Robert McBride

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.

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.