WHITE PLAINS, NY (October 20, 2026) – The Westchester County Association (WCA), in partnership with Pace University’s Elisabeth Haub School of Law , brought together business, government, and industry leaders for the 2026 Profit & Purpose Sustainable Business Conference to address critical issues shaping the region’s economic future. Held at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, discussions focused on New York’s evolving energy and environmental policies, infrastructure investment, responsible AI, and the role of business innovation in driving sustainable economic growth.

“Building a sustainable economy is not separate from building a strong economy, it is central to it,” said Michael N. Romita, President & CEO of the Westchester County Association. “Today’s business leaders must navigate regulatory uncertainty, evolving technologies, infrastructure needs, and changing public expectations. This year’s Profit & Purpose Conference brought leaders together to share ideas, identify real-world solutions, and advance smart growth that benefits businesses, communities, and the region.”

The conference featured a keynote discussion between Joris Veldhoven, President of New York Transco and Harrison Gifford Bench, law student at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law, exploring how New York can transform ambitious energy goals into real-world progress. The conversation emphasized the necessity of balancing New York’s clean energy goals with the growing demand from AI, computing, and electrification – and the energy infrastructure needed to support that balance. Veldhoven boiled down this discussion to a central question: “In this day and age of AI, of more compute, of large loads of electrification, do we have the right transmission lines in place, here in New York State, and in the United States, to make sure that we keep the lights on?”

“We were excited to welcome so many leaders across business, government, law, energy and the nonprofit community to our campus,” said Horace E. Anderson, Jr., Dean, Elisabeth Haub School of Law. “This annual conference captures a challenge that is increasingly important across industries: how we pursue economic growth and innovation, while also considering the broader impact of the decisions we make.”

The keynote was followed by robust discussions in which panelists spanning industry, academia, and public policy engaged in forward-looking conversation about how policy, infrastructure, and technology intersect to support sustainable growth. Among the panelists was State Senator Peter Harckham, Chairman of the Committee on Environmental Conservation, who discussed New York’s Cap-and-Invest program, the ongoing transition to electrification, and the need to support New York’s companies as they adapt to new sustainable practices.

A central element of the conference was the second annual Profit & Purpose Action Award Competition, presented by WCA and the Sustainable Business Law Hub at Pace University, seeking student-led solutions to address real-world sustainability challenges. Following a presentation by three student finalists, Samuel F. de Carvalho received the 2026 Profit & Purpose Action Award for his innovative proposal addressing sustainability and corporate responsibility. His winning concept explored private environmental governance and the role of grievance mechanisms and remedies in the mining sector, demonstrating how emerging leaders can contribute fresh perspectives and practical solutions to sustainable business challenges.

“Today’s discussions reinforced that sustainable business is a core strategy for organizations navigating a changing economy,” Romita said. “The next step is turning these conversations into investment decisions, modernizing buildings, planning for future energy needs, and preparing the workforce to support those changes.”

 

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About the Westchester County Association 

The Westchester County Association is the most influential professional membership organization in Westchester and the surrounding region. We unite professional leaders to advance issues and lead initiatives that strengthen our regional economy.  Our mission is to drive Westchester’s economic vitality, stimulate new business development and job creation, and provide our members with the resources and talent they need to grow. For more information about the Westchester County Association, visit www.westchester.org.

About Pace University

Founded in 1906 and celebrating 120 years of preparing students for success in 2026, Pace University pairs real-life learning with strong academics to launch meaningful careers. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace serves 13,600 students across a range of bachelor, master, and doctoral programs through the College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

About Pace University’s Elisabeth Haub School of Law

Pace University’s Elisabeth Haub School of Law offers both JD and Masters of Law degrees in Environmental Law and Comparative Legal Studies, as well as a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) in Environmental Law. The school, housed on the University’s campus in White Plains, NY, opened its doors in 1976 and has over 10,000 alumni around the world. The school maintains a unique philosophy and approach to legal education that strikes an important balance between practice and theory. Haub Law launched its Environmental Law Program in 1978, and it has long been ranked among the world’s leading university programs, with a current #1 ranking by U.S. News & World Report.