Page 26 - Westchester County - 2018 Economic Development Guide

WESTCHESTER SMART GREEN BUSINESS FOSTERING
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Established in 2009, Westchester Green Business (WGB) is a Busi- ness Council of Westchester pro- gram working in partnership with Westchester County and Green Team Spirit. Through WGB, Westchester County and New York State businesses make a commitment to become green business certified and are pro- vided with the tools, training and support they need to measurably decrease their or- ganization’s environmental impact. Reflect- ing New York’s diverse business community, the program currently includes 90 members, ranging from large corporations and proper- ty owners to smaller tenants and nonprofits.
Program staff and trained interns work closely with members to learn exactly where resources are wasted, as well as to identify opportunities for improvement and imple- ment the necessary changes to gain certifi- cation. Now available statewide, Westchester Green Business was awarded the 2017 Out- standing Nonprofit Award by 914 Inc. Maga- zine and has been recognized as a replicable model for green business engagement. Con Edison, NYSERDA and Westchester Commu- nity Foundation are WGB Platinum Sponsors.
Key to the program’s success has been the celebration of green business success. The 7th Annual Westchester Green Business Awards Ceremony was a major highlight from the past year. Hosted in conjunction with Westchester County, and Dr. Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of The Busi- ness Council of Westchester, WGB Program Directors Dani Glaser and Scott Fernqvist recognized a prestigious group of local busi- nesses that have demonstrated outstanding performance in environmental sustainability.
HONOREES INCLUDED:
Charles W. Brown, Jr. Sustainability Award: Hendrick Hudson Free Library
Organizational Commitment: Port Chester Carver Center
Energy: DeCicco & Sons
Waste Management & Green Products:
Blue Book Building & Construction Network Transportation: Field Goods
Land Use & Water Resources: United States Tennis Association
John Ravitz, EVP, COO, Business Council of Westchester Scott Fernqvist, Program Director, Green Business Partnership Dani Glaser, Program Director, Green Business Partnership Ric Swierat, Executive Director, Arc of Westchester
“Members of Westchester Green Business are among the region’s most innovative, respected and resourceful professionals, who enjoy opportunities to network, share best practices, and collaborate.”
—Westchester Green Business Program Director Dani Glaser
A WESTCHESTER GREEN BUSINESS:
• Operates more efficiently, uses fewer resources, and saves money
• Has access to capital for facility and technology upgrades
• Attracts top talent and uses teamwork to engage and retain employees • Demonstrates corporate citizenship values and enjoys positive
community relations
• Is distinct among competitors • Builds trust among consumers
Learn more at http://climatechange.westchestergov.com/green-business/ westchester-green-business-certified.
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WESTCHESTER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE