Business Achievement Awards

Four Standout Organizations Earn Top Honors at HIA-LI’s 2025 Business Achievement Awards

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Photo caption: BAA recipients, clockwise from upper left: Robert McBride, President and CEO, McBride Consulting & Business Development Group; Veronica, self-advocate and program participant, People’s Arc of Suffolk; David Wasserman, Chief Value Officer, Flexible IT; and Adam Holtzer, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Whoggga.

Long Island’s business community came together to celebrate innovation, leadership, and community impact at the 31st Annual HIA-LI Business Achievement Awards, held at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. The gala luncheon—often called the Academy Awards of the Long Island business community—honored four standout organizations for their exceptional performance, workplace culture, and service to the region. The event took place on September 19, drawing hundreds of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.

Recognizing Leadership and Innovation

In the Large Business category, Flexible IT, based in Hauppauge, was honored. As Long Island’s largest Managed Services Provider, Flexible IT supports companies of all sizes with technology planning, cybersecurity, and IT solutions that drive long-term success. Accepting the award on behalf of the company was David Wasserman, Chief Value Officer, who reflected on the firm’s broader purpose beyond technical support.

“Flexible IT isn’t about fixing computers — we’re an information factory,” Wasserman said. “Our real work lives in the intangibles: the insight, the innovation, and the knowledge that help our clients move forward. We’re proud to call the Long Island Innovation Park our home and to be part of Long Island’s story of progress.”

The Small Business award went to McBride Consulting & Business Development Group, based in Babylon. For nearly two decades, the firm has been advising organizations nationwide with expertise in business strategy, development, and government relations. Accepting the award, Robert McBride, President and CEO, spoke about his company’s mission and the dedication of his team.

“We don’t take on clients unless we can add real value,” McBride said. “Our team is driven to success, and we take pride in transforming challenges into solutions that strengthen our communities. This award is really about them — not me.”

The Not-for-Profit award was presented to People’s Arc of Suffolk, based in Bohemia. The organization provides vital services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering them through programs, advocacy, and community partnerships. Representing the organization, Veronica, a self-advocate and program participant, spoke movingly about how People’s Arc has impacted her life.

“People’s Arc of Suffolk has made such a difference in my life,” Veronica said. “I’ve learned work skills, gained confidence, and found opportunities I never thought I’d have. The staff here truly care about seeing us succeed, and I’m proud to be part of this community.”

Finally, Whoggga, based in Hauppauge, earned the Rookie of the Year award. Founded less than five years ago, Whoggga has quickly built a reputation as an innovative platform that fosters authentic connections among entrepreneurs, helping business leaders grow both personally and professionally. Accepting the award, Adam Holtzer, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, spoke about the power of community among business owners.

“Being a business owner can be lonely,” Holtzer said. “Whoggga is about changing that — building a trusted community where entrepreneurs connect personally and professionally. This award reflects the power of genuine relationships and support among Long Island’s business owners.”

Celebrating a Strong Business Community

This year’s finalists represented a cross-section of Long Island’s economy—from construction and consulting to tourism and human services. Their diversity underscores the strength of the region’s business ecosystem, as well as the role that innovation and resilience play in sustaining growth.

By honoring these organizations, HIA-LI not only recognized their achievements but also highlighted examples that others can follow to enhance performance and community impact.

Looking Ahead

As HIA-LI continues to advocate for Long Island’s economic vitality, the Business Achievement Awards remain a signature event, demonstrating how business success and community leadership are deeply interconnected. This year’s recipients set the bar high, showing that Long Island companies are more than capable of competing, thriving, and leading in today’s challenging marketplace.

Long Island Businesses Take Center Stage at HIA-LI’s 2024 Business Achievement Awards

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Photo caption: Clockwise from upper left: Bob Swing, CEO of IVCi, winner in the Small Business category; Phil Boyle, President and CEO of Suffolk Regional OTB, winner in the Large Business category; Mark Shivers, CEO of Ignite IPA, winner in the Rookie of the Year category; Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, who provided opening remarks; Declan Doyle, President of St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, accepted the Industry Partnership Award for Catholic Health; and, Lisa Burch, President and CEO of EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies, winner in the Not-for-Profit category.

