Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency

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!

Tune Into HIA-LI “Live” This Thursday

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Alessi@TSN
Terri Alessi-Miceli, President and CEO of HIA-LI, on the set of the Streamcast Network with Cliff Sobel in a Facebook Live program produced earlier this year.

Here’s a way you can get involved in HIA-LI without leaving the comfort of your desk.

This Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 11:00am, HIA-LI – in collaboration with The Streamcast Network – will be hosting an interactive livestream panel on Facebook and on our website’s home page.

Joining me on the panel will be Joe Campolo, Chair, HIA-LI and Managing Partner, Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP; Kelly Morris, Deputy Executive Director, Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency; Hon. Ed Wehrheim, Supervisor, Town of Smithtown (tentative); and Yuxiang Luo, Director, James Lima Planning + Development (JLP+D), who will be joining us remotely from New York City.  JLP+D is the firm that developed the “opportunity analysis” that is now serving as a blueprint for growth of the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge.

This initiative is part of an overall effort to reach out to the Long Island business community and beyond.  Just two weeks ago we launched an initiative – funded in part with a grant from the National Grid Cooperative Business Recruitment Program – to promote the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge to the Greater New York City metropolitan area.  We are currently running TV commercials, radio spots, and sending blast emails to CEOs and decision makers in New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and the Lower Hudson Valley.

We are grateful to Cliff Sobel, Founder and Executive Producer of The Streamcast Network – with studios in East Northport – for partnering with us and providing this unique opportunity.  You can learn more about them at http://streamcastnetwork.com.

So, please tune-in at 11:00am this Thursday, October 17 by going to:

And please bring your questions and comments.  Viewers on Facebook will be able to participate interactively by asking questions and providing comments directly to panelists by typing into Facebook’s “Write a Comment” section.

Honoring Those Who Helped Us Reach 40

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All right, time to put yourself in my shoes for a minute – and picture how exciting it is to witness HIA-LI’s dedicated staffers and volunteers finalizing preparations for Thursday’s 40th Anniversary Gala at the Stonebridge Country Club in Hauppauge.

We’re all busy getting ready for a delightful night of dinner, dancing, and nostalgia at this wonderful venue.

HIA-LI will celebrate four decades of commitment to enhancing Long Island’s economic climate and expanding growth opportunities for our members.

But the high point will come when we join to recognize four honorees for their leadership and dedication to Long Island.

We’ll be honoring:

• Jack Kulka, an HIA-LI Lifetime Board Member and President and Founder of The Kulka Group. In 1978 when the Hauppauge Industrial Park experienced a three-day power outage, Jack Kulka was one of our original founders – along with several other business owners – who helped form the Hauppauge Industrial Association to advocate for the Park’s interests and for the Long Island business community. Jack was one of the first to envision Hauppauge as a major business crossroads for our region.

The Kulka Group is a highly regarded developer of waterfront residences, community complexes, retail and industrial centers, hotels, and corporate offices.

• The Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency, which has an extraordinary record of success helping local companies expand or renovate, build or add new facilities, or relocate to Suffolk County. In the past three years alone, the IDA has helped to create or retain 5,600 jobs – and leveraged some $454 million in private investment.

Currently the Suffolk IDA is partnering with HIA-LI to build the future of the Hauppauge Industrial Park, the largest in the Northeast with over 55,000 employees and 1,300 companies.

• The Miller Business Center, a regional resource for businesses, entrepreneurs and not-for-profits. Located within Middle Country Public Library in Centereach, the center provides HIA-LI members with valuable business resources and personalized research support.

• The Town of Smithtown, home base for the vast majority of the Hauppauge Industrial Park. Under former Supervisor Pat Vecchio and now Supervisor Edward Wehrheim, the Town has continued to be enormously supportive of HIA-LI by helping us navigate zoning challenges and leverage a myriad of infrastructure improvements.

OK, so now that you’ve worn my shoes for a minute, it’s time to change into your dancing shoes – for some fun at Thursday’s Gala!

Festivities begin at 6 pm – and I look forward to seeing you there!