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.

The Westchester County Association (WCA) is one of seven lead organizations to have been selected by US Ignite, a national non-profit accelerating the smart city movement, to participate in Project OVERCOME. Project OVERCOME, a $2.7 million effort is designed to expedite the delivery of broadband services to underserved communities across the United States. The U. S. National Science Foundation (NSF) conceived of and is providing $2.25 million in funding for the project, with Schmidt Futures joining as a financial and strategic partner to extend Project OVERCOME’s geographic reach with an additional $450,000. The project explores novel approaches to connectivity in both rural and urban communities with an eye on replicating these efforts on a national scale.

The Westchester County Association (WCA), and Nonprofit Westchester (NPW), are hosting a free virtual event, An Open Conversation with U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, on February 26, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. EST. This event will discuss the most pressing issues impacting regional businesses and nonprofits and will include an audience Q&A. Topics that will be addressed in this event include: • COVID relief and the rest of Senator Schumer’s 2021 legislative agenda • Economic development priorities in the lower Hudson Valley • The importance of nonprofits to the regional economy • The challenges of legislating in the current political environment

The Westchester County Association (WCA), in partnership with Westchester County’s Office of Economic Development, is hosting a free virtual webinar, All Access Healthcare: Spotlight on Westchester’s Bioscience Ecosystem, on February 11, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. EST. This event will showcase the growing bioscience ecosystem in the county and highlight why more life science companies are moving to Westchester County. Opening remarks will be made by Westchester County Executive George Latimer.

The Westchester County Association (WCA), Westchester’s leading economic development and business advocacy organization, today announced the appointment of five new members to its board of directors.

Regional experts in real estate and housing will share best practices and offer potential solutions to the lack of affordable and diverse housing stock in the region – where more than 11,000 additional such units are needed -- at the Westchester County Association’s fourth annual Real Estate and Housing Virtual Summit on October 30 at 9:30 a.m. EST.

Dr. Philip Ozuah, president and chief executive officer of Montefiore Medicine, will deliver the keynote address at the Westchester County Association (WCA)’s online 70th Anniversary Leadership Event, which will celebrate business and nonprofit movers and shakers, Congresswoman Nita Lowey, and local healthcare heroes, on November 19 at 4 p.m. EST.

The initiatives are outlined in “Towards a Stronger Future,” a newly-released report from the WCA’s Post Pandemic Working Group (PPWG), which is a select committee of business, nonprofit, and education and government leaders who are working collaboratively to support the recovery and long-term prosperity of the region.  The Towards a Stronger Future report, which is available for download on the WCA’s website, sets forth a clear advocacy and action agenda in those Four Foundational Pillars of Economic Recovery where the WCA is well-positioned through its proven expertise and deep professional network to achieve significant impact: healthcare and bioscience, real estate and housing, digital connectivity, and energy and sustainability.

Optimism for Westchester’s economic future, combined with a sense that the region’s financial recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic will take between one and three years, are among the key findings from a public survey conducted by the Westchester County Association (WCA), the results of which were announced today. The survey also found that healthcare, entrepreneurship, higher education and hospitality are among the most important industry sectors to the region’s economic future, while high taxes, unemployment, broadband/digital technology, and affordable housing are key economic issues moving forward.

The “Business Insights” live video series will feature hosts from the WCA and Westfair Communications interviewing business leaders from throughout the region and discussing topics related to the challenges and opportunities organizations are encountering. Episodes will stream live on the WCA’s Facebook Page, LinkedIn Page, and YouTube Channel, and also on Westfair Communications’ website, Facebook Page, LinkedIn Page, and YouTube Channel, and be available for on-demand viewing.

The “Best Practices for Reopening Westchester” online event series will support the ongoing efforts of the WCA’s Post-Pandemic Working Group (PPWG) to rebuild a stronger and more resilient economy for the region.

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.