HIA-LI Reporter Newspaper - June/July 2025

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Terri Alessi-Miceli

The HIA-LI is one of the recognized voices for long island business and a powerful force in regional and economic development. HIA-LI’S priorities include important initiatives and projects we will advocate for on behalf of the long island business community. We are committed to collaborating to build support for these priorities as we help restore the LI economy.

ECONOMIC ENGINE FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT. OUR MEMBER COMPANIES REPRESENT TENS OF THOUSANDS OF BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS.

MANUFACTURING REVITILIZATION

HIA -LI OFFICERS &

DIRECTORS

President Terri Alessi-Miceli (631) 543 - 5355

President Terri Alessi-Miceli (631) 543 - 5355

President & CEO Terri Alessi-Miceli (631) 543-5355

OFFICERS

OFFICERS

Chairperson Anthony Manetta Standard Advisors Group (516) 373-6200

President Terri Alessi-Miceli (631) 543 - 5355

LONG ISLAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Support and advocate for efforts to improve infrastructure and promote economic development on long island.

• Long Island Innovation Park At HauppaugeAdvocate For The Growth And Sustainability Of The LIIPH, The Largest In The Northeast.

• LI Macarthur Airport - Build Support And Awareness For Town Of Islip Projects And The Expansion Of Long Island Macarthur Airport.

• Major Projects On LI – Identify And Highlight Additional Long Island Transformational Projects.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Work with business to identify challenges and government leaders to explore existing and emerging strategies to support long island business and quality of life.

RESTORE AND GROW MEMBERSHIP

Articulate our deepened value proposition to restore and attract new members.

• CEO membership – continue to create a forum for CEO’s and business owners to collaborate and brainstorm to grow their businesses.

• Premium Online Marketplace - Help Our Members Showcase And Connect Their Company Brand Virtually To The Long Island Business Community.

SMALL BUSINESS

Create an environment of business success by branding, educating, and advocating for long island small business.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Connect business needs and institutions to better attract Long Island’s future workforce. Develop strategies to attract, train and retain employees for Long Island business.

• Job portal - create a hub where businesses, job seekers, universities and partners can align on job creation and hiring.

WOMEN’S COLLABORATIVE

Support, educate and advocate for women business leaders to affect positive change and growth.

member s. Educate and showcase environmental

REBRANDING HIA- LI

Re - launch HIA-LI’s brand to communicate our unique value and solidify our position within the LI market. Modernize our logo showing that we are evolving to reach the next norm.

HIA -LI OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

Joe Campolo Campolo, Middleton & McCormick LLP (631) 738 - 9100

Chairperson of the Board

Phil Boyle Suffolk OTB & Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel (631) 232-3000

Jim Coughlan Tritec Real Estate Co (631) 706 - 4113

273 - 4255

Kevin OʼConnor Bridgehampton

HIA -LI OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

Stuart Lubow Dime Community Bank (631) 537-1000

(631) 537-8826

Kevin OʼConnor Bridgehampton National Bank (631) 537-8826

Rober t Desmond AIRECO Real Estate Corp. (631) 273 - 4255

Joseph Campolo Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP (631) 738-9100

Rita DiStefano Portnoy, Messinger, Pearl, & Associates, Inc. (516) 921 - 3400 Joe Campolo Campolo, Middleton & McCormick LLP (631) 738 - 9100

First Vice Chairperson Kevin O’Connor Valley Bank (631) 979-0700

Ar thur Sander s Omni Funding (516) 697 - 3900

Scott Maskin SUNation Energy (631) 750-9454

Rita DiStefano Rimon Law PC (516) 921-3400

Joe Campolo Campolo, Middleton & McCormick LLP (631) 738 - 9100

Second Vice Chairperson Michael Voltz PSEG Long Island (631) 844-3819

Treasurer Alan Sasserath Sasserath & Co LLP (631) 368-3110

Rita DiStefano Portnoy, Messinger, Pearl, & Associates, Inc. (516) 921 - 3400

John Bauer Littler Mendelson, P.C. (631) 293 - 4525

Allen Peopleʼs Alliance Federal Credit Union (631) 434 - 3500

John Bauer Littler Mendelson, P.C. (631) 293 - 4525 Rich Humann, P.E. H2M architects + engineers (631) 756 - 8000

John Bauer Littler Mendelson, P.C. (631) 293 - 4525

Corporate Secretary James Coughlan TRITEC Real Estate Company (631) 706-4113

DIRECTORS

Rich Humann, P.E. H2M architects + engineers (631) 756 - 8000

V ice Chairper son Corporate Secretar y Anthony Manetta HB Solutions (516) 762-7523 Treasurer

DIRECTORS Carol Allen Peopleʼs Alliance Federal Credit Union (631) 434 - 3500

Carol A. Allen People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union (631) 434-3500

Quarte AVZ & Company (631) 434 - 9500

Jeffrey Dorschuck M&T Bank (631) 357-1557

Rich Humann, P.E. H2M architects + engineers (631) 756 - 8000

Mario Asaro Industry One Realty (631) 694-3500

Joseph Garofalo Island Christian Church (631)

Joseph Garofalo Island Christian Church (631) 822 - 3000

Susan H. Gubing Career Smar ts (631) 979 - 6452

Reverend Joseph Garofalo Huntington Baptist Church (631) 822-3000

Rich Humann H2M architects + engineers (631) 434-5000

Robert Isaksen Bank of America (631) 547-7450

Kent

John Bauer Littler Mendelson, P.C. (631) 293-4525

Dr. Edward Bonahue Suffolk County Community College (631) 451-4110

Christopher Kent Farrell Fritz (631) 367 - 0710 Bob Isaksen Bank of America (631) 547 - 7450

Chairperson of the Board Robert Quarte AVZ & Company (631) 434 - 9500

Chris Kent Farrell Fritz, P.C. (631) 367-0710

Jim Coughlan Tritec Real Estate Co (631) 706 - 4113 David BrookhavenManningNational Laboratory (631) 344 - 4747

Kelly Murphy Suffolk County IDA (631) 853-4802

Ann-Marie Scheidt Stony Brook

Rita DiStefano Portnoy, Messinger, Pearl, & Associates, Inc. (516) 921 - 3400

David BrookhavenManningNational Laboratory (631) 344 - 4747

Robert Quarte AVZ & Company (631) 434 - 9500

Paule Pachter Long Island Cares, Inc. (631) 582-3663

Dominick Pernice St. Charles Hospital (631) 862-3107

Fritz (631) 367 - 0710 Bob Isaksen Bank of America (631) 547 - 7450 Ann-Marie Scheidt Stony Brook University (631) 216 - 7605

Shybunko-Moore GSE

ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS SUCCESS

Create forums to educate and connect growth and sur vival. Promote the HIA Tr ade Show and conference as a forum impor tant connection and discussion business, and workforce development

Steven J. Kuperschmid Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C. (516) 663-6632

Rober t Desmond AIRECO Real Estate Corp. (631) 273 - 4255 Jim Coughlan Tritec Real Estate Co (631) 706 - 4113 David BrookhavenManningNational Laboratory (631)

fman W & H Stampings

ALTERNATIVE

Scott Maskin SUNation Solar (631) 750 - 9454

Scott Maskin SUNation Solar (631) 750 - 9454

Devin Kulka The Kulka Group (631) 231-0900

Rich Isaac Sandler Training (631) 231- 3538

Rich Isaac Sandler Training (631) 231- 3538

Alex Lipsky Lipsky Construction (631) 472-4454

Michael Sabatini Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP (631) 930-5000

(631) 844-3819

Michael Voltz PSEG Long Island (631) 844-3819 Dr. Elana Zolfo Berkeley College (631) 338-8633

Jack Kulka Kulka Construction Corp. (631) 231 - 0900

Allan Lippolis Superior Washer & Gasket Corp. (631) 273 - 8282

Leteri

(631)

W inchester CleanTech Rocks

HIA -LI COMMITTEES AND CHAIRPEOPLE

HIA -LI COMMITTEES AND CHAIRPEOPLE

HIA -LI COMMITTEES AND CHAIRPEOPLE

VIRTUAL HIA-LI

HIA-LI OFFICERS & DIRECTORS HIA-LI COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS

SALES & MARKETING

SALES & MARKETING

Kulka (631) 231 - 0900 Kulka Construction Group

Island Media Aoifa OʼDonnell (631) 588-8102

EAP, Inc.

