HIA-LI Reporter Newspaper - October 2025 by HIA-LI

THE FUTURE OF ENERGY

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.

MANUFACTURING REVITILIZATION

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.

RESTORE AND GROW MEMBERSHIP

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

• CEO member ship – 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

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.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

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

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 por tal - 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.

CEO

members. Educate and showcase

members. 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 DECEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS 3

President Terri Alessi-Miceli (631) 543 - 5355

OFFICERS

Chairperson

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

President Terri Alessi-Miceli (631) 543 - 5355 OFFICERS Chairperson of the

Manetta

Advisors Group (516) 373-6200

HIA-LI OFFICERS &

HIA-LI

President Terri Alessi-Miceli (631) 543 - 5355

OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

DIRECTORS

HIA-LI OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

Kevin OʼConnor

HIA-LI OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

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

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

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

Coughlan Tritec Real Estate Co (631) 706 - 4113

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

Sanders

Bank (631) 537-8826

Kevin OʼConnor Bridgehampton National Bank (631) 537-8826

Stuart Lubow Dime Community Bank (631) 537-1000

Scott Maskin SUNation Energy (631) 750-9454

Funding (516) 697 - 3900

Kevin OʼConnor Bridgehampton National Bank (631) 537-8826

OFFICERS Chairperson of the Board

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

Second Vice

Chairperson

Quarte AVZ & Company (631) 434 - 9500

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

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

Rita DiStefano Rimon Law PC (516) 921-3400

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

Michael Voltz PSEG Long Island (631) 844-3819

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

Allen

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

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

ʼs Alliance Federal Credit Union (631) 434 - 3500

Vice Chairperson Second Vice Chairperson Corporate Secretary

Joe Campolo Campolo, Middleton & McCormick LLP (631) 738 - 9100 John Bauer Littler Mendelson, P.C. (631) 293 - 4525 Rich Humann, P.E. H2M architects + engineers (631) 756 - 8000

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

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

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

DIRECTORS

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

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

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

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

Joseph Garofalo Island Christian Church (631) 822 - 3000

Susan H. Gubing Career Smarts (631) 979 - 6452

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

Susan H. Gubing Career Smarts (631) 979 - 6452

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

Bob Isaksen Bank of America (631) 547 - 7450

Isaksen Bank of America (631) 547 - 7450

Robert Isaksen Bank of America (631) 547-7450

Christopher Kent Farrell Fritz (631) 367 - 0710

Rich Isaac Sandler Training (631) 231- 3538 containing healthcare costs. FORCE AND ECONOMIC ENGINE FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT. OUR MEMBER COMPANIES REPRESENT TENS OF THOUSANDS OF BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS.

Credit Union (631) 434 - 3500 Robert Desmond AIRECO Real Estate Corp. (631) 273 - 4255

Kelly Murphy Suffolk County IDA (631) 853-4802

Ann-Marie Scheidt Stony

Ann-Marie Scheidt Stony Brook University (631) 216 - 7605

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

Robert Quarte AVZ & Company (631) 434 - 9500

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

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

ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS SUCCESS

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

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

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

Santacroce ConnectOne Bank (718) 313-0065

Michael Voltz PSEG Long Island (631) 844-3819 Dr. Elana Zolfo Berkeley College (631) 338-8633 Christopher Kent Farrell Fritz (631) 367 - 0710

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

Shybunko-Moore GSE Dynamics, Inc. (631) 231-1044

David BrookhavenManningNational Laboratory (631) 344 - 4747

Kulka

(631)

Thomas J. Fallarino. CPA

Create forums to educate and connect growth and survival. Promote the HIA-LI Trade Show and conference as a forum important connection and discussion business, andworkforce development

Corp. (631) 231 - 0900

ALTERNATIVE

Mario Asaro Industry One Realty (631) 694-3500

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

Scott Maskin SUNation Solar (631) 750 - 9454

762-7523

Manetta HB Solutions (516) 762-7523

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

(516) 762-7523

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

Scott Maskin SUNation Solar (631) 750 - 9454

BrookhavenManningNational Laboratory (631) 344 - 4747 Scott Maskin SUNation

Devin Kulka The Kulka Group (631) 231-0900

Rich Isaac Sandler Training (631) 231- 3538

Jack Kulka Kulka Construction Corp. (631) 231 - 0900 Allan Lippolis Superior Washer & Gasket Corp. (631) 273 - 8282

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

Leteri Leteri

Alex Lipsky Lipsky Construction (631) 472-4454

Rich Isaac Sandler Training (631)

Services (631)

- 5533

W & H Stampings

David Winchester

University (631) 216 - 7605 David Winchester CleanTech Rocks Anne Shybunko-Moore GSE Dynamics (631) 231-1044

Arthur Sanders Omni Funding (516) 697 - 3900 Anthony Leteri Leteri Waste Services (631) 368 - 5533

HIA-LI COMMITTEES AND CHAIRPEOPLE

HIA-LI COMMITTEES

AND CHAIRPEOPLE

ENERGY “GO GREEN” members. Educate and showcase environmental and energy services.

SALES & MARKETING

VIRTUAL HIA-LI

391 - 0300

SALES & MARKETING

HIA-LI COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS

750 - 1226 All Island Media

HUMAN RESOURCES Mary Locascio (631) 750 - 1226

Aoifa OʼDonnell (631) 588-8102 National EAP, Inc.

(631) 588-8102

MANUFACTURING/ INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Joy Graceffo (631) 427 - 1083 L.I. Essential Software and Training

Joy Graceffo (631) 427 - 1083 L.I. Essential Software andTraining

SALES & MARKETING

Joy Graceffo (631) 427 - 1083

L.I. Essential Software and Training

Miriam Hubbard (516) 338 - 5454

Miriam Hubbard (516) 338 - 5454 PBI Payroll

SECURITY

Miriam Hubbard (516) 338 - 5454 PBI Payroll SECURITY

Enable our members to collaborate, deliver addedvalue by sharing knowledge current and future members and the

MANUFACTURING/ INTERNATIONAL TRADE Robert Lippolis (631) 273-8282

Robert Lippolis (631) 273-8282

Superior Washer & Gasket Corp.

