A leader is not defined by a single moment but by a lifetime of work and perseverance. On November 10, 2016, eight individuals who embody this definition will be recognized and inducted into the Long Island Business Hall of Fame. Pioneers in business, politics, education, medicine and philanthropy will be attending the event. Jon Cooper will be one the inductees honored.
Jon serves a critical role in furthering the profitability and expansion of Spectronics Corporation. During his tenure as President, Jon oversaw Spectronics’ foray onto the international stage and reinforced the company as an industry leader in the manufacturing of ultraviolet equipment and fluorescent dyes.
Spectronics, founded in 1955, is best known for developing fluorescent leak detection technology now widely used in the automotive, industrial and HVAC industries. Over the ensuing decades, the company invented the first black light counterfeit currency detector, the first UV cell phone sanitizer, and dozens of other innovative, first-to-market devices. Spectronics’ UV lamps were used aboard the U.S. Space Shuttle, and their UV transilluminators and crosslinkers were utilized for groundbreaking DNA research as part of the Human Genome Project. Another important achievement was when Spectronics received the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for technology that the company developed to protect the ozone layer and fight global warming.
Jon was recently involved with the successful effort to achieve AS9100 aerospace industry certification for Spectronics’ H&I Manufacturing division, a difficult process that required leadership on many fronts. Team members from manufacturing and quality control had to put forth a clear agenda to hit specific benchmarks that allowed the company to attain certification. Achieving and maintaining AS9100 certification demonstrates to Spectronics’ global customers the quality and care put into not just a single product but the production process as a whole.
Today, Jon continues to advance the company by identifying organic corporate acquisitions that complement Spectronics’ strong standing at home and abroad. Jon always emphasizes the importance of investing in the company’s research and development efforts in order to keep Spectronics on the cutting edge of the latest technologies. As President, Jon leads the more than 175 employees who work at the company’s Westbury headquarters to propel the brand to the next level, and to continue Spectronics’ growth throughout the decades to come.
Jon’s 32 years at the helm of Spectronics has benefited not only the company but also the greater Long Island region. Through his initiatives, Jon was able to build upon Spectronics’ strong foundation and has demonstrated how manufacturing remains possible and profitable in New York State.
The Long Island Business Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held at the Crest Hollow Country Club. The inductees to be honored are as follows: Jon Cooper, Spectronics Corporation; John Durso, Long Island Federation of Labor; Congressman Peter King, U.S. House of Representatives; Gail Prudenti, Center for Children, Families and the Law at the Maurice A. Deane
School of Law at Hofstra University; Randi Shubin Dresner, Island Harvest; Dr. Bruce Stillman, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Sal Ferro, Alure Home Improvements; and Richard Monti, Crest Hollow Country Club. For more information, visit: http://libn.com/2016/10/31/long-island-business-hall-of-fame/