MANUFACTURING/ INTERN ATION AL TRADE

MANUFACTURING/ INTERN ATION AL TRADE

Kent (631) 367-0710 Farrell Fritz, P.C. HUMAN RESOURCES Mary Locascio (631) 750 - 1226

INTERN ATION AL TRADE

Joy Gracef fo (631) 427 - 1083

SALES & MARKETING

L.I. Essential Sof tware and Training

Joy Gracef fo (631) 427 - 1083 L.I. Essential Sof tware and Training

Joy Gracef fo (631) 427

Miriam Hubbard (516) 338 - 5454 PBI Payroll

Miriam Hubbard (516) 338 - 5454 PBI Payroll SECURIT Y

SECURIT Y

Robert Lippolis (631) 273-8282

Washer & Gasket Corp.

Superior Washer & Gasket Corp.

Lippolis (631) 273-8282

MEMBERSHIP

Robert Lippolis (631) 273-8282 Superior Washer & Gasket Corp.

MEMBERSHIP

Rich Isaac (631) 231 - 3538 Sandler Training Raffelina Cipriano

MEMBERSHIP Rich Isaac (631) 231 - 3538 Sandler Training Raffelina Cipriano

Rich Isaac (631) 231 - 3538 Sandler Training

Allan Lippolis (631) 273 - 8282

Allan Lippolis (631) 273 - 8282

Superior Washer & Gasket Corp. TECHNOLOGY FOR BUSINESS

Superior Washer & Gasket Corp.

David Pinkowitz (631) 491 - 5343 DCP Marketing Ser vices

Chris Coluccio TechWorks Consulting, Inc.

HIA-LI CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2025

August 2025

HIA-LI UPCOMING EVENTS

HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMITTEE MEETING

Tuesday, August 5th, 8:30am - 10:00am

TECHNOLOGY FOR BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING

Wednesday, August 6th, 8:30am - 10:00am

YOUR ROADMAP TO HIA-LI MEMBERSHIP: A SLICE OF ARADISE ON LONG ISLAND!

Tuesday, August 12th, 9:00am - 10:30am

SUMMER BOAT CRUISE

Wednesday, August 13th, 3:00pm - 5:00pm

HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE MEETING

Thursday, August 14th, 8:30am - 10:00am

HIA-LI UPCOMING PROGRAMS

keepingcurrent

Navigating the Minefield: How Job Hunters Can Dodge Employment Scams

Executive Alliance Commack, New York 11725 scott@execsallied.com Office: 631 635 1206 www.execsallied.com

With reports of job-related scams tripling between 2020 and 2024, understanding the tactics used by scammers and how to protect yourself is not only a good idea, it has become critical.

Unfortunately, job seekers are increasingly facing sophisticated scams designed to steal money, personal information, or even free labor.

Common Job Scams

Several specific types of scams dominate the landscape:

• Company Impersonation: Imagine getting contacted by a “supposed” recruiter only to learn you are communicating with a criminal that has created a fabricated company! Criminals may even build websites and develop fake profiles to appear authentic. They also use “look-alike” email addresses (e.g., company-name.com instead of companyname.com).

•Unreal Offers: How about a remote role, offering a job with outstanding pay, that does not seem to require any experience? Stay away!

•Fees and Payment Requests: Unequivocally, any request for money before you start a job is a giant red flag. Requests to pay for “training materials,” “specialized

software,” or equipment are fake.

•Incredibly Fast Hiring Processes: Be suspicious of immediate job offers without a proper interview process. Scammers will rush to “onboard” you so they can extract information or payment.

•Fake Check Scams: In this insidious scheme, the “employer” sends you a check (often for a signing bonus or equipment purchase) and then instructs you, for whatever reason, to send a portion of the money back. Outrageous!

•Messaging App Interviews: Be wary of job interviewers that want to speak through messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram. Why would a legitimate company ask you to do this?

•Requests for Personal Data: While HR will require personal info for tax and payroll purposes after you’ve been formally hired, hang up or delete if a “recruiter” asks for your S.S.#, bank account, or driver’s license number at any point before an offer.

Safeguarding Your Job Search:

Here’s how to stay safe:

1.Research Thoroughly:

• Verify the company: Find the company’s official website (don’t click links from the suspicious email; manually type the URL). Check for consistency in branding, contact information, and job postings.

• Search for reviews and complaints: Google the company name and the words “scam,” “review,” or “fraud.”

• Verify the recruiter: If contacted by a recruiter, check the company’s LinkedIn page/website or call the company directly using a publicly listed number.

2.Scrutinize Communication:

• Email domains: Legitimate companies use professional email domains (e.g., @companyname.com). Be suspicious of emails from generic domains like Gmail, Hotmail, or Yahoo.

•Vague details: Legitimate job descriptions are detailed and clear. There is no such thing as a vague J.D.

If you think you have provided personal info to a scammer, file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov).

•Share with the platform: Report the fraud to the job board or social media platform where you encountered it.

•Contact your bank: If you shared bank account details, alert your bank immediately.

•Place a fraud alert: If you shared your Social Security number, contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report. Visit IdentityTheft.gov for guidance.

Job hunting is challenging enough without the added stress of scams. Being informed about common deceptive tactics can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to employment fraud. It’s out there. Be careful.

LETTER FROM THE HIA-LI PRESIDENT & CEO

Dear Valued Long Island Business Leader.

As the Long Island Business Community continues its stride through 2025, we remain committed to our service to support organizations across the region. We are your allies for business achievement, and we remain true to our values and beliefs in order to provide proper assistance:

- Promote the best in quality and assurance

- Advance the highest professional standards among numerous sectors

- Organize community aid initiatives to support our local businesses

Joining forces along Long Island, we will keep working to help confront shared challenges, promote local economic development, and keep productivity booming.

HIA-LI mobilizes our member companies to advocate for economic expansion. We also promote the growth of the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge, the largest Innovation Park in the Northeast. The 1,400-acre business complex currently contains a 55,000-person workforce, delivering over $13 billion in annual output.

As we now reach the halfway point of 2025, the HIA-LI stands ready to help the Long Island business community through teamwork, dedication, and commitment in order to become stronger than ever.

Partners in Business,

Congratulations to Phil Boyle, President & CEO of Suffolk OTB and Jake’s 58, for his impactful leadership and ongoing contributions to the Long Island business community. It is an honor to have played a role in the transformation of Jake’s 58 and to support HIA-LI in celebrating this milestone.

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHTS

Newsday Media Group

Newsday Media Group (NMG) is one of the nation’s most dynamic media organizations, serving Long Island, through its portfolio of mobile, digital, video, audio, print products, live events and NewsdayTV. With 19 Pulitzer Prizes and other esteemed awards for outstanding journalism, Newsday has evolved from a traditional newspaper into a cutting-edge multimedia content generating machine. With strong, local, gutsy journalism and deep dive investigations which are important to all Long Islanders, Newsday continues to be Your Eye on LI. Newsday Live events provide experiences, expos and conversations relevant to life on Long Island. For businesses, Newsday’s custom content studio, Brand360, offers strategic marketing programs that leverage the strength of the Newsday brands, as well as our full portfolio of cross-platform products. Visit newsday.com to learn more.

Unreal Exhibit, Event, and Brand Experiences

We’ve been crushing it in the experiential marketing industry since before the phrase became a thing. For over 65 years, we’ve been creating unforgettable exhibits and transforming interior spaces, all while making sure your brand isn’t just a part of the conversation—it’s leading the revolution.

keepingcurrent

Skip the Novel—Show Them Your Movie

100 Motor Parkway, Suite LL8, Hauppauge, NY 11788

eliud@turnonestudio.com 631-223-8124 turnonestudio.com

Let’s face it: in today’s world, attention is a precious commodity. Our phones buzz, our inboxes overflow, and the time we spend on any one thing seems to shrink by the day. So, when it comes to telling the story of your business, why are so many of us still writing novels when our audience just wants to see the movie?

Here’s the truth: for most people discovering your brand, video is their first impression. It’s the digital handshake, the “nice to meet you” before you ever get a chance to sit across the table. And just like in real life, you only get one shot at making that first impression count.

Why Video? Because It’s What People Want

Think about your own habits. When you’re checking out a new business, do you scroll through endless paragraphs, or do you click play on that shiny video at the top of the page? Most of us want to see, hear, and experience who we’re dealing with. We want to know there’s a real person behind the brand, someone we can trust, and someone who understands what we need.

That’s where video shines. It’s not just about showing off your products or listing your services—it’s about letting your audience see your personality, your passion, and your expertise. Whether it’s a quick explainer, a behind-the-scenes look, or a heartfelt message from the owner, video makes your business feel real and relatable.