MEMBERSHIP

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

Rich Isaac (631) 231 - 3538 Sandler Training

Allan Lippolis (631) 273 - 8282

Superior Washer & Gasket Corp.

TECHNOLOGY FOR BUSINESS

David Pinkowitz (631) 491 - 5343 DCP Marketing Services LLC

Chris Coluccio TechWorks Consulting, Inc.

Washer & Gasket Corp. TECHNOLOGY FOR BUSINESS David Pinkowitz (631) 491 - 5343 DCP Marketing Services LLC Chris Coluccio TechWorks Consulting, Inc.

HIA-LI CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2025

November 2025

HIA-LI UPCOMING EVENTS

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT

Tuesday, November 4th, 8:30am - 1:00pm

TECHNOLOGY FOR BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING

Wednesday, November 5th, 8:30am - 10:00am

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING

Friday, November 7th, 8:30am - 10:00am

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING COMMITTEE MEETING

Tuesday, November 11th, 8:30am - 10:00am

YOUR ROADMAP TO HIA-LI

Wednesday, November 12th, 8:30am - 10:00am

HIA-LI UPCOMING PROGRAMS

HUMAN RESOURCES/HEALTH & WELLNESS JOINT COMMITTEE MEETING

Thursday, November 13th, 8:30am - 10:00am

HIA-LI 15TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Friday, November 14th, 8:00am - 12:30pm

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS MEET & GREET FEATURING SENATOR MONICA MARTINEZ

Tuesday, November 18th, 8:30am - 10:00am

HYPEY HOUR - FRIENDSGIVING

Wednesday, November 18th, 5:30pm - 7:30pm

MANUFACTURING/INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMITTEE MEETING

Thursday, November 20th, 8:30am - 10:00am

keepingcurrent Beyond the Billable Hour: The Competitive Edge in Acquiring Tech-Savvy Legal Talent

By Daria Teller Vice President of Recruiting

Executive Alliance 777 Larkfield Road

Commack, NY 11725

Cell: 516-319-1050 www.execsallied.com

The legal profession is rapidly moving beyond the dominance of paper-based and purely manual document processes. This digital transformation has created an urgent demand for professionals whose core legal proficiency is now matched by their ability to leverage sophisticated technology. This shift means firms are increasingly looking for lawyers and legal staff who understand and can implement tools like Generative AI, predictive analytics, and complex e-discovery platforms.

The most coveted hire is not just counsel who understands the law, but the lawyer who can engineer legal solutions and efficiency. This technical skill is crucial across practice groups, from mastering petabytes of e-discovery data in complex litigation to accelerating deals in M&A due diligence.

These professionals must interpret case law, structure data governance, and effectively vet AI systems, requiring a

rare combination of judicial acumen and technical engineering. This talent pool is virtually invisible to traditional legal search methods.

This is where the specialized legal recruiter becomes mission-critical. They use contextual sourcing and assess soft skills for innovation leadership. By leveraging passive candidate access, specialized recruiters secure the talent that will drive your law firm’s profitability and reputation in the digital age.

For expert assistance in advancing your legal capabilities, you can connect directly with Daria Teller, Vice President of Recruiting of Executive Alliance, at 516-319-1050 or by email at daria@ execsallied.com. Our team is ready to support your hiring goals and help you secure the talent that drives your law firm’s competitive advantage and longterm success.

Contributions provided by Aaron Frenchman, VP of Recruiting.

LETTER FROM THE HIA-LI PRESIDENT & CEO

HIA-LI’s 15th Annual Women’s Conference: Women Rising: Fearless & Focused on November 14th will be bigger and better than ever. Women are a powerful economic engine with over 13 million employed, bringing in over $1.9 trillion in sales. Don’t miss out on hearing from some of Long Island’s most successful women in business as they discuss their strategies in life/work balance, building your brand, and using confidence to gain advantages through collaboration. Clare Cusack, President & CEO, New York Bankers Association, kicks off the morning as keynote speaker, followed by a panel of women leaders and entrepreneurs, moderated by Domenique Camacho Moran, Partner, Farrell Fritz P.C.

Panelists include Dawn Cagliano, President, IVCi; Katherine Fritz, President & CEO, LI Cares; Teresa Ferraro, President/CEO, East/West Industries, Inc.; Davi Tserpelis, SVP, Regional Business Banking Manager,City National Bank; and Skye Ostreicher, Founder, In the Room Media.

Breakout session topics include owning your power, turning doubt into drive, balancing confidence and wellbeing, leading with purpose, and navigating AI. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and be inspired. Do you have a women’s initiative in your organization? Encourage them to register.

For further information about how to get your organization in front of these leaders, please contact Anthony Forgione at aforgione@hia-li.org or call (631) 543-5355.

We hope to see you and your team there November 14th!

Partners in Business,

Terri Alessi-Miceli HIA-LI President & CEO

FIRM SOLUTIONS

“Business First has saved us nearly $3,200..”* —Lisa Basini, Baking Coach, Bellport

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.

*Incentives, grants, and rebates will vary with every project. Reduce your energy costs. Get a free business energy assessment. psegliny.com/businessassessment

Helping People Who Are Blind, Have Low Vision, or Other Disabilities

Helping Veterans, Active-Duty Military, and First Responders with Disabilities

The R’s, O’s, and I’s of Working with a Recruiting Agency

By Aaron Frenchman Executive Alliance

Commack, New York 11725

Aaron@execsallied.com

Office: 631-493-0511

www.execsallied.com

As professional recruiters who spend a good part of their time cold-calling different companies to acquire their business, we hear multiple reasons why businesses attempt to fill their open jobs themselves, but the most frequent response we get is:

“I don’t want to pay your enormous fees.”

This is where we must explain the Return On Investment, or “ROI” our clients get for the fees we charge.

The R’s: Relationships, Reach, and Results

•Relationships: We build trust with candidates, so you don’t have to start

keepingcurrent

from scratch. That rapport leads to better engagement, smoother onboarding, and longer retention.

