Thursday, April 18, 2024

Hilton Garden Inn

1100 South Avenue • Staten Island, NY 10314

This event is free and open to the public.

Staten Island’s largest business conference will feature a full day of high-profile addresses, educational and interactive sessions, a 100+ vendor expo, the “20 under 40” Leadership Awards, and premier networking opportunities.

9:00 a.m. Nicotra’s Ballroom

Elevate your company’s brand presence, showcase your products and services to nearly 2000 attendees, and network with industry professionals from the tristate area as a vendor at the Business Conference.
Contact lisa@siedc.org to reserve your organization’s vending spot today.

Vending Exposition

Ticketed event

9:00 a.m. Trevi Tent

The SIEDC Business Conference launches this year with a new format. Join us for the Kick Off Breakfast, featuring a more interactive networking setting that allows attendees to start their day off by mixing and mingling with new potential business connections.

Ticket for non-SIEDC member costs $50.00. Purchase here.

Tickets for SIEDC members are free.

Kick Off Breakfast

*$20 per ticket is tax deductible

9:30 a.m. Cherry Blossom/ Willow Suite

Experts from the Small Business Development Center host an annual session focused on how to maximize profitability and the success of your business.

Hosted by Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Women in Business

10:15 a.m. Tea House

It's not health or financial crises — it's a leadership crisis. Join Chad L. Reyes for a transformative session on leadership that unveils the blueprint from his recently released book Awaken Your Potential and unlock the greatness within yourself and your organization. You'll discover innovative strategies to nurture your growth mindset, build resilient teams, and lead with authenticity and impact.

Hosted by Lions Pride Leadership

Awaken Your Potential

Co-Founder

Chad Reyes

Lions Pride Leadership

Chad L. Reyes is a purpose-driven entrepreneur, coach, global speaker, author, and multiplier of leaders. Since 2003, he has worked with CEOs, entrepreneurs, business leaders, highly successful families, and the next generation of leaders to reach their full potential.

His journey from declaring chapter 7 bankruptcy at twenty-one years old to influencing highly successful leaders all started with a vision for how he and his wife, Danielle, would one day ignite positive change in the world. Dedicating their lives to that vision, they have pioneered three organizations focused on developing leaders.

10:30 a.m. Cherry Blossom/ Willow Suite

Navigating Change: The Evolving Role of Nonprofits on Staten Island’s Economic Landscape

As Staten Island’s landscape continues to evolve — new leaders step in, scopes of work shift, and fresh focuses emerge — the whole concept of nonprofits is getting a serious makeover. This session is a friendly guide, helping everyone navigate through these changes.

Hosted by Nonprofit Staten Island

Ticketed event

11:15 a.m. Tea House

Each year, this session features women in business who share their inspirational journeys to the top of their field, how they got there, and where they’re going.

Guest Speakers:

Women’s Symposium

Jasmine Ray

NYC Mayor's Office of Sports, Wellness and Recreation

Director

Jasmine Ray is an entrepreneur, former recording artist, renowned public speaker, dedicated public servant, and avid athlete.

As founder of Wallball World LLC and the CEO of The U.S. Wallball Association Inc., Jasmine—inspired by the tragic death of her little brother, Jonathan Robert Ray, in 2009—has worked tirelessly to motivate young people in underserved communities to stay in school, embrace healthy lifestyles, and pursue alternatives to drug use and violent behavior. Or, as Jasmine puts it, “to hit a ball against the wall instead of hitting each other.”

The roots of Jasmine’s dedication to public service and her skills as a public speaker run deep: Her great-grandfather, Dr. Sandy F. Ray—whom Martin Luther King, Jr. once called one of the strongest orators in the African American church—presided over New York’s Empire Missionary Baptist Convention and was the first Black representative elected to the Ohio State Legislature.

As the Director for The Mayor’s Office of Sports, Wellness and Recreation, the Senior Advisor to the Board of Cornerstone Daycare (in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn) and an Executive Board Member of the Black and Minority Chamber of Commerce, Jasmine proudly carries on the family legacy; she’s been recognized as one of Brooklyn’s Top Women in Business, one of El Diario’s Most Influential Latinas in New York City, NY1 News’ New Yorker of the Week, and a CNN Woman of the Week.

