Suffolk County Legislature recognizes small businesses at General Meeting
Small businesses from across Suffolk County were recognized for their critical role as the backbone of the local economy. Each of the 18 members of the Suffolk County Legislature introduced an honoree from their district at Oct. 1’s General Meeting of the Legislature in the Rose Caracappa Auditorium of the William H. Rogers Legislative Building in Hauppauge.
With this ceremony, the lawmakers honored individual businesses – with fewer than 25 employees—and noted the unique contributions to the community that these businesses and their owners make every day. The businesses — ranging from restaurants, including pizzerias and delis, to insurance agencies, to local newspapers and salons – were each chosen for their standing within their community and were often cited for their civic and charitable endeavors.
“Our small businesses deserve to be recognized for their part in making Suffolk a thriving and desirable place to live,” said Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey. “From my district, I am pleased to be able to honor Peter Buccino, the proud owner of Viking Solutions in Lindenhurst since 2015. He started with the company, then named Cardwell Condenser Corporation, just a week after graduating from Copiague High School in 1979. Peter then worked his way up the ladder all the way to taking ownership in 2015.”
“Peter is an active member of the business community locally and across the county. He is the First Vice President of the Copiague Chamber of Commerce, an Executive Board Member of the Lindenhurst Chamber, and a member of the North Babylon and Montauk Chambers. Peter Buccino’s smiling face can be seen at many events in the district. He is a truly a small business success and embodies the spirit of this award,” said McCaffrey.
Across the United States, small businesses employ nearly half the American workforce, representing 43.5% of America’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the US Chamber of Commerce. Suffolk County itself is home to many thousands of small businesses. As a partial measure of the number and variety of small businesses, the Suffolk County Department Labor, Licensing, and Consumer Affairs notes that there are over 15,800 active licenses and registrations for businesses. The wide range of businesses encompasses, for example, appliance repair, painters, electricians, plumbers, sign hangers, precious metal dealers, dry cleaners, and more.
HONOREES by LD:
LD Legislator Small Business Honoree Business Location
1. Catherine Stark — Wendy’s Deli in Mattituck
2. Ann Welker West— Robins Oysters in Southampton
3. Jim Mazzarella — TJs Hero Shop in Mastic Beach
4. Nick Caracappa — Team Rita (Tsoukaris) in Centereach
5. Steve Englebright— Bagel Express in Setauket
6. Chad Lennon — Personal Fitness in Rocky Point
7. Dominick Thorne — Greg Mehrhoff State Farm Agency in Bellport
8. Anthony Piccirillo — Joe’s Pizza and Pasta in Holbrook
9. Sam Gonzalez— Gala Foods in Brentwood
10. Trish Bergin — Bellina’s Pizza & Restaurant in East Islip
11. Steve Flotteron — Our Little Italy in West Islip
12. Leslie Kennedy — Maureen’s Kitchen in Smithtown
13. Rob Trotta — The Smithtown News in Smithtown
14. Kevin McCaffrey, PO — Viking Solutions in Lindenhurst
15. Jason Richberg — Valde Ice Cream in Wyandanch
16. Rebecca Sanin — Zaro’s Café in Huntington Station
17. Tom Donnelly — Soto Appearance Enhancement Salon in Deer Park
18. Stephanie Bontempi — Twisted Cow Distillery in East Northport