•Reach: Our network goes beyond job boards. We tap into passive talent, confidential searches, and niche professionals you won’t find through traditional channels.

• Results: We don’t just send resumes— we deliver vetted, qualified candidates who are ready to contribute from day one.

The O’s: Opportunity, Optimization, and Ownership

•Opportunity: We help you seize hiring windows before competitors do. Whether it’s scaling fast or filling a critical gap, we move with urgency and precision.

•Optimization: We streamline the process—refining job descriptions, aligning expectations, and ensuring your brand is positioned to attract top talent.

•Ownership: We take accountability for every step. From sourcing to scheduling to offer negotiation, we own the process so you can focus on your business.

The I’s: Insight, Integrity, and Initiative

•Insight: We know what candidates are asking, what competitors are offering, and how to position your opportunity to win.

• Integrity: We don’t inflate resumes or hide red flags. You get full transparency— because hiring is too important for surprises.

• Initiative: We don’t wait for perfect conditions. We proactively source, engage, and deliver talent that matches your goals and culture.

Use a Public Relations Strategy to Write the History of Your Business

By Jody Fisher Founder & CEO

347-419-0444

jody@jodyfisherpr.com www.jodyfisherpr.com

Imagine a potential customer considering whether to do business with your company. The first thing they do is type your name into a search bar. Within seconds, a page of results appears. What do they see?

Ideally, your company website will be the very first result. Right behind it, perhaps your official social media channels. But then, almost without fail, comes the next tier of information that shapes opinions more powerfully than anything you’ve produced yourself: your news coverage.

Any time your business is mentioned in the media— whether it’s the local paper, the evening TV broadcast, a digital news site, or an industry journal like the New York Real Estate Journal—Google and other search engines quickly pull that content forward. These articles, reports, or features are given high visibility because they are third-party sources. Search engines automatically prioritize them as verified, authoritative, and credible. And that means even stories you might prefer to forget still surface alongside the good ones.

What shows up is, for better or worse, a reflection of your company’s public image. It might be a glowing profile about a major project you’re developing. Or

it could be an unfortunate incident from a year ago. It might even dredge up a negative headline from decades past. All of it lives online, indexed and accessible, creating instant first impressions about who you are and what you stand for.

The question then becomes: how do you make sure that what people find is what you want them to know?

That’s where public relations comes in. An intentional PR strategy, focused on securing positive media coverage, gives you a measure of control over your narrative. It allows you to highlight your company’s strengths, showcase your culture and values, and reinforce what makes you stand out.

Authentic, favorable news coverage has benefits that are both immediate and long-lasting:

•It endures. News stories live online indefinitely. A positive piece written today can influence how your company is viewed for years, long after the initial publication date.

•It shapes perception. By building a steady stream of good coverage, you help ensure that the narrative surrounding your brand is positive, credible, and consistent. Over time, this reservoir of goodwill and trust cushions you against occasional challenges.

• It attracts opportunity. Positive news makes you more appealing not only to potential customers but also to prospective employees, investors, and partners. A single article highlighting your culture, innovation, or community involvement could be the deciding factor for someone choosing you over a competitor.

Think of a proactive PR campaign as a steady drumbeat. Over months and years, it generates dozens of stories about your company, your people, and your impact. Collectively, those stories craft a compelling picture of your brand—one that feels authentic and well-rounded because it comes from external, trusted voices.

By contrast, ignoring your media presence leaves your image to chance. If you’re not actively generating coverage, search results may present a blank slate— or worse, a series of negative stories that stand unopposed. Without effort, you risk allowing outdated or unflattering narratives to define you.

Investing in public relations is more than just marketing. It’s about writing your history—the record that future customers, partners, and employees will uncover when they search for you a year, five years, or even a decade from now. PR is a strategic investment in your reputation, your credibility, and your future growth.

Ultimately, every search is a story waiting to be discovered. Public relations ensures that the story people find is one that reflects your values, accomplishments, and ambitions. By shaping the narrative today, you’re securing a tomorrow filled with stronger relationships, greater opportunities, and a reputation that speaks for itself.

Jody Fisher is the Founder & CEO of Jody Fisher PR

Manufacture More Productive Employees

Through SUNY Suffolk’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Center, we are training Long Islanders to find rewarding careers through nationally certified programs that only take one semester to complete.

These workforce preparation programs are producing certified welders, CNC machinists and electronic assemblers that can increase the profitability of regional manufacturers and companies by keeping them moving forward.

Day and evening classes are now filling.

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

keepingcurrent

The Plant-Based Diet: Benefits and Getting Started

By Lisa Zimmerman Founder and Coach

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 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

keepingcurrent

From the Course to the Cause:

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 plantbased 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 weight-loss 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.

How Corporate Sponsorships Support Nonprofit Success

By Trish Rongo Director of Development

St. Vincent de Paul Long Island

516.822.3132 x. 106 trongo@svdpli.org www.svdpli.org

Across Long Island, nonprofits serve as lifelines for individuals and families in need—providing food, shelter, clothing, rent assistance, and countless other vital services. While dedicated staff and volunteers carry out this mission daily, the ability of nonprofits to sustain and expand their work often depends on the generosity of event sponsors and corporate partners.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has its roots in something very human—the idea that businesses, like people, are part of a larger community. In the early days, many companies expressed this through philanthropy: local factory owners might donate to schools, hospitals, or town projects to

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 PlantBased 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

give back to the communities that supported them. As the world changed in the mid-20th century—with growing awareness of civil rights, labor conditions, and environmental issues—so did expectations for businesses. People began to look to companies not only for jobs and products but also for leadership in addressing social challenges. What started as charitable giving gradually evolved into a broader vision of responsibility: companies using their influence, resources, and reach to do more than make a profit—to make a difference. This shift laid the foundation for CSR as we know it today, where social impact and business success go hand in hand.

In today’s world, stakeholders expect companies to operate with integrity and to contribute positively to society. CSR initiatives—whether through philanthropy, sustainability efforts, or partnerships with nonprofits—demonstrate a company’s commitment to values beyond profit. They foster goodwill, strengthen brand reputation, engage employees in meaningful ways, and ultimately help create more resilient, equitable communities. By prioritizing CSR, businesses not only enhance their own long-term success but also ensure they are active contributors to the greater good.