Each year, I’m reminded why the Business Achievement Awards (BAA) are referred to as the “Academy Awards” of Long Island’s business community. This year’s event, our 30th annual BAA, held at the Crest Hollow Country Club, was nothing short of remarkable. As always, it was a celebration of not only success, but also of the resilience, innovation, and dedication that drives businesses to greater heights.

This year, we had the privilege of recognizing five exceptional businesses across a range of categories. These companies are not only thriving in their respective industries, but they are also contributing to the greater Long Island community in significant ways.

It’s important that we highlight excellence in the Long Island businesses community. In fact, in today’s ever-changing dynamic, it’s more critical now than any time before.  It was an honor to celebrate their achievements, and I’m excited to share some highlights from the event.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine: Leadership and Support

We were honored to have Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine join us for this year’s BAA luncheon. Elected just a year ago, the County Executive has been an incredible leader, committed to improving the quality of life for all Suffolk County residents. I was proud to introduce him at the event, highlighting his proactive approach in tackling a myriad of key issues, including the formation of the Suffolk County Affordable Housing Task Force, on which HIA-LI is honored to serve.

County Executive Romaine’s dedication to fostering economic growth and his strong support of Long Island businesses were evident in his remarks during the event. “The awards today weren’t given because someone wrote a check or took a journal ad; they were given for hard work and investment,” he said. The County Executive’s leadership is deeply appreciated, and his presence at our event underscored the critical role that government plays in supporting the business community.

Catholic Health: Industry Partnership Award

Catholic Health’s dedication to compassionate and high-quality care was recognized with this year’s Industry Partnership Award. Declan Doyle, President of St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, accepted the award on behalf of Catholic Health, emphasizing their mission to care for Long Island’s communities. With over 17,000 employees and a network that includes six hospitals and several nursing homes, Catholic Health stands as one of the largest healthcare providers in the region.

Catholic Health’s commitment includes a key collaboration with HIA-LI. Earlier this year, we announced an exciting partnership via Catholic Health’s Ambulatory Care Center located in Commack, adjacent to the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge. This collaboration will offer our 55,000 park employees access to high-quality healthcare, from primary care to advanced cardiovascular services from St. Francis Heart Center physicians. Through this affiliation, we aim to improve both health and productivity, helping to attract and retain top talent in the region.

As Declan Doyle noted during his acceptance speech, “It’s not just about the buildings; it’s about the people. We are committed to providing compassionate, innovative care and are proud to be working with HIA-LI to improve access to healthcare for the entire Innovation Park community.”

Suffolk OTB/Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel: Large Business Award

Suffolk OTB and Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel, led by CEO Phil Boyle, received this year’s Large Business Award, showcasing their impressive comeback story. Emerging from bankruptcy in 2020, Suffolk OTB has turned its fortunes around, achieving $285 million in gaming revenues last year. Boyle credited the success to his dedicated team, noting that their efforts have made Suffolk OTB and Jakes 58 a premier entertainment destination on Long Island.

The company’s future looks bright, with expansion plans underway, including doubling the number of slot machines and adding a parking garage to accommodate growing demand. “We’re proud of the turnaround we’ve achieved,” Boyle said, “and we’re excited to continue growing and contributing to Long Island’s economy.”

IVCi: Small Business Award

IVCi, a leader in audiovisual and video conferencing solutions, was this year’s recipient in the Small Business Award category. CEO Bob Swing, a proud Long Island native, reflected on the company’s growth and success since its founding in 1995. Swing praised the hard work of his team and the loyalty of their clients, including Catholic Health and H2M Architects and Engineers, which have been instrumental in IVCi’s growth.

