Celebrating Staten Island’s Business Leaders: The 2025 Louis R. Miller Awards

In a vibrant ceremony at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bloomfield, Staten Island, the business community gathered to celebrate seven esteemed leaders honored with the prestigious 2025 Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Awards. This accolade pays tribute to individuals who have made significant contributions to the Staten Island business landscape while embodying community-mindedness and leadership excellence.

A Brief History of the Louis R. Miller Awards

Name after the late Louis R. Miller, a revered community activist, the awards underline his legacy, which began with the founding of the Business Education Development Council (BEDC) in 1993. The BEDC forged crucial links between the business fraternity and the College of Staten Island (CSI). After Miller’s passing, the first awards were created with support from Brian Laline, executive editor of Staten Island Advance. Today, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce proudly manages the honors, choosing leaders who inspire future entrepreneurs.

The 2025 Honorees

• Roosevelt Board: The owner of Chick-fil-A at Staten Island Mall, Roosevelt Board is a driving force in the Chamber’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!). As an advocate, speaker, and sponsor, Roosevelt is committed to nurturing high school students’ business ambitions through field trips and mentorship.
• Arthur F. McCarthy: Known as “Art,” he is the CEO of Mammoth Inc. Construction. Deep-rooted in Staten Island, he contributed to the cultural community through leadership roles and by supporting regional youth through sports and scholarship initiatives, like the Arthur McCarthy Senior Memorial Scholarship.
• Arlene Sorkin: Founder and CEO of IlluminArt Productions, Arlene champions arts education and mental wellness. Her programs reach many New Yorkers, providing a creative platform that blends arts with substance abuse prevention.
• Peter Botros: As the owner of Bread & Butter Hospitality, Peter oversees several popular restaurants and is a cancer survivor making impactful contributions to Staten Island University Hospital’s Florina Cancer Center. His award-winning career in culinary arts shines brightly within local and surrounding community circles.
• Candace Gonzalez: CEO of the New York Center for Interpersonal Development (NYCID), Candace dedicates her efforts to promoting conflict resolution and youth development. Her leadership is also evident through her roles in several community boards and initiatives.
• Dr. Vladimir Barayev: A pioneer in pediatric healthcare, Dr. Barayev emphasizes personalized care through his practice and advocacy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). His active participation extends into the Rotary Club and other business groups in Staten Island.
• Dr. Janet Leslie: Through Gift of Experience LLC and The Leslie-Carter Group LLC, Dr. Leslie empowers aspiring students and entrepreneurs, offering them guidance and resources. Her diverse membership in many organizations underscores her commitment to communal and educational growth.

The Celebration of Business Excellence

The awards ceremony was an uplifting event, attended by over 200 people, with awards presented by prominent figures such as Gary Angiuli, Chris Ferrara, Luanne Sorrentino, Massimo DiDonna, Jennifer Sammartino, and Frank Wilkinson. These presenters highlighted the honorees’ dedication to leadership, community service, and their roles as inspirations for others.

The Impact of the Awards

Since the award’s inception, over 250 business leaders have been recognized, fostering a culture of excellence and shared purpose on Staten Island. Their stories of success and civic responsibility provide a beacon of motivation for budding entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals alike.

Recognizing Community Leadership

The Louis R. Miller Awards spotlight the power of commitment, innovation, and community-oriented business practices. Honorees like Roosevelt Board, Candace Gonzalez, and Dr. Janet Leslie, bridge gaps and ensure Staten Island remains a thriving hub for business and community development. Their achievements demonstrate a shared commitment to progress, shared values, and enduring community partnership.

The 2025 Louis R. Miller Awards not only celebrate individual accomplishments but also underscore the potential of collective community effort in shaping the future of Staten Island’s business and societal landscape.

Source: https://www.silive.com/business/2025/02/7-of-staten-islands-top-business-leaders-honored-with-2025-louis-r-miller-awards.html