James Verdi, CFP®, is President of Synergy Wealth Strategies, an independent financial services firm. Jim specializes in using an in-depth, overall,financial analysis approach to assist his clients in creating wealth management strategies that enable them to achieve their financial goals.

Elizabeth Malafi is coordinator of the Miller Business Center at the Middle Country Public Library. The Miller Center supports regional economic development through training, networking events, research assistance and more. She is active in the local business community.

Elizabeth is the co-author of Small Business and the Public Library, published by ALA Editions and Supporting Local Businesses and Entrepreneurs in the Digital Age: The Public Librarian’s Toolkit, published by Libraries Unlimited. She has written a chapter for the upcoming book 26 Libraries that Build Business, to be published by ALA Editions this summer. All of these books serve as guides for librarians looking to connect with their business communities.  Elizabeth was awarded the BRASS Mergent Excellence in Business Librarianship Award (2017) and the BRASS D&B Public Librarian Support Award (2008).

Lenore has always been very active in the business community and is currently the President of the Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce and Business Chairperson for Smithtown Industry Advisory Board. Before becoming the chamber president, she was recognized for her efforts by being awarded Volunteer of the Year and Member of the Year, consecutively. Lenore was recently appointed to the board of Brookhaven Industrial Developmental Agency/Local Development Corporation. As an influential business leader, she was named one of the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Business on Long Island, as well as being awarded LIBN Corporate Citizen of the Year.  Lenore understands the importance in building strong relationships in business and the value gained by increasing her Spheres of Influence.