Fundraising events—such as galas, golf outings, and community walks—are more than opportunities for networking and celebration. For many nonprofits, they are essential sources of funding and awareness. Sponsors help transform these events into powerful vehicles for change by underwriting costs, expanding reach, and ensuring

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

that more of the proceeds go directly to programs and services.

Event sponsorship goes beyond logos on banners or mentions in programs—it represents true partnership. When local businesses, corporations, and community leaders align with nonprofit missions, they not only provide financial resources but also lend credibility and visibility to the cause. By partnering with socially responsible businesses, organizations can enhance event visibility, attract broader audiences, and secure essential financial and in-kind support. These partnerships not only offset event costs but also expand outreach, enabling more resources to be directed toward program goals and community impact. In addition, corporate involvement often inspires greater public participation and media attention, further amplifying the event’s reach and long-term fundraising potential.

Every sponsorship has a direct and lasting impact. Whether it’s a family receiving housing assistance, a child finally getting a bed of their own, or a senior finding companionship and care—these are the stories made possible when sponsors choose to invest in local nonprofits.

Event sponsors are more than contributors—they are partners in building a more compassionate, resilient, and connected Long Island. Their support allows nonprofits to dream bigger, reach further, and continue serving neighbors in need. Together, sponsors and nonprofits are shaping a stronger future for Long Island.

CYBER SECURITY Solutions

At Central, we specialize in delivering comprehensive cybersecurity solutions designed to protect your business from evolving digital threats

Our risk mitigation services are essential for your digital security because they cover key areas such as:

Employee Training and Awareness

Data Protection and Encryption

Threat Detection and Prevention

For a free risk assessment, call us at (631) 249-1990

Sweet Treats

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

Your Ultimate market and vending solution

Canteen’s market and vending services offer a convenient and diverse selection of snacks, beverages and fresh food options to keep your team fueled throughout the day. With innovative technology and customizable solutions, Canteen ensures a seamless and satisfying break room experience.

For more information, please reach out to: Howard Goldstein

Regional Sales Director • Canteen howard.goldstein@compass-usa.com • 516-707-4906

R E C O G N I Z E D

C O M M U N I C A T I O N S , P U B L I C A F F A I R S & B U S I N E S S

D E V E L O P M E N T F I R M

ENGAGEMENT STAKEHOLDER

T h e t e a m a t S t a n d a r d A d v i s o r s G r o u p h a s s p e n t

o v e r 2 0 y e a r s w o r k i n g w i t h o r g a n i z a t i o n s t o

d e v e l o p a n d e x e c u t e s t r a t e g i c p l a n s t h a t s e t o u t t o

a c c o m p l i s h h i g h l y t a r g e t e d g o a l s . F r o m t h e r o u t i n e

t o t h e v e r y c o m p l e x , w e t a i l o r c u s t o m

c o m m u n i c a t i o n s s o l u t i o n s f o r e a c h c l i e n t

THE 17TH ANNUAL HIA-LI ENERGY CONFERENCE

The 17th Annual HIA-LI Energy Conference - The Future of Energy - truly was full of just that - energy! The morning began with powerful opening remarks from Karin Murphy, Communications Director for the Office of New York State Senator Mario Mattera, and Brian Sapp, Director of External Affairs at National Grid, and continued with an engaging keynote address from Nicholas Forst, Esq, Acting Director, LIO, at the New York State Department of Public Service.

Our dynamic panel of industry experts, moderated by Michael Voltz, Director of Energy Efficiency & Renewables at PSEG Long Island and HIA-LI Board member, covered a variety of topics, from New York State policy changes to meet growing electricity demands, to developments in the solar and offshore wind sectors, to ways that businesses and individuals can cut down on their energy costs.

Thank you again to our wonderful speakers and panelists (Richard Delaney of National Grid, Alexander Esposito of Circuit, Brian Kurtz of PSEG Long Island LLC, and Richard Murdocco of SUNation Energy), to The Sexy Salad for providing a delicious breakfast, to National Grid for hosting, and to all of our sponsors and attendees for making this such a successful program.

Photo credit: Jim Lennon Photographer

Powering Economic Development in New York State

Learn more about how NYPA can help businesses in your community access energy at some of the most competitive rates in the State.

For a cleaner, more affordable future.

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) supports businesses across New York State through our economic development programs—ReCharge NY, Preservation Power, and Western NY Hydropower. With these power programs, we create economic growth by providing affordable energy in exchange for commitments to create or retain jobs and investment.

As a leader in power generation, NYPA produces nearly 25% of New York’s energy, reserving a significant portion of clean hydropower to support local jobs and businesses. Various industries, including manufacturing, data centers, semiconductors, healthcare, higher education, and food & beverage, rely on NYPA’s hydropower to support their growth and stability.

To learn more, contact:

nypa.gov/hydropower poweringbusiness@nypa.gov

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

keepingcurrent

Retirement Plan Benchmarking – How Does Your Plan Compare?

By Eric Monroe Senior Associate Risk Strategies | Standard Pension Services

Part of the Brown & Brown Team 516-583-5655

emonroe@risk-strategies.com

333 Earle Ovington Blvd, Suite 510 |Uniondale, NY 11553 www.riskstrategies.com

Plan Sponsors often inquire about what other companies are offering for their retirement plan. It’s a great question and one that helps them to stay competitive and to satisfy part of their Fiduciary duties. Here is a recent study done by Vanguard I wanted to share. Ask your current advisor how your plan benchmarks if you haven’t already.

Defined Contribution (DC) retirement plans remain the foundation of the private-sector retirement system, covering over 100 million Americans and holding more than $13 trillion in assets. With 99.9% of U.S. businesses classified as small, many lack the resources to benchmark their retirement plans effectively. Vanguard serves over 21,000 plan sponsors and 1 million participants offering valuable insights into how small plans compare to larger ones in structure, savings behavior, and investment strategy.

