policy. The Public Administration and Policy program provides a strong foundation in political science together with coursework in fields such as economics, communications, and law. Students will connect Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP classroom theory with real- is pleased to announce that world practice from day one, Lisa M. Casa, a partner in the developing versatile skills that Employment and Labor practice support a wide range of careers group, was elected to serve as both inside and outside of Vice President of the Eastern government across all sectors of District of New York Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Her the economy. one-year term began on October 24, 2025.
Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP is proud to announce that the firm received the following regional Best Law Firms® Rankings: Tier 1 on Long Island in Land Use and Zoning Law and Real
HEARD AROUND THE ISLAND APPOINTMENTS, PROMOTIONS, HONORS & OTHER HAPPENINGS Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP is pleased to announce that Bret L. McCabe, a partner in the firm’s Construction and Litigation practice groups, was recently elected to serve as Vice President of the North Shore Coalition Against Substance Abuse. His 2-year term began on November 1, 2025. Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP warmly congratulates Bret L. McCabe, a partner in the firm’s Construction and Litigation practice groups, on being selected by Long Island Business News as a 2025 Leader in Law. The Leaders in Law Award recognizes dedicated individuals whose leadership, both in the legal profession and in the community, has had a positive impact on Long Island. Recipients of this award demonstrate outstanding achievements, involvement in their profession and support of the community.
Strata Alliance has announced an expansion of services and a launch of the Strata Foundation, a charitable foundation formed to give back to the neediest families on Long Island. The leading multi-family office on Long Island, Strata Alliance initially launched in 2022 with a mission to provide exclusive opportunities where business owners and high-net-worth
The Art League of Long Island (ALLI) is proud to announce the receipt of two significant grants that will further its mission to foster the appreciation and practice of the visual arts. ALLI has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the New York State Council of the Arts (NYSCA) for general operating support in 2026. New York State Council of the Arts Grant for Educational Programming ALLI has received a $10,000 grant from the New York State Council of the Arts (NYSCA) to support general operations and educational programming. This funding will sustain ALLI’s robust arts education initiatives, which serve students of all ages, from ages 3 to 103, across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. “NYSCA grantees represent the diverse spectrum of creativity in New York State, and we are proud to invest in your critical work,” stated the NYSCA.
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Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP is proud to announce that the firm has been ranked in the Chambers USA New York Spotlight Guide 2026 for its Real Estate practice. This distinguished recognition is especially meaningful, as it marks the first year that the firm received a ranking following Chambers’ rigorous, researchdriven evaluation process.
On November 8, Allan M. Dorman, Mayor, Village of Islandia, was joined by Village officials and members of the Col. Francis S. Midura Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #12144 and the Central Islip Fire Department at the Veterans Memorial Triangle to honor those who served and continue to serve our country. There was also an invocation by Tom Brauner, Chaplain, VFW Post #12144, and the ceremonial laying of roses at the memorial. For more information, call (631) 348-1133 or visit www. newvillageofislandia.com.
individuals could strengthen leverage to expand their legacies. The Strata platform replaces disconnected advisors with one aligned team to handle capital, legal, tax, M&A, insurance and beyond, thus supporting families by protecting, managing, and growing their greatest assets.
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keepingcurrent Lead Like a Woman: Fast Frameworks for Brave Ideas By Debra Williams The Meeting Medic www.cecnow.com (203) 641-6270
Here are three simple shifts you can try in your next meeting: 1. Start with the Positives Lead with what you like about an idea, rather than rushing to criticize. This positive focus prevents us from tossing ideas too quickly. This micro-habit helps leaders build engagement and psychological safety within the team so that people are more willing to share their ideas. 2. Raise your Concerns as Questions
positives of the idea as possible
Beginning with “How might we…” shifts us to think in terms of possibilities. It’s a subtle but powerful reframe.
Think “It might…”
3. Generate 30–50 Ideas to address your Challenge Question Sound like a lot? Good. It is. And that’s the point. Your first few ideas will likely be obvious, safe, or borrowed. Breakthroughs don’t start out polished — they start as scribbles. Some of the best ideas are born on napkins, not whiteboards. You want the weird-but-workable ideas, ones that make you think: “This is wild... but it just might work.” Practice: 15 Minutes to Breakthrough Try this structure in your next team session: 3 min: Generate as many immediate
3 min: Identify potential benefits that might come from the idea in the future.
3 min: Now you can raise concerns and issues but only in the form of a question! “How might we manage this project within the time constraints?” “How might we gain the buy-in necessary to get the resources we need?” Select one challenge question that, if solved, would help you get furthest toward reaching the goal. 6 min: Brainstorm 30+ ideas to address to this challenge question This kind of structured, fast-paced process reflects the tools I teach as your Meeting Medic. You learn lightweight facilitation habits that energize collaboration without adding more meetings. Need help introducing this to your team?