Talking Head Videos: Your Secret Weapon

One of the most powerful tools in your video toolbox? The humble talking head video. No fancy effects required—just you (or your team), a camera, and a clear message. These videos put a face to your business, build instant credibility, and create a sense of connection that words on a page simply can’t match.

A talking head video is your chance to speak directly to your audience. You can answer common questions, share your story, or explain what makes your approach unique. It’s personal, it’s authentic, and it’s incredibly effective at turning viewers into leads—and leads into loyal clients.

More Than Just a Trend

Video isn’t just a passing fad—it’s the new language of business. And the best part? You don’t need a Hollywood budget to get started. With a bit of planning and a focus on authenticity, even small businesses can create videos that look sharp, sound great, and tell a compelling story.

The key is to keep it real and focus on what matters most to your audience.

Your First Impression Matters—Make It Count

Remember, for many potential clients, your video is the first interaction they’ll ever have with your brand. That first impression sets the tone for everything that follows. Are you approachable? Knowledgeable? Passionate about what you do? Video lets you answer those questions in seconds.

If you’re still relying on long-winded paragraphs to tell your story, it’s time to step in front of the camera and show your audience who you are. Let your energy, your expertise, and your vision shine through. Trust me—people want to see the real you.

Ready to Roll? Let’s Talk Video!

At Turn One Studio, we help businesses like yours make the leap from words to video—without the stress or the guesswork. Whether you’re ready for your first talking head intro or want to explore a full suite of video content, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Skip the novel—show them your movie. If you’re ready to make a memorable first impression and connect with more clients, let’s chat about how video can bring your brand to life. Reach out today, and let’s get your story rolling.

Driving your business via video

Veteran media producer Kevin Wood provides rich media video services to small and large businesses who need to communicate their best attributes and offerings to both the public and the B to B(business to business) relationships they hold.

Consider:

●YouTube has over 2.5 billion users

●49% of people watch more than an hour of Facebook or youtube videos a week

●87% of online markets use video content

●1/3 of online activity is spent watching video

●Less than 10% of mom and pop businesses have developed quality video content for their social presence or web pages.

Our product, Binute™ is a ‘Business Minute’ - it allows any business to communicate to potential customers what they do - inside a minute length video. There is no more impactful way for a business to communicate.

Interested businesses should contact Kevin by texting 516-939-8960

HIA-LI’S 46TH ANNUAL GOLF OUTING

We hosted our 46th Annual Golf Outing at Nissequogue Golf Club, honoring Suffolk OTB/Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel President & CEO Phil Boyle! Despite Mother Nature’s best efforts, we enjoyed a fun-filled day packed with great food, drinks, raffles, and a bunch of birdies! Thank you to Phil and his team for helping us host another fantastic event.

We would like to give a special thank you to our sponsors, golf committee, volunteers, and all who attended and made the day one to remember!

Cross-Platform Programs to Reach Your Audience

Long Island buyers love to support local business. Make sure they find your brand or business with turnkey solutions from Newsday.

Print & Digital Solutions

• Newsday and Newsday.com: Reach nearly 1 million Long Islanders each week.

• Hometown Shop ‘N Save: Multi-zone, hyperlocal, weekly e-circular filled with advertisers sales and services.

Source: Nielsen Scarborough, NY (Release 2). Base: Nassau/Suffolk Adults.

NewsdayTV

• Reach Long Island’s streaming audience with NewsdayTV – our hyperlocal and exclusive streaming news show. Select segment sponsorships available.

Digital Marketing Services

• Newsday Brand360: Tell your brand’s story with custom content that’s instructional, entertaining, and immediately actionable.

• Audience Extension Programs: Extend your marketing reach with targeted advertising tactics.

• Together Long Island: Shines the spotlight on local businesses community activism, corporate social responsibility and charitable contributions.

Newsday Live

• Sponsorable events to educate, inform and entertain both business and consumer audiences.

For more information on Newsday’s marketing solutions, call 631-843-2500 or email

keepingcurrent

The Plant-Based Diet: Benefits and Getting Started

www.lifestylelinkLI.com

Lisa@LifestylelinkLI.com (631) 748-0141

Americans eat more meat than any country in the world. We consume 225 pounds of meat each year on average, according to the USDA.

We’re so accustomed to our meat-based diets that many people don’t even know how to have a meal without it. Or, that you can get essential nutrients from other foods. Cue the surprised looks I get when I share that foods like peas and mushrooms have protein! They’re not as protein-dense as meat, but many plants, like beans and legumes, are rich in protein and other essential nutrients.

So, if it has so many health benefits, what’s stopping everyone from being plant-based? Or vegetarian or vegan?

Plant-based diets are often easier to adopt than a lot of people realize. With our meat-focused culture, tons of would-be-plant-eaters are missing out on how fun and delicious these lifestyles are.

Ready to dive into the wide world of brussels sprouts? Let’s do it.

What Is a Plant-Based Diet?

Okay, so let’s start with what a plant-based diet is not. Plant-based doesn’t strictly mean vegetarian or vegan. It doesn’t mean that you can only eat plants. In fact, one of

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the healthiest lifestyles in the world, the Mediterranean diet, is considered plant-based even though it includes meat and plenty of fish.

Plant-based diets just mean that your food choices focus on getting you key nutrients from fruits, veggies, grains, and legumes rather than animal products. You can still eat meat, but you eat a much more moderate amount than someone who does not have a plant-based lifestyle. Ultimately, you can think of meat as a condiment and other foods as the main course in your diet.

Let’s also clear up what we mean by the word “diet.” When I refer here to a plant-based “diet,” I don’t mean a diet as in food-restriction-for-weight-loss. Diet here simply means the foods you habitually eat. The goal of a plant-based diet is to help you live a healthier, happier life in the long term. It’s a lifestyle choice, not a weightloss program. The most important thing to remember is that food patterns are more powerful than single foods or nutrients.

Plant-Based vs Vegetarian vs Vegan

Isn’t it great that we have so many options for how we eat? There’s vegetarian and vegan and flexitarian and pescatarian.

If you decide to follow a vegetarian diet, that means you don’t eat animal products like chicken, pork, beef, fish, etc. Many vegetarians will still consume dairy, and foods produced by animals or animal fats, like eggs, cheese, and butter.

Vegans, on the other hand, don’t eat any kind of animal products. They stay away from meat, fish, dairy, animal fats, and anything that contains eggs. They do not wear or use any animal products.

It’s more important to do what works for you than stick to a strict label.

Benefits of Plant-Based Diets

We’ve known for years that plant-based diets are better for virtually every part of your body, including your brain. Vegetarianism in particular is linked to better overall heart health, and there are hundreds of studies that show the links between vegetarian diets and lowering your risk of certain cancers.

It’s also shown to help prevent type 2 diabetes, which is developed in adulthood. Red meat is a known risk factor

in diabetes, so plant-based folks have better outcomes. There’s been a lot of media reporting about the Mediterranean diet lately because of its purported health benefits. While I think it’s always best to be thoughtful about any kind of popular diet, the Mediterranean diet has been so successful for so many because it really is more of a lifestyle change than a traditional “diet.” It’s plant-based and offers a lot of flexibility, and is widely accepted as one of the top diets for overall health and longevity.

One more exciting benefit of plant-based diets: once you get the hang of them, they can help cut your food and grocery costs. How many of us have seen a chunk of our grocery budget go toward meat? With a family pack of chicken breast selling for $20 these days, reducing meat in your weekly list can help cut costs and teach you new and inventive ways to cook.

You can even save money eating out. It costs up to $5 to add chicken to a salad, but adding extra beans? Maybe $0.50.

Remember, plant-based diets are not a novelty. People and cultures all over the world thrive on plant-first diets. Once you change your mindset around meat and learn all the amazing things plants can do, you’ll be reaching for those protein-packed fresh peas without a second thought.

Can You Really Get Enough Nutrients on a Plant-Based Diet?

The answer, and I can’t stress this enough, is YES. In the U.S., we’ve been conditioned to think meat in large quantities is absolutely necessary to our health. This is more due to cultural reasons than health ones.

Feel free to enjoy eating meat if it makes you happy. Just know that you may not require as much of it as you think, and you’ll likely have a longer, healthier life with more good years if you reduce it.

When adopting a plant-based diet, planning is key. If you’re used to adding meat to a dish to get your protein and iron, think carefully about how you’ll compensate for that. Nuts and legumes are packed with protein, so they’re going to be a big part of your diet going forward.

