Page 6 - The BCW 2020/2021 Membership Guide

WELCOME MEMBERS!
When we began this new decade, the BCW was very excited about the informative and compelling lineup of programs and events we had planned for our membership. That all changed dramatically with COVID-19.
Faced with a high degree of uncertainty, the Business Council of Westchester quickly adapted to the new normal we are now experiencing. We seamlessly transitioned to virtual programming and events with great success.
We are proud to say that through hard work and creative thinking, the BCW has managed to continue to provide its membership with valuable programs and opportunities to grow their businesses. In April, the BCW launched a weekly “COVID-19 Heroes” e-blast recognizing and thanking members who were rising above the many challenges facing the community and doing extraordinary things to help others.
The BCW has held a myriad of networking events, webinars, council meetings and information programs to help members deal with various issues, such as how to apply for financial assistance with the Small Business Administration, the Paycheck Protection Program and loan forgiveness, and methods for reopening offices safely. We averaged 2 to 3 virtual programs a week, with a range of 50 to 300 members participating in each of these events.
For example, our Annual Hall of Fame program, held via Zoom, attracted 500 participants. The Political Leadership Series virtual debate between the candidates vying for the 17th Congressional District seat held
by retiring Congresswoman Nita Lowey drew 400 participants. Other Political Leadership Series events held virtually included programs featuring Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, State Attorney General Letitia James and both Patrick Foye and Catherine Rinaldi of the MTA.
Business development and growth remain a top priority for the BCW. In response to the economic turmoil caused by the pandemic, the BCW established the BCW Economic Recovery Task Force, comprising 47 leaders from a wide range of industry sectors in the county. The Task Force produced its first report in June, which was delivered to Gov. Andrew Cuomo and County Executive George Latimer. The report included recommendations and strategies to help our State and County governments with the reemergence of Westchester’s economy. A second, updated report was recently produced and delivered to the governor and county executive. The Task Force will continue to meet virtually throughout the economic crisis.
In the aftermath of the tragic death of George Floyd and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, the BCW established the Anti-Racism Task Force committed to standing against racism. The goal of the Anti-Racism Task Force is to advance the conversation to end racism, with actionable steps to support real change. The BCW launched the Anti-Racism Education Series with its first of six programs this summer, with additional programs and initiatives to come.
A special note of gratitude is extended to our many sponsors who have continued to support our programs and events. As it’s been said many times lately, we are all in this together. We are proud to report that the BCW has emerged stronger than ever, delivering to our members highly informative, thought-provoking and timely programs focusing on the issues that impact the business and not-for-profit communities
Sincerely,
Dr. Marsha Gordon/President and CEO
Heidi Davidson/Chair of the BCW Board
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2020-2021 MEMBERSHIP AND RESOURCE GUIDE