Page 28 - Westchester County - 2018 Economic Development Guide

WESTCHESTER SMART FOOD & BEVERAGE AN APPETITE FOR SUCCESS
A rendering of Danone’s new headquarters at 100 Bloomingdale Road in White Plains
W hether it’s multinational megabrands like PepsiCo, Heineken or Danone, re- gional microbreweries like Captain Lawrence, or legendary local enter- prises such as Walter’s Hot Dogs, food and beverage companies based in Westchester are enjoying thriving partnerships, healthy ex- pansion and the financial and logistical sup- port to take their businesses to the next level. Finding inspiration in the success of homegrown brewers like Captain Lawrence, StilltheOne Distillery in Port Chester en- joyed another successful year producing its own line of Westchester spirits.The company opened in 2009 as the first distillery in the county since the Prohibition era, and pro- duces a line of Westchester Whiskeys using locally grown NewYork wheat, rye and corn. In 2013, the company reached out to Elmsford-based Captain Lawrence Brewing Company to propose a unique partnership that resulted in the brewing company’s pop- ular Freshchester pale ale being sent to the
Port Chester location to distill. The resulting single malt whiskey was aged three years and dubbed “287” in honor of the Interstate highway that spans Westchester County and connects the two companies.
Inspired by a passion for beer and for their hometown,Yonkers natives John Rubbo and Nick Califano launched Yonkers Brew- ing Co. as a place where the community can come together to celebrate what Yonkers has to offer – culture, entertainment, sports and now, good beer.
As a county institution and landmark since 1919, the one-of-a-kind hot dogs served at Walter’s Hot Dog Stand are well- known to most people born and raised in southern Westchester. The exclusive beef, pork and veal blend hot dogs – voted the best in the entire country by Gourmet magazine in 2001 – are cut down the middle, cooked in a secret sauce and served with Walter’s unique signature mustard. After nearly 100 years at its original location – a landmark copper-roofed Chinese pagoda located on
Palmer Avenue in Mamaroneck – Walter’s announced plans to expand with two new locations: one in Stamford, Connecticut and a second one along the Mamaroneck Avenue strip in White Plains.
THE DANONE WORKPLACE OF THE FUTURE
Located in Westchester for more than a quarter century, multinational food giant Danone is moving one of its North Ameri- can headquarter locations to downtown White Plains. More than 400 employees of the company – which is responsible for well- known brands like Dannon Yogurt, Horizon Organic and Evian water – will be moving to a reconfigured space at 100 Bloomingdale Road in early 2018.
According to company officials, the decision to remain within Westchester was based on numerous factors – including the configuration of a modern and flex- ible workplace that will embrace technol- ogy, encourage collaboration between team members, align with the company’s unique culture associated with its global brand and allow employees to thrive in a vibrant down- town environment that is easily accessible via mass transit.
Economic considerations, including ongoing operation costs and tax consider- ations, were also key factors – as Danone worked closely with county officials, as well as state and city leaders, to secure necessary support for the move.
Funds provided by the county’s In- dustrial Development Agency (IDA) played a pivotal role in allowing the company to relocate – and the economic and zoning support provided by New York State and the City of White Plains will allow Danone to expand operations through a new office de- sign and attract new talent, while retaining and enhancing the crucial services provided by its Research and Development team.
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“Being within walking distance to restaurants, shopping and mass transit are important for our company. We are deeply grateful for the support and patience of the city, county and state, which have helped to keep our company in the area and allow us to significantly update and upgrade the setting in which we work, which will allow us to continue to be a significant contributor to community stability and growth here in White Plains.”
—Dessislava Miteva, Chief People Officer and VP of Human Resources, Danone North America WESTCHESTER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE
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