You may also be surprised to learn which foods have different nutrients. For example, spinach has a ton of iron, and blackberries and pumpkin seeds have zinc.

And remember if you hate kale like me, don’t eat it! There are thousands of different plants to try. Go explore your local farmer’s markets and produce stands.

How to Get Started

Here are some next steps:

1. Learn about what’s in your food. Nutrition apps can help familiarize you with food and what’s in it. This will make it so much easier to eat and cook on the fly. Log what you eat or plan to eat to see how your nutrients stack up.

2. Change your mindset about meat. You can do this! Many of us have been conditioned to think of meat as the main dish, and vegetables, grains, and legumes as “sides.” Try building a dish around a salad or make a quinoa bowl – you can even include meat, just don’t make it the main event.

3. Cook a fully vegetarian meal once per week to start. Try something new to learn more about vegetarian cooking and get used to the meatless life. Meatless Mondays are a great way to start.

4. Eat healthy fats. If you’re used to eating meat at every meal, having lots of healthy plant-based fats like nut butters or avocados can help you satisfy that savory need.

5. Have a lot of variety. This helps keep things interesting and helps you stay excited about your food. Remember, there are tons of ways to eat veggies, grains, and legumes. Look up recipes from places where plantbased lifestyles are more common, and don’t be afraid to try flavors and spics you haven’t before.

6. Use fresh herbs. Fresh herbs are a game-changer no matter what you’re cooking. Including them in your plantbased lifestyle will liven up dishes and make cooking fun.

7. Be kind to yourself. Making a lifestyle change is hard! It’s most important that you’re making choices you can stick with. Small incremental changes make life staggering results.

5 Ways to Plan for Your Manufacturing Company’s Yearly Audit

Key Takeaways:

• Establish year-round financial readiness to smooth the audit process and reduce disruptions.

•Assess and enhance internal controls regularly to prevent audit issues.

•Leverage technology for efficient document management and conduct pre-audit reviews.

For manufacturing companies, an annual financial statement audit plays a critical role in maintaining financial transparency and complying with lender requirements. However, the complexities of production, inventory management, and supply chain logistics make thorough audit preparation a necessity. By following these five key strategies, your manufacturing company can streamline the audit process, minimize disruptions, and improve overall financial accuracy.

1.Adopt a Year-Round Approach to Audit Preparation

The foundation for a successful audit is built throughout the year. Your manufacturing company should keep accurate and up-to-date financial records on an ongoing basis — including

regularly tracking inventory, production costs, and capital investments. With the volatility in raw material and shipping costs, and the complexities of cost accounting, you should keep detailed records that reflect these fluctuations in real time. By staying audit-ready year-round, your company can keep its financial statements in order and avoid last-minute reconciliations.

2.Assess and Update Internal Controls

Effective internal controls are essential for manufacturing companies, where complex operations can increase the risk of financial misstatements. Regularly assessing and updating your internal controls — particularly those related to inventory management, cost accounting, and supply chain transparency — can help you identify and address gaps that could complicate the audit process. For example, implementing robust controls around the tracking and valuation of inventory helps your financial statements accurately reflect current assets, reducing the risk of discrepancies during the audit.

3.Engage with Your Audit Team Throughout the Year

Early communication with your audit team can help align expectations and address potential challenges manufacturing firms often face related to areas like cost of goods sold (COGS) calculations, capital expenditures, and compliance with industry-specific regulations. By engaging with your auditors early and often, you can clarify how these elements will be reviewed, discuss any changes in your production processes, and address concerns about fluctuating material costs or supply chain disruptions.

4.Leverage Technology for Documentation Management

The volume and complexity of financial documents can be overwhelming for manufacturing companies. Utilizing technology to organize and manage these documents can significantly streamline the preparation process. Consider implementing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system

that integrates production data with financial reporting. This simplifies inventory tracking and cost management, making all necessary documentation readily available for the audit. Cloud-based solutions also provide secure, real-time access to documents — facilitating collaboration with your audit team.

5.Conduct a Pre-Audit Review

A pre-audit review is a valuable tool for manufacturing companies, allowing you to find and address potential issues before the actual audit begins. Focus on areas like inventory valuations, long-term contracts, and capital investments as these are often the most complex and prone to error. By conducting a thorough pre-audit review, your team can resolve discrepancies, improve financial accuracy, and reduce the likelihood of surprises during the audit. This proactive approach not only saves time but also minimizes the risk of costly adjustments later.

Create a Path to a Smooth and Successful Audit

Proper planning is essential for a successful audit. By implementing these strategies, your manufacturing company can not only meet its audit requirements but also reinforce its commitment to financial integrity and operational efficiency. Remember, the audit process is not just about compliance — it’s an opportunity to refine your financial practices and strengthen the foundation of your business.

How MGO Can Help

With extensive experience working with the manufacturing and distribution industry, we provide private company audit services that address the unique operational intricacies of your business — from inventory management to supply chain complexity. Ready to streamline your manufacturing company’s audit process? Reach out to our team today.

Hello, Long Island!

Reaching

Whether

•Bespoke financing solutions

•Single

•Actionable insights Talk

Tamra Postiglione Managing Director, Market Executive Long Island, Brooklyn and Queens Commercial Middle Market Banking 516-355-1961

Tamra.Postiglione@flagstar.com

keepingcurrent

Why Working with One Provider for Fire Protection and Security Makes Sense

Avenue Unit 1, Holbrook, NY 11741, Phone:

Managing fire protection, life safety, and security systems is a critical responsibility for any business. But when those services are spread across multiple vendors, it can create unnecessary complexity, miscommunication, and even risk. A growing number of organizations are discovering the benefits of consolidating these essential services with one trusted provider.

Fewer Vendors, Fewer Headaches

When different companies handle your fire sprinklers, security systems, and emergency lighting, the logistics can get complicated—fast. You’re coordinating schedules, tracking separate inspection dates, and trying to make sure each vendor is up to speed on your building’s needs.

Working with a single provider brings simplicity. You have one point of contact, one schedule, one set of records—and one team that sees the full picture of your facility’s safety infrastructure.

Integrated Services, Better Outcomes

The biggest advantage of consolidating fire and security services is the ability to integrate systems that work together more effectively. For example, working with a fire protection company that also provides security solutions like cloud-connected CCTV or access control means your systems can be designed to communicate—supporting faster emergency response and fewer blind spots.

Imagine your fire alarm, suppression systems, intrusion detection, and video surveillance all monitored through a single service platform. That level of integration helps ensure nothing slips through the cracks and that your staff knows exactly what to do in an emergency.

What Comprehensive Coverage Can Look Like

A single provider may offer a full suite of services such as:

• Fire sprinklers and suppression systems (clean agent, CO₂, foam)

• Fire alarms and environmental monitoring

• Portable fire extinguishers and kitchen hood suppression

• Burglar alarms, access control, and CCTV

• Emergency lighting, intercoms, and automatic gates

• Central station monitoring and locksmith services

With the right partner, businesses can save time, improve compliance, and reduce costs—all while strengthening the protection of their people and property.

The Bottom Line

Simplifying your approach to fire protection and security by working with one qualified provider isn’t just efficient—it’s smart risk management.

Your partner in health care

With locations across Long Island, Catholic Health is here to provide comprehensive and convenient health care for you and your employees when and where you need it.

As your partner in health care, here is a highlight of the many services we offer:

• On-site health screening with the Catholic Health mobile unit.

• Urgent Care locations that provide non-emergency care as well as occupational health needs.

• Ambulatory Care facilities with primary and specialty care.

• Coronary Calcium Score scans to identify potential cardiovascular risks.

• Men and Women’s Health programs.

• Pregnancy support program with 24/7 access.

• Diabetes self-management education and support.

• Nationally-recognized care of St. Francis Heart Center and Orthopedics across Long Island.

Reserve your spot at our Urgent Care.

For more information, visit chsli.org/appointments or scan the code.

• Integrative Medicine program which combines the principles of functional and lifestyle medicine to optimize well-being.

• Weight management program.

• Wound Care and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

• My CHS Rx retail pharmacy (prescription delivery service, home infusion therapy, access to specialty medications and more).

• Sleep medicine program including sleep studies and sleep apnea testing.

• Central Referral Office to assist with appointment scheduling and patient navigation(866) MY-LI-DOC.

Leaders in engineering and innovation

IMEG has built a global reputation for engineering high-performance buildings and infrastructure using forward-thinking solutions.

We believe that together we create positive outcomes for people, communities, and our planet.

