Government

The Pulse of Progress: Exploring the Transformative Impact of the LI-IPH on Long Island’s Economy

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As the President and CEO of HIA-LI, I am proud that HIA-LI continues to serve as the steward and advocate for the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge (LI-IPH).

One important recommendation that came out of the LI-IPH’s April 2019 Sustainability Study was that we should take a serious look at integrating workforce housing into the Park. It’s a concept in keeping with the “live-work-play” model that has worked so successfully in other Long Island communities such as Patchogue, Ronkonkoma, Farmingdale, and Bay Shore.

To that end, we teamed up with the Long Island Builders Institute (LIBI) and convened a March 28 meeting of residential developers to discuss opportunities in the Park. Joining me at the roundtable discussion was Michael Florio, LIBI’s CEO; Joe Campolo, Managing Partner at Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP, an HIA-LI Board Member, and Chair of our Economic Development Task Force; Peter Hans, the Town of Smithtown Planning Director; and Cara Longworth, Vice President and Long Island Regional Director of Empire State Development.

Cara Longworth discussed the Long Island Investment Fund (LIIF), which focuses on large-scale, transformative projects that will have lasting impacts on the bi-county region. Eligibility for the fund was expanded last year to include infrastructure for transformative multi-family housing development projects to support regional industry growth.

She added that municipalities that achieve the State’s “Pro-Housing Communities” designation – because of their hard work to address the housing crisis – will receive priority in their applications for funding streams like LIIF.

Peter Hans spoke about zoning issues, specifically the town’s overlay district – approved in 2019 – which now permits residential development on certain parcels in the LI-IPH depending on size and location. Right now, Peter said there are 13 parcels eligible for mixed use/residential development.

The dialogue continued on April 16 when we welcomed a distinguished panel to discuss the immense opportunities at the LI-IPH. This event – titled “Why Do Business in the Largest Innovation Park in the Northeast” – was held at the Suffolk Y Jewish Community Center in Commack. It underscored our collective commitment to fostering economic growth and innovation at the LI-IPH.

The numbers are worth repeating: LI-IPH houses 1,350 companies who employ 55,000 workers and generate $13 billion in economic output. In short, one in 20 jobs on Long Island are dependent on the fiscal vitality of the LI-IPH. That’s impressive.

The morning began with inspiring opening remarks from Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine; Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter; and Smithtown Councilman Tom Lohmann, the town board’s liaison to the LI-IPH. Their insights set the stage for a robust dialogue on the strategic advantages of doing business in the Park.

Moderated by Joe Campolo, the subsequent panel discussion featured key stakeholders including Kelly Murphy, Executive Director and CEO of the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (IDA); Mike Narula, CEO of Orbic, a firm new to LI-IPH that will be bringing a thousand new jobs from India; alongside Angie Carpenter and Tom Lohmann. Each panelist provided a unique perspective on the evolution and future of the LI-IPH.

Our panelists shared exciting developments within LI-IPH, including the sale of a $21 million vacant data center to Links Logistics, the transformation of a $5.3 million deal into a new headquarters for E+M Logistics, and a $44 million investment by Venture One Acquisition to create new industrial space. These investments not only demonstrate the economic vitality of LI-IPH but also highlight our adaptability and forward-thinking approach to growing our infrastructure and meeting the business needs of park tenants as well as the Long Island region.

Joe Campolo’s presentation focused on the transformation of LI-IPH from a traditional industrial park to a thriving innovation hub. He outlined the concept of an “Edge City,” which integrates business, entertainment, and living spaces, allowing for a dynamic community where individuals can live, work, and thrive without long commutes. This concept has turned LI-IPH into a model for modern economic development.

The Suffolk County IDA has been instrumental in supporting this transformation. Kelly Murphy noted that over the past six years, the IDA has facilitated significant investments that have led to job creation and retention, enhancing the economic fabric of Suffolk County.

Over the past three years alone, the Suffolk IDA has provided support to 21 projects in the LI-IPH, with a total private capital investment of more than $527 million, a total of nearly 5,000 jobs created or retained, with an annual payroll in excess of $350 million.

The Suffolk IDA’s efforts underscore the powerful impact of strategic governmental partnerships in regional economic development.

