Westchester Businesses Make Their Voices Heard at BCW’s Albany Lobby Day

Thirty-six members of the Business Council of Westchester (BCW) traveled to the state capital on Tuesday for their annual Albany Lobby Day, providing a valuable opportunity for local business leaders to engage directly with state government.

The day offered BCW members firsthand insight into the inner workings of state operations through meetings with elected officials, members of the Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration, policy experts, and a representative from the Albany press corps.

This year’s Albany Lobby Day held particular significance as BCW members had the opportunity to express their gratitude to state legislators for the inclusion of crucial funding for the Unemployment Insurance Fund and the recent amendments addressing the Pay Frequency issues that had been impacting businesses. The BCW worked hard over the past few months to secure these positive outcomes in the recently adopted State Budget.

The packed itinerary facilitated a diverse range of interactions, allowing BCW members to connect with key players in New York State policymaking. The day included a meeting with the Westchester Assembly Delegation, providing a platform to discuss regional business priorities and concerns directly with local representatives.

Attendees had the opportunity to hear from Zilvinas Silenas, the President & CEO of the Empire Center, gaining valuable insights into the state’s economic landscape and policy debates. This was followed by a meeting with Assemblymember Carrie Woerner, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Racing & Wagering, offering a focused discussion on issues within that sector.

Gaining a media perspective, the BCW members engaged with Zach Williams, Legislative Correspondent for Bloomberg News, providing a glimpse into how business-related news is covered in the state capital. The dialogue continued with Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon, Chair of the Assembly Small Business Committee, allowing for a dedicated conversation on the unique challenges and opportunities facing small businesses in Westchester County.

A significant portion of the day was dedicated to engaging with the executive branch, including a crucial meeting with Deputy Budget Director Matt Howard. This session provided an invaluable opportunity for BCW members to understand the state’s fiscal priorities and advocate for policies supportive of business growth.

The afternoon culminated in a meeting with Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and the Westchester Senate Delegation. This high-level engagement underscored the importance of the Westchester business community to state leaders and facilitated a direct exchange on legislative priorities.

Beyond the formal meetings, the BCW members were treated to an insightful tour of the State Capitol building and the New York State Assembly Chamber, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the legislative process and the historical significance of the state’s governing body.

The Business Council of Westchester’s Albany Lobby Day proved to be a resounding success, empowering its members with a deeper understanding of state government and providing a crucial platform to advocate for their interests. The direct engagement with policymakers and the opportunity to acknowledge recent legislative wins solidified the BCW’s role as a vital voice for the Westchester business community in Albany.