“We pride ourselves on delivering reliable, cutting-edge solutions for our clients,” Swing said. “But none of this would be possible without the dedication of our employees. They are the backbone of our success.”

EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies: Not-for-Profit Award

In the not-for-profit category, EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies was honored for their incredible work supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Lisa Burch, President and CEO, accepted the award, highlighting the dedication of EPIC’s staff and the positive impact they have on the community.

“Our mission is to empower individuals and families to achieve their fullest potential,” Burch said. “This award is a testament to the tireless efforts of our team and the resilience of the people we serve.” Burch’s passion for EPIC’s work, coupled with their strong partnerships across the region, made them a much deserving recipient of this year’s award.

Ignite IPA: Rookie of the Year Award

Ignite IPA, a management consulting and software implementation firm, earned the Rookie of the Year Award for their impressive growth since their founding during the COVID-19 pandemic. CEO Mark Shivers, in a lighthearted acceptance speech, reflected on his journey from a Fortune 100 executive to starting his own business. Shivers credited his wife, Valerie, and the talented team at Ignite IPA for their support in making his entrepreneurial dream a reality.

“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, and we’re just getting started,” Shivers said. His enthusiasm and commitment to driving digital transformation for clients across industries have positioned Ignite IPA as a rising star in the Long Island business community.

The 30th Annual Business Achievement Awards was a celebration of Long Island’s business excellence, and it was a privilege to honor companies that are not only succeeding in their industries but also making a positive impact in our region. As we continue to advocate for Long Island’s economic development, I look forward to seeing how these businesses continue to grow and innovate in the years to come.

HIA-LI Business Achievement Awards: Celebrating Long Island’s Finest

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Photo caption (clockwise from upper left): Jeff Reingold, COO, Contract Pharmacal Corp., “Large Business” winner; Jay Demetriou, President, LGC Studios, “Small Business” winner; Billy Hatzichristos, Founder and Owner, Native Ceuticals, “Rookie of the Year” winner; special guest speaker Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone; Jennifer Marks, Long Island Market Team Lead, JP Morgan Chase & Co., “Leadership” winner; and, Karen Boorshstein, CEO, Family Service League, “Not for Profit” winner.

The Business Achievement Awards – our very own “Academy Awards” event – holds a special place in my heart. We were at the Crest Hollow last week to shine a light on the amazing businesses and organizations that represent the essence of Long Island. Each of them, from varied industries, share a similar optimism about the future. Each one of them value and celebrate their people. And they all constantly innovate, showcasing a deep-seated commitment to the Long Island community at-large.

HIA-LI stands as one of the recognized voices for Long Island businesses, a powerful force in regional and economic development. As many of you know, our voice echoes beyond the bounds of this event. We advocate passionately the Nassau-Suffolk region and for the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge (LI-IPH) with its impressive economic output of $13 billion. Yes, billion!

But none of that would be possible without our committed board members, our dedicated staff, and our invaluable volunteers. Every event, every initiative is a testament to their hard work.

Carol A. Allen, Board Chair of HIA-LI and CEO of People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union, has been one of those stalwart supporters. Reflecting on her two-decade association with HIA-LI, Carol remarked, “Seeing the growth and resilience of the businesses that make up our community has been inspiring. HIA-LI has become a significant force, thanks to the collaboration of our exceptional board members and the unwavering commitment of our organization’s staff and leadership.”

Speaking of commitment, I was filled with gratitude to introduce someone who’s been a tireless advocate for our community – Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. Elected in November 2011, Steve has been more than just an effective executive, he’s been someone who genuinely cares, not just for businesses but for every individual on Long Island.

Due to term limits, Steve’s tenure as County Executive is drawing to a close, but his impact will be felt for generations. Reflecting on his transformative initiatives, Steve shared, “The transformation of Ronkonkoma into a transportation and innovation hub, supported by state and federal investments, signifies a new era for Long Island’s economic future. The upcoming Long Island Convention Center symbolizes our region’s ambition and potential.” Beyond infrastructural projects, he has always emphasized the importance of unity in political progress, noting the invaluable lessons of, “collaborating across party lines.”

