It is through the active involvement of The Business Council members and the results-oriented approach of our councils that The Business Council accomplishes its objectives. Our agenda is member driven, therefore, every success translates into a significant return on investment and demonstrable results for real business in Westchester.
The Business Council is structured to encourage members to become active participants in the work of the organization consistent with the individuals interest, particular expertise and knowledge and the time they are able to commit to voluntary service.
The Business Council's accomplishments are a result of a multitude of efforts by our members. The Council's councils, committees, and task forces reflect the volunteer efforts which get the work done:
The mission of the Governmental Action Council is to:
Review federal, state and county legislation and regulations to assess potential impacts on the business community
Inform the business community about relevant federal, state, county and local governmental issues
Influence outcomes through advocacy when the business community’s interests may be affected
Act as an information resource and clearinghouse for the business community and governmental leaders at all levels
The Business Council of Westchester will continue to review federal, state and county legislation and regulations in order to assess the potential impact on the business community, to influence the outcomes through advocacy when the business community’s interest may be affected, and to act as an information resource and clearinghouse for the business community and for government leaders at all levels.
Representing business, the Governmental Action Council seeks to influence legislative initiatives that have broad implications for the business community.
County
Market Competitiveness. Westchester County must do everything possible to eliminate the barriers for new and growing businesses and foster the image of a business-friendly county. The Business Council of Westchester encourages a climate of market competitiveness with special attention to taxes, Living Wage legislation and business fees as they affect business growth and job development.
Power Supply. The Business Council recognizes an ever growing need for a power supply that is efficient, safe, fairly priced and environmentally friendly. We support increasing the County’s energy generation capacity, developing alternate energy sources and promoting energy conservation programs.
Transportation. The Business Council of Westchester believes that an integrated, customer-friendly transportation system that meets the needs of an increasingly mobile regional workforce is key to the retention and recruitment of employees in Westchester. In particular, we encourage visionary planning, including an east/west rail line over a new Hudson River crossing — a proactive solution for the long-term future of the region.
The Budget Process. With the tax burden in the County hitting a threatening level, it is critical that our leaders take a very hard look at spending patterns with a focus on cost control. The business community supports a lean government, with as much privatization as possible.
Housing. The Business Council of Westchester supports legislation that encourages an increased supply of workforce housing. We focus on zoning issues that effect the development of housing.
New York State
Medicaid Reform. Westchester County taxpayers cannot continue to support the ever-rising costs of Medicaid. The Business Council of Westchester supports a more responsible system which places the burden of funding programs and services on the entity that is authorizing them. Medicaid reform is essential to control taxpayer cost.
Tort Reform. Lawsuits cost New York State businesses millions of dollars each year and create a hostile business environment. The Business Council of Westchester supports tort reform, which could minimize the effects of nuisance lawsuits and eliminate a barrier to businesses considering relocation to New York. The Council is also concerned that excessive bond requirements may undermine the judicial appeal process by effectively forcing a legitimate business to settle a case or risk asset seizure. In order to ensure that every defendant is entitled to a full and fair appeal, we support legislation that would establish appropriate limits in the size of appeal bonds.
Workers Compensation. Workers Compensation costs are a serious threat to New York Business. Our current system is ineffective and too costly. It offers workers relatively low weekly benefits at costs that employers cannot afford. Special attention should be focused on the impact of permanent partial disability benefits. We will urge lawmakers to support reforms to the system that will cut costs.
Health Insurance. The ever-rising cost of health insurance is a great burden for all businesses in New York. The Business Council of Westchester supports tax incentives towards the provision of health insurance and rejects penalties to companies who cannot bear the cost.
Federal
Transportation Funding. The Business Council of Westchester will work towards the reauthorization of transportation bill TEA-21 to ensure the region’s mobility into the future. We will work to establish a tri-state alliance to ensure that this region gets a fair share of federal dollars for critical transportation projects
Medical Liability. The Business Council of Westchester recognizes that health care is a critical quality-of-life issue. The rising costs of medical liability are a threat to the high level of medical service we have historically enjoyed. We need to cap non-economic damage awards (pain & suffering awards) at a fair and equitable level.
Outsourcing. The Business Council of Westchester will explore the effects of off-shore outsourcing on Westchester business.
GAPAC
In order to influence those matters that have broad implications for the business community, the Governmental Action Council will further develop and grow its political action committee, Golden Apple Business Action Council or GABAC. GABAC will be the Council’s vehicle for direct economic assistance to key office seekers who support and can further advance our legislative agenda and for significant projects and issues that are vital to the success of the business environment in Westchester County
The Creative/Marketing Council brings together members in public relations, marketing, graphic design and advertising to share creative resources and information with Westchester businesses. The Council educates members about effective marketing practices through a series of articles in Westchester Commerce NewsMagazine.
The Council :
Plans the Marketing Mall, a half day conference featuring sessions on marketing strategies and trends, multicultural diversity marketing, internet marketing, advertising, public relations. In addition, an expo will showcase industry-related businesses.
Educates members about effective Creative/Marketing practices through a series of articles in Westchester Commerce.
Shares resources and information about the industry.
Spotlights services of individual members.
