The Business Council of Westchester’s (BCW) Smart Development Working Group, which consists of 17 developers, held its annual meeting with the Westchester state delegation on March 15. The group discussed how Albany can facilitate the construction of more housing at a time when building costs are skyrocketing. Recognizing the urgent need to create more housing to ensure affordability and maintain Westchester’s competitiveness, the Smart Development Working Group presented findings from an in-depth study comparing the development costs of multi-family housing projects in the Pre-Pandemic era with today’s reality. “Every year it seems as if new regulations add costs and sometimes […]

As part of the Business Council’s on-going talent development initiative, several prominent current and former government leaders joined a Pathways to Public Service panel on Wednesday at Manhattanville College to share career insights with students and alumni interested in pursuing public-sector jobs. Moderated by Christopher Thunberg, Director of Manhattanville’s Center for Career Development, the panel featured former New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson, executive director of Sustainable Westchester; Joanne Fernandez, chief of staff to New York’s Department of State; Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins; and Wilson Kimball, president and CEO of the Yonkers Housing Authority. The event’s panelists reminded students and […]

White Plains High School is preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs with help from the BCW’s Westchester Innovation Network (WIN). The school’s program—INCubatoredu—is a rigorous, full-year elective course offering an authentic entrepreneurship experience as 20 students develop their own products or services. Four BCW members serve as volunteer coaches and mentors collaborating with the classroom teacher in guiding student teams through the process of creating their startup. BCW member Gene Christian Baca, co-owner of Walter’s Hot Dogs, is mentoring a team of student athletes who are developing a sports-gear bag with a built-in deodorizer. Baca said he is impressed by […]

Congratulations to Iona University alumni Maggie Timoney, CEO of BCW Member Heineken USA, on her selection as Grand Marshal of the 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade to be held tomorrow in New York City. She will become just the sixth woman to lead the historic parade in its 263-year history.  “Maggie was a leader during her time at Iona and she continues to pave the way not only for the Irish community, but for all who aspire to achieve success in both business and in life,” said Iona President Seamus Carey, Ph.D. “It is always an honor for the Iona […]

BCW Member Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems is launching a new artificial intelligence (AI) lab at its New York City campus. The lab will be housed in the brand new, cutting-edge building at 15 Beekman, the dedicated home for Seidenberg. It aims to serve as the central hub of AI for the Pace community, offering training and opportunities to learn, grow, and collaborate for students, faculty, and staff. In addition, the AI lab will extend its training initiatives to local businesses and community members, leveraging Pace’s extensive expertise in AI research and development, which spans […]

The Business Council of Westchester (BCW) convened a panel of experts at the Tompkins Community Bank Power Breakfast on Thursday to delve into the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on professional services. The panel discussion, part of BCW’s AI Alliance 360° initiative, aimed to shed light on how AI is revolutionizing traditional practices, driving productivity, and enhancing client experiences across various industries. Panel moderator Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of the BCW, highlighted the transformative potential of AI in professional services. “The conversion to artificial intelligence has ushered in a new era of innovation, efficiency, and integration across various […]