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Progress Through Partnership: Key Takeaways from HIA-LI’s Annual Meeting

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Pictured: Congressman Nick LaLota provided opening remarks at HIA-LI’s 48th Annual Meeting on January 16, 2026.

Each year, HIA-LI’s Annual Meeting and Legislative Forum offers an important opportunity to step back from the day-to-day pressures facing employers and policymakers alike and take a clear-eyed look at where Long Island is headed. This year’s event, which attracted nearly 400 attendees, reinforced something many of us already know: the challenges confronting our region are complex, interconnected, and impossible to solve in isolation, but progress is absolutely achievable when we work together.

What stood out most this year was not simply the range of issues discussed — affordability, housing, infrastructure, transportation, energy, workforce development, and solid waste — but the strong sense of alignment across levels of government and across party lines. Again and again, speakers returned to a shared conclusion: Long Island’s future depends on collaboration, pragmatism, and a willingness to row in the same direction.

A SHARED VIEW FROM WASHINGTON AND ALBANY

Congressman Nick LaLota opened the program by grounding the conversation in the real-world pressures facing Long Island families and employers. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that federal policy recognizes the high cost of living in our region and delivers tangible relief for both households and small businesses. Just as important, he underscored that economic vitality begins locally — with the business owners and employers who create jobs, support families, and keep Long Island competitive.

Although she was unable to join us in person, Governor Kathy Hochul shared a video message with our members, continuing a dialogue she has maintained with HIA-LI over the years. In her remarks, the Governor reinforced Long Island’s role as a critical driver of New York State’s economy and highlighted the state’s continued commitment to investing in infrastructure, transportation, water and sewer systems, manufacturing, and innovation. Her message emphasized that strategic public investment, aligned with private-sector growth, is essential to keeping Long Island competitive and economically strong.

From the state legislative perspective, New York State Senator Monica Martinez framed affordability not as a single policy challenge, but as a balance of education, workforce readiness, infrastructure, and attainable housing. Drawing on her background in education, she spoke about the importance of creating strong pipelines between schools, training programs, and Long Island employers, recognizing that a thriving regional economy depends on preparing people for careers that allow them to live and work here long term. She also reinforced the need for state investment to reflect the contributions Long Island makes to New York’s overall economy.

COUNTY AND LOCAL LEADERSHIP: PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS, REAL CONSEQUENCES

At the county level, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine offered a candid assessment of the structural challenges Long Island must confront head-on. Transportation, energy capacity, sewer infrastructure, and solid waste management are not abstract policy discussions. They are foundational to economic growth, housing production, and quality of life. His message was clear: without coordinated regional planning and sustained investment, these issues will limit Long Island’s future. With collaboration and forward-looking leadership, they can instead become opportunities.

Presiding Officer Anthony Piccirillo echoed the importance of fiscal responsibility and long-term planning, particularly as Suffolk County works to maintain public safety while addressing affordability pressures. He emphasized the value of bipartisan cooperation within county government and the need to focus on practical solutions that improve daily life for residents and businesses alike. Stability, transparency, and shared responsibility were central themes in his remarks.

From the municipal perspective, Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim highlighted how thoughtful local planning can support both economic development and housing balance. By investing in business districts, infrastructure, and a mix of housing options — including opportunities for homeownership — municipalities can strengthen communities while supporting workforce retention. His comments reinforced that local success stories are strongest when they align with broader county and state priorities.

THE COMMON THREAD: REGIONAL COLLABORATION OVER POLITICS

Across all of these perspectives, a clear common thread emerged. No single level of government can solve these challenges alone. Housing requires infrastructure. Infrastructure requires funding and coordination. Workforce development depends on education, transportation, and employer engagement. Affordability is shaped by all of it.

As HIA-LI Board Member Joe Campolo, Managing Partner at Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP, guided the discussion, it became clear that the most productive moments were those centered on outcomes rather than ideology. That spirit of cooperation reflects the path forward for Long Island: collaborative, pragmatic, and focused on results.

