Suffolk County Community College

Building Long Island’s Talent Pipeline — Together

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Pictured, from left, moderator Rich Humann, President & CEO, H2M architects + engineers and HIA-LI Board Member. Panelists, Dr. Ed Bonahue, President, Suffolk County Community College and HIA-LI Board Member; Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein, VP & Chief Public and Community Health Officer, Catholic Health; Billy Haugland, II, CEO, Haugland Group; Robert Kufner, President & CEO, Designatronics Inc.

Last week, we took an extraordinary step forward for Long Island’s future.

Our first-ever HIA-LI Workforce Summit — held in partnership with the Smithtown Central School District and the Smithtown Industry Advisory Board — brought together more than 300 educators, guidance counselors, and business leaders at the Suffolk Y Jewish Community Center in Commack. It was a packed house, and more importantly, it was a packed conversation.

From the moment attendees walked through the door, there was an unmistakable sense of optimism and purpose. Teachers stood alongside business executives. College presidents spoke with construction and manufacturing leaders. Guidance counselors shared ideas with healthcare professionals. Everyone came with a shared mission: to bridge the gap between education and employment so our young people can build rewarding careers right here on Long Island.

The Start of a New Dialogue

For years, we’ve talked about the challenges of workforce development — the shortage of skilled workers, the exodus of young talent, and the perception that “success” only comes with a four-year degree. The summit showed that this conversation is changing.

What we heard — and felt — was a powerful message of alignment. Business and education both understand that the world of work has evolved, and our approach to preparing students must evolve with it. A college degree remains one valuable path, but so are two-year programs, certificate credentials, apprenticeships, and technical careers that lead to meaningful, well-paid jobs with growth potential.

Several speakers underscored how important it is to remove the stigma that sometimes surrounds the trades and vocational programs. In reality, those routes can open doors to prosperity — often with less debt and more hands-on experience.

Collaboration in Action

What made this summit so inspiring was seeing collaboration happen in real time.

  • State Senator Mario Mattera opened with a passionate call to unite business, labor, and education to build the workforce of tomorrow.
  • Rich Humann of H2M architects + engineers and Dr. Ed Bonahue of Suffolk County Community College — both HIA-LI Board Members and Co-Chairs of our Workforce Development Task Force — shared how we can better align education with industry demand.
  • Our keynote speakers, Michael Woods and Janine Lalia from the CTE Technical Assistance Center of New York, reminded us that true career readiness begins in our classrooms — where teachers and counselors help students see all the pathways to success.
  • Industry leaders like Billy Haugland II, Robert Kufner, and Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein showed that construction, manufacturing, and healthcare all have incredible stories to tell — stories that can inspire young people to build their futures right here at home.
  • And Phil Como from the Smithtown Industry Advisory Board brought it all together, emphasizing how partnerships like these directly benefit students — connecting education to opportunity.

The Momentum Ahead

The summit reinforced something I’ve long believed: when we put educators and employers in the same room, great things happen. Conversations turn into partnerships. Ideas turn into programs. And most importantly, young people begin to see new possibilities for their future.

Our HIA-LI Workforce Development Task Force will continue driving this momentum forward. We’ll keep facilitating these dialogues, supporting school-business partnerships, and expanding awareness of the incredible career opportunities that exist across Long Island’s innovation ecosystem.

The feedback from the summit has been overwhelmingly positive — from educators grateful for the insight, to business leaders eager to stay involved. But this is only the beginning.

We now have a foundation, a shared understanding, and a growing network of partners ready to take action. The challenge — and the opportunity — is to keep that conversation going.

Looking Forward

Long Island’s future depends on how well we prepare our next generation to thrive — not just in classrooms, but in careers that matter. The summit proved that we have both the passion and the partnerships to make that happen.

Together, we’re building a stronger, smarter, more connected Long Island — one that keeps our talent here, strengthens our economy, and ensures every student sees a future filled with promise.

Click here to download our workforce development report, Innovating the Talent Pipeline: Strategies for Workforce Development in the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge. This 54-page report, developed by the Workforce Development Institute in collaboration with HIA-LI and the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency, outlines the critical need for stronger industry-academia partnerships to prepare students for careers that are in-demand.

Bridging the Gap: How HIA-LI’s ‘Setup For Success’ Shadowing Program is Building Tomorrow’s Workforce

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In today’s fast-paced world, the connection between education and industry is more critical than ever. Employers across Long Island — and indeed, across the country — are facing a growing challenge: finding skilled workers to fill the positions that drive our economy forward. Yet, despite the abundance of job opportunities, many of these positions remain unfilled due to a shortage of qualified candidates. This is a challenge that HIA-LI, in partnership with the Smithtown School District’s Industry Advisory Board (IAB), is taking head-on with the launch of our new “Setup for Success” Shadowing Program.

