Advertise on podcast: HIA-LI's Business Steps Up

In this episode of Business Steps Up, HIA-LI President and CEO Terri Alessi-Miceli speaks with David Sterling, CEO of SterlingRisk; Aoifa O’Donnell, CEO of National EAP; and Eliud Custodio, CEO of Turn One Studio. These three finalists for HIA-LI’s 2026 Long Island Business Distinction Awards discuss their professional journeys, the work and values that define their organizations, the challenges and opportunities facing today’s business leaders, and what being recognized as a Business Distinction finalist means to them. They also share their perspectives on the leadership, innovation, and commitment to clients and community that set great businesses apart.

In this episode of Business Steps Up, HIA-LI President and CEO Terri Alessi-Miceli speaks with Dr. Timothy Eagen, Superintendent of Kings Park Central School District; Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College; and Rich Humann, P.E., President and CEO of H2M architects + engineers. They discuss how schools, colleges, and employers can work together to strengthen Long Island’s workforce, expand career awareness and work-based learning, develop essential workplace skills, and create stronger pathways from the classroom to meaningful careers.

In this episode of Business Steps Up, HIA-LI President and CEO Terri Alessi-Miceli speaks with Stuart Almer, President and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. They discuss Long Island’s aging population, the growing need for senior housing and long-term care, healthcare workforce challenges, and Gurwin’s innovative approach to supporting older adults, caregivers, and families.

In this episode of Business Steps Up, HIA-LI President and CEO Terri Alessi-Miceli speaks with Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim. They discuss Smithtown’s leadership in advancing the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge, expanding workforce housing, and strengthening the town’s economic and environmental future. Don’t miss this engaging conversation about how smart planning and strong partnerships are shaping one of Long Island’s most vibrant communities.

How does Suffolk grow stronger? By helping businesses thrive. In this episode of Business Steps Up, HIA-LI President & CEO Terri Alessi-Miceli speaks with Kelly Murphy, Executive Director & CEO of the Suffolk County IDA, along with Steven Griffith, President of Nationwide 360, and Hunter Brodman, COO of Casanova Meats. Together, they’ll share how IDA incentives are powering expansions, creating jobs, and strengthening Suffolk County’s economic future.

In this episode of Business Steps Up, host Terri Alessi-Miceli, President and CEO of HIA-LI, sits down with Fawad Maqbool, CEO, and Jorge Flores, COO, of Amplitech. The conversation explores how Amplitech’s cutting-edge 5G technology is set to transform the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge (LI-IPH) into a fully connected 'smart park.' Listeners will learn how faster, more reliable connectivity can benefit a wide range of industries—from manufacturing to healthcare—and what this game-changing rollout means for Long Island’s business future.

Join HIA-LI President and CEO Terri Alessi-Miceli as she hosts an insightful discussion on the state of manufacturing and international trade on Long Island. She’s joined by John Giordano, Partner at Citrin Cooperman, and Kursad "Kevin" Devecioglu, Managing Partner at American WorkFlows Enterprise Software Company — both co-chairs of HIA-LI’s Manufacturing and International Trade Committee. Together, they explore workforce challenges, the impact of AI, supply chain shifts, and industry compliance while highlighting ways manufacturers can stay competitive. Tune in for expert insights on how innovation and collaboration are shaping the future of Long Island’s manufacturing sector!

In this episode of Business Steps Up, HIA-LI's President and CEO, Terri Alessi-Miceli, sits down with Larry Pappas, President of Forte Construction Corp., and Matt and Luke Tesoriero, CEO and Managing Partner respectively, of the Guac Shop Mexican Grill, to discuss their paths to success as finalists for the 2024 Business Achievement Awards. Listen as they share insights on fostering a strong workplace culture, navigating growth challenges, and staying resilient through adversity. Discover how these Long Island businesses are making a difference in their communities while building toward a brighter future.

Terri Alessi-Miceli, President and CEO of HIA-LI speaks with Declan Doyle, President of Saint Catherine of Siena Hospital, Smithtown, about a new collaboration between HIA-LI, the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge, and Catholic Health, regarding their state-of-the-art ambulatory center in Commack.

In this episode, host Terri Alessi-Miceli, President and CEO of HIA-LI, sits down with Tracey Edwards, Vice President and Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at Sands NY. Sands is proposing a transformative casino and resort facility on Long Island, and Tracey is at the forefront of this exciting initiative. The conversation dives deep into Sands' vision for the project, emphasizing its potential to spur job creation, stimulate the local economy, and engage the community in meaningful ways. The episode also explores Sands’ corporate social responsibility efforts, from environmental sustainability to workforce development, setting the stage for a future where corporate and community goals align seamlessly. Join us as we explore how this project could reshape Long Island’s economic landscape and leave a lasting legacy.

In this episode, host Terri Alessi-Miceli, President and CEO of HIA-LI, engages in a compelling conversation with guest Anthony Manetta, a Town Councilman for the Town of Babylon, CEO of Standard Advisors Group, and a board member of HIA-LI. Anthony will be spearheading an innovative initiative to organize a series of intimate "meet and greet" programs, aimed at forging stronger connections between HIA-LI members and government leaders. Through these roundtable discussions, the episode delves into the goals of enhancing mutual understanding and collaboration between the business sector and government officials, setting the stage for a future where community and economic development go hand-in-hand.

Terri Alessi-Miceli, President and CEO of HIA-LI, speaks with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island (BBBSLI) CEO, Mark Cox, in a dialogue that delves into the heart of BBBSLI's mission, which is pivotal in providing mentorship to young individuals facing adversity across Long Island. The conversation sheds light on the various innovative mentoring programs offered by BBBSLI, which reflect the organization's commitment to nurturing strong, enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that have a transformative impact on the lives of children and the broader community.

Terri Alessi-Miceli, President and CEO of HIA-LI, speaks with Family Service League's (FSL) President and CEO, Karen Boorshtein about the important work that FSL does on Long Island to help those struggling with mental health disorders or who are in need of other support services.

Terri Alessi-Miceli, President and CEO of HIA-LI, speaks with Scott Maskin, founder and CEO of SUNation Energy, about the burgeoning solar industry on Long Island.

Terri Alessi-Miceli speaks with Christine Ponzio, Executive Director at Winters Center for Autism, and Patrick Winters, Vice President at Winters Bros. Waste Systems as they discuss the unique collaboration they have forged to help those with autism become productive and valuable members of the workforce.