Page 42 - Westchester Economic Development Guide - 2017 PDF

NEWS YOU CAN USE BCW
THE BUSINESS COUNCIL OF WESTCHESTER:
BUILD. CONNECT. WIN.
As Westchester County’s largest and most influential business membership organization, The Business Council of Westchester (BCW) is committed to helping members build their businesses; connect with custom- ers, business peers and thought-leaders; and win – the day, the deal and their bottom lines.
With more than 1,000 members representing more than 200,000 em- ployees, The BCW works to grow the economy, create jobs and build a strong business community by providing the high-quality jobs and resources that el- evate Westchester’s standard of living to one of the highest in the nation. A wide range of organizations enjoy the BCW’s business-building benefits, including: major corporations such as MasterCard, Heineken and PepsiCo; mid-sized enter- prises like Maier, Markey and Justic and Altium Wealth Management; and not-for- profits such as the YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester and Food Bank for Westchester.
The Business Council of West- chester builds value for its members in several ways:
FORMING CONNECTIONS
The Westchester Business Expo, the coun- ty’s only business-to-business trade show, connects thousands of professionals each
BCW’s Leadership Speakers Series fea- tured Yankees Legend Derek Jeter. From left, BCW Chairman Anthony Justic; BCW Executive VP and COO John Ravitz; Derek Jeter; BCW President and CEO Marsha Gordon; BCW VP of Membership and Programs Sara James, and BCW Director of Special Events Amanda DePalma
year. The BCW’s 40 Under 40 Rising Stars awards program recognizes emerg- ing young business professionals. In ad- dition, the BCW’s Hall of Fame Dinner and People’s United Bank Conversation Series highlight entrepreneurs and busi- ness leaders for their contributions to the county’s economic vitality.
SHAPING POLICY
By engaging government leaders through its Governmental Action Council, the BCW advocates for reforms at all levels of government. A BCW delegation trav- els annually to Albany to meet with law- makers and promote a legislative agenda that supports economic and job growth. Its Political Leadership Series has given members access to top leaders in state government. The Westchester Green Business Challenge, a partnership of the BCW, Westchester County and Green Team Spirit, helps Westchester-based organizations become environmentally sustainable while simultaneously im- proving performance and saving money.
CULTIVATING OPPORTUNITY
BCW members capitalize on a broad range of unique opportunities to market their business, increase visibility and broaden their customer base. With the help of its Membership Coordinator, members receive personalized attention and are
connected to other members and to op- portunities for networking and visibility from pre-event marketing and recogni- tion at dozens of Business Council events, including award galas, Power Breakfasts and the Westchester Business Expo.
GROWING THE ECONOMY
As a member of the Mid-Hudson Re- gional Economic Development Council, the BCW helps to advocate for resources to fund projects which further the region’s economic agenda. In 2016, the Mid-Hud- son Region received more than $83 mil- lion - the largest amount of any of the 10 regions in the state. The BCW’s Economic Development Leadership Council serves as an ongoing, high-level resource for ur- ban centers and municipalities to further smart growth and economic development.
FOSTERING LEADERSHIP
The Business Council presents numer- ous signature events each year, including educational workshops, speaking engage- ments, and advocacy initiatives that attract more than 5,000 business professionals. Its Annual Dinner, which in 2016 fea- tured Cardinal Timothy Dolan, offers an extraordinary roster of speakers such as political commentator Mark Halperin, former NYC Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and movie mogul Harvey Weinstein.
DEVELOPING TALENT
The BCW manages cutting-edge work- force development initiatives, including a summer jobs program that places 250 young people with summer employ- ment. The “Just Add One” program with Westchester Community College helps businesses expand and create more lo- cal jobs. Other programs that empower Westchester’s future workforce and sustainability include the annual Youth Summit, Rising Stars, Star Power pro- gram and Yonkers Thrives program.
Learn more at thebcw.org.
40 WESTCHESTER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE