As president and CEO, Terri Alessi-Miceli leads the activities and initiatives for HIA-LI, one of the recognized voices for Long Island business and a powerful force and economic engine for regional development.
Its member companies represent tens of thousands of business professionals. For nearly 45 years, the organization has provided a forum for business leaders to problem-solve, collaborate, and obtain advice on critical issues facing their businesses.
The organization is headquartered in, and advocates for, one of the largest industrial parks in the northeast, with over 55,000 employees and 1,300 companies giving back over 13 billion in economic output.
Through a sustainability study performed by the Suffolk IDA and the RPA, the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge represents 58% of tradeable sectors on Long Island, infusing dollars into the local economy, deeming it a major economic hub.
Under Alessi-Miceli’s leadership, HIA-LI is playing a vital role in combatting Long Island issues with transportation, workforce development, and affordable living in the Innovation Park.
HIA-LI initiatives promote strategic partnerships, information sharing, and business advocacy. It has active committees that provide business programs and services to help its members thrive.
HIA-LI also hosts the Annual Business Trade Show and Conference, which sets records for business participation and is a major economic engine on Long Island.
Alessi-Miceli had previously served as managing director of Dale Carnegie Training for more than 18 years where she was responsible for the profitability and productivity of the instructional and sales teams for Long Island and New York at this premiere corporate education organization.
Alessi-Miceli is a current board member of Discover LI, the region’s official organization representing tourism, and is also a former board member of the Long Island Regional Planning Council, the New York League of Conservation Voters, and the Suffolk County Girl Scout Council.
In 2006, she was honored with the Harry Chapin Humanitarian award for HIA-LI’s work with Long Island Cares as the second largest contributor to their annual food drive as well as her personal work with the Dress for Success program, training women in interviewing skills and boosting their self-confidence.
She was twice honored as one of Long Island Business News’ (LIBN) Top 50 Women Professionals on Long Island, earning her a spot in the Hall of Fame. Alessi-Miceli has been a recipient of LIBN’s Top CEO Award. Schneps Media – publishers of the Long Island Press – named her one of Long Island’s “Top Power Women” as well as to its “Long Island Power List.”
Alessi-Miceli’s community involvement has included a commitment as a religion schoolteacher and working with the Big Brother/Big Sister organization.
How do you see your business evolving due to changing times?
Virtual communication tools have increased significantly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The trend towards remote work and virtual meetings has been gaining momentum in recent years, and the pandemic has only accelerated this shift.
I believe we will continue to explore and adopt new technologies that facilitate virtual communication and collaboration, such as video conferencing, collaboration platforms, and project management tools.
They can increase productivity, save time and money, and allow for greater flexibility in how work is done. Overall, businesses that are able to adapt quickly to these changing times and leverage new technologies to their advantage will be the ones that thrive in the post-COVID world.
What advice would you give other business owners?
In today’s rapidly changing business environment, collaboration has become more important than ever before.
With virtual work becoming increasingly common, it’s crucial for businesses to find ways to work together effectively and efficiently. Companies and organizations that prioritize collaboration will be better equipped to adapt to changing market conditions and seize new opportunities.
Collaborative efforts can lead to increased creativity, improved problem-solving, and better decision-making.
By working together, teams can leverage each other’s strengths, share knowledge and expertise, and drive innovation. Moreover, having a five-year plan can provide a roadmap for future collaboration efforts and guide the organization toward achieving its long-term goals.