Former News 12 anchor Carol Silva was honored with a big award.

The Long Island Association honored Carol Thursday night with a lifetime Achievement Award at their virtual annual awards gala.

During her speech, Carol thanked small businesses owners, like the ones who first employed her, for sticking it out during these difficult times.

She also had a plea to Long Islanders.

"We now have a responsibility to keep those small businesses going, after everything that's gone on - so for the holidays, when you’re shopping - please turn to your downtown first. We don't want empty stores, we want stores filled with Long Islanders,” says Silva.

Carol signed off the air at News 12 last December after more than 33 years.