•100% Employee-Owned Engineering Firm

•95+ Locations Nationwide

•2,800 Team Members / 250 in New York

•40 years Long Island / Metro NY History

•75 Licensed Professional Engineers in NY

Metro Area / 650 Nationwide

•Full-Service Planning & Engineering

•Building Design & Infrastructure

•Sustainability & Energy Solutions

•Consulting & Advisory Services

bout the Su ol ou ty

The Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) is a public benefit corporation working to promote positive economic development in Suffolk County. The operations of the agency are not supported by taxpayer funds, but rather fees generated by the applicants.

The agency works in synergy with Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine and the Department of Economic Development & Planning to support meaningful, long-term progress.

Suffolk County IDA is fueling growth across

WELCOME JUNE/JULY NEW MEMBERS

SCIENCE OF HUMAN OPTIMIZATION, INC.

Alex Lubarsky | (917) 804-0268 alex@schoinc.com

EDEN FINANCIALS

Leann Eden | (631) 991-0937 leann.eden@nm.com

PAVEMASTER

Mark Doerrier | (631) 595-9800 mark@pavemaster.com

COLISEUM GROUP

kevin eghbali | (646) 844-8644 kevin@coliseumagency.com

LOADED MOTORS

Geffen Rodik | (516) 321-0056 geffen@loadedmotors.com

DELOITTE

Mark Davis | (516) 918-7858 madavis@deloitte.com

LONG ISLAND IGLOOS

Siobhan Ainsworth | (516) 367-0771 siobhan@longislandigloos.com

SUNFLOWER CAFE

Stace Hansen | (631) 472-9090 sunflowerbayport@gmail.com

BOOKKEEPER360

Steven Muller | (800) 478-5082 Smuller@bookkeeper360.com

POSITIVE PROMOTIONS, INC.

Edie Berntson | (877) 258-1225 eberntson@positivepromotions.com

FIVE TOWNS COLLEGE

Janet Kaplan |

MERILSOFT LLC

Shakil Ahmed | (225) 573-9244 info@merilsoft.com

GRIT & GRACE DESIGN STUDIO

Melissa Ingino | info@gritandgracedesignstudio.com

DYNAMIC HOSTING LI

Ben Kitzen | (516) 314-8602 dynamichostingli@gmail.com

PLATINUM APPRAISALS AND TAX GRIEVANCES

Roy Barrera | (631) 242-1213 roy@platinumgroupllc.com

EJB GLOBAL LLC

Evan J. Blumenthal | (516) 770-3163 evan@ejbglobal.com

PREMIER CONSULTING PARTNERS

Jamie Titus | (617) 448-5693 Jamie@premierconsultingpartners.com

SERVPRO OF PORT JEFFERSON & SERVPRO OF HICKSVILLE/PLAINVIEW

Lena Thomas | (631) 476-5300 info@servproofportjefferson.com

UKG

Phil Soltez | (412) 735-0944 phil.soltez@ukg.com

FORTRESS FINANCIAL

Ward Brickner | (516) 246-6550 wbrickner@fortressfin.net

NY LABEL & BOX

Chris Freddo | (631) 234-7207 chris@nylabel.com

KOMICH CAPITAL ADVISORS

Johnathan Komich | (631) 260-1153 jkomich@komichcapital.com

DWR PECONIC ASSOCIATES LLC

William Dillon | (631) 603-9992 wdillon@dwrpeconic.com

PAYLOCITY CORPORATION

Corey D’Arco | (631) 263-3084 CDArco@paylocity.com

GOOD ENERGY L.P. Javier Barrios | (347) 200-2604 javier@goodenergy.com

RSSA - NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REGISTERED SOCIAL SECURITY ANALYSTS LTD

Michael Rosedale | (844) ASK-RSSA michael@narssa.org

FORENSICS, ACCOUNTING & ADVISORY GROUP, INC.

Marissa Hoffmann | (516) 681-2772 marissa.hoffmann@f2agroup.com

NEWMARK

Kyle Burkhardt | (516) 504-5299 kyle.burkhardt@nmrk.com

ALL TERRAIN MOVING & JUNK REMOVAL INC.

Matthew young | (631) 601-7176 Matt@allterrainmoving.com

COBBLERIDGE REALTY CORP. Ray Pearson | (631) 320-5849 ray.pearson@cobbleridgerealty.com

KABCO BENEFITS CORP LTD

Dickran Kabarajian | (631) 424-0627 dkabarajian@kabcobenefits.com

BRIGHTVIEW LANDSCAPES, LLC Rich Cunnius | (631) 666-0628 richard.cunnius@brightview.com

KEEP IT HUMAN, INC.

Maura Charles | (516) 206-0663 maura@mauracharles.com

INDUSTRY LISTS

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES, STAFFING/WORKFORCE DEV., EVENT PLANNING, HOSPITALITY & RESTAURANTS

ADELPHI UNIVERSITY/ WILLUMSTAD SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

MaryAnne Hyland | (516) 877-4690

ADRIAN MILLER SALES TRAINING

Adrian Miller | (516) 767-9288 amiller@adrianmiller.com

AMITY EDUCATION GROUP

Savita Arora | (804) 503-9317 savita@amity.edu

ART LEAGUE OF LONG ISLAND

Marianne Della Croce | (631) 462-5400 x224 mdellacroce@artleagueli.org

ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN CONSTRUCTION WORKERS OF AMERICA (AWCWA)

Herlema Owens | (718) 570-5873 info@awcwa.org

ATLANTIS BANQUETS & EVENTS / HYATT PLACE LONG ISLAND EAST END

Rose DiLiello | (934) 451-8016 rdiliello@amwny.com

BAGEL BOSS

Andrew Hazen | (516) 414-0915 andrew@bagelboss.com

BANGO BOWLS

Patrick Pyne | (631) 406-7884 ppyne@bangobowls.com

BERKELEY COLLEGE

Elana Zolfo | (212) 986-4343 ext. 4347 elana-zolfo@berkeleycollege.edu

BETH GRANGER CONSULTING

Beth Granger | (516) 662-1202 beth@bethgranger.com

BIG STEP COACHING

Matthew Lucas | (888) 347-7197 matthew@bigstepcoaching.com

BRENTWOOD UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Karen Gross | (631) 434-2123 karen.gross@bufsd.org

BROOKHAVEN COUNTRY DAY CAMP

Michael Pollack | (631) 924-4033 lcovello@lmpartyproductions.com

CAPICU RESTAURANT

Eric Seda | (631) 813-1738 capicu160@icloud.com

CAPRIOTTI’S SANDWICH SHOP - HAUPPAUGE

William Denslow | (631) 909-6441 capriottishauppauge@gmail.com

CAREER & EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS (CEO)

Marilynn Elie | (631) 234-6064 X 106 jhudson@ceoincworks.com

CAREER READINESS EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION (CREA)

Diane Nelson | (631) 912-2206 mleonardo@nasboces.org

CAREERSMARTS

Susan Gubing | (631) 374-6344 sgubing@gmail.com

CHICK-FIL-A COMMACK

Pamela Laub | (631) 499-1280 cfacommackcatering@gmail.com

CHICK-FIL-A HICKSVILLE

Blair Darcy | (516) 433-6305 cfahicksvillehr@gmail.com

CHIDDY’S CHEESE STEAKS, INC

Joe Archipolo | (631) 888-3262 joe@chiddys.com

CHOICE LONG ISLAND

Jason Hershkowitz | (631) 258-9479 0782@fridays.com

CLEANSE TEC

Andy Feig | (718) 346-9111 afeig@cleansetec.com

CLEARCELL POWER INC

Alina Mezh | (646) 661-5777 alina@clearcellpower.com

COSTA VERDE HOSPITALITY

Andrew Tartaglia | (631) 665-3030 andytob583@gmail.com

CUSTOM FIT PLUS

Nicholas Kefalos | (631) 406-9788 Vanessa@InnAtNHP.com

DALE CARNEGIE TRAINING OF LONG ISLAND

Alicia Natale | (631) 813-2969 alicia.natale@dalecarnegie.com

DAVE & BUSTERS

Amanda Sabella | (631) 582-6615 amanda.sabella@daveandbusters.com

DQS INC.

