Suffolk County IDA Finishes Year of Robust Economic Growth - IDA Posted Year of Significant Job Creation, Retention and Local Investment

SUFFOLK COUNTY EXECUTIVE

Press Release

June 27, 2013

Suffolk County IDA Finishes Year of Robust Economic Growth

IDA Posted Year of Significant Job Creation, Retention and Local Investment
Hauppauge, N.Y (June 27, 2013) – Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone congratulated the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) on the striking success the agency achieved in past year. In the last 12 months under the agency's new leadership it granted approval to twenty nine new projects that will allow Long Island to retain 4,467 jobs and create 1,965 new jobs. These jobs translated into an additional $80 million in new payroll dollars and $342 million in local capital investment. The IDAs success has led to an increase in projected agency revenue of over 100 percent above last year.

“With the IDA’s help we will ensure job opportunities in important fields for a new generation of Long Islanders,” said Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone. “The IDA has facilitated job creation in a series of fast growth fields including bio-tech, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and software development.”

Fourteen projects have been closed between the second half of 2012 and the first half of 2013. This is a stark contrast with the completion of a combined five total projects in 2010 and 2011.

The IDA’s successes came on the heels of a revamp of the agency’s branding and more proactive policies that included greater business community outreach and an increase in marketing efforts.

A snap shot of selected projects include approvals for the growing nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries, working with manufacturers to close plants in Georgia, North Carolina and India to bring their production and jobs back to Suffolk County.

Through their outreach the IDA was able to form a strategic alliance between themselves and local trade groups to bolster the IDA’s profile. Among these strategic partners was the Hauppauge Industrial Association, which covers the second largest industrial park in the nation.

“It is my goal to create a positive business environment for companies within the County,” said IDA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Manetta. “We are proud of our accomplishments, but we are always looking to the future. The IDA has more initiatives planned for the upcoming year that will continue to make us one of the most innovative economic development agencies in the State."

The IDA has aggressively joined the effort of building the region's innovation based economy. Through a groundbreaking "Start-Up Connect" event the agency brought venture capitalists, early stage companies and resource partners to the Paramount in Huntington with 300 people attending. The agency will continue to focus on the ‘Boost Program,’ a unique approach to job creation in which tax incentives are given to start ups and early stage companies to help them grow into the large  employers of the future. A sampling of Boost companies includes Greenstone Tires, Vitamix Laboratories and Work Market. These Boost companies will account for dozens of STEM related job opportunities in the future.

Deputy County Executive and Commissioner of Suffolk County Economic Development and Planning Joanne Minieri added, "The IDA has been a tremendous leader working with our local companies to retain and grow our workforce in a smart efficient manner. Constantly going up against out of state agencies and governors is not easy, but the IDA is proving they’re up to the task".

After Hurricane Sandy the IDA helped dozens of small businesses through its emergency sales tax relief program notably in the communities of Babylon, Islip and Fire Island which were areas that were severely impacted.

Fire Island business owner Scott Hirsch and member of ReViveFI said, "After Sandy the IDA was instrumental in being there for small businesses that were deeply affected by Hurricane Sandy. Their sales tax relief program made it more cost effective for local businesses to rebuild. We can't thank the Suffolk IDA enough for all their help."

Deputy Presiding Officer and the Chairman of the Legislature's Economic Development Committee Wayne Horsley said, "The IDA is making incredibly positive strides in branding our County as a place where companies want to continue to call home. I want to personally congratulate their ingenuity and commitment to fostering positive economic development in the County."

The Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) is a public benefit corporation of the State of New York. The purpose of the agency is to promote economic development within Suffolk County. The Suffolk County IDA works in synergy with Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone and Deputy County Executive and Commissioner of Suffolk County Economic Development and Planning Joanne Minieri to foster positive economic development within the County. For more information regarding the Suffolk County IDA log on to:  www.suffolkida.org. 