A Direct Response to Workforce Needs

The “Setup for Success” Shadowing Program is a strategic move to address the pressing workforce development issues identified in HIA-LI’s 2023 report, Innovating the Talent Pipeline: Strategies for Workforce Development in the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge. This 54-page report, developed in collaboration with the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency and the Workforce Development Institute, outlined the critical need for stronger industry-academia partnerships to prepare students for careers that are in-demand. Click here to view the report. The gap between education and industry has been growing, and employers are feeling the pinch as they struggle to fill skilled positions.

As highlighted in our report, there’s a significant disconnect between the skills being taught in our schools and the needs of today’s job market. Too few students are pursuing career paths that align with the high-demand sectors on Long Island, leaving companies in desperate need of qualified professionals. Our “Setup for Success” Shadowing Program is a direct response to this issue, aiming to bridge that gap by giving students real-world exposure to the careers they might one day pursue.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The program invites HIA-LI member and non-member companies alike to open their doors to Smithtown High School students for a day of shadowing. This experience allows students to observe, engage, and immerse themselves in various career areas, helping them gain a clearer understanding of the professional world. It’s an invaluable opportunity for these young individuals to set and achieve their career goals with confidence and foresight.

The program is more than just an opportunity for students — it’s a chance for companies to invest in the future of our region. By participating, employers can inspire the next generation of professionals and contribute to the growth and development of the Long Island workforce.

Building Stronger Industry-Academia Partnerships

At the heart of this initiative is the recognition that early career exposure is crucial for students. By collaborating with industry leaders, we can ensure that education and training efforts at all levels are aligned with the needs of today’s job market.

For companies, the benefits of participating are many. Not only do they get to showcase their work environments and the diverse career opportunities available, but they also play a pivotal role in shaping the career paths of young professionals. It’s a win-win situation for both the students and the organizations involved.

Get Involved: Shaping the Future Workforce

The ‘Setup for Success’ Shadowing Program is a flexible and impactful opportunity for companies to make a meaningful difference. The shadowing experience typically lasts between three to five hours, providing students with a snapshot of a typical workday without disrupting their regular school schedule. Companies interested in participating can express their interest by filling out a simple form here.

We at HIA-LI are excited to see the effect this program will have on Long Island’s future workforce. By working together, we can ensure that our students are not only prepared for the careers of tomorrow but are also inspired and equipped to thrive in them. Let’s bridge the gap between education and industry and set our future workforce up for success.

Lastly, I want to thank the co-chairs of HIA-LI’s Workforce Development Task Force — Rich Humann, President and CEO of H2M Architects and Engineers, and Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College — for their invaluable guidance and support for this initiative, as well as Phil Como, Executive Director of the Smithtown IAB.

For more information about the “Setup for Success” Shadowing Program, contact Halle Grossman at HIA-LI at 631-543-5355 or hgrossman@hia-li.org.

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!

Innovating the Talent Pipeline: A New Dawn for Long Island’s Workforce Development

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Rich Humann, President & CEO at H2M architects + engineers, and an HIA-LI board member, moderated the panel.

The much-anticipated report, “Innovating the Talent Pipeline: Strategies for Workforce Development in the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge,” was unveiled at HIA-LI’s “Workforce Development Conference and Scholarship Awards” event on October 13, 2023, at Farmingdale State College. This report is a testament to our commitment, as outlined in my June 5, 2023 blog post, to address the skills gap on Long Island.

The Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge (LI-IPH), the Northeast’s largest industrial park, is a beacon of regional economic strength, with over 1,300 companies and employing more than 55,000 workers. However, the challenge of a skilled workforce shortage looms large. This report, a collaborative effort between HIA-LI, the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (IDA), and the Workforce Development Institute (WDI), provides a roadmap to ensure the long-term resilience and competitiveness of the Long Island business sector.

James Lima Planning + Development, a renowned a New York City-based planning, real estate, and economic advisory firm, undertook the strategic analysis. Their comprehensive study, based on surveys from 34 Long Island employers, sheds light on the skills and talent needs of businesses, with a special focus on the LI-IPH.

The report’s findings are both insightful and actionable. It emphasizes the importance of:

  1. Access and Awareness: An island-wide campaign to promote resources such as adult English classes, career support, and job fairs.
  2. Strengthening Industry-Academia Partnerships: Encouraging project-based learning, AI tools, and best practices in the manufacturing sector.
  3. Promoting Intra- and Cross-Sector Collaborations: Highlighting best practices, foreign language support, and software training.
  4. Fostering a Learning and Advancement Culture: Championing mentorship initiatives and branded learning programs.
  5. Building Affordable and Attractive Communities: Advocating for workforce housing and transit-oriented development.