Her beloved little brother would be proud. Jasmine makes her home in New York City.

Jillian Jorgensen

Education Reporter

Jillian Jorgensen is an Emmy-nominated education reporter at Spectrum News NY1. A graduate of New York City public schools and a native of Staten Island, Jillian first got her chance to grill elected officials about the school system when she was a senior at Staten Island Tech. Mayor Michael Bloomberg visited to hold a press conference announcing that the school would become a specialized high school, and Jillian asked whether that would favor good test-takers.

After graduating from Boston University, Jillian went on to ask New York City mayors hundreds more questions, covering City Hall for the Staten Island Advance, the New York Observer, and as the City Hall Bureau Chief for the New York Daily News. She’s a past president of The Inner Circle, a century-old organization of political journalists.

During her time at NY1, Jillian has covered topics like the closure and rocky reopening of the nation’s largest school district during the pandemic, the system’s failure to adequately serve children with disabilities, how schools are serving recently arrived asylum seekers, and the debate over admissions to specialized high schools. In 2022, she was nominated for an Emmy Award in the category of “journalistic enterprise” for her coverage of the city’s public schools.

NY1

11:30 a.m. Cherry Blossom/ Willow Suite

We live in a time of remarkable workplace transformation. An aging population of baby boomers, “quiet quitting,” the introduction of ChatGPT, and demands for hybrid work environments all fuel the critical need to cultivate stronger workplace culture. Hear from a seasoned people management leader about how you can use employee wellbeing strategies to attract and retain the best talent.

Guest Speaker:

Tackling Workplace Trends with Wellbeing

Andi Campbell

President

WellSpark Health

Andi Campbell is a progressive executive who drives results through people. As President of WellSpark Health, she is responsible for developing and delivering holistic, total person well-being programs to thousands of employees across the U.S.

Andi is an experienced senior HR leader. She functioned as SVP, Head of People + Culture for LAZ Parking, one of the largest parking companies in the world. You will find accolades for Andi’s people strategy work in CLO, ELearning, Parking and TD Magazine.

She was recognized by Training Magazine on their “Top Young Trainers” list and as a “Game Changer” by Workforce Magazine. You can hear Andi’s passion for people in her TEDx Hartford and DisruptHR talks. Honorably recognized as the Women in Parking Impact Award winner in 2020, Andi is also a Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP), Certified Yoga Teacher (200-hour), Black Belt in Tang Soo Do, Certified Intuitive Coach, and an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. She has an MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and a BA in English.

Keynote Lunch

12:00 p.m. Trevi Tent

The SIEDC Keynote Lunch, which featured New York State Governor Kathy Hochul in 2023, will once again offer attendees the chance to learn more about topics that impact the local economy. The Keynote Speaker will be announced shortly.

Ticket for non-SIEDC member costs $75.00. Purchase here.

Tickets for SIEDC members are free.

*$35 per ticket is tax deductible

1:45 p.m. Cherry Blossom/ Willow Suite

Expanding Revenue Streams for Your Business

Join former NYC Department of Small Business Services commissioner and current host of 1010 WINS "The Bottom Line for Small Business" Rob Walsh to explore added revenue sources for your firm to create new opportunities for growth, help reduce financial risk, and attract new customers.

Hosted by 1010 Wins

2:30 p.m. Tea House

2024 “20 Under 40” Leadership Awards Ceremony

Every year the SIEDC recognizes 20 rising stars under the age of 40 making their mark on Staten Island's economy and quality of life. Recipients represent all business sectors ranging from non-profit to small and medium businesses as well as corporate and government.

View this year’s honorees below.

Ticketed event

3:45 p.m. Above

Closing Cocktail Reception

The day comes to a close with the famous Business Conference Cocktail Reception, where you can relax and reflect on the opportunities and connections you've made throughout the day.

Ticket for non-SIEDC member costs $175.00. Purchase here.

Tickets for SIEDC members are free.

Purchase all three event tickets for a Special Price package of $275.00.

*$50 per ticket is tax deductible

Purchase ticket(s)

The business conference will proudly honor this year's winners of the SIEDC "20 Under 40" leadership awards in a ceremony recognizing young professionals making outstanding contributions to the borough. The nominees represent every walk of life and come from businesses of all types.

Congratulations to this year’s winners!

