WCA in the News

It may come as no surprise, but county executives in Westchester and the Hudson Valley have upbeat views of where their counties stand financially, in the recovery from Covid, as hosts to businesses and in helping residents enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

When Hurricane Ida smashed into Mamaroneck in September 2021, businesses across the town faced some of the worst flooding in living memory. "We had six feet of water in our two front buildings and four feet of water in our shop building," recalls Michael Murphy of Murphy Brothers Contracting, a 50-year-old, family-owned and Mamaroneck-based general contracting firm. "That storm was a monster."

Leslie Hollingsworth has 16 years of experience teaching third grade in New York City. She enjoyed the position — it’s easier to mold their minds in third grade, she said of teaching young children versus teenagers — but circumstances have led her back to the job market.

Last November, the number of people who voluntarily left their jobs spiked to a record 4.5 million — and that was in just one month according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. What’s that about? Reasons for those walking out are unreasonably low wages, poor working conditions, no career path, and no benefits. The message from workers: we want better jobs with decent pay and jobs that have a future.

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital bought a piece of the Platinum Mile in White Plains and plans to open an outpatient care facility on Westchester Avenue, the hospital announced Tuesday.

Gov. Kathy Hochul removed two controversial pieces of housing-related legislation from her proposed Executive Budget last week, both of which drew harsh criticisms from most municipal officials throughout Westchester and the state.

The Westchester County Association has launched a Healthcare Talent Pipeline Program to ease labor challenges in the region.

In her executive budget, Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed streamlined, as-of-right zoning legislation for both accessory dwelling units and transit-oriented development. There is a resurgent conversation surrounding statewide fixes to this serious problem and New York needs to act.

Five Westchester and Hudson Valley organizations have joined in a push for the New York State Legislature to pass legislation that could help create more housing in numerous communities.

In Yonkers, N.Y., a digital opportunity zone — aptly named the Y-Zone — has been helping to level the playing field for those without consistent access to the Internet or the devices and know-how needed to make use of it.

White Plains, NY (January 23, 2025) — The Westchester County Association (WCA) launched its 75th anniversary year with newly appointed County Executive Ken Jenkins’ first address to the Westchester business community, where he outlined his vision for the county’s growth and vitality – subjects that drive WCA’s mission.

(November 21, 2024) …. Four exceptional Westchester leaders, cited for their outstanding contributions to Westchester’s robust economy, benefiting its people and businesses, were honored at the Westchester County Association’s (WCA) Annual Leadership Event, “Impact in Action,” held on November 20th at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle.

White Plains, New York - (November 10, 2023)….Over 450 members of Westchester’s professional community packed the Westchester Marriott ballroom on November 9th for the Westchester County Association’s 73rd annual leadership event.

White Plains (October 12, 2023) More than 300 job seekers lined up to meet with over 40 employers and resource providers at a regional career fair October 12 at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.

Connect Westchester is Westchester County’s Office of Economic Development’s new initiative to bridge the digital divide through providing essential digital resources, education and affordable internet access to low-income residents.

White Plains, New York - (September 22, 2023)…In his keynote address at WCA’s “Toasting to a Healthy Westchester,” Michael J. Dowling, CEO, Northwell Health appealed to 250 key leaders in healthcare and business attending this annual dinner to try to solve what he called the social determinants of health, such as gun violence, poverty, obesity, and drugs and alchohol abuse. “If we don’t solve theses issues, we will never improve the health status of Americans,”he said, citing the pressures facing the industry today.

White Plains, New York -- (June 5, 2023) Close to 200 business, nonprofit, and government leaders attended the WCA’s 2nd Annual Sustainable Business Conference hosted in partnership with Pace University’s Elisabeth Haub School of Law. The event, held June 1 at the law school, focused on new opportunities in sustainable investing and real estate, navigating an evolving regulatory landscape, and the connection between sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion. New this year, a “Sustainability Bootcamp” workshop served as a primer for businesses of all sizes to get started with practical tools to develop a sustainability program.

