Page 35 - The Business Council of Westchester - Mebership Guide 2019/2020

GREEN BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP
Green Business
Partnership
Established in 2009 as a program of the Business Council of Westchester in partnership with Westchester County and
Green Team Spirit LLC., the Green Business Partnership provides a diverse group of businesses and non-profits with the tools, training, and expertise needed to reduce carbon emissions and integrate environmentally sustainable practices into
company operations. The GBP program “democratizes” sustainable business by making it accessible and affordable for
any organization, regardless of size and industry.
GBP utilizes a collaborative, peer-sharing approach, a model that has been recognized by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) as replicable for businesses across New York State and beyond. Based
on policy, action and performance, it is the only program of its kind where members make an organizational commitment to sustainability and track facility-based metrics (such as energy use, water consumption, volume of waste, and refrigerant use) as well as transportation, behavioral, and purchasing activities. The program currently reaches upwards of 25,000 employees across more than 130-member organizations, 45 of which are certified green businesses.
Highlights from the past year include:
• Launch of the GBP Online Portal where members are guided through the entire green business certification process.
• Expanded Green Business Internship & Training Program to support members in their efforts to achieve green business certification.
• Leaders in Sustainability Speaker Series & Roundtable Forums educate the business community about key trends and topics related to sustainability.
• Recognizing Green Business Achievements: Green business certification ceremonies were held across the region and the Annual Green Business Awards Ceremony at Factoria in Peekskill was a major highlight from the past year. Dr. Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of The Business Council of Westchester was joined by Deputy County Executive Kenneth Jenkins and Green Business Partnership Directors Dani Glaser and Scott Fernqvist to recognize a prestigious group of honorees for outstanding achievement. The 9th Annual GBP Awards will be held on June 11, 2019 at the Cambria Hotel.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
The BCW is committed to providing the local business community with a prepared and skilled future workforce. Working through partnerships and collaboration with the Westchester-Putnam Development Board and local youth-serving organizations, we provide opportunities to assist local youth in acquiring the skills necessary to be productive members of the workforce.
PRIVATE SECTOR SUMMER EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
•The Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board in conjunction with The Business Council of Westchester sponsors a summer employment program for county youth ages 18 to 24. The goal of the Private Sector Youth Employment Program is to help more than 225 young adults obtain summer-employment experiences through local employers and businesses.
WESTCHESTER-PUTNAM ANNUAL YOUTH SUMMIT
• The Westchester-Putnam Youth Summit is an annual event coordinated between The Business Council of Westchester, Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board and Westchester County for young adults between the ages of 16 and 24. The summit is intended to bring together Westchester County youth and local businesses for a daylong interactive agenda tackling youth workforce topics.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY FOR YOUTH
• Through this program, more than 300 Academy youth are being equipped with the skills necessary to be successful in today’s job market. The youth are provided with college-preparatory workshops/tours, job-readiness training and life-skills instruction. Our goal is to engage the business community by connecting these young adults to meaningful work-experience opportunities that will sharpen their skills while offering the kind of exposure that will help them thrive in their chosen career paths.
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2019-2020 MEMBERSHIP AND RESOURCE GUIDE