Arc of Westchester’s 29th Annual Employer Recognition Breakfast Will Honor Community Leaders, Local Businesses

HAWTHORNE, N.Y., April 19, 2017 – Arc of Westchester will hold its 29th Annual Employer Recognition Breakfast on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 from 8:00 to 10:00 am at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown. The event will celebrate the 250 partnerships between Arc of Westchester and public and private businesses in the community. Government officials and community leaders will attend the event, praising Arc of Westchester and the business community for their role in employing individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.
“We partner with a wide variety of businesses – some are large, national corporations with locations throughout the country, while are others are smaller, family-run businesses,” says Richard P. Swierat, executive director of Arc of Westchester. “We also provide many government agencies with both full and part-time employees. Arc of Westchester works with each business to find the right employee that will fill their staffing needs. With a person-centered approach, we create solutions that work for everyone.”
This year’s event will welcome Laurence P. Gottlieb, President/CEO, Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation as the keynote speaker and present him with the 2017 Share of Voice Award. Gottlieb is a long-time friend and advocate in the business community throughout many years. He encourages businesses to hire people with developmental disabilities and make them part of the workforce.
Nine awards will be given to individuals and businesses that have championed Arc of Westchester’s career and employment services, including:
 Share of Voice Award: Laurence P. Gottlieb, President/CEO, Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation
 Civic Partnership Award: The Village of Mount Kisco
 Distinguished Partner Award: Aramark, Chappaqua
 New Business Partnership Award: ABB Optical, Elmsford
 Bridge to Employment Award: Tekovery, Mount Vernon
 Advocate Award: Diane Rich, Club Fit, Jefferson Valley
 Continuing Partner Award: Whole Foods Market, White Plains
One of the highlights of the breakfast is the presentation of The Anthony Cannata Memorial Employee Award. The award will be given to two individuals who have surpassed their job expectations and are an example for all employees.
 Brian Mehra, The Town of Cortlandt and Arc of Westchester
 Kenneth Silbert, Croton CVS, Country Children’s Center and The Mount Kisco Country Club
“At Arc of Westchester, we believe people with developmental disabilities should be respected as citizens in our community, and should have access to employment opportunities,” Swierat said. “As an employer, when you hire a new employee, you are providing that person with the opportunity to have a meaningful life where they can build friendships and relationships – a life full of options and opportunity. It makes good business sense.”
Arc of Westchester will debut a new film at the breakfast that will be used as a tool to share success stories and build future employment opportunities in the business community.
Numerous local government leaders have been invited to the breakfast. Government leaders who have confirmed attendance are:
 The Honorable Timonthy Idoni, Westchester County Clerk
 The Honorable Kevin Plunkett, Deputy Westchester County Executive
 Commissioner Kevin McGuire, Westchester County Department of Social Services
 Commissioner Kathleen O’Connor, Westchester County Department of Parks and Recreation
Arc of Westchester’s employment services focus on the individual, helping each person discover their interests, develop their talents and prepare for meaningful careers. These programs begin for young people before they even leave high school.
About Arc of Westchester
Arc of Westchester is the largest organization in the county serving children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum, and their families. Over 800 employees provide more than 2,000 individuals throughout the county with a broad range of innovative and effective programs and services designed to foster independence, productivity and participation in community life.
Our mission is to empower children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum, to achieve their potential by strengthening families and encouraging personal choices, abilities and interests. Our vision is a world in which children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities including individuals on the autism spectrum enjoy fulfilled lives and an inspired future.
Arc of Westchester is a chapter of NYSARC, Inc. and The Arc. www.arcwestchester.org
# # #
Editor’s Note: The Arc is not an acronym; always refer to us as Arc of Westchester, not The ARC and never ARC. The Arc should be considered as a title or a phrase.
Arc of Westchester 265 Saw Mill River Road Hawthorne, NY 10532 www.arcwestchester.org