The Business Council of Westchester Announces Formation of New Group to Focus on Retaining and Attracting Businesses to Westchester

WHITE PLAINS, NY, Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- In a concerted effort to move Westchester's economy in a positive direction, The Business Council of Westchester today announced the formation of a new task force that will focus on the major issues critical to retaining existing businesses and attracting new ones to the county.

Called the Westchester Coalition for Business Development, the new group will be comprised of businesses that have a stake in keeping Westchester's economy strong and growing. Influential business leaders from the hot sectors of business growth in the market will be represented including biotech, information technology, health care, professional services, finance and the green business sector. 

The Coalition has assembled an impressive roster of Westchester businesses including representatives from biotech, finance, law, education, health care, real estate development, information technology and energy. The group will present their recommendations on infrastructure, workforce development, commercial development and legislative issues with the goal of enacting measures to ensure a vibrant and growing economy for the county.  

"Way too much attention has been focused on what's wrong with our economy and not enough on the many positives we have to offer. The members of our new group represent a true cross section of Westchester business leaders who are succeeding despite the difficult economy. We want to tap into their knowledge and experience to tackle the key issues facing Westchester's economy and how we can make the county a more attractive place to do business," said Dr. Marsha Gordon, president/CEO of The Business Council of Westchester.

Dr. Gordon said the new group seeks to build on the platform of the recently announced marketing campaign by the County Office of Economic Development that promotes Westchester as "New York's Intellectual Capital." The county's new campaign focuses on Westchester's highly educated workforce as a unique and important asset in retaining and attracting new businesses to the county. "We believe the county's new campaign is right on target. It's a breath of fresh air and sends a clear signal to the business community that Westchester County will no longer operate with a 'business as usual' approach to economic development," she said.

"We are very pleased by the enthusiastic response we've received from the business community in forming this new coalition. Together, we will work to establish strategies for the retention of the current roster of world-class companies that call Westchester home as well as attract new companies to our county," said Christopher O'Callaghan of Cushman & Wakefield, who will serve as Chair of the Coalition.

"This public/private partnership represents the next logical step in a journey that began with the September launch of the county's new, aggressive marketing campaign," stated Laurence Gottlieb, Westchester County's Director of Economic Development, who will serve as an ex officio member of the group. "By promoting Westchester County as 'New York's Intellectual Capital,' my office is providing the brand platform upon which this coalition will build their clear vision for retaining and attracting businesses to Westchester – from solo-entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 corporations – with specific recommendations we can act upon for the benefit of all county residents."

About The Business Council of Westchester

The county's largest and most influential business membership organization, The Business Council of Westchester is committed to helping businesses market, learn, advocate and grow. In addition, The Business Council of Westchester is actively involved in reviewing federal, state and county legislation and regulations in order to assess the potential impact on the business community and to influence the outcomes through advocacy when the business community's interests may be affected. It also acts as an information resource for the business community and government leaders at all levels.

SOURCE The Business Council of Westchester