I’d like to extend my gratitude to the panelists and contributors who made this event and report possible. Their insights and expertise have been invaluable.

And of course, a special thanks to our partners in this effort: Kelly Murphy, Acting Executive Director of the Suffolk County IDA, and Robyn Fellrath, Long Island Regional Director at the Workforce Development Institute. We couldn’t have done this without their steadfast support.

Another highlight of the morning was the Scholarship Awards ceremony. This initiative is more than just financial assistance; it’s a commitment to the future of Long Island. By providing scholarships to high school graduates who choose to pursue their college studies here on Long Island, we’re not only investing in their education but also fostering a sense of community and continuity. It’s a clear message: we believe in the potential of our young minds and the promise they hold for our region’s future.

It’s also a testament to our dedication to keeping local talent local. By incentivizing our youth to study and subsequently work in the Nassau-Suffolk region, we’re ensuring a steady stream of skilled professionals who are familiar with the unique challenges and opportunities here on Long Island. These young individuals, equipped with local knowledge and a world-class education, will be the driving force behind Long Island’s continued economic growth and innovation.

In conclusion, as the President and CEO of HIA-LI, I am proud of this monumental step towards bridging the skills gap on Long Island. The recommendations in this report are not just words on paper; they are a call to action. Together, we can ensure a vibrant, resilient, and future-ready regional economy.

Steering the Future: HIA-LI’s New Workforce Development Task Force

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As President and CEO of HIA-LI, one of Long Island’s foremost business advocacy organizations, I’m excited to share that we are launching a new Workforce Development Task Force. This initiative underscores our ongoing commitment to supporting businesses and strengthening the economic framework of the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge (LI-IPH).

The LI-IPH is a significant player in our region’s economy, serving as the largest business park in the Northeast. With around 1,400 companies that employ approximately 55,000 workers, it forms a critical part of Long Island’s economic pulse. However, like many regions across the country, Long Island faces a significant challenge: a shortage of skilled workers. This issue is not just immediate; it also has implications for our region’s future growth and resilience.

To address this challenge, we’ve assembled a task force with two specific goals: align resources to meet business needs and spearhead efforts to recruit and develop talent for in-demand careers. Our task force is led by two respected individuals, Rich Humann, President and CEO of H2M Architects & Engineers, and Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College. They will leverage their expertise to foster meaningful collaborations between businesses, educational institutions, and workforce development organizations.

We draw inspiration from successful ventures like Suffolk County Community College’s Solar Installer Certificate Program, a perfect example of mutually beneficial academia-business partnerships. By facilitating similar collaborations, we aim to ensure students are equipped with hands-on experience and businesses have access to a well-trained talent pool.

In the evolving post-Covid landscape, it’s crucial to forecast the skills businesses will need. To this end, the task force will commission an extensive “LI-IPH In-Demand Skills Assessment” in partnership with the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (Suffolk IDA) and executed by James Lima Planning, a renowned New York City-based consulting firm. This project is made possible by a grant from the Workforce Development Institute, with additional funding from HIA-LI and the Suffolk IDA. The results will guide academia in reshaping curricula to align better with the future needs of the region’s economy.

Our task force’s initiative resonates with a larger statewide initiative – a $350-million initiative announced last year by Governor Kathy Hochul – to improve workers’ skills to meet job demands. This wider program forms a crucial element of a strategic approach to workforce development in the region.

Given the rapid pace of technological advancements, anticipating the shape of future work is a priority. The task force is committed to helping local businesses understand and prepare for these changes. By creating synergies between businesses, academia, and governmental organizations, we aim to foster a more resilient economy, attuned to both immediate and future needs of Long Island’s workforce.

Smaller businesses often find predicting future skill requirements a daunting task. Thus, we’re tailoring our efforts to help these firms, providing assistance to navigate and prepare for future demands. We are aiming to equip these businesses with customized programs that meet their ever-evolving workforce needs.

In conclusion, the Workforce Development Task Force reflects our dedication to continually fostering the growth and development of Long Island’s workforce. We view this initiative as a strategic response to current challenges, ensuring a more vibrant, resilient, and future-ready regional economy.

Stay tuned for information about our fall Workforce Development Conference where the results of the “LI-IPH In-Demand Skills Assessment” will be presented and discussed.

Despite Challenges, the Long Island and National Economies Are Set to Grow

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It was wonderful to be back in person at the HIA-LI Economic Summit. On March 25, business leaders, colleagues, and friends joined us at the Radisson in Hauppauge for our 28th Annual Summit, where a panel of experts offered their economic predictions for Long Island and the country.