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Anthony Manetta Boost Program Article, Steve Bellone on "Vitamix Labs eyes larger site in Commack"

Vitamix Labs eyes larger site in Commack

Originally published: May 30, 2013 6:52 PM
Updated: May 30, 2013 7:48 PM
By JAMES T. MADORE

A manufacturer of nutritional supplements plans to more than triple the size of its office and factory this summer to accommodate higher sales, officials said Thursday.

Vitamix Laboratories expects to move into 23,175 square feet of rented space at 69 Mall Dr. in Commack. It now occupies two suites, totaling 7,200 square feet, at 141 Central Ave. in Farmingdale. The $250,000 project will add 20 jobs over two years to the company's workforce of 11.

Vitamix is the latest vitamin or nutritional supplement business onLong Island to announce plans for more workers, equipment and production. In the past few years, NBTY, Bio-Botanica and others have received governmental aid to expand here, instead of elsewhere.

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Experts said the industry is one of the bright spots in manufacturing, which has declined precipitously since 1990. "This is the type of industry that we want to grow in Suffolk County," said Anthony Manetta, executive director of the county's industrial development agency.

The IDA last week agreed to provide Vitamix with a $67,091 reduction in property taxes over five years and a $7,892 sales-tax exemption on the purchase of equipment and materials.

Company founder Michael W. Koschitz said Thursday the larger quarters would facilitate production of its new line of meal replacement and energy drinks, called Beverage Booster. Vitamix also will continue to turn out supplements for other companies.

"We've outgrown our space and need to move," said Koschitz, who started Vitamix three years ago after working for another industry player on Long Island. "The help from Suffolk County will make it easier to get financing," he said. "We're already in the process of hiring three more people."

Employees, on average, earn $38,182 per year, records show.

Vitamix was eligible for tax breaks under the IDA's Boost program, which targets small businesses in high-growth industries, such as biosciences, pharmaceuticals, green technology and information technology.

http://www.newsday.com/classifieds/jobs/vitamix-labs-eyes-larger-site-in-commack-1.5373552

Suffolk Offers Sandy Tax Relief

The Industrial Development Agency is also pushing a program designed to get small businesses rolling again.

By David Reich-Hale (Editor), November 15, 2012 at 09:20 pm

 

 

 

Suffolk County has rolled out an emergency sales tax relief program in the wake of Sandy that it said would ease the costs of reconstructing the county's small businesses.

The program provides relief from state and local sales tax on building materials such as windows, sheet rock, flooring and electrical as well as on equipment a business needs to replace items damaged by the storm.

In a statement, County Executive Steve Bellone said "this program will provide immediate relief for our businesses to rebuild."

The Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency has also streamlined its programs to help get businesses back to normal as quickly as possible, said Anthony Manetta, the IDA's executive director.

The new IDA program will provide sales tax relief for purchase of building materials and for the repurchase of equipment of up to $100,000 in purchase costs. There will be 200 businesses eligible for the program. A business must have 50 or fewer full-time employees to participate.

Also, if a small business owner takes advantage of the IDA's relief program, the agency will facilitate discussions between them and the Town they operate in.
"Partnering with the Towns gives an added level of support to the local business owners in need of help," Manetta stated. "They could have a question on permitting, or where to access certain Town specific forms."

Small business owners who have had their place of business damaged by Sandy should fill out a relief form at www.SuffolkIDA.org. Questions should be directed to 631-853-4802.

http://deerpark-northbabylon.patch.com/groups/business-news/p/suffolk-offers-sandy-tax-relief

County Executive Steve Bellone, Anthony Manetta Suffolk IDA, Announce New Pharmaceutical Project, 100 New Jobs

Pharmaceutical R&D Leader to Build Suffolk Manufacturing / Presence with IDA Backing

With FDA Approval of One New Generic Drug and 23 New Drug Applications Pending, ScieGen Ramping Up

Bellone: "IDA Approves Fourth Pharmaceutical Firm in Less Than a Year; a Promising Sign of Industry Growth"

(Hauppauge, NY - April 4, 2013) - In a decision that will help an emerging pharmaceutical research and development leader expand in Suffolk, the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) approved a cost-saving incentive package for ScieGen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Bactolac Pharmaceuticals. The company, which specializes in development of low-cost generic prescription drugs, has had one drug approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and has an additional 23 applications pending. Anticipating that the FDA may approve several drugs before year-end, ScieGen is ramping up to begin manufacturing operations here in Suffolk County.