Plan Design and Participation

Only 22% of small plans allowed immediate eligibility for new employees, while most required a service period. Automatic enrollment, a proven driver of higher

keepingcurrent

participation, was 24% among small plans compared to 61% for larger plans. Of the small plans with automatic enrollment, 57% also featured automatic annual increases in employee contributions, and 40% defaulted participants at a 4% or higher deferral rate.

Safe harbor plan designs, which simplify compliance and ensure equal access to employer contributions, were used by 71% of small plans, much higher than in large-plan populations.

Participation was highest in architecture, finance, and technology sectors (around 75–80%) and lowest in transportation and retail (below 60%).

Savings Behavior

In 2024, participants contributed an average of 7.7% of income, matching larger-plan averages and setting an all-time high. The median deferral rate was 5.8%, with one in four employees saving at least 10% of pay.

Nearly all plans allowed catch-up contributions, and 17% of eligible participants used them. Roth options were widely available (91% of plans), though only 21% of participants contributed to Roth accounts.

Including employer contributions, the average total saving rate reached 12.9%, a healthy benchmark for long-term retirement readiness.

Investing and Asset Allocation

Equities represented 75% of plan assets, and 46% of assets were invested in target-date funds (TDFs). Participants used an average of 2.3 funds, with most

holding just one—typically a TDF. Nearly all plans designated a qualified default investment alternative (QDIA), and 97% chose TDFs for that role.

Trading activity remained low, with only 5% of participants making exchanges in 2024, reflecting strong long-term investing discipline.

Access and Withdrawals

About 70% of plans permitted loans, but only 6% of participants had one outstanding. Hardship withdrawals were allowed in 87% of plans yet used by just 2% of participants. Encouragingly, 80% of separating employees preserved their assets for retirement through rollovers or leaving funds in the plan.

Fees

The report did not include data on plan fees. There are several services that can benchmark plan fees to other plans of similar size and participant headcount. It recommended to have that done yearly.

Key Takeaway

2025 data show continued progress in small business retirement plans—rising savings rates, greater use of automatic features, and growing adoption of target-date funds. However, participation and balance disparities persist compared with larger plans, signaling ongoing opportunities to expand access and enhance financial wellness for America’s small business workforce. More education is needed about the Roth(k) feature.

Shifting the Tax Burden onto Commercial Real Estate: Fair or Not?

Douglas Atkins is a partner at Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP in Uniondale, NY. He is a member of the firm’s Tax Certiorari practice group. Questions? Contact Doug at datkins@forchellilaw.com or (516) 248-1700.

Should all parcels of real estate be charged the same mill rate (also known as the property tax rate)? What is fair? What is good public policy?

Before delving into the issue, we need to establish a few basic principles of municipal funding and governance. First: In suburban New York State, we fund our local governments largely through real estate taxation. This means we are paying for schools, police and roads primarily through the property tax levy. Second: Each parcel of real estate resides in a district of municipal service and that parcel is only taxed for that district. Thus, if you are located on Commerce Drive in the Hauppauge Industrial Park, you are paying taxes for the Hauppauge School District, Suffolk County Police and Town of Smithtown. Conversely, the parcel will pay nothing to the Smithtown School District, Nassau County Police or Town of Islip. Third: Our tax bill is calculated by taking your assessment (i.e., value, as assigned by the tax assessor), and multiplying it by the mill rate.

Now, back to the question of fairness. Should all properties pay the same mill rate? In 1983, New York State passed Article 19 of the Real Property Tax Law, which enabled Towns to create two classes of real estate: Homestead and Non-Homestead. For the purposes of this article, we will refer to this as “the Article 19 System.” While there are exceptions, the Homestead Class is defined as 1-3 family housing and residential vacant land. The Non-Homestead

Class is everything else. In other words, all offices, industrial buildings, shopping centers, restaurants and every other commercial property are Non-Homestead. Notably, by the statutory definition, rental apartment complexes are NonHomestead, whereas condominiums are Homestead.

Article 19 allows Towns to shift more of the tax burden onto the Non-Homestead Class. Put another way, the mill rate applied to the Non-Homestead properties can be, and almost always is, much higher than the mill rate applied to the Homestead properties.

But is this fair? Let us examine two areas of Suffolk County and run the numbers. Bay Shore’s Main Street and Smithtown’s Jericho Turnpike are both busy commercial thoroughfares. The former is in the Town of Islip, which adopts the Article 19 System. The latter is in the Town of Smithtown, which does not employ Article 19. As taxes relate to assessed value, we will use a hypothetical $1,000,000 property value for this example. Assume we have a $1,000,000 restaurant on Main Street in Bay Shore and also on Jericho Turnpike in Smithtown. Further assume we have a $1,000,000 home in the same immediate vicinity of those restaurants.

This would yield the following taxes:

Smithtown Restaurant - $20,500

Smithtown Home - $20,500

Bay Shore Restaurant - $25,700

Bay Shore Home - $20,200

While it is not easy to compare taxes among neighboring school districts since the mill rates are so varied, the above example is instructive. The Non-Homestead Bay Shore restaurant pays taxes 27% higher than the Bay Shore home. Whereas in the Smithtown example, the tax burdens are equal.

The column began by posing the question of fairness. In my opinion, the unavoidable answer is that the Article 19 tax system is inherently unfair. Our property tax system is tied to valuation. Higher value properties pay more in tax and lower value properties pay less. However, the Article 19 System is designed to more heavily tax commercial properties.

Still, it is not enough to answer strictly in terms of mathematical fairness. This issue must be viewed from the policymaker’s perspective and there are a number of important ancillary considerations

First, there is home affordability. We should want homes to be more affordable, particularly for the elderly. The Article 19 System is a way to move in the direction of affordability. However, there is a paradox in that apartment complexes of 4+ units are actually Non-Homestead properties. As such, those apartment residents will be stuck with the higher tax rate. On the other side of the coin, if a Town wanted to promote business interests and robust employment opportunities, certainly the Article 19 System is not the answer. Consider: if you were a restaurant owner seeking expansion, wouldn’t you be looking for the most affordable location?