And talking about collaboration and leadership, in the corporate world, JP Morgan Chase & Co. stands out for its commitment to the community of Long Island. Jennifer Marks, their Long Island Market Team Lead, embodies this spirit. With 17 years at the firm, Jennifer, alongside her dedicated teams, has been at the forefront of ensuring JP Morgan Chase gives back. Their philanthropic initiatives and volunteer leadership groups have left an indelible mark on Long Island, from packing food with Island Harvest to supporting military veterans. Their efforts, driven by the goal of inclusive economic growth and community support, underscore why JP Morgan Chase was a very worthy recipient of the 2023 Leadership Award. We applaud them for their unwavering commitment to the bi-county region.

The spotlight also shined on the Large Business category. Contract Pharmacal Corporation (CPC), led by their Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Reingold, has been a stalwart in the Long Island business community since 1971. Known for producing high-quality pharmaceuticals, their footprint in the industry is unquestionable. With 12 facilities in the LI-IPH, and producing almost 15 billion units annually, CPC epitomizes dedication to quality and teamwork. Jeff’s emphasis on the family-like spirit of the company along with their commitment to innovation and responsibility resonates deeply.

In the Small Business category, winner Jay Demetriou, President of LGC Studios, graciously accepted the award for the company’s steadfast growth and notable accomplishments. Highlighting his 30-year journey with the firm, which was founded by his father Greg, Jay emphasized the collective efforts of the LGC Studios team. With exciting announcements in the offing, Jay asserted LGC Studios’ ambitions for the future.

Karen Boorshtein, CEO of the Family Service League, the winner for the second time in the Not-for-Profit category, spoke passionately about the organization’s crisis services, specifically Joe’s Project — a program initiated after the tragic loss of a staff member’s son to suicide. Karen celebrated her dedicated staff and highlighted their unwavering commitment to assisting those grappling with mental health issues. With a deep focus on early intervention and mental health support, Family Service League offers a lifeline to many, including through their 24/7 Crisis Stabilization Center.

In the Rookie of the Year category, winner Billy Hatzichristos, Founder and Owner of Native Ceuticals, was enthusiastic about the growth and success of his hemp CBD business. Stressing the holistic health benefits of hemp and CBD, Billy touched on the transformative effects these products have had on a variety of ailments. He urged the community to embrace alternative, natural treatments, and to support local businesses that foster community health and wellness.

It’s important to recognize business excellence on Long Island, especially in these times. Congratulations to all the award recipients and the immense impact they’ve made on the bi-county region. We look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of these influential businesses and organizations.

Business Awards Translate into Business Expansion

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Businesses on Long Island compete in a huge economy that’s approximately $200 billion in size. In a market of this magnitude, only the highest-quality firms will come out on top.

As advocates for our regional business community, HIA-LI actively recognizes the importance of showcasing the achievements of our top-performing companies. In this spirit, we’ll be hosting our 28th annual “Business Achievement Awards” event on Tuesday, September 20, where HIA-LI will shine a spotlight on “the best in the business.” 

The value and meaning of a business award runs a lot more deeply than you might first think. A business award represents far more than a plaque on the wall.

First, remember that award recipients are genuinely the best.

Nominees are closely evaluated on a number of criteria: the quality of their employee relations, their regional business engagement, their profitability, and their vision for their future. Award selection also takes into account the nominees’ recent accomplishments, their innovative processes, their market growth, their industry leadership, and their ability to overcome adversity.

Second, we learn pathways to business success by scrutinizing the strategies adopted by successful companies.

HIA-LI’s “Business Achievement Awards” program is consciously designed to educate Long Island’s business community at-large about the winning practices of award recipients. How do they maintain employee morale and loyalty? How do they cope with the steady onset of new technologies? How did they maintain their competitive leadership amid the COVID crisis?