Council Lohmann spoke about a recent HIA-LI/Town of Smithtown partnership that saw the installation of over 400 sponsored flags throughout the LI-IPH, a visual representation of our pride and collective identity as a major economic engine. This branding effort – combined with new entryway signage thanks to the town – helps solidify the park’s presence in the community and beyond, reinforcing our role as a key player in Long Island’s economic landscape.

Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead

As we look to the future, LI-IPH continues to be a beacon of innovation and economic prowess. Our ongoing initiatives, such as the development of workforce housing and infrastructure improvements, are poised to enhance our competitiveness and attractiveness to businesses and professionals alike. The discussions held during these two events are a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives our success.

We are grateful to all attendees, panelists, and partners who contributed to this enriching discussion. Together, we are setting the stage for continued prosperity and improvement at the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge.

For more information about the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge, go to www.li-iph.org. For information about HIA-LI and our initiatives, please visit www.hia-li.org. Let’s continue to innovate and grow together, building a thriving economic future for Long Island.

Navigating the Future: Insights from the 30th Annual Long Island Economic Summit

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Pictured: A view from the dais at the February 15, 2024 30th Annual HIA-LI Long Island Economic Summit.

The 30th Annual Long Island Economic Summit, held on February 15, 2024, began with a clear message: Long Island “is a good place to do business.”

This year’s summit, drawing on the findings of the 2024 Long Island Economic Survey conducted by Adelphi University and Citrin Cooperman, brought to light the resilience and adaptability of our local business community. Business leaders across both counties – who were surveyed between November 1, 2023, and January 15, 2024 – made it quite evident that despite some hurdles, there’s a strong sense of optimism about doing business here. The event served not only as a platform for analysis and discussion but also as a beacon of positive expectations for the region’s economic landscape.

I’d like to summarize the findings and share some of the analysis from the summit’s distinguished panelists.

Survey Highlights

  • Taxes, retention of young talent, and inflation are a major concern for most businesses.
  • Long Island businesses seem hesitant to explore the benefits of AI compared to the rest of the country.
  • Supply chain issues, though not as extreme as years past, continue to linger.
  • Compensation, human resource issues, and workforce development remain a high concern.
  • Confidence in government’s role continues to deteriorate, however Long Island continues to be perceived as a good place to do business.

The Role of AI

Panel moderator John Fitzgerald, Managing Partner at Citrin Cooperman, noted the mixed feelings surrounding AI, pointing out that “Long Island businesses seem hesitant to fully explore the benefits of AI compared to the rest of the country.” This underscores a crucial area for potential growth and innovation.

To help meet that need, HIA-LI will be partnering with the LIA in an April 3 Long Island Artificial Intelligence Conference. The goal of the conference is to bring businesses, entrepreneurs, academia, not-for-profit organizations, and government officials together to discuss how our region can play a leading role in the development and implementation of AI technologies.

For more information, go to www.LI-AI.eventbrite.com.

Government Support

Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein, VP and Chief Public and Community Health Officer at Catholic Health, stressed the importance of government support, especially when it comes to healthcare reimbursements. “We need more help in terms of increased Medicaid and Medicare revenue,” he said. “Nobody would go into one of your businesses and say I want services, but I’m only going to pay you 60 percent.”

Food Insecurity

Paule Pachter, President and CEO of Long Island Cares, and an HIA-LI board member, emphasized the critical challenge of food insecurity on Long Island, stating, “A family of four who’s earning $60,000 or $70,000 a year are finding themselves going to food pantries or going to food banks to ask for some assistance. They don’t need everything. But they need some things in order to stretch their budget.”

Economic Outlook

Jeffrey Barber, Executive Vice President of Dime Community Bank, provided an insightful perspective on the economic outlook, highlighting the financial landscape’s strengths and potential growth areas. He noted, “There’s a tremendous amount of liquidity in the market. Many companies sat on those funds during COVID and didn’t know where things were headed.” He added some good news, “They’re now at a point where they’re comfortable spending and creating jobs.”

