Business Briefs, March 6

King Kullen and Wild By Nature Raise $16,000 for Long Island Cares/Harry Chapin Food Bank

King Kullen and Wild by Nature recently hosted their annual in-store “Check Out Hunger” campaign, raising $16,000 for the Long Island Cares/Harry Chapin Food Bank, which has served Long Island’s food insecure population since 1980.

Tracey Cullen, King Kullen vice president of corporate strategy and initiatives and the great-granddaughter of King Kullen founder Michael Cullen, noted in a press release that King Kullen and its customers have a long history of supporting Long Island Cares.

“Since 1997, the ‘Check Out Hunger’ campaign has helped Long Island Cares advance its mission to provide food where and when it’s needed,” said Cullen, who serves on the Long Island Cares Board of Directors. “As always, we thank our customers for contributing to ‘Check Out Hunger’ and our food drives, which also benefit Long Island Cares. The fight against hunger is an important priority at both King Kullen and Wild by Nature.”

King Kullen was the first supermarket chain to participate in the annual “Check Out Hunger” campaign, a partnership between Long Island Cares and the shopping community. One hundred percent of all donations go to Long Island Cares.

“For close to 30 years, King Kullen and Wild by Nature have made a significant difference in the fight against hunger,” said Long Island Cares/Harry Chapin Food Bank Chief Executive Officer Paule T. Pachter. “Their customers continue to generously support our mission and we are forever grateful for their support all these years.”

Optimum Business and the LIA Foundation Announce the Relaunch of the LOCAL Small Business Grants

Optimum Business and the LIA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Long Island Association (LIA), have announced the relaunch of the LOCAL Small Business Grants, which will directly fund 40 small businesses in communities across Nassau and Suffolk counties. Applicants can receive up to $30,000 for their business, with the program distributing $5,000 grants to each selected business recipient, as well as two $25,000 grants to one recipient in Nassau County and one in Suffolk County to contribute to the prosperity of the communities where they serve.

Additionally, the LIA will offer a six-month and one-year complimentary membership to the LIA, respectively, for program applicants and grant recipients who are new to the LIA to further promote their development and help them build their networks.

To date, Optimum Business and the LIA Foundation have awarded $250,000 in grants to 50 small businesses on Long Island to support their growth and help the region thrive. The LOCAL Small Business Grants are made possible by its founding partner, Optimum Business, and the LIA is continuing to partner with the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce to expand outreach to the region’s community businesses.

“Optimum Business is thrilled to continue our partnership with the LIA Foundation to support the vibrant small business community on Long Island. By providing these grants once again, we are not just investing in individual businesses, but in the economic health and future prosperity of our entire region,” said Andrew Rainone, senior vice president of national sales at Optimum. “Our commitment to the small business community goes beyond financial support; Optimum Business is dedicated to fostering an environment where these businesses can thrive and providing connectivity services and resources to succeed in today’s digital world.”

“The LIA is extraordinarily proud to partner once again with Optimum Business, the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce to stimulate economic growth across Long Island,” said Matt Cohen, president and CEO of the Long Island Association. “Small businesses fuel our region’s vibrancy, and the goals of LOCAL Small Business Grants program are to empower entrepreneurs, create jobs, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents on Long Island.”

For more on the grants, including submission requirements, official program rules, and how to submit, visit longislandassociation.org/foundation.

Peconic Landing Named No. 1 in Wellness in North America

Peconic Landing has achieved the No. 1 ranking in senior living communities for wellness across North America by the International Council on Active Aging NuStep Beacon and Pinnacle Awards. The Beacon Award highlights the top 25 senior living communities that demonstrate excellence in fostering a culture of wellness. Among these, Peconic Landing was celebrated as a Pinnacle Award winner, securing its place as the No. 1 community for wellness in North America.

ICAA is a professional association leading the active-aging industry, supporting professionals who develop wellness-centered cultures for older adults. Through education, resources, and advocacy, the ICAA promotes active aging — an approach empowering older adults to live as fully as possible across all wellness dimensions. The ICAA NuStep Beacon and Pinnacle Awards, established in 2019, recognize organizations that set the standard for wellness through innovative programs, staffing, environments, and philosophies that enhance the quality of life for older adults and team members alike.

Local and state officials joined Peconic Landing to celebrate on February 21, including State Senator Anthony Palumbo, State Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni, Southold Town Supervisor Albert J. Krupski Jr., Greenport Village Mayor Kevin Stuessi, and Executive Vice President for Stony Brook Medicine, Dr. William A. Wertheim.

Peconic Landing’s wellness culture is guided by its Successful Living approach, inspired by blue zone philosophies and tailored to meet the unique needs of its members. The community’s dedicated lifestyle coordinator, Chrissy Viola, is a certified holistic health coach who engages with members from the moment they join, tracking their wellness journey through personalized assessments and annual progress updates.

“This achievement underscores the incredible power of a community coming together to prioritize health and well-being,” added Greg Garrett, Peconic Landing’s chief operating officer and facilitator of the community’s Successful Living Committee. “It inspires us to continue innovating and ensuring that everyone in our community thrives in every aspect of life. I am deeply grateful for the dedication and passion of our members and team members, whose efforts have made this recognition possible.”

New Additions at EXIT Realty

Local EXIT Realty affiliated offices have announced additions to their staff of real estate professionals.

Asani Walford has joined EXIT Realty Liberty, located at 40 Peconic Ave in Riverhead.

Starisha Simpson and Dalia Krolewicz have joined EXIT Realty Everyday, located at 53 Hill Street in Southampton.