WCA in the News

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The Westchester County Association (WCA), Westchester County, and The STEM Alliance recently hosted the second annual CONVERGE: Hudson Valley Digital Innovation Conference, bringing together business, government, nonprofit, and education leaders to explore how artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and digital inclusion can power the region’s economy and create a more equitable, resilient future.

“We are in the midst of a new era, one that promises to redefine how we work, live, and grow,” Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said when opening the conference titled CONVERGE: Hudson Valley Digital Innovation Conference.

A joint economic study produced by the Westchester County Association (WCA) and the Regional Plan Association (RPA) says that if Westchester fails to address its growing shortfall in housing it could lose from 8,400 to 12,000 jobs annually, lose from $333 million to $742 million in annual earnings and lose from $32 billion to $57 billion in Gross Domestic Product by 2040.

RYE -- Despite recent growth in housing developments, Westchester still faces a pressing need for more housing. A new study by the Westchester County Association and Regional Plan Association warns that the housing shortfall could lead to job losses — unless municipalities act to promote housing.

The U.S. House of Representatives has advanced a plan to slash about $700 billion from Medicaid over the next ten years. Not only would major cuts to Medicaid harm the health of New Yorkers, but they would also ravage healthcare providers and undermine the state’s economy.

The health care industry is entrenched as a backbone of Westchester's economy. With the rapid expansion of hospitals and health care facilities, thousands of new jobs are expected to be created in the coming years. Health care jobs are generally competitive and well-paying. Yet, many remain unfilled.

In September of 2021, when Hurricane Ida pummeled Westchester County—and Mamaroneck in particular—Michael Murphy doubled down on a plan. The director of business development at Murphy Brothers Contracting saw firsthand (but not for the first time) how Ida’s flooding devastated businesses. Year after year, as storms became more powerful, merchants in the area saw their properties submerged and inventories destroyed with no relief in sight

Medicaid provides healthcare to families with modest incomes, young adults who have aged off their parents’ insurance, people with disabilities and frail elderly individuals in long-term care. It covers your neighbors, your kids, your parents and grandparents. And it is now on the chopping block. The program is administered by the states and jointly funded with the federal government. It is not cheap, costing more than $600 billion a year. That is why it is in Congress’ crosshairs.

VALHALLA – With thousands of job openings in the Hudson Valley, educators and employers are collaborating to train a new generation of phone-centric workers who may lack social skills like making eye contact. The number of private sector jobs in the Hudson Valley grew by 1.9% to 819,000 in January, with the largest gains occurring in education and health services, as well as leisure and hospitality. But many employers are having trouble filling jobs. In fact, across New York state, about 500,000 open positions still need to be filled.

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).

The Westchester County Association (WCA) joined community leaders from Nonprofit Westchester (NPW), the Building and Realty Institute of Westchester and the Mid-Hudson Region (BRI), the Construction Industry Council of Westchester and Hudson Valley (CIC), and the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors (HGAR) to put forth an advocacy letter urging government officials to find statewide solutions to Westchester’s housing crisis.

Yonkers, N.Y. – Today, the Westchester County Association joined community leaders, elected officials, and project partners in a press conference at the Yonkers Public Library to highlight the latest developments since the launch of the Y-Zone (Yonkers Zone), a broadband pilot program funded by US Ignite and Schmidt Futures as part of Project Overcome.

White Plains, N.Y. (December 2, 2021) – The Westchester County Association (WCA) hosted their Annual Fall Leadership Event: Driving Westchester Forward on November 30 at the Westchester Marriot in Tarrytown, New York. With over 400 people in attendance, the evening honored the achievements of organizations Skanska, Westhab, and WMCHealth, as well as outgoing WCA Chairman William P. Harrington Esq., Partner at Bleakley Platt & Schmidt who received the Alfred B. DelBello Visionary Award.

White Plains, N.Y. (September 23, 2021) –The Westchester County Association (WCA) is excited to announce that at today’s meeting of the Board of Directors, Susan Fox, CEO and President of White Plains Hospital, was selected to succeed Bill Harrington as the next Chairperson of the WCA.

