Sustainable Long Island held the Eighth Annual Sustainability Conference on Friday, April 4, 2014 focusing on the theme "Accomplish More Together." The conference was highlighted by keynote speaker Jon Kaiman, Special Advisor on Superstorm Sandy Relief and Chairman of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority and by a special presentation of the "Getting It Done" lifetime achievement award to Amy Hagedorn, local philanthropist and Sustainable Long Island founder.
Bringing together Long Island's top executives and decision makers in the business, government, and nonprofit world, the event kicked off with an informative morning plenary, questioning how we can move projects forward cooperatively, regardless of potential obstacles we as a region, or individuals, face.
Learning from our panelists' examples, the plenary touched upon a variety of topics, including Wyandanch Rising, Transit Oriented Development, minimum wage increases, immigration reform, collaboration opportunities, and different community engagement initiatives.
As the morning plenary concluded, attendees made their way to one of the four interactive workshops taking place during the day.
The Economic Growth and Development Workshop discussed how businesses have successfully navigated hurdles for development or expansion. "Our businesses can't thrive without sufficient housing and access to public transportation," said Andrea Lohneiss of Empire State Development.
The Healthy Environment, Healthy Communities Workshop addressed environmental justice issues that affect towns and villages throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The Seeking Equity Workshop detailed successful ways to promote equality. The Food Access and Availability Workshop highlighted food efforts that have flourished Island-wide. "What makes us so diverse is that we grow everything on Long Island. We raise animals, we have nurseries, orchids, etc." said Iman Marghoob, Community Gardens Coordinator at the Stony Brook School of Medicine.
Following the workshops, attendees enjoyed a delicious "Sustainable Samplings" Luncheon as local restaurants presented their favorite signature dishes for all to enjoy.
Soon after, the keynote address began with Jon Kaiman, Special Advisor on Superstorm Sandy Relief, providing an impassioned speech about accomplishing more by working together. He mentioned planning processes in Port Washington and New Cassel where he worked side-by-side with Sustainable Long Island at his previous post as Town of North Hempstead Supervisor, while also highlighting the current New York Rising Community Reconstruction Program - where Sustainable Long Island has worked from the bottom-up alongside the State to provide additional recovery assistance to communities negatively impacted by recent storms.
The 4th Annual "Getting It Done" Awards concluded the day's events as Sustainable Long Island presented founder Amy Hagedorn with a lifetime achievement award. New York State Senator Jack Martins had the honor of introducing Amy, touching on her work at Sustainable Long Island, the Hagedorn Foundation, and giving insight into Amy as a person.
"Amy Hagedorn represents that all-too-rare combination of thinker, doer, and leader. Combine that with her passion, love, and genuine care for people from all different walks of life, and you'll understand why we are gathered here this afternoon," said Senator Martins. "Today we not only celebrate Amy... we celebrate everything Amy stands for: the synergy of Long Islanders, the value of generosity, the embodiment of social justice, and a spirit filled with enthusiasm, emotion, dedication, and commitment."
The honoring of Amy Hagedorn was the perfect ending to a tremendously successful conference. We hope everyone in attendance came away with the hope and inspiration that we can and will accomplish more by working together in a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable way!