Award programs enable your firm to compare itself to competitors – and to explore where you stand based on a third-party evaluation. You can examine the work other award winners are doing and see whether any aspects of their work can be leveraged within your own enterprise.

Third, winning a business award can translate into business expansion.

A research study by the Georgia Institute of Technology showed that corporate award winners had 37 percent higher sales growth than their peers.

A study by British Quality Foundation uncovered similar numbers, with smaller award-winning companies experiencing a 63 percent increase in operating income and a 39 percent growth in sales. Large, award-winning companies benefited from a 48 percent increase in operating income and 37 percent growth in sales when compared to non-award winners.

And fourth, members of the awards committee are sometimes willing to provide helpful, informal feedback to individual nominees about the content and quality of their submissions after the awards have been announced. This feedback can prove valuable in shaping a nominee’s self-improvement program. 

Here are event details: 

  • HIA-LI 28th Annual Business Achievement Awards
    Recognizing Excellence in Long Island Business 
    Tuesday, September 20, 2022
    11:30am – 2:30pm

The honors, which are awarded competitively, cover four categories: Large Business, Small Business, Not-for-Profit, and Rookie of the Year. Here are this year’s finalists:

Large Business Finalists 

Small Business Finalists

Not-For-Profit Finalists

Rookie of the Year Finalists

Please mark your calendars and join me and HIA-LI Chair Rich Humann on September 20 as we recognize the best of the best…and learn from them!

HONORING THE BEST IN BUSINESS

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Every fall, HIA-LI takes a moment to recognize our region’s truly outstanding businesses.

We’ve done it for 26 years by honoring “the best in the business” on Long Island through our “Business Achievement Awards” program – and HIA-LI presented our most-recent set of awards again on September 29.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced us to conduct our awards event virtually – but the pandemic also required awardees and finalists to work harder at many levels this year. They’ve had to dig in, be creative, and do more to inspire their workforce. Being at the top of your game in a year like 2020 requires something special!

The honors, awarded competitively, cover four categories. Nominees were evaluated based on the quality of their employee relations, regional business engagement, profitability, and vision for their future. Other considerations included recent accomplishments, innovative processes, market growth, industry leadership, and their ability to overcome adversity.

Let’s look at the recipients:

The “Large Business” awardee was Hauppauge-based American Diagnostic Corporation, one of America’s largest, privately held manufacturers of diagnostic medical equipment. Other category finalists included: Citrin Cooperman of Melville; Custom Computer Specialists in Hauppauge; Mazars USA, LLP of Woodbury; and The Tiffen Company of Hauppauge. The three Hauppauge-based firms are located in the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge (LI-IPH).

The “Small Business” honoree was Central Business Systems, a Melville provider of document imaging and other IT-related services. Other “Small Business” finalists included Valley Stream-based LMN Printing Company, Inc.; Summit Safety & Efficiency Solutions in Miller Place; Techworks Consulting Inc. in Ronkonkoma; and Terwilliger & Bartone Properties of Farmingdale.

Selected as “Rookie of the Year” – for firms in business for less than five years – was Hauppauge-based Connections4Hire, an LI-IPH company that provides business development and marketing-related services. Category finalists included 4G Professionals in Nesconset; and BLUZAP UV Disinfection Company of Northport.   

The “Not-for-Profit” honoree was the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind located in Smithtown. Category finalists included Blessings in a Backpack of Yaphank; Family and Children’s Association in Mineola; Islandia-based Pal-O-Mine Equestrian; and Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk of Middle Island.

HIA-LI also presented a special “Industry Leadership Award” to Northwell Health, the state’s largest private employer. We recognized the U.S. Small Business Administration with an “Industry Partnership Award” for providing over a half-billion dollars in emergency financial relief to American businesses during the pandemic. We also honored Amneal Pharmaceuticals, one of America’s leading generic pharmacological companies and “Major Sponsor” of the overall HIA-LI Business Achievement Award program.