Develops strategic alliances among members.
Explores the creation of a handbook featuring original “how to” articles written by members of the Council and providing members helpful information on trends, best practices and resource.
The focus of this Council is the retention and expansion of business in Westchester County by assessing the needs of companies and proposing solutions to those needs.
The Economic Development Council:
Works with the County Department of Economic Development, Empire State Development and other organizations to support the recruitment of new companies and the retention of companies in the County
Publishes a relocation guide and an economic development guide to promote the compelling advantages of doing business in Westchester
Other areas of focus include:
Ambassadors Club – This member-to-member outreach program will seek feedback on the needs of business, and link them to the resources available.
Recruitment – The Council will work with the County Department of Economic Development, Empire State Development and other organizations to support the recruitment of new companies to the County.
Retention - The Council will work with the County Department of Economic Development, Empire State Development and other organizations to support the retention of companies in the County.
Relocation – Often, quality of life and resources for staff are key criteria for relocation to Westchester. The Council will once again publish a relocation guide. This guide will be actively marketed.
Economic Development Guide – Market the reference guide jointly published by the County and Council to give business solid information on Westchester County.
The Economic Development Council promotes the positive aspects of business and doing business in Westchester, thereby enhancing the image of business in Westchester.
This Council studies public policies that impact business development in Westchester, with a focus on transportation, biotechnology development, planning/zoning, energy supply, workforce housing and the cost of doing business in Westchester.
The Council will also work on regional issues that affect Westchester County. Agenda items may include:
Transportation (East West Rail, Tappan Zee Bridge, Route I-287 Corridor, Mass Transit)
Biotechnology Development
Planning/Zoning
Indian Point
Workforce Housing
Cost of Doing Business in Westchester
Regulations
The Council will also work with other groups, including among others, The Builder’s Institute, The Westchester County Board of Realtors, and the Construction Industry Council.
The Human Resources Council is a network of human resources professionals that provides information on wage and salary trends, and workforce recruitment and retention issues. Together these professionals share information, solve problems and serve as a resource for the community on HR related issues.
The Council:
Plans an annual conference focusing on future developments in HR.
Serves as a networking and problem solving forum for members
Provides other Council members resources available to the HR community
Markets the compensation and benefits survey
Oversees Council Benefits Group
Addresses legislative and legal concerns related to HR issues
The Not-for-Profit Council develops partnerships to address issues effecting the for-profit business community. The Council works to bring the economic contribution of the not-for-profit community in Westchester into focus.
Bring together not-for-profit members to address issues and develop partnerships between “not-for-profits” and the “for-profit” business community.
The Council:
Explores ways to educate the business community about the economic contributions of Not-for-Profits
Establishes a skills resource exchange
Plans for a conference on Not-for-Profits sponsored by the United Way of Westchester & Putnam and the Community Foundation.
The Small Business Council works to enhance the role of small businesses as the foundation of future economic development in Westchester County.
The Council:
Provides educational resources to members
Facilitates member-to-member connections through well-publicized events
Develops programs to recognize, celebrate and showcase small business achievements
Provides input to the Governmental Action Council on public policy issues of importance to the small business community
Shares cost savings and productivity improvements ideas with small business members
Educational Resources
A seminar series designed to provide business ideas to members, as well as to give members an opportunity to present their expertise.
Academy for Entrepreneurial Excellence – Partnering with Westchester Community College, the Academy targets entrepreneurs who have been in business for over a year, and provides business advice, planning, and coaching.
Tools Kits for Small Business: create a resource kits that respond to the needs of small businesses at each stage of growth and development
Networking Opportunities
The Council will facilitate member-to-member connections through well-publicized Council events.
Mega Mixer – The Council will expand its table top trade show opportunity with a “Mega Mixer’ event, designed to give small businesses the opportunity to showcase goods and services at a reasonable cost.
Networking Roundtables – Structured monthly morning networking offering an in-depth opportunity for members to learn about the goods and services of fellow members, and to provide ideas and leads.
New Member Power Hour – Targeted to new members to encourage best utilization of Council services.
Business After Business – Informal networking events after hours.
Implement new programs to meet the increasing diversity of Westchester’s small business community.
Educate Council members about opportunities created by the growth of minority business in the community.
Partner with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on a Fall business event to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
Present an event with the Hispanic Council of Commerce and the African American Chamber of Commerce.
Explore expansion of Multicultural Marketing Workshop held to educate Council members on how to develop new business opportunities with a growing minority population.
Products targeted to Small Businesses through the Council.
Council Benefits Group – including health insurance, workers comp, payroll, disability, 401K.
Technology is integrated into the mission of all councils to keep The Business Council of Westchester and its members on the cutting edge. The Technology Council highlights the technological capabilities within our membership, and educates members about the use of technology.
The Council:
Interacts with Commercial Realtors regarding building infrastructure
Explores the possibility of a CIO Summit
Publishes TechXpertise quarterly to providing technology information to members
Continues to explore Council website potential and advertising possibilities
Facilitates strategic partnerships among Council Members
Works with other Councils to present technology oriented seminars to educate the community.
|
|
|
| 
|
|
|