LOOKING AHEAD: NEW LEADERS, SHARED PURPOSE

As we begin a new year, this spirit of partnership also extends to HIA-LI’s leadership. We are proud to welcome five new members to our Board of Directors, whose experience reflects the depth and diversity of Long Island’s economy:

Each brings valuable insight from higher education, technology, finance, nonprofit leadership, and strategic business development. Their perspectives will help guide HIA-LI’s advocacy and programming as we continue addressing the evolving needs of employers and communities across the region.

MOVING FORWARD: TOGETHER

HIA-LI remains focused on convening leaders, elevating business’ voice, and advancing solutions that strengthen Long Island’s economic foundation. The conversations at this year’s Annual Meeting reinforced something I believe deeply: when business, government, and community stakeholders work together with a shared commitment to problem-solving, Long Island is well positioned to move forward . . . together.

Women Rising: Fearless and Focused

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Pictured: Clare Cusack, President and CEO of the New York Bankers Association, keynoted the conference.

This year marked the fifteenth anniversary of HIA-LI’s Women’s Leadership Conference, a tradition that began after a roundtable convened by U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand at Anne Shybunko-Moore’s company, GSE Dynamics. At that first meeting, we talked candidly about pay equity, childcare, work–life blending, and the headwinds women often face.

Senator Gillibrand encouraged us to keep the conversation going — and for fifteen years we have done exactly that, thanks to the leadership of our Women’s Collaborative, chaired by Carol A. Allen, President and CEO of People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union and HIA-LI Board Member, who has helped guide this event’s evolution.

This year, before introducing our keynote, I shared a moment early in my own career. When my boss at Dale Carnegie Training announced his retirement and asked me to step into the managing director role, I immediately began listing the reasons I wasn’t ready. He cut me off. He wanted to talk about why I was ready. I went home, barely slept, and finally allowed myself to imagine what could happen if I said yes. I did — and that decision changed the trajectory of my career.

As I told the audience, we gathered not just to talk about being fearless, but about what it means to do things afraid. Because, truly, “we were built to never stay in the shallow end.”

A Keynote on Authenticity and Possibility

Our keynote speaker, Clare Cusack, President and CEO of the New York Bankers Association, reminded us what becomes possible when leaders show up as their full, honest selves. A lifelong Long Islander and the first woman to hold her position in the association’s 131-year history, Clare spoke about her unconventional path and the power of embracing it.

One of the most moving moments came when she shared the story of a dancer who lost her leg in the Boston Marathon bombing and later trained to run the marathon on a prosthetic limb. On the night before the race, the dancer found a quote that carried her forward:

“No one is cheering louder for me than the woman I used to be. If that girl could see me now, never forget how wildly capable you are.”

Clare added, “Never forget how wildly capable you can be. Cheer for the future woman, too.”

Fear, Focus, and the Courage to Lead

Our panel, moderated by attorney Domenique Camacho Moran, a partner at Farrell Fritz, turned that message into practice. Each leader shared a moment when fear met purpose — and purpose won.

Teresa Ferraro, President and CEO of East/West Industries, reflected on leading a company whose mission is ensuring the safety of military aircrew. She spoke about listening as a core leadership skill, noting, “Two ears and one mouth — make sure you listen. It helps you stay focused and aware.”

Davi Tserpelis, Senior Vice President and Regional Business Banking Manager at City National Bank, described her defining quality in one word: tenacity. She shared how a difficult comment from a colleague once brought her to tears, until she later realized it was actually a recognition of her persistence. Then came a far greater trial: a breast cancer diagnosis shortly after starting a new role. She continued working throughout treatment, telling her children every day she would be okay. “I became — and stayed — very positive,” she said. “Now I get to inspire other women to be strong.”

