Capalino Celebrates CSR Leaders in New York’s Hospitality, Gaming and Tourism Industry

Capalino joined City&State to celebrate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) leaders in New York’s Hospitality, Gaming and Tourism sector on October 20, 2015. The breakfast ceremony, which took place at Hunter College, consisted of an award ceremony and a thought leadership panel moderated by journalist and author Lenore Skenazy.

Capalino has been working with City&State to develop this innovative breakfast series which recognizes individuals for their outstanding commitment to CSR. It is an effort to promote CSR practices and encourage businesses and corporations to give back to their communities, because “doing good” is good for business.

Lenore Skenazy led a discussion with NYS Senator Brad Hoylman, Andrew Rigie, Executive Director of NYC Hospitality Alliance, and Antonia Agrusa, Director of Explore Brooklyn & Tourism Initiatives at Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.

Panelists explored the components of a successful CSR program and their vision for the future.

“Look at the different issues that people in the hospitality industry are trying to address, whether it’s hunger, clean water, helping people after a disaster,” said Andrew Rigie. “They stand up and take the call to action to go above and beyond…it really is tackling issues that can seem insurmountable but it doesn’t stop people from working hard to try to make it a better world.”

“We’re lucky we have so many young people in the technology field,” said Senator Hoylman. “There is a whole new generation of people in the private sector who are giving back.”

Among the honorees were two individuals who are leading the way in their field: Tony Sclafani, Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Office of Javits Center, received the award for Outstanding Leadership in Promoting the Principles of Sustainability, Transparency & Community Engagement.

Jill Simonson-Luciano, Regional Leader of Community Affairs at Southwest Airlines, received the Special Award for Outstanding Achievement in Serving Disadvantaged Communities Through Corporate Philanthropy & Volunteerism

Jill Simonson-Luciano, Southwest

Tony Sclafani, Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Office of Javits Center

Corporate Social Responsibility is now part of the DNA of many of the world’s leading companies. That’s why Capalino has added a CSR practice – to help New York firms develop programs to invest their time, talent and resources in the communities in which they operate. And that’s why we are so pleased to sponsor this important award series to recognize and showcase the individuals who are leading the way in this important field.

CSR Awardees

We applaud all these individuals who embody what it means to be socially responsible. You can read their full profiles on City&State’s digital program.

• David W. Chien, Head of Global Integrated Marketing and Media, Gray Line City Sightseeing New York
  Special Award for Excellence in Corporate Citizenship & Community Engagement
• Vijay Dandapani, Chairman and Joseph E. Spinnato, President, Hotel Association of New York City Special Award for Outstanding Corporate Citizenship
• Diana Dellamere, Public Policy Manager, Lyft
  Excellence in Sustainability, Environmentalism & Addressing the Transportation Needs of Low-Income New Yorkers
• Ryan Eller, President, Resorts World Casino New York City
  Outstanding Achievement in Fostering Community Engagement Through Corporate Philanthropy, Volunteerism & Emergency Preparedness
• Icema Gibbs, Director – Corporate Social Responsibility, JetBlue
  Pioneer Award for Excellence in Promoting Child Literacy
• TAO Group
  Outstanding Corporate Achievement in Promoting a Safe Environment & Clean Drinking Water Worldwide
• Nanette Horner, EVP/Chief Counsel/Chief Compliance Officer, Empire Resorts, Inc.
  Special Award for Outstanding Achievement in Promoting Workforce Diversity & Ethical Gaming Operations
• Jill Simonson Luciano, Regional Leader, Community Affairs, Southwest Airlines
  Special Award for Outstanding Achievement in Serving Disadvantaged Communities Through Corporate Philanthropy & Volunteerism
• Terry MacRae, Chairman & CEO, Hornblower, Inc.
  Distinguished Lifetime Achievement in Promoting Environmentally Responsibly Water Transportation
• Richard and Lois Nicotra, Owners of The Nicotra Group
  Special Award for Lifetime Achievement in Philanthropy, Community Engagement & Corporate Volunteerism
• Frank “Turtle” Raffaele, Founder & CEO, COFFEED
  Special Innovation Award for Excellence in Corporate Philanthropy & Community Engagement
• Timothy J. Rooney, Owner, Empire City Casinos
  Special Award for Excellence in Workforce Diversity, Corporate Giving & Community Engagement
• Tony Sclafani, Senior Vice President & Chief Communications Officer, Javits Center
  Outstanding Leadership in Promoting the Principles of Sustainability, Transparency & Community Engagement
• Michael Sinensky, Founder & CEO, Funbars
  Special Award for Outstanding Service to New York City in Community Engagement & Disaster Relief Efforts
• Steve Tenedios, Founder & CEO, ST Management
  Outstanding Achievement in Corporate Giving & Volunteerism on Behalf of Disadvantaged Children Throughout New York City
• Chris Wogas, President, Bike & Roll
  Excellence in Corporate Volunteerism & Community Engagement on Behalf of New York City

Capalino assists companies doing business in New York City in actively giving back their time, talent and resources to the communities in which they operate. Our team will help you create a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda aligned with your company’s strengths and mission that boosts visibility and improves employee morale while strengthening connections to consumers and clients. 

See how Capalino’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team, led by Jeanne Mullgrav, can take your business to the next level.

Corporate Social Responsibility Group

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