STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Business Outreach Center (BOC) Network recently honored Staten Islanders during its 2009 BOC Awards to celebrate the successes of women, immigrant and minority entrepreneurs and small business owners from New York City's diverse communities.

The Innovative Collaboration Award was presented to the Internet Networking Group for their commitment to sharing best practices, skills and knowledge to enhance and improve Staten Island businesses. Vivian Vassar, owner of Hey Viv.com, accepted the award.

In addition, JoAnn Regan, deputy director of the West Brighton LDC/BOC Women's Business Center, received the Collaborative Leadership Award, for her commitment to improving the economic prospects of micro entrepreneurs and small businesses in Staten Island and for her leadership in promoting collaboration, resource sharing and the advancement of women and minority owned business. The award was presented by Queens Assemblymember Mark Weprin.

In all, 11 awards were presented by BOC to business owners from across the city at a luncheon at the Battery Gardens Restaurant in Manhattan.