Skye Ostreicher, founder of In the Room Media, talked about her unexpected shift from chemistry major to studying what she calls “human chemistry” — the reactions between leaders, organizations, and communities. She described losing a job during the pandemic, only to later build a platform that uplifts stories and voices that might otherwise go unheard.

Katherine Fritz, President and CEO of Long Island Cares, grounded the conversation in purpose shaped by experience. Growing up, her family sometimes relied on subsistence skills to stay fed — a perspective that drives her mission today. She also shared the bravest thing she has ever done: after losing her left foot in an accident, she spent years relearning to walk, then traveled alone to Europe to complete more than 200 miles of the Portuguese Coastal Camino.

Dawn Cagliano, President of IVCi, highlighted the responsibility leaders have to grow the people around them. Skills matter, she said, but emotional intelligence is what creates trust and followership. True leadership is measured not by individual achievements, but by how well others thrive because of you.

Throughout the discussion, Domenique emphasized the power of women speaking honestly — about ambition, uncertainty, and the moments that require courage. When women at different stages of their careers gather for open conversation, she said, clarity and confidence begin to rise.

Breakouts: Turning Insight into Action

This year’s conference also featured six breakout sessions designed to turn inspiration into practical strategy:

  • The Success Equation: Multiply Your Potential Exponentially
  • Level Up: Women Leading with Purpose
  • Lead the Transformation — Navigating AI with Confidence
  • Own Your Own Story: 20 Real Lessons for the Real World
  • Built to Connect: The Undeniable Power of Women Who Choose to Collaborate
  • The Triple Decker Sandwich Generation: Not Your Mother’s Estate Plan — Redefining Wealth, Caregiving, and Legacy for Today’s Woman

These conversations bridged leadership development, technology, storytelling, collaboration, and multigenerational caregiving — showing that women’s leadership is not one-dimensional. It is dynamic, evolving, and deeply interconnected.

The Message: Fearless Begins with Honest

If there was one thread binding the keynote, panel, and breakout rooms, it was this: women become fearless and focused not by eliminating fear, but by telling the truth about it — and choosing to move anyway. Leadership becomes possible when authenticity meets community, when lived experience becomes an asset, and when we cheer not only for the women we are, but the women we are still becoming.

The stories shared this year — about resilience, reinvention, caregiving, healing, entrepreneurship, and bold career choices — are proof that Long Island’s future is in capable hands. Our job now is to keep creating the spaces where women rise, support one another, and continue stepping out of the shallow end.

A Day of Ideas, Innovation, and Impact at the HIA-LI 2025 Trade Show

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At the Executive Luncheon podium is Jim Coughlan, Co-Founder and Principal, TRITEC Real Estate. Seated to his left is Tracey Edwards, Senior Vice President, Sands New York.

I had the privilege of welcoming nearly 4,000 business professionals to the Suffolk Credit Union Arena on May 29 for our 37th Annual HIA-LI Business Trade Show & Conference—and what a day it was.

From the moment doors opened, the energy was palpable. More than 375 exhibitors transformed the arena into a bustling marketplace of ideas and opportunities. Our industry pavilions—Technology, Finance, Innovation & Economic Development, Energy & Environmental, Healthcare, and Manufacturing—showcased Long Island’s strengths and the forward momentum of our regional economy.

The day began with an unforgettable Executive Breakfast headlined by Harris Beber, Global Head of Marketing for Google Workspace. Harris offered a dynamic and accessible presentation, “Demystifying AI: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Why It Matters for Your Business.” He made it clear that AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a practical tool, already reshaping productivity, marketing, and decision-making. One moment that stuck with me: Harris pointed out that “AI won’t take your job, but someone using AI might.” That one sentence sparked countless hallway conversations afterward—and that’s exactly the kind of thought leadership we aim to deliver through HIA-LI.