"The company will be purchasing a 79,000 square foot building in Hauppauge for $6.3 million and investing $1.5 million in renovations and another $1.75 million in equipment," said IDA Executive Director Anthony Manetta. "Jobs will run the gamut from entry level maintenance staff to supervisors in research and development, chemists and other STEM-related positions. With a plan to hire 100 new employees at average salaries of $37,000 per year, ScieGen's expanded business will add more than $3.5 million in payroll dollars to the local economy."

According to Manetta, the IDA has backed the company with an incentive package that includes a 50% property tax abatement over 10 years totalling $496,573, sales tax exemptions of $86,251, and $42,000 mortgage recording tax savings on a $4 million mortgage, for total projected savings of $624,824 over a 10-year period.

Currently, ScieGen operates a 28,000 square foot R&D facility with 55 employees. "ScieGen is the fourth pharmaceutical company to receive Suffolk IDA benefits in less than a year, which suggests an industry sector is emerging. With numerous other states' pitching incentives for relocating, ScieGen had entertained the possibility of moving their manufacturing operation off Long Island," said County Executive Steven Bellone. "However, Suffolk has three things ScieGen values: synergy within the local industry, a quality workforce, and the Suffolk County IDA, which continues to create a pro-business environment to create jobs." In addition to ScieGen, three pharmaceutical companies have received IDA benefits in recent months: A&Z Pharmaceuticals, LNK International, and Bio-Botanica.

"The assistance and support of the Suffolk County IDA will help catapult ScieGen into the competitive arena delivering high quality, low-cost generic prescription pharmaceuticals to the marketplace, "said ScieGen Chief Financial Officer Renee Reynolds.

In addition, the Suffolk County Department of Labor Business Services Unit will be working with ScieGen to assist with the company's hiring needs. According to Manetta, the Empire State Development Corp is also working with ScieGen through the Exelsior Jobs Program.

http://www.suffolkida.org/post/pharmaceutical-r-d-leader-to-build-suffolk/

Committee to oversee Melville development - Town Board Appoints

Committee to oversee Melville development

Thursday February 14, 2013 3:51 PM By Deborah S. Morris

Photo credit: Alexi Knock | The Town of Huntington is in Suffolk County and is made up of 19 villages and hamlets including Huntington Station. (June 29, 2011)

         

The Huntington Town Board has established a committee to oversee the next steps in development for Melville. The Melville Plan Advisory Committee will select a project consultant to prepare a Melville integrated land use, circulation and infrastructure plan, and oversee the development of the plan. The board approved the committee at a meeting last week by a vote of 5-0.
“It’s an outgrowth of our plans to look at various aspects of development in Melville,” said town board member Mark Cuthbertson, sponsor of the resolution. “It’s made up of stakeholders in the community who will look at traffic and development with the consultant to see what’s right for the area.”

In September 2012, the board voted to establish a capital project account to fund preparation of a Melville employment center, an integrated land use plan, and a circulation and infrastructure plan as recommended by the town’s Comprehensive Plan Update, Horizons 2020. That account is being funded by $200,000 provided by Canon USA, which is building its North American headquarters on the Long Island Expressway South Service Road in Melville.

