BCW Executive Vice President and COO John Ravitz was the co-author of an Op-Ed that ran in newspapers throughout the state opposing proposed state legislation that is harmful to small businesses. “Among the harmful proposals that have popped up around the country, and now in New York, is a measure that would hand control of wage and benefit decisions to external, unelected groups lacking knowledge of the specific needs and differences of local industries and regions. Rather than allowing small business owners to assess and address the needs of their workers and communities in the way they know best, these […]

The Business Council of Westchester (BCW) continued its State of the Economy series on Wednesday with a focus on two of Westchester’s most transformational projects. Bruce Berg, Chief Executive Officer of the Cappelli Development Company, and Joe Cotter, Chief Executive Officer of National Resources, presented updates on the District Galleria proposal for White Plains and the massive film and television studio expansion underway in Yonkers. “The transformational projects in White Plains and Yonkers are fostering important and fresh approaches to community renewal,” said BCW President and CEO Marsha Gordon. “These initiatives are not only reshaping landscapes, but they are also […]

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 […]