Long Island Association Celebrates 100 Years of Business Leadership at historical Centennial Celebration

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LONG ISLAND ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF BUSINESS LEADERSHIP AT HISTORIC CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

Region’s Business and Civic Leaders Gather to Celebrate a Century of Economic Growth and Honor Lawrence J. Waldman, Robert B. Catell, and Kevin S. Law

WOODBURY, NY (November 5, 2026) – A century of leadership, innovation, and economic progress took center stage Wednesday evening as the Long Island Association (LIA), the region’s leading nonprofit and nonpartisan business organization, celebrated its 100th anniversary with a milestone Centennial Celebration at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. The event marked the culmination of a yearlong series of initiatives and events celebrating the LIA's history, achievements, and lasting impact on Long Island.

The evening’s festivities brought together hundreds of Long Island business and community leaders to celebrate the organization's legacy of helping transform Long Island into one of the nation's most significant regional economies, while looking ahead to the opportunities and challenges that will shape the next century.

"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, Acting President and CEO of the LIA. "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. As we embark on the important work for the next 100 years, the LIA remains committed to ensuring Long Island is a place where businesses can thrive, families can prosper, and future generations can build successful lives and careers."

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Centennial Honor for Distinguished Leadership to three influential business and civic leaders whose contributions have helped advance the region's economic success including Lawrence J. Waldman, Chairman of the Long Island Association Board of Directors, Robert B. Catell, Stony Brook University Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center Chair, LIA Board Member and Kevin S. Law, Tritec Development Group Principal and Empire State Development Chair, former LIA President & CEO.  

 “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,”  said Lawrence J. Waldman, Chairman of the Long Island Association Board of Directors. “What made the evening especially meaningful was the opportunity to celebrate alongside so many individuals whose leadership, vision, and commitment have helped shape Long Island into the thriving business region it is today. 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 LIA also recognized longtime members through its Centennial Dedication Award and celebrated the business community's commitment to philanthropy and giving back through the Harry Chapin Award for Community Service, presented to the Harry Chapin Foundation, based in Huntington. 

Founded in 1926 as the Long Island Chamber of Commerce, the LIA was established to promote Long Island as a destination for business investment, expansion, and opportunity. Over the decades, the organization has played an instrumental role in advancing major infrastructure projects, championing policies that attract employers and investment, and advocating for the needs of businesses throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.

From Long Island's early days as a growing suburban destination to its emergence as a hub for aerospace, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, life sciences, technology, and education, the LIA has remained a leading voice for regional economic growth.

This celebration also highlighted the organization's forward-looking mission, including its ongoing advocacy for increased housing opportunities, a skilled and competitive workforce, reliable and affordable energy, and investments that will keep Long Island an attractive place to live, work, and do business.

For more information about the LIA's Centennial and its 100-year history, visit www.longislandassociation.org/lia100.

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About the Long Island Association
The Long Island Association (LIA) is celebrating its Centennial in 2026, and 100 years of advocating for the region’s business community and economic growth as a non-partisan, non-profit organization. The LIA’s regional leadership has played a direct role in shepherding progress by urging for government policies and securing funding that created jobs for people who sought the suburban way of life. The LIA is the voice for businesses in Nassau and Suffolk Counties and has introduced unparalleled opportunities for businesses to network and build relationships to accelerate their growth. For more information, visit longislandassociation.org.