Stony Brook University, the economic engine of Long Island, offers many ways for businesses to improve their bottom line. On March 9, 2017, University staff held a presentation at the Stony Brook University Business Incubator at Calverton and Agriculture Consumer Science Center (ACSC) in partnership with the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce entitled “Grow Your Business with Stony Brook University.” A panel of campus experts shared information with chamber members and Incubator tenants for tapping University resources to potentially increase profits, raise awareness, and take their business to the next level.
More than 70 people crowded the multipurpose room at the SBU Business Incubator at Calverton and ACSC, and nearly 30 more watched online as the program was live streamed by Town Crier Social. Organized by the SBU Office of Government and Community Relations, the program featured four University departments, including Karin Waslo, Procurement; Andréa Lipack, Career Center; Marie McCallion, College of Business; and Angela Agnello, Faculty Student Association. The speakers presented information on items purchased by the campus, hiring interns and posting jobs, opportunities for student business consultants, and building relationships through the Wolfie Wallet program. In addition, Ann Garbarino of the Small Business Development Center provided an overview of the many services offered there for business success.
“SBU assembled such a great mix of speakers with ways of helping students and the business community at the same time,” said Arthur Rosenfield, Red Apple Group and Riverhead Chamber of Commerce Board Member.
The audience was treated to samples from a dozen food entrepreneurs currently residing in the SBU Business Incubator at Calverton and ACSC, which operates under the Office of the Vice President for Economic Development. Tastings for cookies, granola, iced tea and more gave the food businesses added exposure to the local community and the opportunity to network with the University presenters. The ACSC food entrepreneurs providing samples were: 63 South Chill Street, Apple Tree Vegan Pastries, COPIA Granola, For Goodness Cakes, Little Vicky’s Honey Butter, Long Island’s Famous Foods, Lucky Lou’s Rice Pudding, Mi-Sook’s Ginger Tea, Ms. Michelle’s Gluten-Free Cookies, Pride Enjoy, Subtle Tea and SweetChef Pastry Arts.
Lunch was provided, and a question and answer period followed the presentations. “Stony Brook and the Business Incubator at Calverton and ACSC provided a large volume of information that will be beneficial to both our Chamber members and the local community,” said Freida Montalto, Executive Director of the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce. Stony Brook has increased efforts to raise awareness for its campus business builders. This presentation was the fifth in a series of business presentations offered to Long Island Chambers of Commerce by the Office of Government and Community Relations over the past few years.
— Joan Dickinson
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