The voters’ opinions must weigh as well. A large proportion of the Homestead Class are homeowners, i.e. voters. Of course, the voting public would prefer lower taxes on their homes. It is an inescapable public opinion.

The conclusion is that any taxing system has tradeoffs. If all parcels are to be charged the same mill rate, like the Smithtown example, homeowners may feel overly burdened, whereas businesses see those areas as attractive locations. The lesson is, look before you jump. Do not open a business or buy a home until you have researched the taxes.

BETHPAGE

Long Island Cares, Inc.

The Harry Chapin Food Bank Essential Market

386 N. Wantagh Avenue

Bethpage, NY 11714

PH: (516) 753-9880

HAUPPAUGE:

Long Island Cares, Inc.

The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank Corporate Headquarters 10 Davids Drive

Hauppauge, NY 11788

PH: (631) 582-FOOD

LINDENHURST

Long Island Cares Annex

Baxter’s Pet Pantry

161 North Wellwood Avenue

Lindenhurst, NY 11757

PH: (631) 991-8106

FREEPORT

Nassau Center for Collaborative Assistance

21 E. Sunrise Highway

Freeport, NY 11520

PH: (516) 442-5221

HAUPPAUGE:

Center For Community Engagement Business and Resource Center

75 Davids Drive

Hauppauge, NY 11788

PH: (631) 582-FOOD

LINDENHURST

South Shore Service Center

163-1 North Wellwood Avenue

Lindenhurst, NY 11757

PH: (631) 991-8106

HAMPTON BAYS

Hunger Assistance & Humanitarian Center of the Hamptons

286 W. Montauk Highway

Hampton Bays, NY 11946

PH: (631) 613-3344

HUNTINGTON STATION

Harry Chapin Food Bank and Humanitarian Center

220 Broadway Huntington Station, NY 11746

PH: (631) 824-6384

VALLEY STREAM

Long Island Cares West Nassau Center for Food Assistance & Community Support

241 Rockaway Avenue Valley Stream, NY 11580

PH: (516) 980-9100

keepingcurrent

The Cost of Disconnect: How Fragmented Strategy Haunts Product Success

By Doug Wald Vice President of Recruiting Executive Alliance 631-493-0515 doug@execsallied.com

In today’s hyper-competitive digital marketplace, the line between product development, market strategy, and project delivery has effectively dissolved. Organizations that fail to unify these disciplines suffer from slow product velocity and diluted market impact, creating a critical demand for leaders fluent in both customer acquisition (Marketing) and technical execution (Project Management). These leaders must operate simultaneously across the user story, the budget sheet, and the sprint schedule.

True, scalable growth comes from essential translators who turn marketing insight into actionable product features and use rigorous Project Management to ensure on-time, budget-compliant delivery. This operational accountability, masterfully delivering “how” rather than just defining “what,” is the core differentiator in fast-moving sectors.

Locating this rare leader is a substantial challenge. This talent is the crucial point of convergence between creative, technical, and commercial functions. Because their true value lies in functional integration, they remain invisible to generalized sourcing methods and traditional recruitment channels.

To secure high-impact talent that truly moves

the needle, specialized processes are essential. For expert assistance in securing leaders who integrate Product, Marketing, and Project Management, connect directly with Doug Wald at 631-493-0515 or doug@execsallied.com.

Contributions provided by Aaron Frenchman, VP of Recruiting & Doug Wald, VP of Recruiting.

WELCOME SEPTEMBER NEW MEMBERS

SAGE CONSULTING FIRM LLC

Stephanie Clancy | (631) 871-5831 sclancy@sagelife-consulting.com

KIDS NEED MORE

Melissa Firmes | (631) 608-3135 info@kidsneedmore.org

ABOVE ALL PRESSURE CLEANING

Baylee Modugno | (631) 627-8888 admin@aboveallservices.com

COSENTINO DEVELOPMENT/ COMPANIES

Peter Cosentino | (516) 790-0083 peter.sal@cosentinoco.com

KEVIN O’CONNOR koconnor@valley.com

BIGODE PRODUCTIONS

Francisco Cunha | (516) 707-5797 Francisco@big-ode.com

ARTSYKID STUDIO, LLC

Melissa Klos | (631) 482-3300 connect@artsykidstudio.com

JODY FISHER PR

Jody Fisher | (347) 419-0444 jody@jodyfisherpr.com

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LONG ISLAND

Harry Coghlan | (631) 471-1215 hcoghlan@cdcli.org

APOLLO NETWORKS

Arianna Harrelson | (516) 584-4000 aharrelson@apollonetworks.com

FARMINGDALE STATE COLLEGE

Christina Archipolo |

ABRAMS FENSETERMAN, LLP

Vivian Breier | (516) 248-2079 jbraunstein@abramslaw.com

RISK STRATEGIES

Eric Monroe | (516) 583-5655 emonroe@risk-strategies.com

TECH SPECIALIST SOLUTIONS LLC

Vincent Troiano | techspecialistsolutions@gmail.com

KEY CAPTURE ENERGY

Lucia Yu | lucia.yu@keycaptureenergy.com

STOW AWAY STORAGE

James Stevens | (631) 447-0612 stowit@stowawaystorage.us

M&W ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS LLC

Kenneth Walsh | (631) 609-0035 ken@mwenv.com

INDUSTRY LISTS

ENERGY, ENVIRONMENTAL, & ENGINEERING

AZTEC ENERGY GROUP INC

Michael Richter | (631) 608-2888 m.richter@azteclight.com

BOHLER

Eric Meyn | (631) 738-1200 emeyn@bohlereng.com

COUNTY ENERGY CONTROLS, INC.

Kevin Cirincione | (631) 653-9124 info@countyenergycontrol.com

DAYTON T. BROWN INC.

Angela Chewning | (631) 244-6261 achewning@dtb.com

EMTEC CONSULTING ENGINEERS

Andrew Solano | (631) 981-3990 x242 ajsolano@emtec-engineers.com

FLOWER TURBINES

Cindy Rayson | support.us@flowerturbines.com

GOOD ENERGY L.P.