Talent Retention

Rich Humann, President and CEO of H2M architects + engineers, and an HIA-LI board member, discussed the ongoing challenge of retaining young professionals, underscoring the importance of creating connections, opportunities, and a compelling work environment to encourage talent to stay on Long Island. “Our responsibility as business owners is to provide the kind of environment and opportunity that would keep people with companies like ours.”

Higher Education

MaryAnne Hyland, Dean of the School of Business at Adelphi University, added to the discussion on talent retention by emphasizing the need for higher education institutions to adapt and innovate in preparing the workforce. “We need to make sure that we are providing students with programs that provide cutting-edge knowledge and skills that focus on the demands of the workforce of today and tomorrow,” she stated, highlighting the critical role of education in workforce development.

Moving Forward: A Collaborative Vision for Growth

The 2024 Economic Survey, coupled with the insights from the Economic Summit, paints a picture of a region at the threshold of significant growth, buoyed by optimism, yet mindful of the hurdles that lie ahead. The collective wisdom of the panelists, alongside the statistical data, underscores the need for collaborative efforts in innovation, government support, and talent retention strategies.

As we look to the future, the path for Long Island is clear: leveraging the insights and optimism shared at the summit to foster an environment where businesses and communities can thrive. With a commitment to addressing the highlighted challenges head-on, Long Island is poised to navigate its economic journey with resilience and vision.

You can read the full 2024 Long Island Economic Survey here.

Shaping the Future of Long Island: Reflections from HIA-LI’s 46th Annual Meeting and Legislative Program

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Pictured: HIA-LI board members and Legislative Program panelists pause for a group photo.

HIA-LI’s 46th Annual Meeting and Legislative Program marked a significant confluence of ideas and strategies from key regional and statewide policymakers and leaders. This year’s event was a vibrant forum for discussing Long Island’s trajectory, focusing on economic growth, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and adapting to new societal post-pandemic norms.

Here at HIA-LI, we’re extremely proud of the strides made in the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge, a major economic engine with 55,000 employees and $13 billion in economic output. Significant achievements include new branding initiatives, such as the introduction of flags and signage as well as vital infrastructure developments such as sewage expansion.

Our focus on sustainable development is evident in our plans for electric vehicle integration and a transportation study for the park. We’ve broadened the scope of our Economic Development Task Force, while our Workforce Development Task Force has been pivotal in bridging the gap between businesses and educational institutions.

I’m especially proud of our membership growth of over 21 percent and our successful engagement strategies across all HIA-LI social media channels. That includes a new partnership with Going Local TV as well as the growth of our Business Steps Up podcast.

Kicking off the Legislative Program, newly elected Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine’s comments were particularly noteworthy for its emphasis on environmental and infrastructural initiatives. He passionately advocated for a referendum on clean water, seeing it as vital for Suffolk County’s ecological future. Romaine highlighted the crucial need for the electrification of the Long Island Rail Road’s Port Jefferson line, explaining how it would revolutionize local transportation and stimulate economic growth. Further, he underscored the importance of securing equitable funding from Albany, essential for the region’s comprehensive development.

Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim – who also serves on the Long Island Regional Planning Council – shared his vision for Smithtown’s infrastructure development, specifically referencing his advocacy for sewage treatment plants as a catalyst for growth and environmental protection. Wehrheim emphasized the need for community-centric governance, stressing the importance of civic engagement in shaping effective local policies.

John Walser, Director of Economic Development at the Town of Islip, representing Supervisor Angie Carpenter, provided insights into the economic development strategies being implemented in Suffolk’s second largest township. He elaborated on initiatives aimed at strengthening local businesses and attracting new investment. Walser acknowledged the pivotal role of the Long Island Regional Planning Council in coordinating the region’s economic strategies.

We were once again honored that Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado joined us virtually via “live” Zoom. He articulated the state administration’s dedication to supporting Long Island’s communities. Delgado spoke on the significance of public-private partnerships in achieving community safety, affordability, and economic prosperity. He further highlighted the governor’s commitment to expanding the FAST NY program to prepare sites for development, fostering New York’s competitive edge in national job creation.

Delgado also discussed the “Long Island Forward” program, aimed at addressing the residential housing shortage by encouraging municipalities to create shovel ready sites through targeted incentives. The goal, he said, is to retain local talent, allowing young people to raise their families on Long Island with an eye towards strengthening New York’s economy.

