United Way and Business Council of Westchester Hold Not-for-Profit Leadership Summit
“Building Community” was the theme of the May 6 event in Tarrytown
TARRYTOWN, N.Y. – (MAY 6, 2019) – The business and not-for-profit worlds met on May 6 for a special summit that found common ground in the work of uniting and building communities that work for everyone.
The 17th Annual Not-For-Profit Leadership Summit featured speakers including Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, Mercy College President Tim Hall and sociology professor and author Eric Klinenberg. Despite the current breakdown of societal norms, they said, not-for-profit organizations continue to provide vital services that preserve the quality of life in our communities.
“Our idea for this year’s theme of “Building Community” was to bring together the nonprofit sector with for-profit industries, government and academia, to break down the walls, work together, and most importantly accomplish more of our goals for the common good,’’ said Alana Sweeny, President and CEO of the United Way of Westchester and Putnam.
Congresswoman Nita Lowey, who has attended the event for the past 17 years, said that “despite what is going on in Washington D.C.,” not-for-profit organizations continue to do the work that is vital to keeping our communities together.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said County Executive George Latimer said: “Non-profits in Westchester County play a vital role in our economy and they are an underpinning in our county’s culture and spirit of giving back. And while non-Profits are dealing with a changing landscape and demands like never before, we in Westchester County are their partner. Through funding for vital services that the County would not be able to offer on its own to providing access to millions of dollars in low-cost tax-exempt bonds to finance acquisitions, construction, reconstruction, equipping and/or furnishing of facilities, or to refinance existing debt at a lower interest rate through our LDC – Westchester County is here to support our invaluable non-profits.”
Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester said, “The BCW has 130 nonprofit members. Nonprofits are a key part of our local economy and are vital to economic development and sustainability. Having a strong nonprofit sector attracts and retains businesses to the area who in turn support the community and the nonprofits through their volunteerism and financial contributions.’’
The breakfast keynote speaker was Hall and the luncheon speaker was Klinenberg, Professor of Sociology and Director of the Institute for Public Knowledge at New York University and author of Palaces for the People: How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life (Crown, 2018).
In addition to the keynote speakers, 16 breakout sessions were held in the morning and afternoon and continuing education credits were offered.
Event supporters were: TD Charitable Foundation; The Westchester County Local Development Corporation (breakfast sponsor); Con Edison (luncheon sponsor). Corporate sponsors are: CS Plus Inc.; Grassi & Co. Accountants; JDM Benefits; Non-profit sponsors are: The Arc Westchester; Association of Development Officers; Nonprofit Westchester; Fordham University – Westchester; Mutual of America; MVP Health Care; Mercy College and Pace University.
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About United Way of Westchester and Putnam
United Way of Westchester and Putnam (UWWP) works with government, business, non-profits and community leaders to solve complex problems. We focus on children, adults and families living on the financial edge. Our aim is to put them on a path toward self-sufficiency, so they might thrive and contribute to a stronger community. Our 2-1-1 helpline takes nearly 80,000 calls a year, providing online resources to resolve everything from basic to critical to urgent needs – heating, food, shelter, tax assistance, mortgage questions, childcare, natural disaster and crisis calls. We provide job skills training and financial education to adults. And we help more and more children and their parents to make sure children are reading on grade level by 3rd grade, a critical marker of academic success and future viability in our society.
About The Business Council of Westchester
The Business Council of Westchester is the county’s only business membership organization focusing on economic development and advocacy. It is the county’s largest and most prestigious business membership organization representing more than 1,000 members, including multinational corporations, hospitals, universities, biotech pioneers, not-for-profits, entrepreneurs and companies of all sizes. As the most influential economic development and advocacy organization in Westchester, The Business Council of Westchester’s members enjoy unparalleled access to today’s top thought leaders, diverse business development opportunities and lawmakers at all levels of government. The BCW Data Exchange provides the latest demographic research to help guide smart business decisions. The LEAP program, a one-of-a-kind initiative, gives members direct access to lobbying efforts at the county, state and national levels on issues that directly affect their businesses. Build, Connect and Win with The Business Council of Westchester. Visit thebcw.org to connect today.