Later in the day, we hosted our Executive Luncheon titled “Economic Development – Reshaping Long Island’s Landscape.” We were honored to welcome Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, who offered thoughtful and passionate opening remarks on the need for sustained, inclusive growth. He emphasized that “when we invest in people, we expand opportunity,” and spoke about the importance of aligning infrastructure investments with workforce development to ensure that all Long Islanders can thrive. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine followed with a passionate call to action, reminding us that Long Island can and should be the economic engine for all of New York State. “Show me how you invest your money and I’ll show you where your state or county is going,” he said, as he advocated for infrastructure funding, better public transportation, and policies that allow our region to retain and attract young families.

The luncheon panel was skillfully moderated by Marc Herbst, Executive Director of the Long Island Contractors’ Association, who reminded the audience that “Economic development isn’t just about buildings—it’s about planning for the people who will live and work in them. That’s what today’s conversation is all about.”

The panelists included:

Together, they painted an exciting picture of Long Island’s future—one filled with innovation, revitalization, and resilience.

Of course, our Trade Show is more than marquee speakers. This year, we introduced Trade Show Talks—fast-paced, 20-minute floor presentations covering everything from HR law to financial strategy. Alongside these were our traditional breakout sessions, diving deeper into leadership, marketing, and emerging technologies. And for those seeking quick networking wins, our speed networking sessions helped connect dozens of professionals in record time.

But perhaps the most rewarding part of the day was hearing what attendees and exhibitors had to say. As one first-time attendee, Chris Mundy of MILCON Construction, shared, “This was a great opportunity to meet other business owners and generate new leads.” Another, Siobhan Ainsworth of Long Island Igloos, wrote, “I was very impressed with the event as a whole. It was well organized and gave me the opportunity to make a lot of great connections.” And Richard Cassiano of North American Resource Capital, Inc. added, “There was a great variety of exhibitors to meet.”

These kinds of comments reflect the very heart of why we produce this event.

And the numbers tell the story too:
✅ 100 percent of sponsors rated the show 8 or better out of a scale of 10.
✅ Nearly 80 percent of attendees gave us top marks.
This feedback, gathered directly from our post-event surveys, confirms that our trade show continues to meet or exceed the needs of Long Island’s business community.

I’m grateful to our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and the entire HIA-LI team who made the day possible. If you missed this year’s event, we hope to see you next year. And if you were there—we hope you left as inspired as we did.

Here’s to continued growth, stronger relationships, and a thriving Long Island.

Connecting, Learning, Growing: The Power of One Day at the HIA-LI Trade Show

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Harris Beber, Global Head of Marketing for Google Workspace, will keynote the Executive Breakfast.

Every year, I get excited when May rolls around, because it means the return of the HIA-LI Annual Trade Show & Conference — and 2025 is shaping up to be one of our most dynamic and forward-looking events ever.

On Thursday, May 29, we will welcome some 4,000 business professionals and showcase more than 375 exhibitors at the Suffolk Credit Union Arena at Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood. This is the 37th year of the show, and our momentum just keeps growing. As always, our goal is simple: to create a space where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed, and Long Island business moves forward.

This year’s event, once again presented in partnership with our friends at Sands New York, is packed with opportunities for education, inspiration, and high-impact networking.

We’ll kick off the day with our Executive Breakfast at 8:00 a.m., featuring Harris Beber, the Global Head of Marketing for Google Workspace. Harris, who was previously CMO of Vimeo and has been recognized by Forbes as one of the top marketing executives in the country, will speak on the topic: “Demystifying AI: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Why It Matters for Your Business.” In a business environment that’s moving faster than ever, this session will offer real-world insight into how AI is reshaping collaboration and productivity across industries. I encourage everyone to register early—this is a ticketed session with limited seating.