After each speaker had a chance to present, a lively discussion ensued on a variety of timely topics such as reviving Long Island’s economy post-COVID-19, emphasizing technological innovation; addressing Long Island’s affordable housing crisis; the need for infrastructure improvements, especially modern solutions to traditional septic systems; and, advocating for environmental sustainability through green initiatives.

HIA LI’s 46th Annual Meeting and Legislative Program demonstrated the commitment and foresight of Long Island’s leaders. It also showed that the dedication and resilience of our members are the bedrock of our success. The discussions laid down a comprehensive roadmap for a sustainable and prosperous future in the bi-county region.

As we step into 2024, I encourage everyone to engage actively with HIA-LI, contributing to the collective growth and prosperity of this beautiful region we all call home.

Water, Energy, Housing, and Infrastructure Top the List of Legislative Priorities for 2023

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From left: State Senator Mario Mattera; HIA-LI President & CEO Terri Alessi-Miceli; Congressman Nick LaLota; Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim; Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick; Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter; Joe Campolo, HIA-LI Board Member and Partner, Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP; and, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine.

It’s essential that our public policymakers have a proper grasp of the needs of the regional business community. And one of the most effective ways to achieve this is through hands-on, real-time interaction between government leaders and businesspeople as well as non-profit leadership.

Throughout the year, HIA-LI works hard to create opportunities for this kind of in-person interaction. And we hosted such an engagement earlier this month at our 45th Annual Meeting and Legislative Program. It was held January 13 at the Radisson Hotel in Hauppauge.

No less than eight elected officials from the federal, state, county and town levels were present at the breakfast forum, which was attended by some 300 people and was moderated by HIA-LI board member Joe Campolo, managing partner with Campolo Middleton & McCormick, LLP.

Water. Energy. Housing, Infrastructure. These were the topics many of our speakers returned to again and again. How can our officials shape policies that ensure a strong, long-term economic future for Nassau and Suffolk counties?

Let me offer a quick, thumbnail summary of some of the key points raised by each of our panelists:

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado was present via a video presentation. He highlighted the state’s investment strategy for Long Island, including Governor Kathy Hochul’s underwriting of a feasibility study to examine the possible relocation of the terminal at Long Island MacArthur Airport closer to the Ronkonkoma LIRR station. He also reinforced the value of the state’s investments in offshore wind energy. Mr. Delgado underscored the merits of the new State Office of Strategic Workforce Development he has set in motion along with the Governor. He also cited the administration’s efforts to expand housing development as a critical way to attract and retain a competitive regional employment base.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone concentrated most of his remarks on the issue of water quality – and on the need to not only create a county wastewater district – but also to find the right way to fund it.

I also had the privilege of speaking at the event, where I had a chance to emphasize the massive economic impact of The Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge as we mark our momentous 45th anniversary in 2023. To help promote the Park’s growth, we’ll be initiating an ambitious branding program, including vanity flags and new signage. I also cited Circuit Transit’s battery-powered rideshare initiative that will create new commuting opportunities for the Park’s 55,000 employees.

Newly elected Congressman Nick LaLota spoke about the need for honesty and integrity in government, and also focused attention on two themes: economic growth and public safety.

State Senator Mario Mattera called upon policymakers to fight for “local jobs for local people.” The senator also advocated for a balanced energy policy, as well as for sewer systems that will “finally bring the Town of Smithtown into the 21st century.”

Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick expressed concerns over the ultimate costs associated with the Climate Action Council Scoping Plan recently adopted by state officials. He also agreed with the Governor that the state needs more housing. But he said that it shouldn’t be done at the expense of abandoning “local control.”

Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter urged government to “get out of the way and let businesses do what they do best.” Public officials should promote incentives – and use “carrots, not sticks.”

Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine urged business advocates to focus their attention on tax policy as a primary concern, inclusive of “real estate, sales, personal, and business taxes.” He also stated that “the one thing that will improve productivity in America is investing in infrastructure.”

Finally, Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim echoed the same sentiment, asserting that investment in infrastructure is the key to “allowing Long Island to move forward.”

