The Business Council of Westchester Data Exchange: Open For Business

By Dr. Marsha Gordon
President and CEO
The Business Council of Westchester

The Business Council of Westchester (BCW) Data Exchange is about business, for business. Our impetus for developing it is simple: data is knowledge and knowledge is power. We believe the BCW Data Exchange is a critical resource that will allow Westchester County to win in a very competitive economic climate locally, nationally and globally.

The BCW Data Exchange will connect businesses, both big and small, to the people who live, work and play in our County. We are on the cusp of serious development and growth, and the BCW Data Exchange will help spur the creative thinking and innovation we need to take that growth to the next level. It will also provide the critical insights that our business organizations, educational institutions, non-profits and government leaders need to make the best, most informed decisions.

Providing the Answers

I’m often asked who will benefit the most from the BCW Data Exchange and the answer is as diverse as the groups asking the question. I think that’s because the answer is everyone will benefit … we know that harnessing our data and providing it in a meaningful format can provide answers to so many. Here are some of the groups we believe will benefit the most:

Businesses: There are a tremendous number of questions that come from businesses — from who are the top employers and companies in the County, to the size of those businesses, industries, and other data that informs decisions every day around where a company should locate and the talent pool there. The BCW Data Exchange will be a repository of information around businesses, data on the population of Westchester, the labor market, salary and benefits, cost of living, amenities, schools, transportation and more.

Job seekers: Individuals looking for new jobs in Westchester County are constantly seeking information about the types of employment opportunities here and the future skills and abilities necessary to achieve those jobs. For many colleges and universities in our Country, they are seeking information about industry trends and the skills required so that they may be equip their students for success and job placement.

General population: We’ve all seen the growth of the multi-residential buildings in our Country with people looking to make Westchester home. We know it’s a great place to live, but before people move here, they want to know about housing costs, social life, amenities, school districts, sports, culture, childcare and more.

Media: Promoting Westchester County will be easier than ever when we can provide the media with concrete data such as trends in population shifts, immigrant population growth and diversity.

Not-for-profits: These organizations have the same needs as for-profit businesses. The BCW Data Exchange can help these organizations gain a deeper understanding of the communities they’re supporting.

Government: If you work in government, you need to have a good understanding of what’s happening in your community. But, as important, you need to understand the communities around you. The BCW Data Exchange will make a cohesive Westchester, helping governments work together to share services by better understanding and comparing our cities and towns.

Customized Reporting Options

There is no end to the possibilities the BCW Data Exchange can bring to support the growth of Westchester County. We are excited about the launch and what it can do to help our community. We also know there may be needs and information we haven’t anticipated. We look forward to listening to you and learning what information you need to be successful. We have built a framework to provide customized reports to meet your needs. Please let us know how we can help.

We expect the BCW Data Exchange information to be updated monthly at a minimum. I encourage you to check back in to see the latest information we have available. We look forward to working with you to provide the most comprehensive data for Westchester County.