Appointed to the committee were David Pennetta, Oxford and Simpson Realty; Mark Hamer, Harvest Real Estate Services; James T. Coschignano, Melville Fire District; Michael DeLuise, Melville Chamber of Commerce; Alissa Sue Taff, Sweet Hollow Civic Association; Mitchell Pally, MTA; Frank Pusinelli, RXR Realty; Geoffrey Rick, New York State Department of Transportation; Michael Pascucci, WLNY-TV; Paul Tonna, Energia Partnership; Seymour Liebman, Canon USA, and Anthony Manetta, Suffolk County IDA.

http://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/long-island-now-1.1732330/committee-to-oversee-melville-development-1.4649231

Anthony Manetta, Terri Alessi Micelli, IDA/HIA Tradeshow "Innovation"....

Suffolk County IDA to Sponsor HIA-LI 25th Annual Trade Show and Conference; Introduces Innovation Pavilion

HAUPPAUGE, NY, March 06, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- In a move designed to promote its economic development mission in Suffolk County, the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) led by executive director Anthony Manetta, has announced its major sponsorship of the HIA-LI 25th Annual Trade Show and Conference. The Suffolk County IDA will exhibit on the show floor in the newly-created, Innovation Pavilion where it will showcase the resources the organization provides and highlight some of the entrepreneurial companies the organization has helped with its services. HIA-LI, the recognized voice for business on Long Island, in partnership with Suffolk County Community College (SCCC), will host an expected crowd of thousands of attendees and hundreds of exhibitors during Long Island's largest business-to-business conference on Thursday, May 23, 2013 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Suffolk County Community College Sports & Exhibition Complex, Brentwood Campus. Attendees may avoid a $10 walk-in fee by pre-registering at http://hia-li.org/calendarDetails.cfm?eventID=1747. Prospective exhibitors and sponsors can learn more about the show at http://hia-li.org/tradeshow2013/.

"The Suffolk County IDA's participation will focus a spotlight on the information, imagination and innovation of Long Island entrepreneurs," said Terri Alessi-Miceli, President of HIA-LI. "We applaud Anthony Manetta and his team for the strategic leadership, resources and benefits they offer companies looking to launch or remain on Long Island."

During the trade show and conference, Suffolk County IDA will showcase its solutions to retain and grow local companies, including:
- Expand or renovate their current operations
- Purchase or build a new or additional location
- Move out of county locations to Suffolk County

At its booth, the Suffolk County IDA will provide information about its "Boost" program for companies in information technology, life and bio sciences, green technology and energy. The Boost program is specifically designed to serve Suffolk's growth companies. When a company is moving from a smaller space to a larger one, purchasing new equipment, and/or making renovations, the IDA can provide benefits to make it more cost effective.

"Suffolk County IDA is proud to sponsor and exhibit during this year's HIA-LI trade show. Both the IDA and HIA-LI are focused on ways to develop and strengthen regional businesses. The trade show is a great way to leverage that synergy to promote growth," said Manetta.

About the Suffolk County IDA
The Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) is a public benefit corporation of the State of New York. The purpose of the agency is to promote economic development within Suffolk County. The operations of the agency are not supported by taxpayer funds, rather fees generated by the applicants. The Suffolk County IDA works in synergy with Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone and Economic Development Commissioner Joanne Minieri to foster positive economic development within the County. More information is available at http://www.suffolkida.org/

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.

Bellone Applauds the Progress of the Suffolk County IDA “IDA Making Positive Strides for the Local Economy”

Bellone Applauds the Progress of the Suffolk County IDA “IDA Making Positive Strides for the Local Economy”

Six Months of Progress with New Tax Incentive Policy and Leadership More than 5,000 Jobs Retained; Close to 1,000 New Jobs Added

 

Hauppauge, NY- February 6, 2013) – “The new Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) leadership team led by Executive Director Anthony Manetta has been remarkably proactive, creating new strategic partnerships, aggressive incentives, innovative retention programs, and attention-grabbing marketing initiatives,” said County Executive Steven Bellone.  
Despite a rough economy and a fiscal crisis in County government during 2012, IDA initiatives and retention programs added nearly 1,000 new jobs to Suffolk’s economy and has retained more than 5,000 jobs.  “New jobs alone represent more than $40 million in additional payroll dollars, which is a significant shot in the arm to the county’s economy,” said Bellone.  “Clearly, the synergy between the IDA and the County’s Department of Economic Development and Planning, led by Deputy County Executive and Commissioner Joanne Minieri, is getting results.” Commissioner Minieri was appointed to the IDA board in 2012. 