Ismael Alvarado | (516) 480-6918 wschreiber@firsthandtickets.com

DYNAMIC FITNESS LONG ISLAND

Roseanne Giugliano | (631) 813-2500 sax@johnnysaxmusic.com

E & I COOPERATIVE SERVICES

Jeannine Del Pozzo | (631) 630-8253 jdelpozzo@eandi.org

EASTERN SUFFOLK BOCES

Leah Arnold | (631) 244-4099 larnold@esboces.org

ELECTRICAL TRAINING CENTER, INC

John Anthony Ferrara | (631) 226-8021

EVENT KINGS

Steven Vogel | (631) 392-1234 steven@eknyc.com

FARMINGDALE STATE COLLEGE - SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Erica Chase-Gregory | (934) 420-2765 chasee@farmingdale.edu

FOGO DE CHÃO

Desi Maneri | (631) 382-6601 dmaneri@fogo.com

G.T. POWER SYSTEMS INC.

Gerard Turza | (631) 537-5212 gtpwrsys@aol.com

INDUSTRY LISTS

GO GREEN CLEANING (NOT RENEWING)

Michael Butcher | (631) 652-5896 db1311@hotmail.com

HARBORMEN CHORUS

Paul Miklean | (631) 689-2489 pmiklean@gmail.com

HAUPPAUGE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Frank Hufnagel | (631) 761-8332 hufnagelf@hauppauge.k12.ny.us

HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY

Darlene Johnson | (516) 463-6060 darlene.johnson@hofstra.edu

HUNTER BUSINESS SCHOOL

Alysha Richardson | (631) 736-7360 arichardson@hunterbusinessschool.edu

HUNTER BUSINESS SCHOOL 2531 | (631) 381-2890 arichardson@hunterbusinessschool.edu

HUNTINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

Paige Furman | (631) 673-2003 pfurman@hufsd.edu

ICC (INTERNATIONAL COMPONENTS CORPORATION)

Joanne Hanley | (631) 952-9595 wmorris@expovention.com

IHOP

Chris Foerster | (631) 273-6600 ihopny@optonline.net

INSIGNIA STEAKHOUSE

Emir Radoncic | (631) 656-8120 gm@insigniasteakhouse.com

ISLAND DRAFTING & TECHNICAL INSTITUTE

James Di Liberto | (631) 691-8733 dilibertoj@idti.edu

J.A.T.C. Christopher Kelly | (631) 434-3939 ckelly@lijatc.org

JERSEY MIKE’S SUBS

Seth Goldstein | (631) 780-5656 management360llc@gmail.com

LI JOB MARKET

Keith Stewart | (631) 648-8265

LINCOLN OF SMITHOWN

Marc Birthwright | (631) 337-1000 x 405 jvbussola@yahoo.com

LONG ISLAND IGLOOS

Siobhan Ainsworth | (516) 367-0771 siobhan@longislandigloos.com

LONG ISLAND NETS

Jonathan Amatulli | (631) 742-4428 jamatulli@bseglobal.net

LONG ISLAND PREVENTION AND RESILIENCE ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

(P.R.E.P)

Paul Vecchione | (516) 322-1799 p.vecchione@longislandprep.org

MEMAS PIZZERIA

Jonathan Aronson | (631) 543-9500 donjono23@gmail.com

METRO-REP

Carlos Hernandez | (516) 616-4650 customerservice@metro-rep.com

MEZZA LUNA

Fred Norden | (631) 273-9407 mezzalunahauppauge@outlook.com

MGXW CONSULTING

Mimi Bishop | (516) 428-0237 mimi@moderngenxwoman.com

MID-ISLAND PARTY PLUS

Sharon Tiskowitz | (516) 446-4503 tiskoparty@yahoo.com

MILAN EVENT EXPERIENCE

Khadine McMillan | (516) 765-5685 info@milaneventexperience.com

MOE’S SOUTHWEST GRILL

Melissa Lewando | (631) 605-5577 Melissa@moeslongisland.com

MOLLOY COLLEGE - SCHOOL OF BUSINESS R Martinez | (516) 650-3090 kchandler@molloy.edu

MRV GROUP - MWBE Glenn Vickers | (855) 343-3042 gvickers@mrvgroup.org

MUSICBREEDS, INC.

Isaiah Grigg | (631) 458-7085 info@musicbreeds.org

NARSSA

Ted Rosedale | (631) 513-1521 ted@narssa.org

NASSAU BOCES

Peter J. Dalton, Ed.D. | (516) 396-2280 pdalton@nasboces.org

NEW YORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Eva Pearson | (516) 686-1422 eva.pearson@nyit.edu

NICKERSON CORP. Corey Greenberg | (631) 666-0200 cgreenberg@nickersoncorp.com

NY PARTY WORKS

Theresa Jacobs | (631) 501-1414 theresa@nypartyworks.com

NYS ACCES-VR Doreen Nobile | (631) 952-6727 doreen.nobile@nysed.gov

O-HIGH TECHNOLOGIES, LLC

Dr. Subrina D. Oliver | (888) 758-8980 oliver.subrina@o-hightech.com

ONE SERVICE COMMERCIAL BUILDING MAINTENANCE, INC. Jim O’Neil | (631) 216-1801 x701 joneill@oneservicemaintenance.com

OPEN SCIENTIFIC (BUSINESS IS CLOSED) Danielle Liebold | (631) 485-1231 sbardesq@aol.com

PAL-O-MINE EQUESTRIAN, INC. Lisa Gatti | (631) 348-1389 info@pal-o-mine.org

INDUSTRY LISTS

PATRIZIA’S OF HAUPPAUGE

Antonio Corticchia | (631) 813-1890 anthonycort@gmail.com

PEAK PERFORMANCE CONSULTING

Kiki Orski | (516) 318-7267 kiki@peakperformanceleader.com

PERFECT DAY EVENTS

Lisa Kurtzrock | (516) 708-3053 lisa@perfectdayeventsny.com

PICKLEBALL HALL

Avi Abel | (631) 380-3580 avi@pickleballhall.com

PIONEER LEARNING SOLUTIONS

Jaclyn Reed | (516) 427-4039 jaclynjreed@gmail.com

PROACTIVE RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC.

Alisa Rosati | (631) 804-7901 alisarosati@optonline.net

ROCKLINE WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Robert Krivit | (516) 605-1690 brendelseatery@optonline.net

ROXY’S ICE CREAM CATERING TRUCK

Elaine Piotrowski (Certified WOSB) | (631) 445-1565 info@roxysicecreamtruck.com

RSSA - NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REGISTERED SOCIAL SECURITY ANALYSTS

LTD

Michael Rosedale | (844) ASK-RSSA michael@narssa.org

SAGE SCHOLASTICS INC.

Jasmine Cole | (516) 633-5803 info@sagescholastics.org

SANDLER

Richard Isaac | (631) 231-3538 rich.isaac@sandler.com

SCHOOL-BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS OF LONG ISLAND (SBPLI), DBA FIRST LONG ISLAND

Bertram Dittmar | (631) 360-2753 dittmar@optonline.net

SCOUTING AMERICA OF SUFFOLK COUNTY

Dianne Corallo | (631) 924-7000 dianne.corallo@scouting.org

SECONDMUSE/SCALE FOR CLIMATETECH

Kris Licciardello | kris.licciardello@secondmuse.com

SHIFTNOVA COACHING & ADVISORY

Joan Gaffney | (631) 696-9788 info@ShiftNova.com

SMALL BUSINESS DEV. CENTER - STONY BROOK

Martha Stansbury | (631) 632-9174 martha.stansbury@stonybrook.edu

SMITHTOWN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Phil Como | (631) 382-2977 pcomo@smithtown.k12.ny.us

SOUTH BAY PADDLEWHEEL CRUISES/L.I. MARITIME MUSEUM

Mike Eagan | (631) 321-9005 mikeeagan@optonline.net

SPRCHRGR

Scott Meyers | (631) 766-6437 smeyers@sprchrgr.com

STONE SOUPE AT THE PAVILION

Kelly Kezys | (631) 778-6492 contactus@stonesoupe.net

STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

David Hamilton | (631) 216-7614 david.hamilton@stonybrook.edu

SUFFOLK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Kaya Finkenber | (631) 851-6225 oharas@sunysuffolk.edu

SUFFOLK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Kaya Finkenber | (631) 851-6225 oharas@sunysuffolk.edu