Leadership and business excellence shine through during tough times like this. These winners deserve credit for setting such great examples in the midst of a national pandemic.

Please join me – and Joe Campolo, Board Chair of HIA-LI – in congratulating them!

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Let’s Pause and Applaud True Standouts!

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HIA, Business Achievement Awards, B) Luncheon (2) (800x800)-COLLAGEAs business executives, we spend almost all of our work time trying to do our jobs well.

So it’s nice to pause for a moment to applaud those Long Island companies and organizations that are true standouts when it comes to performance and leadership.

That’s what we did on September 19 at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury when HIA-LI held a gala luncheon to honor recipients of our 25th Annual Business Achievement Awards (BAA).

Some 500 guests were greeted by New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, each of whom praised the honorees and also applauded HIA-LI on our commitment to fulfilling the vision set forth in our “Opportunity Analysis” issued last April.

Covering four categories, BAA nominees were evaluated based on the quality of their employee relations, regional business engagement, profitability, and vision for their future. Other considerations included recent accomplishments, innovative processes, market growth, industry leadership, and their ability to overcome adversity.

The “Large Business” recipient was SUNation Solar Systems, Long Island’s largest solar company, based in the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge. Other “Large Business” finalists included: American Diagnostic Corporation; Custom Computer Specialists; JLL; and Northwell Health.

The “Small Business” honoree was East/West Industries, an aerospace engineering company in Ronkonkoma. Other “Small Business” entrants were Accu Data Workforce Solutions; Contemporary Computer Services; National Business Capital & Services; and Prestige Employee Administrators.

Selected as “Rookie of the Year” was Pure Mammography in Lake Grove. Category finalists included Naka Technologies, LLC; Senior Health Plan Specialists; and SynchroPET.

The “Not-for-Profit” honoree was Dominican Village, an assisted and independent living community in Amityville. Finalists included ACLD; CN Counseling & Guidance Services; EPIC Long Island; Independent Group Home Living, Inc.; and Splashes of Hope.

HIA-LI also presented a special “Industry Leadership Award” to Northwell Health, the state’s largest healthcare provider and the region’s largest private employer.

The luncheon gave us all a chance to publicly commend these outstanding firms. And, over the years, honorees have told us how they leverage their awards and finalist status to boost their marketing and their overall competitiveness.

So, my message to you? Nominate your organization in 2020! That way we can all applaud you next September!

Celebrate, Honor, and Flourish

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Over 24 years ago we had a vision to recognize excellence in Long Island business, and the HIA-LI Business Achievement Awards were born.

It is more critical today than ever before that we highlight this HIA-LI business growth initiative and celebrate and honor these Long Island businesses, particularly in light of so many businesses being courted off of Long Island by other communities.

We here at HIA-LI are committed to doing everything in our power to keep Long Island businesses here and to keep them flourishing.

The recipients of the Business Achievement Awards were judged in four categories; Large, Small, Rookie of the Year, and Not-for-Profits.

All companies in each category were judged on their accomplishments, positive employee relations, giving back to the Long Island community, revenue and profitability trends, and their overall innovation in business strategy.

Often, our member companies will ask, “What is the secret to success for these companies?” Well, there doesn’t seem to be a secret.  Because regardless of the industry, they all seem to have several things in common:

  • They are optimistic about the future.
  • They have good people in place and know how to celebrate them.
  • They are focused, particularly in this economy, on the development of their good people and on streamlining – doing things differently to make their company more effective.
  • They realize that if they are not constantly doing things better and more effectively, they can lose out in this economy to someone who is!

Lee Iacocca once said, “The most successful businesspeople are the ones who hold onto the old just as long as it’s good and grab onto the new just as soon as it’s better.”

Our Business Achievement Award recipients are great examples of that type of passion and commitment in a very competitive business environment.

These are the 2018 HIA-LI Business Achievement Award recipients who were honored on September 20th at the Crest Hollow Country Club: