HIA-LI Says Make a New Year's Resolution to Join a B2B Association in 2014

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., Dec. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Why is it that some executives wait until a downturn, or worse, a layoff, before they begin networking and building their social media business profiles? "Savvy business owners, managers and executives know they must always be networking to survive and thrive in business," says Terri Alessi-Miceli, president of HIA-LI, the recognized voice for business on Long Island, and one of the region's most prominent B2B organizations. Alessi-Miceli recommends that, in addition to online profile building, executives make it a priority to join a local business-to-business (B2B) or industry association and begin networking in person to better solidify their standing among their peers. She encourages Long Island business owners, managers and executives to consider HIA-LI as a "must join" association for regional business. The association, which recently celebrated its 35th year serving the Long Island region, is offering a $25 savings and a membership list (valued at $100) to existing and new business leaders who renew or join HIA-LI before December 31, 2013. More information is available at: http://www.hia-li.org/join_hia.cfm

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"Here on Long Island, we have a number of excellent choices for business owners and managers, including HIA-LI and regional chapters of national business and industry organizations," says Alessi-Miceli. "We encourage business leaders to join these groups and do more than simply attend events, they should become active in working committees and really look to network and introduce themselves to other members."

Benefits of B2B Association Membership
Beyond the act of simple connecting, B2B organizations like HIA-LI provide business services and benefits that business owners, managers and executives may not otherwise be able to locate. These organizations provide a forum for business leaders to network, problem solve and obtain advice on critical issues facing their businesses. Among the benefits offered by many B2B associations and organizations are industry committee membership for peer-to-peer networking, educational programs, career resources, research capabilities, mentoring opportunities, business advisory services and networking events.

And many organizations provide education, information and advocacy for initiatives that impact their region or industry. The HIA-LI, for example, focuses on eight specific B2B initiatives that benefit the Long Island business community:

1. Manufacturing Revitalization Initiative: Helping to promote manufacturing innovation on Long Island and creating opportunities for a skilled workforce.
2. Workforce Development Initiative: Developing opportunities to attract, train and retain employees for Long Island businesses.
3. Healthcare Initiative: Working with a cross section of industry and government leaders to explore existing and emerging strategies for containing healthcare costs.
4. Infrastructure Initiative: Developing and supporting the infrastructure of the Hauppauge Industrial Park to promote the continued growth of business in the Park.
5. Business Development Initiative: Creating an environment for continued business success.
6. Clean Tech & Renewable Energy Initiative: Promoting energy awareness and efficiency to Long Island businesses, using the Hauppauge Industrial Park as a pilot site.
7. Virtual HIA-LI Initiative: Enabling our current and future members to connect, collaborate and communicate online, via the HIA-LI.org website and portal.
8. Organization Growth Initiative: Building and growing the organization for continued success.

"HIA-LI welcomes returning and new members alike as we plan new initiatives and activities for the Long Island B2B community," says Alessi-Miceli.

More information is available at: http://www.hia-li.org/join_hia.cfm

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. For more information, visit http://www.HIA-LI.org or call 631-543-5355.

HIA-LI CONTACT:
Terri Alessi-Miceli, 631-543-5355, [email protected]

MEDIA CONTACT:
Monique Merhige, Communication Strategy Group for HIA-LI, 866-997-2424, [email protected]

SOURCE HIA-LI