This week, the U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order to strengthen New York’s electric grid in response to severe winter weather. We’ve been fortunate to avoid widespread outages, but extreme cold weather persists. The order underscores how strained our grid has become during peak demand and how vulnerable it remains to fuel shortages and transmission bottlenecks. This moment calls for immediate, practical action. The BCW Clean Energy Action Coalition is urging all Business Council of Westchester members to take the following steps. 1. Immediately sign up for and participate in Demand Response programs.Programs such as Grid Rewards, Special […]

The Business Council of Westchester consistently advocates for greater investment in the region’s infrastructure, so a new study by a national transportation research nonprofit should give all business leaders cause for concern. The Road Information Program (TRIP) report, “New York Transportation by the Numbers: Providing a Modern, Sustainable Transportation System in the Empire State,” reveals a sobering reality for New York’s motorists and the business community: the state’s deteriorating transportation network is now costing drivers a staggering $40.3 billion annually. This represents a 44% increase in costs since 2022, driven by a combination of crumbling pavement, aging bridges, and persistent […]

The BCW is laser-focused on helping small businesses thrive in the county, which aligns our organization with U.S. Congressman George Latimer’s (D-Westchester) proposed legislation to sustain two government programs that are essential drivers of commercialization for small businesses across New York. The SBIR Administrative Funding Act seeks to secure the long-term viability of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, known collectively as “America’s Seed Fund.” The SBIR and STTR programs require federal agencies to allocate a portion of their research and development budgets to small businesses. However, the statutory authority for these programs […]

In a landmark move for the region’s growing tech sector, SEEQC, Inc., a prominent member of the Business Council of Westchester, has announced a definitive merger agreement with Allegro Merger Corp. The transaction, which values the Elmsford-based quantum computing pioneer at approximately $1 billion, signals a major step in the commercialization of “quantum on a chip” technology. Under the terms of the agreement, SEEQC will form a wholly owned subsidiary to merge with Allegro, which will survive as a subsidiary of the parent company. Upon completion, expected in the second quarter of 2026, Allegro’s common stock will be exchanged for […]

On Tuesday, Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled her FY 2027 $260 billion state budget proposal. It contained many of the recommendations that were presented in the Blueprint for New York that was released late last year and which the BCW worked collaboratively on along with the Business Council of New York State, the New York State Economic Development Council, more than 40 associations, and over 500 business leaders from across the state. This includes efforts to cut regulations, no new taxes and no one shots or gimmicks. As part of the Governor’s “Let Them Build” agenda, she is proposing a series of landmark […]

On Wednesday, the BCW Tompkins Community Bank Power Breakfast brought together a dynamic panel of communications professionals for an expert-led session on crafting messages that resonate and inspire action. “From Story to Strategy—Branding, Marketing & Social Media Mastery” explored how organizations can build powerful brands and compelling narratives in an increasingly digital marketplace. The five panelists were Lauren Alperin, Partnerships Sales Manager, New York Family Media; Daniel Sieger, Chief Storyteller, Stories for Good; Matt Sullivan, Executive Director, LMC Media; Kevin Bruckner, Owner & Creative Director, BRUCK STUDIOS; Jennefer Witter, CEO & Founder, The Boreland Group Inc. The panel touched on […]