It’s not easy to change habits, especially for teams with wellestablished routines. But if you introduce this as an experiment, people will be more willing to try it out. Want more tools to improve collaboration and creativity? If you want support designing and facilitating productive, energizing problem-solving sessions, reach out to me, your Meeting Medic at Collective Energy Consulting. Let’s make meetings work again and generate powerful results while we’re at it. As women leaders on Long Island, we have an opportunity to model the kind of leadership that values collaboration, curiosity, and the courage to try weird, workable ideas. Let’s lead that movement, one meeting at a time.
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Long Island is home to a rising force of women leaders who are reshaping how we lead teams, solve problems, and show up in meetings. But even strong leaders can get stuck in old habits. What can we do to overcome the habits that crush creativity, kill innovation, and shut down team member contributions?
Create a new rule that says any potential objection must be phrased in the form of a question. Instead of We can’t afford it,” ask: “How might we fund the project?”
keepingcurrent December Safety Spotlight: Ensuring Fire Extinguisher Readiness This Holiday Season
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By Todd Corcoran W&M Fire & Security 630 Broadway Avenue Unit 1 Holbrook, NY 1174 631-472-4500 Todd.Corcoran@wmfps.us wmfireprotection.com
As we welcome the month of December, it’s essential to acknowledge the hidden risks that come with the holiday season. While festive gatherings are a time for joy, they can also increase fire hazards in homes and workplaces. Now is the perfect opportunity to discuss the critical role fire extinguishers play in fire safety and why regular maintenance is crucial. Empowering Everyday Heroes Fire extinguishers are more than just safety equipment; they make everyone a potential hero. Unlike smoke alarms and sprinkler systems, which activate automatically, extinguishers are tools anyone can use in an emergency. Having the knowledge and confidence to operate a fire extinguisher can mean the difference between extinguishing a small fire or a minor incident escalating into a full-blown disaster. Annual Inspections Are Lifesaving
Annual inspections are not bureaucratic red tape; they are a vital part of building safety. Local jurisdictions require these documented inspections to ensure all safety equipment is functional. If you don’t inspect your fire extinguishers, they may not perform when needed. Unfortunately, we often forget or ignore fire extinguishers until they are desperately needed. Regular checks are essential to ensure reliability. During inspections, technicians frequently find extinguishers hidden behind desks or seasonal decorations, making them difficult to access in an emergency. Place your extinguishers where someone can reach them quickly.
cooking and decorating often lead to distractions, further increasing the risk. Let’s not overlook fire extinguishers this month or any other. Their accessibility and functionality could potentially save lives.
The Critical Six-Year Teardown
Building Managers: Protect What You Value Most
Another crucial aspect of fire extinguisher maintenance is the mandatory six-year teardown service. Over time, extinguishers can age, leading to issues such as rust, seepage, or dry-rotting hoses that can render them ineffective. The teardown service is essential; it resets the extinguisher’s reliability clock and gives you peace of mind that it will work when called upon.
For building managers, December is not only about festivities but also a time to ensure compliance before the new year. By working with a licensed contractor, you can align with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and local codes. They will ensure that the appropriate type of extinguisher is in the correct location, with proper placement, distance, and tagging.
Seasonal Risks and the Speed of Holiday Fires
As we embrace the holiday spirit, let’s commit to fire safety. Regular maintenance of fire extinguishers is not just an obligation but a vital practice that protects everyone. Stay safe and enjoy a festive season!
• December can be treacherous when it comes to fire safety. Increased use of space heaters, the presence of dry Christmas trees, and the risk of overloaded extension cords can all contribute to fire hazards. In addition, holiday
• Another alarming fact to consider is that holiday fires can spread much faster than many people realize. For instance, a Christmas tree fire can escalate in under a minute, creating a catastrophic situation in mere moments. This reality underscores the importance of fire extinguishers being in proper working order and easily accessible.
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We partner with your business year-round, not just for tax season.
Sasserath & Co. is a boutique firm that focuses on sophisticated and technical tax and accounting for closely-held businesses, private equity services, mergers and acquisitions, and international tax services. We also offer private client services to
TAX ACCOUNTING
manage high-net-worth clients’ needs, including tax, estate, and financial planning. We work with clients on Long Island, across the country,
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and around the world.
4175 VETERANS HWY., RONKONKOMA, NY 11779
631-368-3110 | SassCPAs.com
CMM Navigates Commercial Real Estate Our dedicated commercial real estate group provides aggressive legal representation in connection with all aspects of commercial real estate transactions (including commercial leasing, purchases, sales, and investment), real estate development, construction, financing, land use and zoning. Our team has decades of experience working closely with building owners, shopping centers, office buildings, national retailers, investors, lenders and contractors to provide legal support and advice for routine and complex transactions. Contact us at 631-738-9100 to get started.
at cmmllp.com or 631-738-9100.
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Learn more about our Commercial Real Estate Practice
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www.pafcu.org • (631) 434-3500