Dr. Don Levy, Director at Sienna College Research Institute, summarized the results of the PKF O’Connor Davies 2022 Economic Survey. Among the 270 CEOs who participated, 59 percent said that the economy on Long Island was better than it was a year ago, and 61 percent expected improvement during 2022. Within their industries, 50 percent described conditions as more favorable than they were last year, and 56 percent anticipated an upswing in 2022. Normalized against historic data, these four results indicate a confidence rating of 6.8 out of 10, up from 6.5 a year ago.

Challenges include the continuing impact of COVID (cited by 55 percent of CEOs), inflation (53 percent), and rising supplier costs (43 percent). Worker supply is another: “Only one out of five say that they can find the people they need to step in and make a fruitful contribution right away,” remarked Levy.

Bob Quarte, a Partner at PKF O’Connor Davies who is also HIA-LI Board Treasurer, moderated the panel discussion. Noting the challenges that have arisen since the completion of the survey in early January — the war in Ukraine, a stock market correction, rising interest rates, and spiraling gas prices — he asked the panelists to describe their confidence in the economy and in their business sectors.

“As businesses get busier, healthcare gets busier,” stated Dr. Patrick O’Shaughnessy, President and CEO of Catholic Health Services. “I don’t just mean sick care. I mean well care, and that includes important screenings, keeping you healthy, getting ahead of you having a problem that causes more of an impact. I believe we’re moving forward in the right direction. That doesn’t mean we’re not going to have blips along the way, but I’m optimistic.”

Rich Humann, President and CEO of H2M Architects + Engineers and HIA-LI Board Chair, said that despite the national energy strategy that “continues to tip on a scale,” he is also optimistic. “As we recover, the commitment to infrastructure, the commitment to dollars, is coming from the federal government. Although there’s clearly an inflationary effect of that, nothing moves us in a strong economic direction more than a really robust investment in infrastructure.”

The national economy will do well in the long term, predicted Kevin O’Connor, CEO of Dime Community Bank and HIA-LI Board Secretary, but it will experience blips in the short term. “The Fed’s ability to navigate a soft landing does not have a lot of historical success. We may feel some pain that might be necessary to end some of the inflationary pressures.”

Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College and an HIA-LI Board Member, declared that he’s “remarkably optimistic” despite the difficulties created by the pandemic. “We know that our ability to engage students, to provide hands-on workforce training that replicates the conditions that students are going to find when they’re on the job, is going to be supported by the continuing economic recovery, and the continuing recovery from COVID.”

“Things go in cycles,” added Quarte, summing up the panelists’ perspectives. “We might be in a difficult cycle right now, but we’ve proved we’ve always pulled through it.”

Download a copy of the survey here.

It Ain’t Just Exhibit Booths!

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Top photo: The trade show floor. Bottom photo: The executive luncheon panel.

Every May, HIA-LI’s Annual Trade Show and Conference infuses our year-round programming  with a healthy jolt of momentum.

This year’s event, our 31st, was the most successful ever. The May 30 exposition – held at Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood – attracted 375 exhibitors and more than 3,000 attendees. It was a joy to see attendees reinforce valuable business relationships on the trade show floor.

One high point was Executive Breakfast keynoter Carl Banks, the former NFL linebacker who earned two Super Bowl championship rings as a New York Giant.

Carl is president of GIII Sports, an apparel company ranking among the top three sportswear licensees in professional sports. He shared lessons for success he had carried from the football field into the business world.

Later, a stellar Executive Luncheon panel was moderated by Mitch Pally, CEO of the Long Island Builders Institute and a huge HIA-LI booster.

Panelist Bob Coughlan, principal with TRITEC Real Estate, updated attendees on the 50-acre Ronkonkoma Hub. His company is master developer of a project Bob calls “one of the East Coast’s best transit-oriented sites.”

In a presentation by David Wolkoff, a principal at Heartland Business Center, guests were briefed on Heartland Town Square, a walkable, 450-acre “smart growth” community unfolding on Brentwood’s former Pilgrim State grounds.

David Pennetta, executive director of Cushman & Wakefield, discussed such novel development strategies as a recent proposal to permit multi-family development within an aging Melville business park.

Village of Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri drew praise from fellow panelists for his community’s precedent-setting, redevelopment makeover, including TRITEC’s $112 million, multi-use “New Village” community.

Panelist Joe Campolo — the Managing Partner at Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP and our HIA-LI board chair — reinforced the upbeat spirit by focusing on the action plan spelled out in the recent “Opportunity Analysis” completed for the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge, the new name of the Hauppauge Industrial Park.

The analysis was sponsored by Suffolk County IDA and the Regional Plan Association – and a Task Force is poised to turn the plan into a reality.

While every panelist acknowledged the urgent need for Long Island to retain the youngest stratum of our workforce, Joe said that the strategic re-creation of our business park would play an instrumental role in keeping young people here.

The energy of a successful trade show – combined with the anticipation we’re all feeling as the Park launches its expansion plans – made for an exciting day!