We are committed to working with everyone in the HIA-LI family to help secure a bright and promising future for our Park – and for Long Island.

Government Offers Immediate Funding to Promote Business Success

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From left: Rosalie Drago, Commissioner, Suffolk County Department of Labor; Kelly Murphy, Deputy Executive Director, Suffolk County IDA, and; Cara Longworth, Regional Director, Empire State Development.

The public sector stands ready to provide immediate financial assistance to help Long Island companies achieve their goals and fulfill their workforce needs.

HIA-LI works closely with officials at all levels of government to bring these resources to the attention of our members and to help members take advantage of a wide range of public-sector assistance programs.

Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with three government officials whose agencies have an outstanding track record of success in providing financial support to local businesses. They are:

These three entities are true partners of Long Island business. Let’s take a quick look at what each has to offer:

Empire State Development isthe state’s main arm for economic development. It encourages business growth and investment, job growth, and a diversified economy through loans, grants, tax credits, marketing, minority/women-owned business support, workforce development, technical support, export assistance, COVID support, and other business-friendly tools.

Long Island’s Regional Economic Development Council channels State resources pursuant to a regional strategic plan. And to make the process highly efficient, Cara’s office uses a “Consolidated Funding Application.” It enables businesses to tap into multiple sources of funds through a single application

The Suffolk County Department of Labor supports business growth through recruitment services and hiring incentives, and also with economic and labor market data. The department serves workers directly through job training, job development, placement, and supportive services.

While Empire State Development can provide funding for businesses to create jobs, the County Labor Department’s key role is to draw talent to companies and to get them ready for work.

Rosalie wants to hear from business about gaps in the workforce. Her agency’s funds are then used to train the talent pool. She works with local training providers – including local colleges and trade schools – to train existing workers and the emerging workforce for available jobs.

The Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency serves the entire county except the towns of Brookhaven, Islip, Riverhead, and Babylon, which have their own IDAs. Suffolk IDA promotes and attracts job and recreational opportunities. It targets companies wishing to remain or expand in Suffolk, or to move into the county. The types of industries the IDA generally helps are in manufacturing, distribution, R&D, and warehousing in addition to energy projects and multifamily housing.

Kelly’s agency, which often enhances its aid packages with incentives from PSEG and National Grid, offers three main forms of assistance: reductions in the mortgage recording tax, sales tax exemptions, and property tax exemptions.

For a link to the video of my conversation with these three remarkable women, click here. You can also listen to the conversation on my podcast, “Business Steps Up,” by clicking here.

And here’s their contact information:

Empire State Development (ESD)
Cara Longworth, Regional Director
LIREDC@esd.ny.gov
631-435-0717

Suffolk County Department of Labor (DOL)
Rosalie Drago, Commissioner
rosalie.drago@suffolkcountyny.gov
diane.lachapelle@suffolkcountyny.gov
631-853-6600

Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (IDA)
Kelly Murphy, Deputy Executive Director
kelly.murphy@suffolkcountyny.gov
631-853-4802

I urge HIA-LI members and all local businesses to learn about the financing and services these agencies offer and to contact them. They really want you to hear from you!

Folks, this is “money on the table” that will help your business succeed. Take advantage of it!

Action By HIA-LI Members Helps Secure Long Island’s Future

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Amid the doldrums of the COVID-19 pandemic, HIA-LI members have good reason to pat themselves on the back this year.

Why? Because our organization’s members played a central role in advocating for a public policy victory that will serve, according to Newsday, as a “building block for our region’s future.”

That victory occurred in August, when the Smithtown Town Board voted unanimously to greenlight a “zoning overlay” allowing mixed-used development at the 1,650-acre Long Island Innovation Park in Hauppauge (LI-IPH), formerly known as Hauppauge Industrial Park. The idea for a “zoning overlay” had arisen from a 160-page strategic analysis issued in April 2019. The analysis, commissioned by HIA-LI in cooperation with the Suffolk IDA and others, had enumerated ways to strengthen the Park’s future.

The Town’s decision came in the aftermath of an organized campaign – undertaken by HIA-LI members and many others – to help educate Board members regarding the merits of the change.

