Regional Development and Clean Technology Take Center Stage at HIA-LI 23rd Annual Business Trade Show & Conference

    HAUPPAUGE, NY, May 04, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Experts agree that the future of the Long Island economy will depend on innovation and leadership. And nowhere will that be more evident than during two special panel discussions to be held during the HIA-LI 23rd Annual Business Trade Show and Conference. The event, hosted by HIA-LI, the recognized voice for business on Long Island, in partnership with the Long Island Forum for Technology (LIFT) and Suffolk County Community College, will be held on Thursday, May 26 from 9 AM to 4 PM, at the Suffolk County Community College 60,000 square foot Sports & Exhibition Complex, Brentwood Campus. More information for sponsors, exhibitors and attendees is available at http://hia-li.org/tradeshow2011/.

"The HIA-LI 23rd Annual Trade Show and Conference is once again an important forum for discussion on economic, business and workforce development," said HIA-LI President Terri Alessi-Miceli. "Our Mission continues to be the education of Long Island business in the areas of innovative methods and best practices now and in the future. The regional development and Clean Tech programs are great examples of that."

Regional Development Panel - 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
"Regional Development Projects for the Emerging Market: New Towns, Downtowns and Transit-Oriented Development" will be held from 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM in the seminar rooms off the main exhibition hall. Moderated by Eric Alexander, Executive Director of Vision Long Island, a Smart Growth planning organization, the panel discussion will bring together leaders in Long Island economic development sector to discuss strategies and current construction projects - from small-scale to large-scale - designed to take Long Island into the future.

Panelists include Richard M. Bivone, Long Island Business Council; Larry Gargano, Greenview Properties; Yves Michel, Suffolk County Economic Development and Workforce Housing; Maria Rigopoulos, Mill Creek Residential Trust, LLC; and David Wolkoff, Heartland.

"This panel will engage attendees with real-world challenges they have faced and accomplishments they have achieved," said Alexander. "We have a dynamic line-up: Richard Bivone has his finger on the pulse of small business needs and the assessment for a number of projects in Nassau County; Larry Gargano has built award-winning developments like Chelsea Place in Bayshore and Providence on the Park in Islip Terrace; Yves Michel is able to speak to the economic development landscape in Suffolk County; Maria Rigopoulos is a national developer and well-known for her work in transit-oriented development; and David Wolkoff is working on a new town center, Heartland, in Brentwood that will have a major impact for our region"

"There are many challenges for developers and communities to balance projects for continued economic development," said Bivone. "It is important that everyone work towards that common goal to achieve positive growth on Long Island."

Wolkoff said he is focused on the regional significance of smart growth development, most importantly the project he and his family have planned for the old Pilgrim State hospital site.

"The impact of this project will bring much needed rental housing stock as well as an exciting, walkable downtown lifestyle that will begin to ensure our young professionals stop leaving Long Island," said Wolkoff.

Business of Clean Tech Executive Panel - 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Steve Bellone, Babylon Town Supervisor, will kick-off this panel with a keynote address detailing the success of Babylon's nationally-recognized, innovative clean energy programs and initiatives.

"The secret to the success of our Clean Energy program in Babylon is the support of a world class team," said Supervisor Bellone. "Our programs and team are the foundation for continued innovation, collaboration and growth for this important economic sector for Suffolk County and New York State."

Immediately following his keynote, David Winchester, Chief Learning Officer of CleanTech Rocks, a Clean Technology and Energy resource center for business, will moderate a panel discussion on "The Business of Clean Tech." A distinguished panel of New York State energy leaders will discuss how organizations will continue to benefit by collaborating, innovating and working together to accelerate the growth of Clean Technology companies leading to the development of a strong and world-class clean energy innovation hub.

Panelists include Robert Catell, Chairman of the Advanced Energy Center and Chairman of the New York State Smart Grid Consortium; Francis J. Murray, President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority; Richard M. Kessel, President and Chief Executive Officer of the New York Power Authority; Dorian Dale, Town of Babylon Energy Director & Sustainability Officer.

Conference Information
Companies are invited to participate and their executives are encouraged to attend the HIA-LI Trade Show and Conference. Tickets are also available for attendance at the Executive Breakfast and Executive Luncheon. Those who wish to attend the trade show can avoid a walk-in fee by pre-registering at http://hia-li.org/tradeshow2011/.

About HIA-LI
HIA-LI helps Long Island businesses prosper. For over 30 years, we have been the recognized voice for business on Long Island and a powerful force and economic engine for regional development. We provide a forum for business leaders to network, problem solve and obtain advice on critical issues facing their businesses. Our member companies represent tens of thousands of business professionals. We're headquartered in and support one of the largest industrial parks in the United States. HIA-LI programs and events promote strategic partnerships, targeted networking, and information sharing and business advocacy. Members benefit from our committees, educational programs, career resources, research capabilities, mentoring opportunities and business advisory services. For more information, visit http://www.hia-li.org or call 631-543-5355.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Arthur Germain, Communication Strategy Group, 631-239-6335, [email protected]

TRADE SHOW CONTACTS:
Terri Alessi-Miceli, HIA-LI, 631-543-5355, [email protected]

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