At 11:30 a.m., we turn our attention to economic development at the Executive Luncheon titled “Reshaping Long Island’s Landscape.” We’re thrilled to welcome Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine who will provide opening remarks. Our panel will be moderated by Marc Herbst, Executive Director of the Long Island Contractors’ Association, and features an incredible lineup:

These leaders will discuss some of the most ambitious projects underway in our region, including Belmont Park Village, Station Yards, the hotel and resort casino proposal for the Nassau Hub, the Electron-Ion Collider at Brookhaven Lab, and the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge. This is also a ticketed event, and I strongly recommend registering in advance to ensure your seat.

In addition to the breakfast and luncheon, we’re introducing exciting new content this year. Our new “Trade Show Talks” are fast-paced, 20-minute sessions hosted right on the trade show floor, which is open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Topics include AI, leadership, business development, networking strategies, and workplace wellness. And of course, we’re continuing our ever-popular 60-minute breakout sessions, which cover everything from marketing to cybersecurity to relationship-building. Our Speed Networking sessions will also return this year, giving you the chance to make powerful new connections quickly and efficiently.

We’ll also feature six themed industry pavilions on the show floor:

  • Technology
  • Finance
  • Innovation & Economic Development
  • Energy & Environmental
  • Healthcare
  • Manufacturing (in memory of Ron Loveland)

Each pavilion is designed to help attendees focus their networking and learn what’s new in their specific area of interest.

Whether you’re looking to grow your network, explore new vendors, or learn from industry leaders, this show delivers. I genuinely believe there is no better one-day opportunity to engage with the Long Island business community.

Attendees are encouraged to pre-register to avoid the same-day $10 walk-in fee. For exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to Anthony Forgione, HIA-LI’s Director of Business Development, at aforgione@hia-li.org or call 631-543-5355. You can also find everything you need at www.hia-li.org/trade-show.

I look forward to seeing you on May 29. Let’s make it our best trade show yet!

Reconnecting for Success: The Imperative of In-Person Business Engagement

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In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses around the world adapted to virtual platforms like Zoom to maintain operations. These tools were essential during times of social distancing. But their convenience has led many to now default to virtual meetings — even when in-person interactions are entirely feasible.

This shift raises a critical question: Are we compromising the quality of our relationships by relying too heavily on screens?

The Distinct Advantages of In-Person Communication

Face-to-face interactions offer benefits that virtual meetings often can’t match. Among them:

Non-Verbal Cues: In-person conversations allow us to observe body language, facial expressions, and other non-verbal signals — providing deeper insight into colleagues’ thoughts and feelings. This leads to stronger collaboration and understanding.

Credibility and Trust: Direct communication helps convey sincerity and build trust — an essential component in any successful business relationship.

Stronger Engagement: Physical presence increases attentiveness and participation, resulting in richer discussion and more creative problem-solving.

Conflict Resolution: When we meet in person, we’re better able to clear up misunderstandings and resolve disagreements quickly and amicably.

Relationship Building: Spending time together in the same room helps foster rapport and camaraderie, creating the foundation for long-term partnerships.

Empirical Support for In-Person Engagement

Research supports what many of us intuitively know:

A Stanford study found that in-person teams generate 15 to 20 percent more ideas than virtual ones, demonstrating the creative synergy fostered by proximity.

A Harvard Business Review survey found that 79 percent of respondents saw in-person meetings as more effective for team-building, compared to just 19 percent who favored virtual formats.

A Commitment to In-Person Connection

So how can business leaders intentionally foster more face-to-face engagement in an increasingly virtual world?

Start by creating more opportunities for people to connect in real time — not just in the boardroom, but across roles, industries, and experience levels. Hosting in-person meetings focused on shared challenges can spark cross-sector dialogue and collaboration.

Organizations like ours, which are built on relationships and regional connection, have seen firsthand how meaningful these real-world interactions can be. People often get the most value from the unplanned moments — a hallway conversation, a coffee break, or a quick chat before a panel begins. These interactions build familiarity and trust in a way scheduled video calls rarely can.