SUNFLOWER CAFE

Stace Hansen | (631) 472-9090 sunflowerbayport@gmail.com

SUNY COLLEGE OLD WESTBURY

Michael Kinane | (516) 876-3207 kinanem@oldwestbury.edu

TASTE LONG ISLAND EVENTS

Steven McKenna | (631) 520-8063 steven@mckennaevents.com

THAT MEETBALL PLACE - PATCHOGUE AND FARMINGDALE

Winne Schaeffer | (631) 586-8880 donotcontact@thatmeetballplace.com

THE BLUE UMBRELLA EXPERIENCE

Christy Hawkins | (607) 624-9402 chawkins@buexperience.org

THE BOARD ROOM CAFÉ AND CATERING COMPANY

George Santiago | (631) 297-2867 info@boardroomcafeandcatering.com

THE EXPERIENCE

Michael Passantino | (631) 617-6363 michael@theexperiencenyli.com

THE GARAGE EATERY

Don Ravella | (631) 582-4141 donrav@optonline.net

THE HAGEDORN LITTLE VILLAGE SCHOOL

Jon Feingold | (516) 520-6047 jon.feingold@littlevillage.org

THE LITTLE BALLOON COTTAGE

AnnMarie Lubrano | (516) 233-6166 thelittleballooncottage@gmail.com

THE MEADOW CLUB

Adanna Bahadur | (631) 828-4818 adanna@themeadowclub.com

THE NEIGHBORHOOD BLANKET

Gina Koch | (631) 478-3886 shelby@jacksonscommack.com

THE RUSS GROUP (RG)

Russ Comittino | (631) 392-4322 lisac@countryfairpark.com

THE SEXY SALAD

Sexy John Robertson | (631) 435-3678 john@thesexysalad.com

THE SUFFOLK Y JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER, INC.

Rick Lewis | (631) 462-9800 rlewis@syjcc.org

INDUSTRY LISTS

TICKETBASH

Vincent Grieco | (631) 465-0979 vincent@ticketbash.com

TIKI BOAT LONG ISLAND

Kevin Biscardi | (631) 648-8055 kevin@tikiboatli.com

TIME TO PLAY FOUNDATION, INC

Doreen Guma | (631) 331-2675 amanda_sabella@daveandbusters.com

TJ TANA ILLUSIONIST (VIP ILLUSIONS)

TJ Tana | (631) 387-3590 tj@limagician.com

UNPARALLELED PERFORMANCE – THE 5LS THE GIFT OF A BALANCED LIFE

Mike Mannix | (516) 423-4324 mike@unparalleledperformance.com

URBAN AIR

David Wolmetz | (516) 524-0351

VAPORSTREAM, INC.

Michael Holleb | (631) 813-8882

VIRTUAL ENTERPRISE INTERNATIONAL

Ellen Palazzo | (516) 313-4894 epalazzo@veinternational.org

WELL BALANCED KITCHEN

Daniel Forman | (917) 887-5499 dforman@myyahoo.com

WEST ISLIP PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Ryan Vollmuth | (631) 504-5902 r.vollmuth@wi.k12.ny.us

WESTERN SUFFOLK BOCES

Carolyn Reilly | (631) 667-6000 kaugello@wsboces.org

WOMEN’S DIVERSITY NETWORK

Shanequa Levin | (516) 847-4411 founder@womensdiversitynetwork.org

X-GOLF COMMACK

Geoff Schwartz | (631) 486-4417 geoff@xgolfcommack.com

YOUR SMILE DENTAL OF HAUPPAUGE

Lisa Sandman | (631) 361-6605 vweitgenant@fusionacademy.com

YPI CONSULTANTS, LLC

Joann Venezia | (631) 320-0217 j.venezia@ypiconsultants.com

NEW MEMBER PROFILES

Aquila IT Services

100 Terminal Drive Plainview, NY 11803 516-206-0044

Aquila IT Services is a specialized low-voltage cabling contractor focused on comprehensive “IT Construction” solutions.

Our core services include:

• Network cabling and infrastructure installation.

• IT closet clean-ups and installing networking equipment for the IT team.

• Wireless network design and deployment.

• Security camera systems and access control solutions.

• Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS).

• Audio-visual integration.

• Complete IT infrastructure consulting services.

With over 50 years of combined industry experience, the partners bring deep expertise in both construction and information technology. We pride ourselves on seamlessly integrating with our clients’ IT teams, ensuring projects are completed efficiently and to specification.

Our key verticals are hospitality, commercial, and professional office space. When most people think of Hospitality they think of hotels. Yes, hotels are a big part of our business, but when we think of “Hospitality”, we see any business that needs to offer an exceptional staff and guest experience. With that in mind, our clients include hotels, auto dealerships, medical facilities, schools, houses of worship, retail, and more.

Whether we work with business management, architects, consultants, in-house IT staff, managed IT service providers, or general contractors, we bridge the gap between technology and construction.

Grit & Grace Design Studio 631-682-3035 www.gritandgracedesignstudio.com

Grit & Grace Design Studio is Long Island’s premier content marketing and creative agency, built for bold brands that want to show up, stand out, and scale. We specialize in high-impact content creation—think: video production, branding photography, social media strategy, and storytelling that actually sells.

Whether we’re on-site filming hot mic interviews at trade shows or producing months of scrollstopping content in a single day, our mission is the same: to help small and mid-size businesses show up with clarity, consistency, and connection.

We’re not your average agency. We’re the hype squad behind the camera, the storytellers behind the strategy, and the team that makes your brand feel like the brand to watch. From non-profits to luxury service providers, we work with mission-driven businesses ready to market with authenticity and impact.

And when we say we’re full-service—we mean it. From brand identity and messaging to donefor-you content production and editing, we don’t just check boxes. We craft content that moves the needle.

If you’re ready to turn your brand into a movement, we’ve got the cameras, the strategy, and the team to make it happen. Grit & Grace Design Studio—because your story deserves to be seen, heard, and shared.

Loaded Motors

145 Commack Road, Suite 3 Commack, NY 11725

516.321.0056

LoadedMotors.com

Loaded Motors, located in Commack, New York, is your trusted partner for a seamless and stress-free auto leasing experience. As a dedicated auto broker, we specialize in connecting you with the best lease deals available, saving you time, money, and avoiding the usual frustrations associated with car shopping.

One of the primary benefits of choosing Loaded Motors is our commitment to personalized service. We take the time to understand your unique needs and preferences, guiding you through every step of the leasing process. From selecting the perfect vehicle to navigating lease terms, our experienced team ensures you feel confident and informed.

Furthermore, Loaded Motors consistently helps clients save money compared to traditional local dealerships. Our extensive network and expertise allow us to secure competitive rates and special offers that often aren’t accessible to individual buyers. This means you can drive off in the car of your dreams without overpaying.

Perhaps most importantly, Loaded Motors eliminates the hassle of “dealer-hopping.”

Instead of spending countless hours driving from one dealership to another, trying to get multiple quotes for the same car, let us do the work for you. We gather and compare various lease options, presenting you with the best deals efficiently. Our streamlined approach means less wasted time and more peace of mind.

Choose Loaded Motors for your next auto lease and experience the difference of a truly personalized, money-saving, and convenient

Long Island Igloos

915A Carmans Road Suite 257, Massapequa, NY 11758 (516) 367-0771

https://longislandigloos.com/

Long Island Igloos is New York’s premier igloo rental company, specializing in unforgettable experiences for private parties, corporate events, collegiate activations, and brand pop-ups. We provide fully furnished, climatecontrolled igloos that combine style, comfort, and versatility—perfect for any season. Each igloo is thoughtfully designed with cozy decor,

ambient lighting, and optional add-ons such as fireplace heaters, cooling towers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, custom branding, and more. Whether you’re planning a birthday celebration, engagement dinner, staff appreciation event, or a high-impact brand activation, our team ensures a seamless setup and a memorable atmosphere.

We work with individuals, schools, and brands to create immersive environments that leave lasting impressions. From university campuses to Manhattan rooftops, our igloos transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary destinations. We offer customizable packages to suit your theme, guest count, and vision. Our professional team handles delivery, setup, breakdown, and even helps coordinate additional features such as catering, photography, or entertainment upon request.

With hundreds of successful events across Long Island, NYC, and beyond, Long Island Igloos has become the trusted name for stylish outdoor gatherings that defy the weather and impress guests. Clients love the Instagramworthy setups, cozy ambiance, and ease of planning. Whether it’s winter or summer, day or night, Long Island Igloos is your go-to for turning any occasion into an unforgettable experience.

Let us bring the magic of our signature igloo experiences to your next event. Warmth, wow factor, and wonder—delivered directly to you.

Paylocity

1359 Broadway New York, NY 10018 Kings Park, NY 11754 631-263-3084 www.paylocity.com

At Paylocity, we’re more than a leading HR, payroll, and spend management technology provider—we’re a company driven by a simple truth: People matter most.

