Crest Hollow Country Club

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.

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.