Nadia Adam

EcoWind Solutions

Early in Nadia Adam’s career she was an advocate for preventative care through her work with the charity Harbor Light, highlighting her passion for health and well-being and setting the stage for her future endeavors. Her interest in marketing later led her to become the President of the Staten Island Industrial Alliance, where she plays a crucial role in ensuring that small industrial businesses receive the education and resources needed to thrive. Nadia is the founder of EcoWind Solutions, a start-up in the green technology and renewable energy sector and she was named one of the top 10 female leaders recognized by WomELLE Magazine. She is dedicated to breaking barriers for minority women and paving the way for future generations.

Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health

Dr. Giovanni Bonomo, MD

Giovanni Bonomo, MD, is the director of colorectal surgery at Staten Island University Hospital and the only board-certified colorectal surgeon on Staten Island. A native Staten Islander, Dr. Bonomo has always felt a fondness for his community and a strong desire to give back. His goal is to provide the most advanced and highly effective treatments available today, so patients can get the best care, right where they live. More than 90% of Dr. Bonomo's cases are performed with minimally invasive techniques, which result in reduced pain and scarring, and offer quicker recovery than traditional open surgery. Under his leadership, SIUH developed the Advanced Colorectal Care Pathway - a unique program that ensures streamlined coordination at every touchpoint of care. This allows patients to focus exclusively on getting well, so they can return to their normal lives as quickly and safely as possible.

Makeup on Wheels Foundation

Stephanie Debes

Stephanie Debes is a graduate of St. John’s University with a BA in Hospitality Management & Event Planning; Make-Up Designory as a certified beauty & special effects makeup artist, and Christine Valmy as a NYS Licensed Esthetician. Despite her education and specialization in the beauty ﬁeld, potential employers could not see past her disability. As a result, The Makeup on Wheels Foundation was established with the goal of raising awareness that people with disabilities can be capable, productive members of society when given the opportunity to succeed. To date, she has helped over 130 individuals and continues to host “days of beauty” for those living with cerebral palsy like herself. Stephanie is a true advocate leading the charge on inclusivity with positivity, openness, and a sense of humor.

Julia Rose Denmark

Tekie Geek

Julia Rose Denmark is a 24-year-old with a strong dedication to her friends, family, and community. She studied fashion marketing at the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising in New York City. Now the Marketing Coordinator at Tekie Geek, Julia loves expressing herself with creative ideas and enjoys the chance to expand her knowledge and imagination every day. She is a strong advocate for believing in oneself.

Office of NYC Councilmember David Carr

Giuseppe Deserio

Giuseppe Deserio is a native Staten Islander who graduated from St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School and earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Government and Politics from St. John’s University. Giuseppe has dedicated his entire career to serving the public. He began as Joseph Borelli’s Deputy Chief of Staff in the New York State Assembly where he helped constituents in need of assistance. Next, he served under Congressman Dan Donovan where he also helped local residents navigate the federal bureaucracy, and then rose through the ranks to become District Director, which made him a focal point in the office’s community and intergovernmental operations. Since 2022, Giuseppe has been Chief of Staff to Councilman David M. Carr where he supervises the Councilman’s team and handles all policy efforts and communications.

Nicole DeStefano

Wagner College

Since earning her BS in Advertising and Marketing Communications from the Fashion Institute of Technology, Nicole has grown her career at the SIEDC, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and On Your Mark. In these roles Nicole collaborated with leadership teams, boards, private donors, and elected officials to generate millions in sponsorships, grants, and discretionary funding. An accomplished event planner, she has also led large-scale conferences, charity walks, expos, and galas. Nicole currently serves as the Director of Development & External Relations at Wagner College, where her priorities include working with campus and community partners to expand the college's footprint throughout the borough and City, steering government and community relations, and leading key fundraising initiatives.

NYC Department of Sanitation

Nicole Doz-Pillarella

Nicole Doz-Pillarella is a graduate of Brooklyn College and currently holds the rank of Supervisor in the NYC Department of Sanitation. Nicole is a volunteer, writer, and pageant competitor having served as Miss Staten Island and recently Mrs. Richmond County International. She is a long-time member and volunteer with the Natural Resources Protective Association having participated in over 100 beach and park cleanups. You can also find her volunteering with NYCH20, the Westerleigh Parks Coalition and Riverkeeper. Nicole has been featured on The Drew Barrymore Show, Inside Edition and Project Runway discussing her unconventional career working for the Sanitation Department. As a public speaker, she shares her story of shattering glass ceilings with students and women empowerment groups.

