HIA-LI, one of Long Island’s largest business associations, honored four of the region’s most outstanding businesses at the organization’s 28th Annual HIA-LI Business Achievement Awards ceremony held September 20 at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.
An award selection committee evaluated competing firms and organizations based upon such factors as corporate accomplishments, exemplary employee relations, and commitment to the overall Long Island community and beyond.
“It’s critically important to recognize and celebrate excellence and achievement within our business community,” said Terri Alessi-Miceli, President and CEO of HIA-LI. “Our honorees serve as inspiring examples of innovation, dedication, and accomplishment. They are true role models for all Long Islanders.”
“We’ve come together at this award ceremony to celebrate our love of Long Island and our desire to see our region prosper and grow,” said Rich Humann, Board Chair of HIA-LI as well as President and CEO of H2M Architects and Engineers. “We should all take pride in our honorees’ accomplishments, their strength, and their spirit.”
HIA-LI presented awards in the following categories:
The honoree in the “Large Business” category, comprising firms with a workforce of 100 or more, was Jericho-based Engel Burman, a fully integrated real estate company with an expansive portfolio including residential, commercial, senior living, and healthcare. The award was presented to company president Jan Burman.
Other finalists in the “Large Business” category included Citrin Cooperman, based in Melville; PSEG Long Island, based in Uniondale; LNK International, based in Hauppauge; and Little Angels Center based in Blue Point.
The second award category consisted of “Small Businesses” employing fewer than 100 workers. The award went to Hauppauge-based National Business Capital, a firm that helps entrepreneurs secure quick and fair financing to save time and cultivate sustainable growth. The award was presented to CEO and Founder Joe Camberato.
In the “Small Business” category, other finalists included Garden City-based Allied Risk Management; East Meadow-based Creative Plan Designs Ltd.; Copiague-based Electrical Training Center; and National EAP, based in Hauppauge.
A third HIA-LI Business Achievement Award was also presented to a “Rookie of the Year” honoree representing firms in operation less than five years. The 2022 award was given to Long Beach-based Trellus, an innovative same-day local delivery service serving Long Island and Eastern Queens. Accepting the award was company co-founder and CEO Adam Haber. Joining Haber were co-founders Brian Berkery, the COO, and J.R. Jensen, the CTO.
There were three additional “Rookie of the Year” finalists: Pupfish Sustainability Solutions, based in Hauppauge; Lety Algeri Coaching, based in Holtsville; and Lake Ronkonkoma-based Lucidi Technical Solutions LLP.
In the fourth and final “Not-for-Profit” category, the recipient was West Babylon-based Winters Center for Autism, which works to enhance the lives of adults with autism through job creation, training, and placement. Executive Director Christine Ponzio accepted the award along with Michele Winters, the Founder of the Center. They were followed by Christopher Cortale, a self-advocate for adults with autism, who delivered a poignant first-person testimonial.
“Not-for-Profit” finalists included Blue Umbrella Experience, Inc., based in Hauppauge; Family Service League, based in Huntington; CN Guidance and Counseling based in Hicksville; Gurwin Healthcare System based in Commack; and EPIC Long Island, based in East Meadow.
Nearly 300 people were in attendance at the gala event, which was held at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.
ABOUT HIA-LI
Now in its 44th year, HIA-LI is one of Long Island’s largest business advocacy organizations. It also represents the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge, the largest industrial park in the Northeast. The park supports 55,000 jobs, produces $13 billion in goods and services each year, and accounts for eight percent of Long Island’s gross domestic product. For more information, go to www.HIA-LI.org or call (631) 543-5355.