Javier Barrios | (347) 200-2604 javier@goodenergy.com

H2M ARCHITECTS + ENGINEERS

Rich Humann P.E. | (631) 756-8000 h2m@h2m.com

HAYDUK ENGINEERING, LLC

Stephen Hayduk | (631) 476-0600 bhorn@haydukengineering.com

IMEG CONSULTING CORPORATION (FORMERLY CAMERON ENGINEERING) Richard Zapolski, Jr., P.E. | (516) 224-5290 richard.j.zapolski@imegcorp.com

KEY CAPTURE ENERGY

Lucia Yu | lucia.yu@keycaptureenergy.com

KILFINANE ENERGY CONSULTANTS

Jay Ryan | (631) 748-6885 jryan@kilcap.com

LI TECH ADVISORS

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

LIZARDOS ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE CONSULTANTS P.C.

Robert Dructor | (516) 484-1020 robert.dructor@lizardos.com

LONG ISLAND POWER AUTHORITY (LIPA)

Tom Locascio | (516) 222-7700 tlocascio@lipower.org

M&W ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS LLC

Kenneth Walsh | (631) 609-0035 ken@mwenv.com

NATIONAL GRID

Sean Dunne | (631) 755-4869 sean.dunne2@nationalgrid.com

NEW YORK ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL

Greg DiNardo | (929) 585-0593 gdinardo@nyeande.com

P.W. GROSSER CONSULTING

Nick Anastasi | (631) 589-6353 nanastasi@pwgrosser.com

PRECIPART

Barbara Fierro | (631) 694-5931 bfierro@precipart.com

PSEG LONG ISLAND

Michael Voltz P.E. | (516) 314-7424 michael.voltz@pseg.com

SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROFESSIONALS LLC

Tom Petralia, MS, CSP, COHC | (631) 905-6100 tomcsp@aol.com

SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC. - SMART INFRASTRUCTURE

Regina Zara | (631) 307-8082 regina.zara@siemens.com

STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES, INC. ; STANTEC ARCHITECTURE, INC.

Anna Bartlett | (631) 424-8600 anna.bartlett@stantec.com

SUNATION ENERGY

Scott Maskin | (631) 750-9454 smaskin@sunation.com

SUNSHINE ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS LLC

Joyce Osan | (631) 320-2350 joyce@sunshineenv.com

THE NEW YORK POWER AUTHORITY

Shawn Harrison | (914) 681-6897 shawn.harrison@nypa.gov

TRC COMPANIES

John Franceschina | (800) 295-4151 jfranceschina@trccompanies.com

NEW MEMBER PROFILES

Abrams Fensterman, LLP

3 Dakota Drive, Suite 300 Lake Success, NY 11042 516 328 2300 x197 www.abramslaw.com

Abrams Fensterman, LLP is a fullservice law firm serving clients throughout the Tri-State region and beyond. With more than 115 attorneys across multiple offices, we provide comprehensive legal counsel to businesses, institutions, and individuals across a wide range of industries. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures clients receive strategic, practical, and results-driven advice tailored to their unique objectives.

As a member of the Hauppauge Industrial Association, Abrams Fensterman is proud to connect the strength of its Corporate & Securities Practice with the needs of Long Island’s business community. Our corporate group is recognized for its depth of experience in complex mergers, acquisitions, and sophisticated business transactions. We represent companies of all sizes—from start-ups and family-owned businesses to middlemarket companies and multinational corporations.

Led by Partners and Co-Chairs, Jill Braunstein and Vivian Breier, our corporate group combines legal precision with business insight to guide clients through all stages of corporate growth, including entity formation, capital raising, joint ventures, restructurings, and succession planning. We negotiate and draft purchase agreements, private placement memoranda, operating and shareholder agreements, employment and non-compete agreements, and a full range of commercial contracts and real estate transactions.

With extensive experience in sectors such as technology, healthcare, financial services, real estate, manufacturing, and consumer products, we deliver tailored solutions that balance immediate needs with longterm growth.

For HIA-LI members seeking trusted counsel with business acumen, industry fluency, and deal-making experience, our corporate team stands ready to support growth, mitigate risk, and help companies thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.

Bigode 29 Cherry Lane

Carle Place NY 11514

516-707-5797

www.big-ode.com

We’re an award-winning full-service video production and content creation agency. We create captivating stories with purpose. But more importantly, we’re your partner in big ideas. Sure, we make videos. But more importantly, we make an impact. What we make for you will make connections, foster revelations, crack some smiles, maybe shed a tear, and most certainly make a ripple in the water.

You have big ideas, we have big talent. Let’s make a big impact together.

Key Capture Energy 69 State Street, Suite 1100B Albany, NY 12207 https://keycaptureenergy.com/

Key Capture Energy (KCE) is an Albany, NY-based energy storage developer, owner and operator with a focus on utility-scale battery energy storage systems throughout the United States. KCE advances BESS projects through their lifecycle by selecting project sites, securing all necessary permits, procuring full all equipment, overseeing construction, bringing projects into operation, and operating them throughout their lifecycle. Since its founding in 2016, KCE has over 600 MW of BESS projects under construction or in operation within New York and Texas.

KCE is committed to the successful deployment of storage in New York State and throughout North America. Battery energy storage and Key Capture Energy enable the transition to clean energy technologies, protect the electric grid against extreme weather events, and help keep the lights on during high

periods of demand. Battery energy storage will keep America’s electric grid stable and secure, reduce carbon emissions and air pollution, and support good paying American jobs. The grid of the future must be clean, affordable, and reliable. Battery energy storage is the key to ensuring this future.

M & W Environmental Solutions PO Box 43 Nesconset, NY 11767 ken@mwenv.com 631-609-0035 www.mwenv.com

M&W Environmental Solutions LLC (M&W Environmental) is a Long Island-based full service environmental response contractor servicing the New York metropolitan area. With over 50 years of experience, M&W Environmental offers the following services to its customers including:

• Industrial Cleanings & Maintenance

• Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Waste Transportation and Disposal

• 24-Hour Emergency Spill Response

• Site Monitoring & Sampling

• Regulatory Liaison & Consulting

• Oil Tank Removal and Installation

• Stormwater/Retention Pond Cleaning

• Oil/Water Separator Cleaning

• Environmental Remediation

Risk Strategies

333 Earle Ovington Blvd, Suite 510 Uniondale, NY 11553 516-583-5655 www.riskstrategies.com

Risk Strategies is a national insurance and employee benefits firm dedicated to helping businesses and individuals protect what matters most. In August 2025, the company joined Brown & Brown (BRO), a publicly traded firm with over 23,000 professionals nationwide. Together, we bring deep expertise,

strong carrier relationships, and a commitment to exceptional service.