Madison Gattullo

Madison Gattullo is a 23-year-old singer, creator, performer, and playwright. She is the Box Office Manager & Arts in Education Coordinator at the St. George Theatre. She graduated magna cum laude from SUNY New Paltz with a BA in Theatre Performance and a minor in Law & Politics. She has appeared on motion picture soundtracks, voice overs, and commercials. Madison was also the 2023 Miss Richmond County, representing Staten Island on a local level within the Miss America Opportunity centered on raising awareness for her initiative of advocating for inclusive and accessible arts. She is in the process of founding the Vincent N. Gattullo Legacy Foundation in honor of her grandfather, and is an active board member of the NYC Digital Media Center.

St. George Theatre

Michael A. Lanza

Colonial Funeral Home

Michael A. Lanza is a lifelong Staten Islander and a graduate of Monsignor Farrell and Stevens Institute of Technology where he received a Master’s Degree in Finance. Michael also graduated from the American Academy of McCalister Institute of Funeral Service and is a licensed funeral director working as the 5th generation of the Lanza family at Colonial Funeral Home. He volunteers his time and donates to numerous causes such as the Grace Foundation and also supports the NYPD 122 Precinct Council, the Knights of Columbus, and St. Charles Church where he teaches CCD to young students.

Andrew Lenning

Comserv Connect

Andrew Lenning began his career at Scaran in 2004 as a 4th generation family employee where he brought his unique perspective and skill set to the company helping them adopt and leverage the latest in technology. After a successful tenure there, he began a full-time role with Comserv Connect where he now helps provide best-in-class IT, phone and managed Services. He has been a key figure in rolling out new technology to many of Staten Island's most established institutions such as the Staten Island Museum, Staten Island Zoo, Staten Island FerryHawks, A Very Special Place and many more.

Port Richmond High School/WABC Radio

Vincent Medugno

Vincent “Vinnie” Medugno is teacher, singer, radio host, and Staten Island native. A proud alum of Port Richmond High School, he now works as a teacher at his alma mater making a difference in the lives of young adults within the community. Performing since the age of 8, Vinnie can be seen on stage at various festivals, charity events, and concerts opening for some of the biggest names in the solid gold oldies and Rock n’ Roll genres. He’s worked as a private and club DJ, has recorded three singles including a hit on the Billboard Underground Dance Music Chart and has released a Christmas compilation, “Mr. Christmas,” to celebrate his longstanding engagement in the annual St. George Theatre Christmas Show. He has also had success in the radio market working at WCBSFM 101.1, and currently on the iconic 77WABC Radio, preserving oldies music and celebrating the timeless genre.

Richmond University Medical Center

Humroy Mendez

Humroy Mendez is AVP of Clinical Informatics, Population Health & ACO for the Richmond Health Network. He has helped increase the public’s access to healthcare by expanding the Richmond Health Network. The network consists of primary care offices, OBGYN, ENT, endocrinology and many other specialty sites as well as the urology services center and Bariatric and Metabolic Institute. Thanks to Humroy, the network, which launched in 2019, has grown to over 20 sites across Staten Island and employs over 100 medical professionals and support staff.

Frank Morano

WABC Radio

Frank Morano is Staten Island’s favorite son and brings the wisdom of a common-sense New Yorker, coupled with an encyclopedic knowledge of local politics to the microphone each week on WABC Radio to offer listeners a refreshing perspective on the news of the day. Morano is also a longtime observer of the criminal justice system and spends a great deal of time covering, analyzing, and explaining some of the most controversial cases in the news - in a way that’s easy for people to understand. He also has a singular wit and a dry sense of humor, which leads listeners to wonder whether he was being sarcastic or not, hours after his show ends. His show also features celebrity interviews, in-depth discussions of pop culture, and humorous stories from his personal life, translated into parables, in the tradition of Jean Shepherd.

