H2M Architects, AVZ among HIA-LI award winners

The HIA-LI business group recognized four businesses on Long Island Tuesday as winners of its annual Business Achievement Awards.

This year's gala luncheon at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury marks the 21st anniversary of the awards ceremony of the group, formerly known as the Hauppauge Industrial Association.

Melville-based consulting and design firm H2M Architects won in the large-business category of 100 or more employees. Hauppauge-based certified public accounting firm Albrecht, Viggiano, Zureck & Co. won in the small-business category.

Rigatoni's Pizzeria & Catering Co. located in the Hauppauge Industrial Park won Rookie of the Year, a category for contenders that have been operating for fewer than five years. Nonprofit organization Life's Worc, based in Garden City, which supports individuals with developmental disabilities and autism, won in the nonprofit category.

The HIA-LI, which was founded more than 30 years ago, said the criteria used to pick the winners include positive employer-employee relations, commitment to the growth of the Long Island business community and a three- to five-year visions for their companies.