Our clients range from small businesses to large organizations and high-networth individuals. We understand that managing employee benefits can be complex—changing regulations, rising costs, and compliance demands often pull owners away from running their business. That’s where we come in.

As a member of HIA-LI, our goal is to be a trusted resource for fellow members—helping simplify benefits, strengthen employee engagement, and keep companies competitive. Our scale allows us to deliver best-in-class products, service, and pricing, while our independence ensures that every recommendation is tailored to our clients’ needs.

Eric Monroe brings over 35 years of experience in financial services and a genuine passion for helping people. If he doesn’t have the answer, he’ll find the right expert with his extensive network to ensure you get the guidance you need.

Connect with Eric on LinkedIn or reach out directly to explore how Risk Strategies can support your business.

Toast

333 Summer St, Boston, MA 02210 516-212-2041 www.toasttab.com

Toast [NYSE: TOST] is a cloudbased, all-in-one digital technology platform purpose-built for the entire restaurant community. Toast provides a comprehensive platform of software as a service (SaaS) products and financial technology solutions that give restaurants and retailers everything they need to run their business across point of sale, payments, operations, digital ordering and delivery, marketing and loyalty, and team management. We serve as the restaurant operating system, connecting front of house and back of house operations across service models including dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering, and retail. Toast helps streamline operations, increase revenue, and deliver amazing guest experiences. For more information, visit www.toasttab.com.

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 aﬀ that can curate a unique experience catered to your company’s needs and vision. Contact us to art planning your next productive meeting or memorable retreat.

HEARD AROUND THE ISLAND

APPOINTMENTS, PROMOTIONS, HONORS & OTHER HAPPENINGS

Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP warmly congratulates John V. Terrana, Co-Managing Partner and CoChair of the firm’s Tax Certiorari practice group, on being selected by Long Island Business News’ editorial team as one of this year’s Top 100 Long Islanders.

keepingcurrent

Sasserath & Co would like to welcome new tax associate, David Rosario!

Lynn-Mark Enterprises, LLC has officially joined forces with SMG ABA LLC, marking a major step forward for both firms and the clients they serve.

The partnership brings together two experienced teams with a shared goal: to deliver greater value, insight, and support to businesses across the region. By combining their strengths, Lynn-Mark and SMG ABA will offer an expanded range of services in accounting, advisory, and back-office solutions — all while maintaining the personal attention clients have come to know and trust.

“Our team is still right here for our clients,” said Bonnie of Lynn-Mark Enterprises. “Now, with SMG’s proven systems, technology, and reach, we can offer even more tools to help businesses

grow, plan confidently, and stay ahead.” The merger reflects a natural alignment between two firms built on relationships, expertise, and a commitment to helping clients make smarter financial decisions. Together, they aim to provide the best of both worlds — local service backed by expanded resources and a broader network of support.

The Art League of Long Island’s Board of Directors have appointed Greenlawn resident, Susan Silvestri, to join the Board of Directors.

Susan Silvestri is a Manager at TD Bank and proud new member of the Art League Long Island Board. Passionate about the arts and building inclusive communities, Susan brings her leadership experience and love of creativity to the organization. She was recently honored with the TD Bank CEO Leadership Award for her work with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership, recognizing her commitment to helping people feel

valued and inspired- both at work and in the community. When Susan is not working she enjoys spending time with her family attending yoga classes or riding her peloton.

On November 14, Bill Zalakar, Executive Director, Long Island Farm Bureau, will be the guest speaker at LIMBA (Long Island Metro Business Action). This event will take place at the Candlelight Diner, located at 56 Veterans Memorial Highway in Commack, starting at 8:30 a.m. Mr. Zalakar will speak on the topic of “Growing Long Island’s Agricultural Future.”

Mr. Zalakar brings more than 45 years of diverse experience in the agricultural industry. His expertise spans horticultural business, regulatory affairs and personnel management.

From Liability to Leadership: Acquiring the Compliance Talent Modern Collections Demands

By Susan Burden Executive Alliance

631-742-1586

susan@execsallied.com

The collections industry is undergoing a massive transformation. Driven by stricter regulatory oversight and the need to maximize cash flow, successful organizations must recruit specialized talent to maximize debt recovery performance and balance rigorous compliance with genuine empathy.

The Growing Need for Strategic & Compliance Talent

Modern collections is a highly specialized field focused on driving compliant debt recovery. The role has shifted from high-volume dialing to strategic debt resolution management, requiring professionals skilled in advanced analytics, rigorous compliance (FDCPA and CFPB rules), and omnichannel engagement. The key is managing the financial conversation: agents must de-escalate sensitive situations

and negotiate sustainable repayment plans to maximize recovery yield.

Recruiting Challenges in a Specialized Sector

Recruiting this modern talent presents unique challenges. High attrition and poor industry perception complicate the search for staff capable of handling complex financial portfolios. Competition is fierce for specialized leaders, like Compliance Officers and Financial Operations Analysts, who integrate legal adherence into revenue-generating platforms. Organizations must position themselves as secure, ethical employers focused on measurable financial performance and mitigating regulatory exposure.

For expert assistance in future-proofing your collections team, you can connect directly with Susan Burden, SVP of Executive Alliance, at 631-742-1586 or by email at susan@ execsallied.com. Our team is ready to support your hiring goals and help you secure the talent that drives compliant recovery rates and strategic growth.

Contributions provided by Aaron Frenchman, VP of Recruiting.

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.

Haugland Group proudly supports HIA-LI’s efforts to connect education with industry and build a strong workforce pipeline.