Joseph Pidoriano

Joseph Pidoriano started his business in 2017 at the age of 19 when he was a sophomore at Pace University. He was a business major, but he’d always had a talent for creativity. The integration of creativity and a business mindset led him to opening 123 Publish Inc. Within 7 years, Joseph built his company up to be a well-respected marketing company in New York City and beyond working with clients one-on-one across a wide variety of industries especially the restaurant, retail, and recreation industries. In 2020, he graduated from Pace University with his Bachelor’s in Public Accounting and he has continuously been building his business since then.

123 Publish Inc.

Danielle Jeanne Raleigh

Egger’s Ice Cream Parlor

Egger’s Ice Cream Parlor has proudly served Staten Island since 1932. Nearly 82 years later West Brighton native Danielle Raleigh took ownership of the shop, equipped with fresh ideas and an enthusiastic attitude to bring Egger’s into the future. Since 2014, Egger’s has expanded to include several additional locations and stays on-trend with the latest designs, flavor combinations, and ice cream to accommodate those with unique dietary restrictions, all the while employing dozens of Islanders. During the COVID pandemic, Danielle was the lifesaver to many families who couldn't celebrate special occasions when she began offering outdoor balloon set ups for those seeking to mark milestones during the challenging times. Most recently, Egger’s has added ice cream catering to their growing list of services in an effort to keep things fun and fresh, and as always, to remain a scoop above the rest.

Michael Sanicola

Michael Sanicola, a lifelong Staten Islander, graduated from Monsignor Farrell High School before going on to attend Baruch College and CSI to study Economics. Michael started his career at Global Container Terminals followed by a stint at CSX before moving on to the Amazon JFK 8 facility on Staten Island in 2017. He is currently Amazon’s Senior Operations Manager and has been a vital connection between the community and the largest new business Staten Island has seen in many years. His communication skills have been a tremendous resource to the local business community, including SIEDC and the West Shore Business Improvement District where the new facility is located.

Amazon

Eddie Scalzo

Country Donuts

Eddie Scalzo, owner of Country Donuts, is an active member of Staten Island's business community. As a dedicated board member of the Emergency Children's Health Organization (ECHO), Eddie exemplifies his commitment to societal well-being. His support extends to several key organizations, including the Verrazano Kiwanis Club, Michael's Cause, Cops Care for Kids, College of Staten Island (CSI), St. John’s University, and the Girl Scouts of America. These collaborations underscore his dedication to fostering community growth and support. By integrating traditional business models with modern entrepreneurial practices, Eddie has skillfully expanded the Country Donuts business demonstrating a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and social responsibility.

Office of NYS Assemblymember Charles Fall

Fitim Shabani

Fitim Shabani is a dedicated public servant and the current Chief of Staff to New York State Assembly Assistant Majority Leader Charles D. Fall, representing New York's 61st District. Shabani's tenure has been distinguished by a deep-seated commitment to improving public policy, financial oversight, land use planning, and creating strong government-community relations. In addition to his governmental duties, Shabani is deeply committed to environmental and community development as the Executive Director of the Silver Lake Park Conservancy. In this capacity, he collaborates with the New York City Parks Department and community stakeholders to enhance the park's beauty and utility, thereby enriching the local quality of life.

Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden

Meredith Sladek

Meredith Sladek is a versatile communications professional, with specializations in the arts and sustainable communities. As the Marketing & Communications Manager at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, she has revolutionized data management and digital communications for the benefit of her organization resulting in exponential growth in Snug Harbor’s audience and reach. As a content creator skilled in both written and visual communication, she has overseen major site wide signage design and installation projects, both wayfinding and interpretive. Meredith holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Theatre from Truman State University. When not at work, she is an avid actor in the Staten Island community and enjoys sewing and gardening.

Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health

Luigi Tirro

Luigi Tirro is currently acting as a Director of Corporate Facilities Services; Facilities Development & Capital Projects at the Northwell Health System. He is responsible for facilitating, directing, and orchestrating the coordination of the design and construction initiatives for capital growth and infrastructure projects for the Staten Island University Hospital and Ambulatory portfolios. Luigi received his Bachelor of Science in Business & Construction Management at Drexel University and holds a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from New York University SPS Schack Institute of Real Estate. He is a Certified Healthcare Constructor with the American Hospital Association. He is also a licensed NYS Real Estate Salesperson and Realtor.