BCW Hosts Dialog with County Legislators at Annual Reception
Standing, from left, Jason Schiciano of Levitt-Fuirst; Legislator David Imamura; Legislator Jose Alvarado; Legislator Shanae Williams; BCW Executive Vice President and COO John Ravitz; Board Legislators Chairman Vedat Gashi; BCW President & CEO Marsha Gordon; Legislator Jewell Williams Johnson; Taryn Duffy of Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts; Legislator James Nolan and Bruce Bernacchi of Liberty Lines
The BCW’s Government Action Council hosted its sixth annual Board of Legislators Reception on Tuesday, where BCW members shared their concerns with members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators.
BOL Chair Vedat Gashi and BOL Vice Chair Jose Alvarado updated BCW members on the BOL’s ongoing activities, including preparing for next year’s County Executive Budget.
“This is part of the BCW’s Political Leadership Series that allows us to create a strong line of communication between our members in the business community and elected officials on all levels of government. The Annual BOL Reception is an important part of this series,” said BCW Executive Vice President & COO John Ravitz, who moderated the event at the Cambria Hotel in White Plains.
“It’s an incredible opportunity for us to have a friendly opportunity to gain valuable insights as legislators to connect with economic development advocates and business owners,” said Westchester County Legislator Vedat Gashi, Chairman of the Board of Legislators.
Jose Alvarado, Vice Chair of the Board of Legislators, called the BCW members catalysts. “We really have to cooperate, because if you’re not thriving, we’re failing and our community is beginning to diminish,” said Alvarado.
Legislator Ben Boykin said that the Board of Legislators is constantly looking at the county’s rules and regulations. “I get calls all the time from businesses saying, I need to get this done. Can you call the building commissioner to make this happen so that we can open?” said Boykin, adding that he has been working on eliminating arcane county rules that impede businesses from opening.
Audience questions focused on the Board’s priorities this year, including housing and workforce development.
Legislator Judah Holstein said that artificial intelligence (AI) will change the workforce. “We’re trying to prepare for that, so that’s been a big effort together with my colleagues on things we can do to ensure that the workforce is prepared for the next generation of technology,” said Holstein, adding that the Board is also working on legislation regarding misuse of AI.
Sponsors for the event were Burke Rehabilitation, Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts, Levitt-Fuirst, Liberty Lines, Thalle Industries, Thompson & Bender and White Plains Hospital.
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