Since 1997, we’ve been partnering with organizations to create workplaces where employees thrive, and businesses excel. From our thousands of team members to the millions who use our platform, caring is in our DNA.

It’s our priority to understand your business, where you are and where you’re going, so that the solutions you get are just right.

From the just-starting-out local boutique to the rapidly growing multi-location franchise, from brokerage firms to associations, we can tailor a solution that’s the right fit for your needs today and into the future.

We know your time is valuable (and in short supply), and you also don’t have a penny to spare for bad decisions, redoing work, or solutions that are just “good enough.” Our flexible offerings evolve at the pace of your business to help you tackle your biggest HR challenges today so you can focus on what matters most — your people.

Enable communication, connection, talent development, and employee satisfaction with a complete platform for the modern workforce. Paylocity is designed with your employees in mind, so your teams can easily access and navigate the platform, whether on desktop or in our mobile app. And with more active users, your HR team gets more great data,

We’re more than just a provider. We’re a

partner to our clients. And that’s what “Forward Together” represents — always innovating, always ensuring progress together.

Science Of Human Optimization, Inc. 564 Norman Way Woodmere, NY 11598 516.596.8974

http://www.schoinc.com

Our team of Science of Human OptimizationNurse Practitioners (ScHO-NPs) specialize in human optimization and youthful longevity. They work under the direction and training of some of the top functional medicine doctors, bestselling authors, and longevity scientists from around the world. Our main focus is to become the world expert in the clients we serve through genetics, thorough blood work, and digestive biome testing.

If a CURE exists you’ll find it!

UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) UKG HQ is 900 Chelmsford St Lowell MA 01851 Phil Soltez cell phone 412-735-0944

https://www.ukg.com/

UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) is a leading global provider of human capital management (HCM), payroll, HR service delivery, and workforce management solutions. Formed in 2020 through the merger of Ultimate Software and Kronos Incorporated, UKG combines decades of industry experience with cuttingedge cloud technology to help organizations manage their people more effectively.

UKG’s solutions are designed to support the entire employee journey—from recruiting and onboarding to time tracking, payroll, talent management, and employee engagement. The company places a strong emphasis on peoplecentric innovation, diversity, and inclusion, reflecting its belief that people are the heart of every business.

Serving tens of thousands of organizations in over 150 countries, UKG supports a broad range of industries including retail, healthcare, manufacturing, education, public sector, and more. Its flagship platforms, UKG Ready, Pro and Dimensions, are trusted by companies of all sizes to optimize productivity, improve compliance, and create a better workplace for all.

Headquartered in Lowell, Massachusetts and Weston, Florida, UKG is consistently recognized as a top workplace and a leader in HCM by analysts and customer reviews alike. With a mission to inspire every organization to become a great place to work through purposedriven innovation, UKG is redefining the future of work.

Banking that powers your business vision

HEARD AROUND THE ISLAND

APPOINTMENTS, PROMOTIONS, HONORS & OTHER HAPPENINGS

UNIONDALE, NY, JUNE 30, 2025 – Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP welcomes Michael S. Amato to the firm’s Bankruptcy and Corporate Restructuring and Litigation practice groups as a partner.

UNIONDALE, NY, JUNE 20, 2025 – Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP warmly congratulates partner

Mary E. Mongioi on being selected by Long Island Business News’ editorial staff as one of the Most Dynamic Women Leaders of 2025. Mary chairs FDT’s Veterinary practice group and co-chairs its Corporate

Cheryl L. Katz, a partner in the firm’s Trusts & Estates practice group, was appointed Co- Chair of the Surrogate’s Court Estates and Trusts Committee. She will serve a two-year term. Ms. Katz, a Massapequa, NY resident, earned her J.D. from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University and her B.A. from Stony Brook University.

UNIONDALE, NY, JULY 9, 2025 – Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP congratulates the following attorneys on their recent Nassau County Bar Association Committee appointments

Robert L. Renda, a partner in the firm’s Tax Certiorari practice group, is serving the second year of his twoyear term as Chair of the Condemnation Law and Tax Certiorari Committee. Mr. Renda, a Massapequa, NY resident, earned his J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law and his B.S. from St. John’s University.

Hauppauge, NY – The Sophia Valsamos Foundation (TSVF) proudly donated wellness kits filled with socialemotional learning tools, self-care items, inspirational materials and other resources to Hope For Youth (HFY) to be used at their mental health outreach centers in Bay Shore, Amityville and Hempstead.

UNIONDALE, NY, JUNE 27, 2025 – Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP proudly announces that Michael A. Berger, an associate in the firm’s Employment & Labor and Veterinary practice groups, was appointed First Vice President of Nassau Lawyers’ Association of Long Island, Inc.

Lisa M. Casa, a partner in the firm’s Employment & Labor practice group, was appointed Chair of the Labor and Employment Law Committee. She will serve a two-year term. Ms. Casa, a Massapequa Park, NY resident, earned her J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and her B.S. and B.A. from The George

BABYLON, NEW YORK (June 30, 2025) -- The Babylon Industrial Development Agency (Babylon IDA) remains a significant driver of job creation and economic development, as highlighted in the latest Performance Report on Industrial Development Agencies released by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The 2025 report, which reflects data from fiscal year 2023, indicates that the Babylon IDA managed 171 active projects with a total value

HEARD AROUND THE ISLAND

APPOINTMENTS, PROMOTIONS, HONORS & OTHER HAPPENINGS

of approximately $1.88 billion. These initiatives are anticipated to create 6,123 new jobs and contribute to a net gain of 6,093 full-time equivalent positions in the Town of Babylon.

Melville, New York - Brown Altman, LLP, a premier law firm specializing in all aspects of real estate law, is pleased to announce that Keith Brown, founding partner of Brown Altman, LLP, and partner Matthew Ingber successfully secured site plan approval for Hartz Mountain from the Town of Huntington Planning Board for the construction of two, one-story warehouse distribution centers (138,005 and 219,125 square feet) and associated site work on Spagnoli Road in Melville. The property was previously owned by National Grid as a site used for ditch and trench digging training.

As demand for temperature-controlled warehousing surges alongside growth in e-commerce grocery, pharmaceutical distribution and fresh food logistics, Brown Altman LLP published a timely new analysis authored by Founding Partner Keith Brown and Associate Attorney Eileen Quinn, entitled “Unlocking Opportunity in Cold Storage Development: Legal Strategy for a High-Stakes Market.”

LI Cares CEO Paule Pachter received an ICON Award from Long Island Business News. The award is given to Long Island leaders 60 years of age and older. ICON winners have been recognized “for their notable success and demonstration of strong leadership within and outside their fields. The honorees have moved their businesses and Long Island forward by growing jobs and making a difference in the community.”

Central Business Systems is proud to announce its continued recognition as a Hyakuman Kai Dealer by Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America, an elite designation awarded to a select group of dealers that have achieved outstanding growth and demonstrated excellence in innovation, customer service, and business performance.

Hauppauge High School seniors Mary Schroeder and Michael Oliveto were recently honored at the 25th Annual Butch Dellecave Awards. They are flanked by Mark Dellecave (left) and Guy Dellecave (right), Dellecave Foundation President and Executive Director respectively.

Named in memory of the late Gaetano “Butch” Dellecave — the legendary educator, coach, and official — the award is a collaboration among the Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc., the Dellecave Foundation, and Newsday.

Each high school in Suffolk nominates one male and one female senior who demonstrates athletic prowess, academic achievement, and civic involvement.

Hauppauge, New York — Robert Esposito’s groundbreaking book, Nobody Move (Without Reading This), has been recognized as the winner in the Business: Real Estate category at the 2025 International Book Awards. The program is one of the world’s largest awards programs for mainstream, indie, and self-published titles. Nobody Move (Without Reading This) was published in January 2025 by Red Penguin Books and offers a fresh and insightful perspective on one of life’s most challenging and stressful transitions—moving.

John Sears, Government Relations & Advocacy Manager at Long Island Cares, has been named one of the “Emerging Leaders Under 30” by Long Island Business News.

LI Cares VP for Development & Communications Katherine Fritz was honored by LIBN as one of LI’s Most Dynamic Women Leaders.

Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C. is one of the premier business law firms in the New York region. With 75 attorneys, superior knowledge of the law, polished business acumen and proven credentials, we have earned a reputation for excellence and success. The strength of our firm’s resources greatly enhances what we can accomplish for clients; to not only solve problems, but to create opportunities. This ongoing achievement makes Ruskin Moscou Faltischek an acknowledged leader among our peers and the preferred choice among business leaders.

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