Thanks to new development opportunities made possible through the revised zoning rules­­­, one of Long Island’s most respected real estate developers, TRITEC of East Setauket, stepped forward in November and proposed to build a $125-million, mixed-use building with 335 apartments in the Park. The venue would be a development parcel at 49 Wireless Boulevard that TRITEC owns through a subsidiary. The “zoning overlay” opens the door for similar mixed-use projects at twelve other Park sites.

Long Island municipalities like the Town of Smithtown are recognizing the need to take bold steps to promote regional economic development and to help stem the hemorrhaging of young workers from Nassau and Suffolk. 

The Town – under the leadership of Supervisor Ed Wehrheim – understands that mixed-use development like this represents a “building block” for creating a better tomorrow for our area. Such measures boost our economic competitiveness by supporting workforce attraction and retention. In July 2019, a Rauch Foundation survey conducted for Newsday found that 67 percent of Long Islanders aged 18 to 34 years planned to leave the region within five years.

Can you imagine? Such an exodus would seriously disable the Long Island economy and make it highly difficult for Park employers to hire and keep a skilled workforce.

In a November 29 editorial, Newsday called the new Smithtown policy “a prime example of what’s possible” when Long Island municipalities act creatively to re-envision our region’s future.

So, bravo to the members of HIA-LI for helping to create a new model for fortifying Long Island’s long-term competitiveness.  And a special thanks to our LI-IPH Task Force, headed by HIA-LI Board Chair Joe Campolo, Managing Partner at Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP.

Read the complete Newsday editorial here.

Federal Funds Needed to Stimulate Economy and Close Covid-19 Counties Budget Gap

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With great enthusiasm, HIA-LI has supported and thanked the thousands of valiant healthcare workers who do so much to maintain our health. But, as a business organization, our primary focus is on the pandemic’s economic impact.

ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE text with notepad, keyboard, decorative vase, fountain pen, calculator and banknotes currency on wooden background

The COVID-19 pandemic pulls at Long Islanders in two major ways: it affects our health, and it affects our economy.

That’s why we need the federal government to step up – to be a true partner in our economic recovery. Here’s how Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone describes the potential economic impact:

“It’s the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane striking us here. Except, in this case, the hurricane stays for months, instead of passing in 24 hours.”

He was characterizing the concerning data found in an economic analysis titled “2020 Nassau + Suffolk Covid-19 Economic Impact” co-sponsored by the Nassau County IDA and Suffolk County IDA with input from HIA-LI, Hofstra University, and the Association for a Better Long Island. It was written by the strategic advisory firm, HR&A.

The report concluded that Long Island could lose up to 28 percent of our region’s jobs by year’s end because of the coronavirus and subsequent economic shutdown.

As Newsday reported, “the estimated net loss of up to 375,000 jobs stems from businesses never reopening, and from many of those that do reopen not being able to recall all the workers…laid off or furloughed.”

And that’s why HIA-LI has joined forces with Mr. Bellone, his Nassau County counterpart, Laura Curran, and other influential business leaders to call upon our federal representatives to request $2 billion in direct funding to Nassau and Suffolk counties in the next federal relief bill.

With severe losses in tax revenues associated with the spread of COVID-19, the two counties together face a near $3 billion budget gap. That’s just a fraction of the $61 billion dip in economic business activity the report cites.

For Long Island businesses to stay strong and continue to work hard to reshape and reinvent our organizations, local government needs to have the resources to continue to support our efforts.

The business sector knows that many vital services depend upon our economic health. Sales taxes, for example, fund first responders, police officers, and public health nurses. Hotel taxes help fund our tourism promotion agency, Discover Long Island, an essential player in our region’s economic recovery. Only by working together – hand-in-hand with fiscally stable and strong county governments – can we position ourselves for a true recovery.

HIA-LI urges you to contact your Senators and House Members right away. Tell them that Nassau and Suffolk counties need federal disaster assistance in order to help the business community recover from this pandemic.

