Page 50 - 2019 Westchester Economic Development Guide

A New Vision
THE BUSINESS COUNCIL OF WESTCHESTER
Making Things Happen to
Promote Economic Development
T he Business Council of Westchester is the County’s largest and most prestigious business membership orga- nization representing more than 1,000 members, including multinational cor- porations, hospitals, universities, bio- tech pioneers, not-for-profits, entre- preneurs and companies of all sizes. As the most influential economic de- velopment and advocacy organiza- tion in Westchester, BCW’s members enjoy unparalleled access to today’s top thought leaders, diverse business development opportunities and law-
makers at all levels of government.
Taking The Lead On Advocacy
Advocacy has long been a signa- ture program of the BCW. From its Legislative Agenda outlining policy priorities and presented to state lawmakers each year, to its Political Leadership Series, the BCW provides its members with unprecedented ac- cess to elected officials. In what was THE business event of the year in Westchester, the BCW’s Annual Fall Dinner in October featured PepsiCo Chairman and its first female Chief Executive Officer Indra Nooyi. More than 900 people attended the event, the largest crowd ever.
Promoting Economic Development
BCW President and CEO Marsha Gordon has played a key role as a member of the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council. The Mid-Hudson REDC recently awarded the City of New Rochelle a $10 mil- lion grant as the winner of its Down- town Revitalization Initiative. Gordon, along with New Rochelle Mayor Noam
Presenting the Westchester Global Leadership Laureate Award to PepsiCo’s Indra Nooyi at the Annual Dinner were BCW Chairman Anthony Justic and BCW President and CEO Marsha Gordon.
Bramson, have been named as co- chairs of the Local Planning Commit- tee, which is tasked by the state with overseeing the project.
Leader In Workforce Development
As a leading member of the West- chester-Putnam Workforce Develop- ment Board, the BCW is able to assist businesses in a myriad of recruitment and training programs and specializes in working with young people to de- velop the workforce of the future. The BCW’s Annual Westchester-Putnam Youth Summit helps young people receive expert insight and motivation for finding success in the workplace.
Coalition For Westchester Airport
With the opening of the second span of the Mario Cuomo (Tappan Zee) Bridge, a project that the BCW was instrumental in pushing forward, the BCW has turned its sights to another major regional transportation issue: Westchester County Airport.
The BCW launched the Coalition for Westchester Airport, whose members include a broad range of businesses, entrepreneurs, labor organizations, employees, educators, non-profits and residents who support making responsible enhancements to secure the future of the airport.
BCW Data Exchange
Filling a need for comprehensive, in- depth data on Westchester County, The Business Council of Westches- ter this year launched the BCW Data Exchange. With so many business- es looking to expand or relocate in Westchester, the BCW saw the opportunity to provide vital informa- tion that would assist in economic development efforts. The free, user- friendly, online portal provides busi- nesses, non-profits and the public with key data about Westchester all in one place.
For more information about The Business Council of Westchester, please visit thebcw.org.
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WESTCHESTER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE