By John Ravitz Earlier this summer, New York launched what may be one of the most important tech infrastructure investments the Empire State will ever make. In June, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $40 million in funding to launch Empire AI Beta, a supercomputer housed at the University of Buffalo that will give researchers unprecedented access to study AI technology and its benefits. This investment and the latest expansion of funding for the state’s historic Empire AI investment program secured in May makes one thing abundantly clear: New York is not just participating in the AI race –– the state intends to lead it. Thanks […]

In what is a significant investment in the Hudson Valley Region’s economy, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced this week that Garonit Pharmaceutical, Inc., a global manufacturer of antiseptic products and health care solutions, will establish a state-of-the-art, 200,000-square-foot pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in New Windsor, Orange County. With a $46.1 million investment, the facility will become the world’s largest chlorhexidine gluconate manufacturing operation, producing antiseptic products essential for surgical disinfection and infection prevention in hospitals worldwide. New York State is supporting this project with $3.8 million, including up to $3.5 million through the Excelsior Jobs Program and a $300,000 Mid-Hudson Regional Economic […]

The BCW is among 37 business organizations statewide that are urging Gov. Hochul to veto S.8432 (Hoylman-Sigal)/A.8662 (Gallagher), which would require small businesses organized as Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) to disclose confidential and personally identifiable information to the New York State Department of State (DOS). The group notes that if signed into law, the legislation will undoubtedly place an additional regulatory and cost burden on small businesses, at a time when they are facing increasing economic uncertainty and excessive costs. It will lead to greater confusion, hefty fines, and business suspensions, and will make New York a less competitive place […]

The ongoing revitalization of Yorktown’s retail centers continues with construction under way on the $10 million renovation of the Triangle Shopping Center. On Tuesday, Yorktown Town Officials met with executives of The Hakim Organization, which owns the 208,000-square-foot retail center, to survey the progress of work which includes updating store facades and installing new sidewalks as well as repaving the 867-space parking lot. Construction is expected to be completed in the fall. “We believe in the Town of Yorktown and the economic viability of Yorktown,” said Adam Brodsky, director of operations, development, and co-general counsel at The Hakim Organization, which […]

With the dismantling of the U.S Department of Education and colleges and universities, along with student loan forgiveness, under attack, there is some very good news for Westchester.   BCW Member SUNY Westchester Community College in Valhalla announced this week that it received a $306,514 grant from the U.S. Department of Education through the federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program. The funding expands support for students who are low-income, first-generation or disabled – aiming to improve retention, graduation and transfer rates. “This grant allows SUNY Westchester Community College to deepen our commitment to ensuring that all students — regardless of background […]

The Westchester County Office of Housing Counsel (OHC) has officially opened for business to ensure that financially eligible tenants have access to resources and legal representation at no cost to themselves in eviction and related proceedings. The innovative program is the first of its kind for a county and will help stabilize communities and address housing insecurity. In addition to providing free legal services, the OHC will coordinate access to pre-eviction support and counseling programs under one roof. The opening of the program was announced at a press event on Thursday in White Plains. Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: […]