Name

Phone

Send a Message

Sen. Charles Schumer

(202) 224-6542

https://www.schumer.senate.gov/contact/email-chuck

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

(202) 224-4451

Email Kirsten

Rep. Lee Zeldin

(202) 225-3826

https://zeldin.house.gov/contact/

Rep. Peter King

(202) 225-7896

https://peteking.house.gov/contact

Rep. Thomas Suozzi

(202) 225-3335

https://suozzi.house.gov/contact

Rep. Kathleen Rice

(202) 225-5516

https://kathleenrice.house.gov/contact

Rep. Gregory Meeks

(202) 225-3461

https://meeks.house.gov/contact

Bi-Partisan Public-Private Cooperation Propels Long Island’s Economic Growth

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2019 Leg Recep Collage

On October 29th the HIA-LI once again gathered for our Annual Board Legislative Breakfast with the goal of reviewing our current initiatives and asking for continued support from our officials.

“Long Island is not only a national treasure, but we’re also a national model for how business and government should partner.”

When HIA-LI Chair Joe Campolo said this to the gathering his words rang true for me – and I think for just about every business executive and government official in the room.

Yes, there’s always going to be some disagreement between public officials and businesspeople. We won’t always see eye-to-eye.

But in Nassau and Suffolk counties, the relationship has been supported by a spirit of cooperation. Indeed, our own Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge (LI-IPH) could never have become America’s second-largest innovation park – trailing only Silicon Valley itself – without the kind of cooperation we are talking about.

We were privileged to be joined by Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim and Councilman Tom Lohmann; Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter; Suffolk County Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory; Suffolk County Legislators Robert Calarco, Sarah Anker, Bill Lindsay, Susan Berland and Rob Trotta; State Senator John Flanagan; State Assembly Members Michael Fitzpatrick and Steve Stern; and Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri. Their presence helped to reinforce the symbiosis shared by the private and public sectors on Long Island.

All of LI-IPH’s past milestones – the childcare center, extra police protection, the exit off the Northern State Parkway, sewage improvements, and increases in permissible building height – required bi-partisan public sector cooperation.

Joe Campolo – Managing Partner at Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP – praised the Suffolk County IDA for helping scores of our members firms expand – and for underwriting the LI-IPH’s 160-page “Opportunity Analysis” that charts a long-term economic revitalization strategy by fostering the growth of competitive, tradeable industries.

Rita DiStefano, HR Consulting Director with Portnoy Messinger Pearl & Associates – who chairs HIA-LI’s Small Business Task Force – told attendees that she recognizes government’s role in supporting small firms, which constitute four-fifths of our membership. Public sector engagement is critical in such areas as financial assistance for business, and workforce training and development.

And Scott Maskin – the CEO of SUNation and Co-Chair of HIA-LI’s Hauppauge Industrial Power Project with HIA-LI Lifetime Board Member Jack Kulka told attendees about the goal of placing solar installations on park rooftops by the end of 2020, helping to meet the Governor’s NY-SUN target of 100 percent renewables by 2040.

HIA-LI proudly facilitates public-private cooperation at all levels with the help of HIA-LI Board Members carrying out our initiatives. It’s a partnership that’s essential to Long Island’s future.

Partnership Between HIA-LI and Town of Smithtown Delivers Long-Term Benefits to the Hauppauge Industrial Park

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20190312_102207 (1)
HIA-LI President & CEO Terri Alessi-Miceli is interviewed with Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim for an upcoming episode of Smithtown Spotlight.

Especially at the local level, you can’t underestimate the importance of the relationship between business and government.

We see it all the time at HIA-LI, where our ability to meet the day-to-day needs of our members – and to achieve our long-term goals – depends upon the quality of our interactions with local municipalities.

The large majority of the Hauppauge Industrial Park (HIP) is situated within the Town of Smithtown, with the balance in the Town of Islip. Happily, we enjoy vigorous support from the elected leaders of both towns.

They are Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim and Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter. Both deserve great credit for their support for the Park.

I recently was privileged to join one of these two officials, Supervisor Wehrheim, as a guest on Smithtown Spotlight, on Channel 18 in Smithtown, which is scheduled to air in April 2019.

During the interview, he repeatedly underscored the value of the Town of Smithtown’s partnership relationship with the HIA-LI and the Park.

“From ‘day one,’ we realized how important the Hauppauge Industrial Park is to the sustainability of Smithtown itself,” the Supervisor – elected in November 2017 – said. “There’s a great opportunity for us to partner, and we went full steam ahead to make sure that this happened in this administration.”