A rundown of IDA policy and marketing initiatives, strategic partnerships and outreached programs includes:

·         Tax Incentive Policy – In June 2012, the IDA passed a new Uniform Tax Exempt Policy (UTEP), which provides greater incentives to retain and grow Suffolk County’s workforce.

·         Job Retention and Growth – The IDA has provided initial inducements for 20 projects. The total jobs retained through these projects are 5,472 with 933 new jobs to be added to the workforce. The jobs created are projected to produce $40 million in new payroll dollars. New companies working with the IDA include:

·         A&Z Pharmaceuticals
·         Bio-Botanica
·         Broadridge Financial
·         Caro Properties (Arrow Security)
·         D’Addario
·         DRI Relays
·         Elizabeth Dow Ltd
·         Fuoco Technology
·         GSE Dynamics
·         Jobin Organization
·         Kedrion Melville
·         LNK International
·         Long Island Industrial Real Estate Group
·         Long Island Tech Mall
·         Peconic Bay Medical Center
·         Select Product Holdings
·         Suffolk Recovery Corp
·         VLI North America
·         Wilshire Properties
·         Work Market

·         BOOST Program – In a move designed to support small business and specific growth sectors of Suffolk’s economy, the IDA created the BOOST Program, which gives qualifying companies a competitive edge to further expand their roots in Suffolk. Companies in this program see a more flexible lease term requirements, aggressive tax incentives and significantly reduced fees. Since it was launched, the IDA has extended the program to four emerging hi-tech companies, and has been widely applauded by the Long Island Association, LISTnet, the Long Island High Tech Incubator and local venture capitalists.  Companies to receive BOOST benefits include: Work Market, VLI North America, The LI Tech Mall and Fuoco Tecnology. 

·         Partnership - There is a renewed sense of partnership and collaboration between the IDA and the County’s Department of Economic Development and Planning.  In an effort to further the administration’s economic development goals, Deputy County Executive, Commissioner of Economic Development and Planning Joanne Minieri and IDA Executive Director Anthony Manetta have made job growth their shared priority.  In addition, the IDA, Economic Development and Suffolk Department of Labor Business Services Division have teamed up to cross promote services, for example, working together at job fairs and trade shows.

·         Marketing – In line with Manetta’s aggressive outreach strategy, the IDA rebranded itself with a new logo and tagline, new collateral marketing materials, and the agency’s first Web presence, a user-friendly site integrated with the IDA’s social media.

·         Super Storm Sandy – In the aftermath of the most devastating storm to hit the Northeast in a generation, the IDA launched and is continuing to manage a program for small businesses affected by Super Storm Sandy.  Companies with 50 or less employees working in Suffolk can receive sales tax relief on building materials and new equipment for up to $100,000 in purchase costs. To date, the IDA has granted approval for 41 companies with 60 who are submitting final applications in the pipeline.

·         Hauppauge Industrial Association / Suffolk IDA Alliance – The Hauppauge Industrial Park is one of the largest business parks in the Country and a major economic producer within Suffolk County. Working more closely together than ever before, the HIA and IDA formed an alliance in 2012 that will continue throughout 2013. The mutual goal is to create awareness amongst those in the Park on the IDA’s incentives to have them continue to retain and grow their workforce locally.

·         Strategic Outreach – Another first, the IDA held a successful business development and networking event at the Melville Marriot that drew nearly 200 attendees from across the business community. Outreach has been a key component to highlighting the new aggressive policies of the IDA where numerous awareness meetings with commercial brokers, business bankers, accountants and lawyers have taken place. Additionally speaking engagements have been prevalent including the Melville Chamber of Commerce, Hauppauge Industrial Association, NYS Society of CPA’s, Vision Long Island, Islip Foreign Trade Zone, the Fair Media Council and the HIA-IDA CEO Roundtable.