White Plains, N.Y. (November 23, 2021) – The Westchester County Association (WCA), and Nonprofit Westchester (NPW), are hosting a free virtual event, An Open Conversation with US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. EST. This event will include an interactive dialogue, discussing the most pressing issues impacting businesses and the Hudson Valley community.

White Plains, N.Y. (October 21, 2021) – Today, the Westchester County Association in partnership with the City of Yonkers, STEM Alliance, Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE), Fordham University, and Westhab launched the much-anticipated Yonkers Zone (Y-Zone). This project is made possible through support from US Ignite, the National Science Foundation (NSF) (Award # CNS-2044448), and Schmidt Futures. By utilizing Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum, the newly deployed, digital opportunity zone provides free internet access to approximately 250 to 400 need-based households in downtown Yonkers.

The Westchester County Association (WCA) is hosting their 2nd Annual Regional Workforce Summit on Friday, April 23, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. EST. Join the WCA and leaders from business, education, government, and nonprofits as they gather to discuss the mega shifts occurring in our region’s talent ecosystem. This event will showcase how businesses are leveraging the “new normal” in training, recruiting, and retention developments of the region’s talent.

Congratulations to Andrea Cefarelli for being named Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and to Clay Rich for being named Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Blood & Laboratory Operations at the New York Blood Center. Their leadership will play a key role in advancing the organization’s mission and impact in healthcare.

Webster Bank's EVP and Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer, Marissa Weidner, is deservingly recognized on Women We Admire’s Top 50 Women Leaders in Banking list for 2025. Marissa’s vision, leadership, and dedication to strengthening communities reflect the very best of Webster Bank’s values and impact.

Cuddy & Feder LLP welcomes Jason Gershenson as Special Counsel in its Corporate and Cannabis Practice Groups. With extensive experience in venture financings, M&A, fund formation, and cross-border transactions, Jason strengthens the firm’s corporate capabilities and complements its leading real estate and finance practices.

Burke Rehabilitation hosted a ribbon cutting for its newest outpatient facility in Mount Vernon, the 15th in its expanding network. The state-of-the-art center will deliver comprehensive rehabilitation services, supporting 15,000 patient visits annually.

The Entering and Re-entering Job Fair on October 16 in White Plains will provide employers with the opportunity to meet motivated job seekers who are enthusiastic about learning a new skill, reinventing themselves, and bringing their valuable life experience to your workplace. Register by October 3.

United Hebrew’s 39th Annual Golf Tournament raised $280,000 to enhance senior services and launch a therapeutic Virtual Reality program in its memory care communities. The immersive therapy lets seniors “travel” the world from their chairs, reducing agitation while sparking joy and connection.

Burke Rehabilitation will host a ribbon-cutting and speaking program with elected officials and leaders to unveil its state-of-the-art Mount Vernon outpatient therapy site. Media may tour the facility, capture photos/B-roll, and interview leadership. The center expands tri-state access to Burke’s award-winning, patient-centered care. RSVP by September 22, 2025 to jmartin@issuesgroup.com.

New York Medical College has been awarded a $400,000 Hyundai Hope Scholar Grant from Hyundai Hope on Wheels to advance pediatric cancer research. Jeremy Rosenblum, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics, will use the grant to study a rare bone cancer affecting children and young adults. It's part of Hyundai's Hope on Wheels: $277 million in donations to support pediatric cancer research nationwide.

The Entering and Re-entering the Workforce Job Fair on October 16 in White Plains will provide employers with the opportunity to meet motivated job seekers who are enthusiastic about learning a new skill, reinventing themselves, and bringing their valuable life experience to your workplace. Register by October 3.

The Northwell School of Health Sciences opened in Queens, welcoming 240 students. A partnership with NYC Public Schools, Northwell Health, and Bloomberg Philanthropies, the school blends academic and hands-on healthcare training. It builds career pathways, addresses workforce shortages, and prepares students for meaningful, well-paying healthcare careers.