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.

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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.