LIA recognizes local business leaders

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The Long Island Association recognized local business leaders recently at its third annual Evening of Honors event. Held at the Heritage Club at Bethpage, the June 12 event drew about 400 attendees.

The event highlighted the achievements of companies and their employees who boosted the region’s economy and contributed philanthropically to the community.

“The Long Island Association is proud to recognize companies and individuals who have made a transformative impact on our region’s economy and contribute to Long Island’s unparalleled quality of life,” Matt Cohen, LIA president and CEO, said in a news release about the event. “They are all truly deserving of these honors, as they continue to lead the way to ensure Nassau and Suffolk Counties flourish now and in the future.”

“The Long Island Association can advocate and foster a positive business climate because of the support of our members, as well as the honorees and sponsors of the 2024 Evening of Honors,” Larry Waldman, chair of the LIA board of directors, said in the news release. “With collaboration between the private and public sectors, the LIA can achieve its mission to spur growth and remain economically competitive.”

The Medal of Honor, the LIA’s most prestigious award, went to Catholic Health. The health system was recognized as the region’s second largest private employer, with approximately 16,000 employees, six acute care hospitals, three nursing homes, a home health service, hospice, and a network of physician practices. Under the sponsorship of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, Catholic Health serves hundreds of thousands of Long Islanders each year.

“Catholic Health shares the LIA’s strong commitment to Long Island,” Dr. Patrick O’Shaughnessy, president and CEO of Catholic Health, said in the news release.  “Our mission is to provide exceptional health care services to communities across Nassau, Suffolk and even parts of Queens. We do this not just at our six hospitals, but at our expanding network of Ambulatory Care sites, always delivering outstanding care and treatment with a healthy dose of compassion.”

The Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award for Community Service went to Optimum. Jen Chapin, Harry and Sandra Chapin’s daughter, joined the LIA in recognizing Optimum for its community support and treated the audience to a musical performance. Optimum supports local organizations, including FIRST Long Island Robotics, through its Optimum Innovator Awards and its relationship with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Recently, Optimum Business teamed up with the LIA Foundation, Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, and Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to launch the L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grants program that awarded $250,000 to 50 small businesses in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

“Optimum is honored to receive the Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award for Community Service from the LIA for our work in empowering and making a positive impact in communities across Long Island,” Andrew Rainone, senior vice president at Optimum, said in the news release. “This award is a testament to Optimum’s commitment to deepening its community presence throughout Long Island, and connecting our customers to what matters most, which includes supporting, understanding, and celebrating what makes each of our local communities unique.”

The Key to the Island went to Timothy Sams, president of the State University of New York at Old Westbury. The award recognizes someone who may not have been born on Long Island but has now become an adopted son or daughter of the region. Sams was raised by his paternal grandparents in Syracuse. Sams was appointed president of SUNY Old Westbury in January 2021, and led the institution to university status, expanding opportunities for students through a partnership with Brookhaven National Laboratory, and contributing to Long Island’s efforts to train the next generation of employees and make sure they stay in our region.

“It is an honor to be recognized with the Key to the Island and I thank the LIA Board of Directors and all of its members,” Sams said. “While my time here has been just three years, I’ve come to recognize the strength of our business and civic communities and am pleased to build here on the more than 50-year foundation that’s been created by SUNY Old Westbury as a leader on issues involving education, service and justice for our region.”

The Lifetime Achievement award went to Gene Bernstein. Bernstein served on the LIA board of directors his capacity as chairman of Northville Industries Corp. and was a cochair of the LIA Energy and Environment Committee. Bernstein participated on philanthropic and civic boards, chairing the Alfred University board of trustees, advisory board of The Energeia Program at Molloy University, and the First Tee of Metropolitan New York. He and his family started “The Northville Long Island Classic Champions Tour” golf tournament in 1987, which raised more than $1 million for Cohen’s Children’s Hospital.

“While there is a funny saying that ’No good deed goes unpunished,’ I am thrilled and honored to be recognized by the LIA with this Lifetime Achievement Award for my ’good deeds,’ and plan on more to come,” Bernstein said.