Top area businesses and their leaders were recognized at the Long Island Association’s (LIA) 2025 Evening of Honors event. The celebration, held at the Heritage Club at Bethpage on May 21, was attended by about 400 members of Long Island’s business community.
The LIA, a nonprofit and nonpartisan business association that works to advance the interests of local employers, has held the event annually since 2022.
“The 2025 honorees are a representation of the wide-ranging nature of Long Island’s business sector,” said Larry Waldman, chair of the LIA board of directors. “Their innovation, vision, and leadership have contributed to our unparalleled quality of life on Long Island.”
The LIA’s most prestigious award, the Medal of Honor, was given to Webster Bank’s Long Island team for their success in partnering with local businesses to help them grow. Ed Blaskey, the bank’s executive managing director and LIA board member, accepted the accolade.
The Albertson-based Viscardi Center, a nonprofit that educates and employs children, adults, and veterans with disabilities, was honored with the Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award for Community Service. Jason Chapin, the son of the late singer-songwriter, presented the honor.
The LIA’s Keys to the Island Award, given to someone not born on the island who has contributed significantly to its business growth, went to Mike Narula, an LIA board member and the founder and CEO of Orbic. His company recently broke ground on a $110 million manufacturing hub in Hauppauge that is expected to bring more than 1,000 new tech and skilled manufacturing jobs to the region.
“I’m deeply honored to receive the Key to the Island,” Narula said. “It’s a humbling recognition that reflects the dedication of our entire team and the strength of our partnership with the Long Island community.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award was posthumously given to Charles Dolan, the media magnate who founded Cablevision and HBO. His son, Pat Dolan, was on hand to receive the honor.
“Charles Dolan was a true force of nature in the business world who changed the media industry forever,” he said. “My family and I are grateful to the LIA for calling attention to his lifetime of achievement.”
