A new pilot initiative aimed at strengthening Westchester County’s child care workforce will invest $1 million in supplemental wages for early childhood educators over the next three years. The New York Community Trust, a BCW member, has funded the program that is designed to help child care centers retain qualified educators by providing additional compensation in a field that has long struggled with low wages, staffing shortages, and increasing competition from employers offering higher pay and stronger benefits. Through the initiative, as many as 100 early childhood educators will receive an hourly wage supplement of $2, with payments capped at $350 […]

WHITE PLAINS, NY—The Westchester County Board of Legislators’ new Affordability and Economic Development Task Force held its first meeting Thursday, bringing together leaders from a broad range of sectors to tackle financial pressures straining Westchester residents and businesses. The Board created the task force in April to develop concrete, actionable policy recommendations that will make Westchester more affordable, support local businesses, and improve County residents’ quality of life. The inaugural meeting, led by Task Force Chair Legislator Colin D. Smith, focused on setting priorities for the group’s work, including housing, childcare, workforce development, transportation, tourism, education, sustainability, and support for small […]

Laura Rizzo, Con Edison’s Director of Westchester Regional & Community Affairs, has joined the BCW’s Board of Directors. Rizzo, a New Rochelle resident, has an extensive understanding of Westchester County’s energy infrastructure. She is the relationship manager and contact for the county’s municipalities, collaborating with elected officials to address, resolve, and escalate operational issues related to gas, electricity, construction, and restoration activities. “At a time when energy delivery systems are under increasing stress because of population growth and extreme weather conditions, Laura possesses a wealth of expertise that will help inform the BCW’s ongoing and future initiatives,” said BCW President and […]

New Arts Center Will Create World-Class Performing Arts and Gallery Spaces, Meet Local Demand for Arts, STEAM, and Cultural Education, and Create Two Acres of New Public Green Space in the Heart of Rye BCW member, The Rye Arts Center (RAC) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $422,000 Capital Projects Grant from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support the design phase of The RAC’s widely anticipated Campus Expansion Project. The highly competitive grant represents a significant endorsement by New York State of the project’s vision and community impact, bringing the organization one […]

BCW members, Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) and MVP Health Care have announced a new partnership designed to enhance care coordination and improve health outcomes for patients throughout the Hudson Valley. The collaboration brings MVP Health Care’s clinical care managers directly into the care environment at Westchester Medical Center, where they will work alongside WMCHealth medical teams to support MVP members as they transition from the hospital to home. The initiative aims to create a more seamless patient experience by helping individuals navigate follow-up appointments, specialist referrals, and ongoing care after discharge. By aligning clinical care plans with insurance benefits […]

Business leaders from across the region gathered at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown on June 16 for the Business Council of Westchester’s Tompkins Community Bank Power Breakfast program, Leading Forward: Developing Leadership From Within and Beyond. As organizations continue to navigate an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving business landscape, the discussion focused on a critical challenge facing employers today: how to cultivate strong leaders from within while leveraging the expertise of external leadership advisors and coaches. The discussion was moderated by Amanda DePalma, Senior Vice President of Events & Development at the Business Council of Westchester, and featured an accomplished group […]