During the pandemic, like many organizations, we transitioned to virtual formats. Despite our best efforts, the energy and engagement were noticeably diminished. Membership dipped. But as we returned to in-person gatherings, we saw a renewed enthusiasm. Membership climbed. Attendance surged. People were eager to reconnect — and they showed up.

Signs of a Resurgence

As we look ahead, it’s clear that Long Island’s business community thrives when we lean into in-person connection. We’re seeing signs of a real resurgence — more professionals choosing to meet face-to-face, more organizations reinvesting in live gatherings, and more companies recognizing that relationship-building is essential to long-term growth.

From our perspective, having hosted numerous gatherings that bring together stakeholders from across sectors, we know that face-to-face environments accelerate collaboration and spark new partnerships.

If you’re in a position to host, participate in, or attend live business events — say yes. Create or seek out spaces where conversation happens freely, where ideas are exchanged openly, and where partnerships are born from mutual respect and shared goals.

In-person communication may take a little more effort. But it delivers outsized value — not just in deals closed, but in networks strengthened and communities built. When we make the choice to show up, we send a message: that we’re invested, we’re engaged, and we’re ready to move forward — together.

Looking Ahead: Choosing Connection Over Convenience

Long Island has always been a “big little community” — tight-knit, collaborative, and driven by relationships with a shared sense of purpose. As we look ahead, we must challenge ourselves not to default to screens when a handshake, a coffee, or a conversation across a table is possible.

Face-to-face communication enriches our business efforts — and strengthens our community. Let’s keep choosing connection. Let’s keep showing up.

Fostering Economic Growth and Efficiency: Why Long Island’s Largest B2B Trade Show on May 23 is More Than Just an Event

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I am extremely proud of the role HIA-LI plays in bolstering Long Island’s $200 billion economy through our annual Business-to-Business Trade Show and Conference. This event isn’t just a gathering; it’s a dynamic forum for vital economic discussions and a catalyst for business collaboration. Each year, we witness how this trade show has evolved into an influential platform where businesses come together not only to showcase their offerings but to engage in meaningful dialogues about innovation, efficiency, and profitability.

It’s about more than just networking — it’s about empowering businesses to reimagine their branding, streamline their operations, and enhance their market presence. This year, as we host our 36th annual trade show on Thursday, May 23, at the Suffolk Credit Union Arena at Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood, we continue our commitment to advancing these critical conversations.

With over 250 exhibitors from diverse sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and healthcare, we are setting the stage for over 4,000 business professionals, including decision-makers, upper management, and industry leaders, to discover new products and services, forge strategic partnerships, and uncover new avenues for growth. Our collaboration with Sands New York, returning as the Title Sponsor, underscores our dedication to integrating local businesses into the broader economic framework, facilitating a shared journey towards sustainable regional development.

Connecting Businesses and Creating Opportunities

As we move forward with preparations for this major event, our focus remains on creating a vibrant gathering that provides all participants with unparalleled opportunities to engage, learn, and succeed. It’s a platform for businesses to forge valuable connections, share insights, and work together to advance the region’s economy.

Our break-out sessions include two Sands New York procurement workshops that aim to connect local businesses with Sands staff, integrating local suppliers into their procurement process. It’s an incredible opportunity for regional businesses to access new opportunities and build lasting relationships.

Celebrating Innovation at the Executive Luncheon

I’m particularly excited about our Executive Luncheon, “Economic Development Projects Changing Long Island’s Landscape,” from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Moderated by Marc Herbst, Executive Director of the Long Island Contractors’ Association, this session will feature opening remarks by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Sands New York Senior Vice President Tracey Edwards.

Our distinguished panelists include:

We’ll discuss transformative projects like Shoregate in Bay Shore, Station Yards in Ronkonkoma, and Midway Crossing, also in Ronkonkoma. These initiatives, collectively, promise to reshape our region’s economic future by creating jobs, fostering growth, and enhancing Long Island’s appeal for young professionals.

