More than 200 members of the Long Island business community gathered to recognize recipients of the Spirit of Long Island Awards held on Sept. 30 at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.
To begin the festivities, keynote speaker Nassau District Attorney Kathleen M. Rice discussed myriad challenges that Long Island faces and the associated programs created to help combat these issues. She added that the sense of community and unique spirit of Long Islanders is seen regularly in our schools, businesses and the hard work of the non-profit sector.
Long Island Association President Matthew T. Crosson and Promote Long Island President Brian R. McCaffrey presented the 16th annual Spirit awards to citizens that promote public awareness and appreciation of Long Island.
Recipients included: Lifetime Achievement Award - Ed Travaglianti, TD Bank; Education Award - Gary Bixhorn, Eastern Suffolk BOCES; Social & Community Issues - Suzy Sonenberg, L.I. Community Foundation; Environmental Award - Michael Deering, Long Island Power Authority (LIPA); Regional Identification - Ernie Fazio, Long Island Metro Business Action (LIMBA).
