HIA Trade Show Success - SuffolkJournal.com

Innovation Reigns at Trade Show
by Jane Lee Bock

May 3, 2002
(click on photos for more views of the trade show)

Although it already has a reputation for being innovative, exciting, and productive for both exhibitors and guests alike, the Hauppauge Industrial Association (HIA) tries to make its annual trade shows better and better each year. They generally succeed and this year that philosophy has resulted in an event so unique that visitors were stunned by all it offered.

"There has never been anything like this on Long Island," said Norman Weingart, president of HIA. "This expo and conference is unprecedented in our business community."

Building on the success of last year's expo, the HIA added even more to its agenda this year. Topping the bill was a presentation by the world-renowned Disney Institute entitled Managing for Creativity - Disney Style, and an appearance by Wally Amos, previously known as Famous Amos, who last year established a bakery in Brookhaven, choosing Long Island as home for his newest venture.

More than 300 local firms exhibited including manufacturers, environmental organizations, energy suppliers, service and technology providers, professionals, restaurateurs, employment agencies, media organizations and more. And because of some special features of the show, such as the "Inventors Showcase," some exhibitors came from as far away as upstate New York to participate.

A full day's worth of conferences delivered information and assistance to local business owners, the likes of which have never been gathered into one place in the history of Long Island commerce. Only recently did the 60,000 square feet of exhibit space become available when Suffolk County Community College constructed its conference center at its Brentwood campus.

The conferences that added depth and body to the event addressed such issues as training of employees, innovative team building concepts, igniting power and productivity in the sales and marketing process, how to sell to government, creating powerful presentations, enhancing networking skills and building brand identification.

In addition there were four Centers of Innovation, each dealing with very specific issues. The Economic Development Center explored targeted, creative, economic development programs. The Professional Development Center demonstrated innovative training technologies, techniques and tactics to maximize employee potential and increase return on investment. Technology Transfer looked at the region's world class research institutions and how their discoveries can be transferred into cutting-edge products. Best Practices targeted manufacturers and distributors and provided expert advice on information sharing and technologies, customer and partner relationships, enhancing production capabilities, warehousing, distribution and transportation.

The Hauppauge Industrial Association is a 1000-member grass roots action-oriented business organization whose mission is to help companies thrive on Long Island and help their employees be successful at their jobs.

"This is the kind of in-depth opportunity Long Islanders have needed for a long time," said David Winchester, chairman of the committee responsible for the design and implementation of the event. "It's what the members said they wanted and they made it happen."

click here to see more pictures from the Trade Show

The Town of Huntington was awarded the United States Tennis Association' s (Eastern Long Island Region) Member Organization Award in great part because of the work of two town employees who were honored recently. Jack Fass, a 17 year employee, Recreation Supervisor in the Parks and Recreation Department, oversees all of the Town's athletic programs. Dick Cole, has worked for the Town for 25 years and presently works part-time as it's Tennis Coordinator.