Living up to his commitment, for example, Supervisor Wehrheim has been a regular presence at HIP Task Force meetings and activities, where we are devising ways to maximize growth and competitiveness. Institutional participants include Stony Brook University, the Suffolk County IDA, and the Regional Plan Association.

In the past, the Town had done much road reconstruction work associated with the County’s sewer expansion in the Park. I was very pleased to learn that the Supervisor budgeted for several much-needed infrastructure projects including widening Adams Avenue, improving New Highway, upgrading traffic signals, adding new sidewalks, and removing outdated-looking wooden poles. And going forward, future capital improvements, he said, would be budgeted in on an annual basis.

“Even though it is infrastructure work,” he said, “these are all things that will aesthetically make the park very pleasing to business people when they come in to look at it.”

In 2018, Smithtown gave the green light to 740,000 square feet of commercial development in the Park.

Zoning changes have boosted building height limits from 35 feet to 62 feet high along Motor Parkway, with the future prospect of higher structures more deeply into the park.

“New height requirements are going to bring more high-tech businesses to the Park,” he said.

The Supervisor and I also discussed our HIP re-branding initiative which includes a possible name change for Park.  We also talked about potential zoning changes to allow residential development within the HIP.

Supervisor Wehrheim offered some concrete evidence of the Park’s fiscal value for the Town:

“We just received a Triple-A bond rating from Moody’s, the highest level that can be attained,” he said.

Moody’s cited HIP’s value in evaluating the Town’s creditworthiness, as well as Smithtown’s “partner” relationship with the Park.

With some 55,000 employees, HIP represents some $19.6 million in total tax assessed value and generates about $14 billion in annual sales.

“I see great, great things happening in the future, for the Park and for Smithtown as a whole,” said Supervisor Wehrheim. “And working with Terri has been a pleasure. It’s a great relationship to specifically accomplish great things.

“As a partnership, we’ve really stirred up some real interest and I think it’s going to continue,” he said. “At least I’m going to put all my efforts into making that happen.”

Public Officials Talk Business Growth

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From left: HIA-LI Board Chairman Joe Campolo; State Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick, Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim; Suffolk Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory; HIA-LI President & CEO Terri Alessi-Miceli; Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter; and, Congressman Lee Zeldin.

Public policy has a major impact upon whether our businesses become profitable and whether our organizations succeed. That’s why HIA-LI regularly brings our members face-to-face with elected officials to discuss issues of concern to the Long Island business sector.

In this spirit, the HIA-LI convened our Annual Meeting and Legislative Breakfast on Friday, January 18 at the Hamlet Golf & Country Club in Commack.

Moderated by Board Chair Joe Campolo – Managing Partner at Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP – the discussion focused on business climate issues, housing, taxes, and other topics.

Panelists included Congressman Lee Zeldin, Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick, Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter, Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, and Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory.

Congressman Zeldin and Legislator Gregory cited higher education’s role in sustaining economic growth. “Unemployment is at an all-time low,” the Congressman said, “but a skills gap still exists.” He said Long Island needs a “technical training route” for non-college-bound students.

Presiding Officer Gregory praised Suffolk County Community College for “helping companies fill the skills gap.” He advocated for greater emphasis on STEM learning (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) to help ensure the competitiveness of our regional workforce.

Supervisor Carpenter praised the Town’s Industrial Development Agency (IDA), noting its high level of accountability because the Town Board also functions as the IDA Board. She pinpointed Castella Imports of Brentwood as a big IDA success story in the Town.

Assemblyman Fitzpatrick said that high taxes – elevated by public sector pensions – have triggered out-migration from Long Island. “If government were smaller,” he said, “and pension costs were lower, we’d have a lower tax burden.”

As an economic development strategy in the Town of Smithtown, Supervisor Wehrheim reported that the Town is now situating workforce housing within business districts. Last summer, site plans were approved for such developments in Smithtown and Commack totaling 154 new units.

In today’s intensely competitive marketplace, the public and private sectors must collaborate and cooperate. Our Annual Legislative Breakfasts help bolster this essential, symbiotic relationship.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this breakfast event a success!