Page 24 - The BCW 2020/2021 Membership Guide

GREEN BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP
Established in 2009 as a program of the Business Coun-
cil 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 “democra- tizes” 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.
Green Business Green Business
Partnership Partnership
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.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION
IMPROVED BUSINESS CLIMATE
• 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.
The mission of the BCW’s Government Action Council is to provide leadership in public policy and involve our members in helping to advocate for economic opportunity in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley.
TO ACCOMPLISH THIS, THE BCW’S GOVERNMENT ACTION COUNCIL WILL:
• Educate and inform the business community about relevant county, state and federal policy issues.
• Review county, state and federal legislation and regulations to assess potential impacts on the business community.
• Influence public policy outcomes through advocacy when the business community’s interest may be affected.
• Serve as an information resource and clearinghouse for the business community and governmental leaders
• Leverage public policy issues and legislation to promote business growth and create a more competitive business environment. • Look beyond the borders of Westchester County and the Hudson Valley to address issues impacting the business community.
CURRENT CHALLENGES AND PRIORITIES
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, government at all levels of the state will face critical challenges. The county and state budget deficits will have to be addressed in a responsible manner. The BCW will continue to be a strong voice for the Westchester business community, which is dealing with serious day-to-day issues as it continues to operate during these difficult times. The BCW will urge our elected officials to adopt policies that lead to sustainable economic growth that will create much-needed jobs in all business sectors.
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2020-2021 MEMBERSHIP AND RESOURCE GUIDE