Engaging Sessions and Networking

In addition to the luncheon, attendees can look forward to a full schedule of complimentary break-out sessions, including:

  • “From Retail to Revitalization: A Seminar on the Transformation of Smith Haven Mall”
  • “Expanding Your Network”
  • “From Clicks to Conversations, Strategies for Direct Response Marketing Success”

Plus, our morning and afternoon “Speed Networking” sessions will help participants make rapid-fire connections with other business professionals.

Industry Pavilions and More

Our special industry sector pavilions offer an added focus into key industry sectors:

We also encourage attendees to bring non-perishable food items for Long Island Cares, helping us combat food insecurity in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Pre-Registration and Sponsorships

Pre-register for the event at www.HIA-LI.org to avoid the $10 same-day walk-in fee. For exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities, contact Anthony Forgione at aforgione@hia-li.org or 631-543-5355.

Let’s celebrate Long Island’s vibrant business community, make valuable connections, and explore new opportunities. I look forward to seeing you there!

Trade Show Proves We’re Back to Business!

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No matter the industry or the business sector – and no matter whether you’re a for-profit or not-for-profit enterprise – there’s nothing like real-world, face-to-face networking to help reinforce existing relationships and develop new relationships.

More than 2,000 participants walked the floor at the HIA-LI 34th Annual Business Trade Show and Conference on May 26.

And that leads to new business!

We were all reminded of these basic truths on May 26 at our 34th Annual Business Trade Show and Conference at Suffolk Community College in Brentwood. More than 2,000 business executives joined us to interact with more than 150 exhibitors representing just about every industry sector on Long Island: technology, energy and environment, manufacturing, finance, hospitality, healthcare, media and advertising, education, government, workforce development, and more.

The event began with a sold-out, all-star breakfast panel moderated by Marc Herbst of the Long Island Contractors’ Association. Panelists included Scott Burman of Engel Burman, Joe Campolo of Campolo Middleton & McCormick, Jim Coughlan of TRITEC, and Richard Zapolski of Cameron Engineering.

The panel zeroed in on one of the most exciting and ambitious projects taking shape on Long Island today: Midway Crossing in Ronkonkoma.

The $2.8-billion, public/private project would create a transportation-oriented hub comprised of 1.4 million square feet of office space geared toward bio-tech, research, healthcare and STEM education. It would also include a convention center with a 108,000-square-foot exhibit hall, a 30,000-square-foot ballroom, and 20,000 square feet of meeting rooms.

Plans for Midway Crossing also encompass a 300-room hotel, 250,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, and a new, 300,000-square-foot terminal at Islip MacArthur Airport that would connect to the Ronkonkoma LIRR station.

Panelists agreed that Midway Crossing stands to be a transformational project for the Long Island economy, generating thousands of jobs and helping to better integrate Long Island’s transportation infrastructure on a big-picture basis – and for the long term.

Making Midway Crossing a reality is going to require energetic advocacy on the part of the Long Island business community, and HIA-LI – a long-time supporter of Islip’s Long Island MacArthur Airport – plans to play an active part.

Other projects discussed include growth at the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge, the Ronkonkoma Hub, downtown Bay Shore, and downtown Long Beach – all vital projects that give young professionals options to live, work, and play on Long Island.

Why is this important? Because studies show that 67 percent of young adults ages 18 to 35 and looking to leave Long Island within the next five years. And by 2025 – just three short years from now – 75 percent of our workforce will need to be young professionals.  These projects are critical to stop the brain drain that’s on the horizon.

Also, for the first time, our Trade Show featured a dedicated Manufacturing Pavilion focused on specific issues and challenges facing manufacturers.

And how do we know it was a success? We asked exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees to complete surveys that would allow us to quantify their level of satisfaction with the event. And, on a scale of one to ten, respondents gave the Trade Show a robust ranking of 8.5.

Thank you to everyone who helped contribute to the success of our 34th Annual Business Trade Show and Conference. Let’s keep the momentum going!