“Engaging influential segments of the business community, including commercial brokers, business bankers, attorneys, accountants, and business leaders, has been a key part of the IDA’s new approach,” said Manetta. “Everything we’ve done – initiating the BOOST program to help innovative start-ups get a toehold in Suffolk, reaching out to small business in the aftermath of Sandy, and getting the word out through special events and a fresh approach to marketing – has come together to reap tremendous results.”

“The goals of the Department of Economic Development and Planning and the IDA are the same – to grow and retain jobs, and reinvigorate Suffolk’s economy,” said Commissioner Minieri.  “Working together, we’ve kept companies from leaving Long Island, helped others to grow locally and others to expand to international markets while continuing to add jobs in Suffolk. UTEP, Boost and other IDA incentives are important tools to effectuate this level of success.”

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Suffolk IDA ROCKED the Paramount in Huntington with "Start-Up Connect"

The Suffolk County IDA's "Start-Up Connect" event was a tremendous success! We had close to 300 entrepreneurs, resource partners, investors, IDA companies and officials in attendance.  This groundbreaking event brought exciting attention to our dynamic start-up community.

Thank you to our guest speakers and partners including County Executive Steve Bellone, Huntington Councilman Mark Cuthbertson, Paul Tonna, David Calone, Mark Fasciano, Rich Foster, Peter Goldsmith, Mark Lesko and Jeff Leventhal. A special thanks to Deputy County Executive Joanne Minieri, Labor Commissioner Sam Chu, Scott Martella and Legislators Wayne Horsley and Kara Hahn. 

Thank you!
Anthony Manetta

County Executive Steve Bellone, Anthony Manetta, Legislators Wayne Horsley, Kara Hahn, Councilman Mark Cuthbertson and Venture Capitalists Dave Calone, Mark Fasciano, Rich Foster and Mark Lesko

'Tides Are Changing' for LI-Based Tech Startups

Venture capitalist Dave Calone says he sees a bright future for startups in Huntington.

Venture capitalist David Calone was among the speakers addressing a crowd of over 200 Long Island start ups and investors at the Paramount Wednesday. The event was sponsored by the Suffolk Industrial Development Agency and County Executive Steve Bellone.

Calone, whose newest venture Accelerate Long Island invests in technology coming out of Brookhaven and Stony Brook, said the tide is changing for emerging technologies in Long Island. He sees a bright future for the area's "innovation market."

"Every big company started as a small company," he said. "What we need on Long Island are more small companies. That's our goal to create a dozen new companies on LI so that they grow to be the biggest employers in this region and country."

See the attached video for his full speech.

Rich Foster of Launch Pad and LI Angels Network, Marc Lesko of Accelerate Long Island, Mark Fasciano of Canrock Ventures, and Peter Goldsmith of LISTnet also spoke at the event.

The meetup was the first of its kind organized by new Suffolk IDA Executive Director Anthony Manetta. 

"Supporting startups in Suffolk County is very important to the economic growth of our County," said Manetta. "Having this event here in Huntington village at the Paramount certainly showcases the vibrant downtowns that startup and early stage companies are looking for."

Suffolk Executive Steve Bellone called the Paramount representative of what is needed to create of growing economy.

"This downtown is a model for what we need to do everywhere [in Suffolk County]," he said. "...We need to once again become a place where businesses want to be."

Eric Alexander of Vision Long Island in Northport said the meetup represents a fresh and dynamic new approach from the Suffolk IDA.

"You're bringing economic development on the governmental to connect it to a local downtown, bringing entrepreneurs that want to be in a downtown to connect with each other, and bringing investments to local businesses which will grow the economy," he said. "On top of that, you're really strengthening a downtown area."

