Long Island Association Celebrates 100 Years, Honors 3 Business Leaders

WOODBURY, NY — The Long Island Association brought together hundreds of business and community leaders for a centennial celebration at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury on Wednesday, celebrating 100 years of business advocacy and regional economic development.

The event marked a yearlong series of initiatives commemorating the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization's history and contributions to economic growth across Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Subscribe

Its history spans the region's development from a growing suburban destination into a center for aerospace, advanced manufacturing, health care, life sciences, technology and education.

"For 100 years, the Long Island Association has been at the forefront of the decisions, investments, and partnerships that have shaped our region into the economic powerhouse it is today," said Stacey Sikes, the organization's acting president and CEO. "This celebration was not only an opportunity to reflect on an extraordinary century of progress, but also to recognize the visionary leaders, businesses, and organizations that have made that progress possible here on Long Island."

Founded in 1926 as the Long Island Chamber of Commerce, the LIA was established to promote the region as a destination for business investment, expansion and economic opportunity. Over the past century, the organization has advocated for infrastructure investments, business-friendly policies and initiatives supporting employers across Long Island.

The evening included the presentation of the Centennial Honor for Distinguished Leadership to business and civic leaders Lawrence Waldman, chairman of the LIA Board of Directors; Robert Catell, chair of Stony Brook University's Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center and an LIA board member; and Kevin Law, a principal at Tritec Development Group, chair of Empire State Development and former LIA president and CEO.

Waldman has been involved with the organization for three decades.

"It was truly humbling to be recognized for the three decades of dedication to the Long Island Association, an organization I have been proud to support and help lead," Waldman said. "The LIA's success over the past century is a testament to the collective efforts of generations of business and community leaders, and I am honored to have played a part in that legacy."

The organization also recognized longtime members through its Centennial Dedication Award.

The Huntington-based Harry Chapin Foundation received the Harry Chapin Award for Community Service, recognizing the business community's commitment to philanthropy and community involvement.

LIA representatives said the organization's priorities going forward include expanding housing opportunities, developing a competitive workforce, improving access to reliable and affordable energy, and supporting investments intended to strengthen the region's economy.

The organization said it remains focused on ensuring Long Island continues to attract businesses while providing economic opportunities for residents and future generations.

For more information about the organization's centennial and history, visit longislandassociation.org/lia100.