Yonkers fast-growing film industry is a dynamic economic engine generating for the city approximately $46 million in sales and nearly $12 million in earnings, according to an economic impact report.  The report, which was prepared by economic development consulting firm Camoin Associates, showed the film industry in 2024 generated $11.9 million in total earnings, including $8.5 in direct earnings. Production activity included 124 production days across the city. In addition, Yonkers collected approximately $961,000 from film permits, location rental revenue and occupancy tax from hotel stays. “Yonkers has firmly established itself as the premier destination for film and television in […]

New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins recently awarded BCW member Pace University $2.175 million in funding to support capital improvements and technology upgrades at its Center of Excellence in Healthcare Simulation in Pleasantville. The Center of Excellence in Healthcare Simulation—part of Pace University’s College of Health Professions— expands hands-on training opportunities for students in high-demand health programs, helping prepare more nurses and clinicians. “The need for healthcare professionals is surging, and the shortage we face is compounded by limited training facilities and lack of faculty. Pace is a regional and national leader in health education simulation, and this […]

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins announced on Wednesday the selection of HNTB to lead the comprehensive feasibility study and concept design for the modernization of the terminal at Westchester County Airport. “We all deeply value flying out of Westchester County Airport, but the reality is the current terminal is not functional for basic needs like having a cup of coffee, sitting down on a chair or going to the bathroom,” said Jenkins. “Selecting HNTB with industry-leading expertise in airport planning and design is an important step toward delivering that experience. This is not expansion, this is modernization – and we […]

The Business Council of Westchester is very pleased to announce it has hired Jacobella Luongo, also known as Bella, as its new Senior Manager of Marketing and Communications. In this new role, Jacobella will shape and amplify the BCW’s voice across all platforms. She will oversee the weekly digital newsletter, lead integrated marketing and communications strategies, collaborate with senior leadership on executive messaging, and ensure excellence and consistency across media relations, social media, and creative initiatives. She will also work closely with the BCW’s marketing partner, Thompson & Bender, to align strategy, strengthen brand visibility, and advance coordinated communications efforts […]

Recent findings released by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) provide a sobering validation of the Business Council of Westchester’s (BCW) long-standing concerns regarding the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). The state’s recent analysis confirms that the BCW’s Clean Energy Action Coalition initiative is not just timely, but critical to the survival of Westchester County’s economy. To successfully recruit and retain businesses in Westchester, we must build a power system that is reliable, affordable, and sustainable. While we continue to support the laudable goals of the CLCPA, the BCW believes that we need to […]

This week the BCW unveiled its 2026 Legislative Agenda, a wide-ranging roadmap designed to spur economic growth while navigating what the organization identifies as a challenging fiscal and regulatory environment in New York. “As the county’s largest business membership organization dedicated to economic development and advocacy, the BCW’s annual Legislative Agenda spotlights the critical issues at the local, state, and federal levels that directly impact our members,” said BCW Executive Vice-President and COO John Ravitz. “We pride ourselves on being the eyes, ears, and voice of the business community, ensuring that this agenda reaches all elected officials who represent Westchester […]