BCW Unveils Westchester EDGE, Major New Economic Development Initiative

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The Business Council of Westchester (BCW), the county’s only business membership organization focused on economic development and advocacy, has announced the Westchester EDGE, a bold new economic development initiative led by Maggie Peters, Senior Vice President of Economic Development. The Westchester EDGE is an initiative designed to provide data resources, advocacy and expertise, as well as showcase, market and promote Westchester County’s business, quality of life, talent, and economic vitality. This proactive initiative includes business retention, attraction, nurturing entrepreneurs, and fostering organic business growth to ensure a prosperous future.

Westchester EDGE (Economic Development, Growth & Enhancement) is a multi-faceted effort to ensure the county’s economic prosperity in the 2020s and beyond. A collaborative effort among business, education and government leaders, Westchester EDGE provides the right resources and enhances an environment where business, investment, and development flourish. Westchester’s educational network, accessibility, talent, and diverse and abundant business community are just a few of the assets the Westchester EDGE will focus on.

“Westchester is home to more than 20 higher education institutions, 54 percent of Westchester residents over the age of 25 have an associate degree or higher, and we have an extraordinary transportation network with 42 Metro North train stations,” said Maggie Peters, SVP of Economic Development for the BCW. We are experiencing tremendous investment in real estate and continue to see relocation rates rise especially from outside New York State.”

“The Business Council of Westchester is making an unprecedented effort to promote and help shape the county’s future prosperity,” said BCW President and CEO Marsha Gordon. “We are committing to an extraordinary effort to raise our county’s profile in the state and beyond.”

Westchester EDGE’s multi-pronged approach to promoting Westchester County includes several new and continuing efforts:

• Downtown Revitalization: The county’s downtowns and urban cores are critical to the region’s prosperity. Westchester EDGE will enhance efforts to market Westchester’s downtowns and urban centers.
• Cluster Enhancement: The Westchester EDGE will foster an innovation ecosystem, and support supply chain development and industry networks to ensure our industry clusters continue grow in Westchester.
• Data Exchange: Westchester EDGE provides data resources including, but not limited to, workforce statistics, data by partner organizations, and special reports. In addition, the BCW, in partnership with Siena College and the Business Council of New York, will continue to survey Westchester CEOs about the business climate, regulatory environment, workforce, capital investment plans, and other relevant matters.
• Business Incubation: Supporting small business and the entrepreneurial spirit is a key component to Westchester’s economy, the BCW’s strategy, and the Westchester EDGE. The BCW will continue to work with its in-house Small Business Development Center (SBDC) representative and the county’s incubators, Element 46 and Bio Inc.
• Stronger Together Partnership Development: The BCW’s long-standing belief in partnership is integral to the success of the Westchester EDGE. We are proud to announce our newest partner, GRO-BIOTECH. GRO-BIOTECH is a coalition of graduate biotechnology organizations from top life sciences programs in the NYC region.
• Government Investment: Westchester EDGE will enhance efforts to support municipal officials, businesses, and not-for-profits as they secure funding for projects through the county IDA and state Regional Economic Development Council.
• Advocacy: Westchester EDGE will push for economic development projects, state funding, and policies that work for Westchester at all levels of government.
• Events: The BCW and Westchester EDGE will host a number of important programs to support Westchester’s economic development initiatives, including:
  • March 20, 2020: “CEO’s Speak – BCW/Siena Poll CEO Review”
  • May 2020: Fordham University Real Estate 2020 – “How to Harness Emerging Technologies”
  • November 2020: Downtown Summit & Placemaking Awards
  • December 2020: Economic Outlook – “A Look Back and a Look Forward. What to Expect in 2021.”