Local tech all-stars CooCoo and WorkMarket, both based out of Huntington, received several shout outs for their efforts to make Huntington's downtown an epicenter of tech start ups on Long Island.

Among the other start ups present at the event were Premiere Solar Solutions of East Northport, Lookout Learning of Glen Cove, Vascular Simulations of Stonybrook, and Liquid Text.

Resource agencies in attendance included the LI Forum for Technology, the LI Development Corporation, LISTnet, Fair Media Council, and the Small Business Development Center at Stony Brook University. Government agencies present included theEmpire State Development Corporation, Suffolk Department of Labor, NY Power Authority, LIPA, National Grid, and the Small Business Agency.

http://northport.patch.com/groups/editors-picks/p/tides-are-changing-for-li-based-tech-startups

Pronto of Long Island Community Day - 2012

Pronto of Long Island Celebrated its Annual Community Day event. 

Pictured are New York State Senators Phil Boyle, Lee Zeldin, Anthony Manetta, Mary Garote and Pronto Volunteers.

Pronto Long Island's Third Annual Community Day, A Great Success!

Over 1,000 residents enjoyed warm weather, learned about Pronto's services and connected with dozens of vendors and local community groups.

On October 20, 2012 Pronto had its third annual Community Day. This year the organization added a large "outdoor yard sale" that sold items from their thrift store. The event created awareness for Pronto's services while raising needed funds for the organization.

Many volunteers came out to help make the day a success. Pronto thanks them, along with Senator Lee Zeldin, Legislator Ricardo Montano and Assemblyman Phil Boyle who stopped by to offer their well wishes. We also want to thank Islip Supervisor Tom Croci for lending on site support. The residents who stopped by were greeted with music, food, and giveaways.

Pronto's Board President Belinda Alvarez Groneman said, "This year's event went really well and exceeded our expectations. Putting our resident's needs first is our priority, and giving them a day to enjoy and learn about Pronto is important to us."

Pronto of Long Island is a Community Outreach Center serving Long Islanders in need for 42 years. They have a Food Pantry, Thrift Center and Warehouse and offer a host of free bilingual programs, seminars and services to the public. Their classes include English as a Second Language, English Conversation, Citizenship classes, a GED and Workforce program, Computer classes, a Shots for Tots free immunization program and much more. In addition, Pronto offers advocacy and referrals to anyone in need. Pronto has remained true to their mission of feeding the hungry, clothing the needy, welcoming the stranger and providing healing and hope to the less fortunate.

Non Profit Board Appointment - United Way of Long Island

LI People on the Move, Jan. 14, 2013

BOARDS & ASSOCIATIONS

The United Way of Long Island has elected three new members to its board of directors. Robert DeMarinis, of Northport, is vice president of operations and construction for gas distribution atNational Grid in Hicksville. Anthony Manetta, of Babylon, is chief executive and executive director of the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency in Hauppauge. John Pham, of Fort Salonga, is the regional vice president of GEICO in Woodbury.

http://www.newsday.com/classifieds/jobs/li-people-on-the-move-jan-14-2013-1.4441170

Non Profit Board Appointment - Pronto of Long Island

Babylon Resident Named Board Member at Non-For-Profit

Anthony Manetta was named a member of the Board of Directors for Pronto of Long Island.

Anthony Manetta, a Babylon Village resident, was recently named a member of the Board of Directors for Pronto of Long Island, a non-for-profit in Bay Shore.

"We at Pronto are very excited about Anthony coming on as a [board member]," Pronto President Belinda Alvarez Groneman.

Anthony Manetta is the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency. He started his career as an entrepreneur where he led a successful corporate advisory and public affairs firm, including starting the website LIPolitics.com.

Prior to joining the IDA he worked in finance as an executive at a boutique corporate turnaround firm. Manetta holds a BBA in Accounting and an MBA in Corporate Finance. He currently resides in Babylon Village with his wife and two children.

http://babylonvillage.patch.com/groups/business-news/p/babylon-resident-named-board-member-at-non-for-profit