White Plains, New York - (December 8, 2022) Susan Fox, WCA Board Chair, President & CEO, White Plains Hospital, and Michael N. Romita, President, and CEO of the Westchester County Association (WCA), announced this week that the WCA, the county’s premier business membership organization, will welcome eight new board members representing important industry sectors to bolster the WCA’s economic development and advocacy work.

White Plains, New York - (November 21, 2022)…. Westchester’s professional community packed the Westchester Marriott ballroom on November 17th for the Westchester County Association’s annual leadership dinner to honor Westchester’s most influential leaders and celebrate another year of impactful work by the WCA, the region’s premiere business advocacy and economic development organization.

White Plains, N.Y. (February 25, 2022) During the Annual County Executive’s Breakfast hosted by The Westchester County Association (WCA) on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at the Sleepy Hollow Hotel & Conference Center in Tarrytown, New York, County Executive George Latimer and WCA President & CEO Michael N. Romita jointly announced the launch of the Healthcare Talent Pipeline Program (HTPP).

Explore the evolving landscape of healthcare infrastructure and investment at Morgan Stanley's "The Future of Healthcare Infrastructure" conference on March 26. WCA members speakers: Zarela Maldonado, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Rich Alvarez, Turner Construction Company, Anthony B. Gioffre, III. Esq, Cuddy & Feder, Kristen Mitchell, Langan Engineering. RSVP: Christian A. Templeman christian.a.templeman@ms.com.

Dr. Julia Iyasere, Executive Director of NewYork-Presbyterian's Dalio Center for Health Justice, has been awarded the 2025 Dr. Charles Drew Lifesaver Award by the New York Blood Center. Recognized for advancing health equity and raising awareness about diverse blood donations, Iyasere's groundbreaking work continues to address critical disparities in healthcare access.

American Heart Month has just ended, but Joe Simone advocates for improving heart health and fostering equitable wellness in communities all year long. To raise awareness for heart health, Simone, president of Simone Development Companies joined the American Heart Association at the New York Stock Exchange to ring the closing bell.

Cuddy & Feder proudly celebrated service and leadership in Westchester by supporting this year's Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Youth Awards, hosted by the African American Men of Westchester (AAMW). Cuddy & Feder Partner and Vice-Chair Eon S. Nichols has long championed AAMW and emceed the event, highlighting the achievements of 10 outstanding young leaders who received $25,000 in scholarships.

Pace University and Verizon are launching a new online, no-cost, self-paced training program designed to educate the next gen of telecom technicians through a $700,000 workforce development grant. This initiative addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals in the field while offering flexible training opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing careers in the telecom industry.

Whether you're a startup founder, investor, or industry pro, attend Westchester County's Life Sciences Networking event on March 12 in White Plains to learn how to pursue successful corporate alliances.

Westchester’s nonprofit sector is a powerhouse—fueling the economy, driving social impact, and creating jobs. But do you know how it truly operates and how your business can collaborate with this critical industry? Find out on March 20. Register now! WCA members, use code NPWWCA25 for exclusive pricing.

The Purchase university has expanded its programming with a new MS in Public Health. This addition exemplifies Manhattanville's commitment to boosting the local healthcare industry, as the degree can open doors to various careers across the healthcare, government, and research sectors.

Congratulations ENT and Allergy Associates and QMMS USA on their expansion! The physicians of Allergy and Asthma Care will be the first physicians to join the ENTA – PA model. This collaboration represents a major milestone in delivering exceptional, patient-focused care while empowering physicians through cutting-edge practices.

Congratulations to WCA members Michael Dowling, Northwell Health; Roger Arrieux Jr., Deloitte; Ruben Diaz Jr., Montefiore Einstein; and Karina Yazdanbakhsh, New York Blood Center, for being named to City & State's 2025 "50 Over 50" list — a testimony to their remarkable leadership and achievements!