BCW Hall of Fame Celebrates Leaders Who Are Transforming Their Industries

More than 450 from business, not-for-profits and government were on hand Tuesday evening for the Business Council of Westchester’s Annual Hall of Fame Awards Dinner. This year’s program, which was held at the Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle, honored business leaders and organizations who have transformed their industries and added to the economic vitality of the region. The theme of this year’s awards ceremony was “The Year of AI.”

“The quality and contributions of tonight’s Hall of Fame winners join more than 100 past honorees, including some of the most prestigious business leaders and organizations in our county’s history,” said BCW President & CEO Marsha Gordon.

The winners in their respective categories were:

Corporate Citizenship: Greyston

Greyston, which has been in Yonkers for 41 years, was built not only to bake brownies but to employ individuals who faced barriers to finding meaningful employment. It has a unique form of hiring its bakery apprentices called Open Hiring®, which means no interviews, no background checks, no resumes required. They are helping one person at a time with training, development and opportunity. Diversity is a natural result of its mission with 95% of Open Hires being people of color and 35% being female. Accepting the award was Joseph D. Kenner, President & CEO.

Entrepreneurial Success: DelBello Donnellan Weingarten Wise & Wiederkehr LLP

Based in White Plains, DelBello Donnellan Weingarten Wise & Wiederkehr LLP is one of the premier law firms in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley. The firm’s practice groups range from commercial litigation, to trusts and estates, to real estate development, finance and environmental impact review. The firm has been a major contributor to economic development in our region, successfully representing clients on many of the region’s most high-profile and sophisticated real estate and land use development projects. Accepting the award was Mark Weingarten, Partner.

Family Business Success: CClean

CClean, a Chappaqua-based commercial cleaning company established in 1984, provides janitorial services, annual special event deep cleaning, supplemental labor, floor restoration, post-construction cleaning, consumable supplies, and more. Clients throughout Westchester, Putnam, Fairfield, the Bronx and beyond include large healthcare systems, hospitals, universities, private and therapeutic schools, childcare centers, private clubs, and corporate spaces. CClean is owned and operated by Joe Pizzimenti, whose father, Enzo, started the company in 1984. CClean employs over 120 people in Westchester. Accepting the Award was Joe Pizzimenti, President.

Minority Business Success: DACK Consulting Services

DACK Consulting, a DBE/MWBE firm, provides professional construction consulting services to agencies, construction managers, municipalities, architects, developers and general contractors for educational, governmental, institutional, commercial, industrial and residential projects in the tri-state area. DACK, which has been in business for 26 years and has a proven track record for completing projects safely, on time and on budget. Principal Aleksandra Chancy has over 30 years of experience in the construction industry. Accepting the award was Aleksandra Chancy, Principal.

Small Business Success: OLA Consulting Engineers LLC

Based in Hawthorne with offices in Manhattan, OLA Consulting Engineers LLC has a staff of over 60 professionals providing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering, energy engineering, and commissioning services for commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities. Projects include new construction, retrofits and renovations. OLA, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, has a reputation for providing innovative engineering services to meet or exceed client expectations. Its staff delivers reliable engineering solutions with a focus on energy conservation. Accepting the award was Patrick F. Lynch, P.E., President.

Women in Business Success: Maria Paxos-Pampafikos

As a co-owner of the Royal Regency Hotel in Yonkers, Maria Paxos-Pampafikos has taken great strides to improve the business for the future. Under her leadership, the Royal Regency Hotel underwent a major multi-million-dollar renovation project to re-brand and transform the hotel into Westchester’s first trendy boutique hotel. Major renovations have been made to the lobby, ballroom, guest rooms, suites, and reception areas. The hotel has increased its marketing efforts and community involvement under Maria’s direction. Accepting the award was co-owner Maria Paxos-Pampafikos.

Chairman’s Recognition Award: Charter School of Educational Excellence

Charter School of Educational Excellence is a K-12 public charter school that develops students who are critical thinkers, motivated leaders, and lifelong learners. CSEE is committed to a strong partnership with teachers, parents, community and alumni. The founders’ vision is a school that has high expectations for every child. For this vision to be realized, every child must receive a strong foundation in reading, writing, and mathematics. CSEE has delivered educational equity to thousands of children in a low-income neighborhood. Accepting the award was Sobeida Cruz, Founder & Trustee.

The names of this year’s winners will be added to a plaque on display in the waiting area of the Westchester County Airport.

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