AvalonBay, two others to receive LIA awards

The Long Island Association business group announced Thursday that three awards will be presented at its annual gala Friday.

AvalonBay Communities and Matthew B. Whalen, its senior vice president of development, will receive the LIA Medal of Honor, the business group's top award. AvalonBay, based in Washington, D.C., has 11 properties in Nassau and Suffolk counties with 3,184 apartments.

The Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award for Community Service will go to Alure Home Improvements and Sal Ferro, its chief executive. Begun in 1946, East Meadow-based Alure sells windows, roofing, siding, kitchens, bathrooms, sunrooms and basement finishings.

Sister Elizabeth A. Hill, president of St. Joseph's College in Patchogue, will receive the LIA Lifetime Achievement Award. Hill plans to retire as the college's chief next month after 17 years at the helm.

LIA president Kevin Law said, "Our honorees are community-oriented, philanthropic business leaders who have spent their lives and careers working to make our region a better place."

About 1,000 people are expected to attend the dinner and awards ceremony at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.