BCW Names Hall of Fame and WCA Board Blossoms

Plus, Westchester Leukemia & Lymphoma Society relies on kindness of Westchester; First Niagara tackles Tri-State region; and calling all Wunderkinds!

Are you—or is someone you know—a wunderkind? If you are an accomplished or astounding member of Westchester’s business community who is under 30 years old, we want to hear from you. 914INC. is seeking out the best and brightest young people impacting Westchester businesses today. So, if that person is under 30 as of May 1, works here, and has reached a remarkable level of success or ascension in his or her chosen field, please tell us about this “Westchester Wunderkind” by completing the online form westchestermagazine.com/wunderkinds. Following a careful vetting process, the selected entrants will be featured in 914INC., and will be honored at a special 914INC. party. Hurry—the deadline is soon! 

REVOLVING DOOR

PEOPLE

Joao ValenteThe Bristal at White Plains, a new assisted-living community that offers memory-care support as well as enhanced levels of care, has announced the appointment of Joao Valente as food service director. Valente was previously executive sous chef at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck. He also has served as director of Culinary Services at West 86, an Atria senior-living residence on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

The Westchester County Association (WCA) has appointed seven new members to its board of directors. They are: 

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  • Frank S. McCullough Jr., a senior partner at McCullough, Goldberger & Staudt, LLP in White Plains, and a noted expert in zoning law. He has served as the attorney for many of the major development projects throughout the region and is currently legal counsel for PepsiCo with regard to real estate matters in the Westchester area.  
  • Navy E. Djonovic, a partner at Maier Markey & Justic LLP. She serves as the outsourced CFO and controller for a number of companies, and provides accounting and auditing expertise to clients in a wide range of industries, including not-for-profit, healthcare, professional services, and retail. She draws upon more than 20 years of experience with “Big Four.”  
  • Susan B. Wayne, LCSW, president and CEO of Family Services of Westchester. Wayne leads a 500-person non-profit organization that delivers more than 50 different programs to help families live better lives. A long-time resident of Westchester, she has been a part of the FSW team since 1995. She will sit on the WCA Board as the recently appointed head of the newly formed Not-for-Profit Westchester. 
  • John M. Flannery, a partner at Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP. He represents landowners, businesses, and municipalities in individual and mass tort claims and also focuses on civil litigation, commercial disputes, civil rights, product liability, and employment litigation. For many years, Flannery has served as co-chair of the Trial Lawyers Committee of the Westchester County Bar Association. 
  • Brendan G. Meyer, a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual in White Plains and former chair of the WCA’s Young Professionals Group. Meyer began his career as a full-time financial representative for Northwestern Mutual in 2004. He was then appointed managing director in 2007, assuming responsibility for the Montvale, New Jersey, office as the youngest managing director in the country. 
  • Justin Driscoll, a partner in the law firm of Brown & Weinraub PLLC. Driscoll specializes in government relations, litigation, and public finance. He is a former member of the Departmental Disciplinary Committee, the body that governs attorney ethics in Manhattan and the Bronx, and was admitted to the bar of the US Supreme Court in 1984. 
  • Josh Krull, executive director for Atria Senior Living Group in Rye Brook. As the new chair of WCA’s Young Professionals Board, the group that helps direct the initiatives, events, and programming for professionals under the age of 40, Krull will be the WCA Board appointee for the Young Professionals Group.

First Niagara has announced the formation of its new Tri-State Region, which includes markets in the Lower Hudson Valley; Fairfield County, Connecticut; and Northern New Jersey. The central office for the Tri-State Region will be located in Nyack, New York, where First Niagara currently operates a branch office, and will be supported by its regional office in Norwalk, Connecticut, which will continue to serve Fairfield County customers. Current centers of operations will remain the same.

Helen KatzReal estate agent and property marketing specialist Helen Katz has joined Douglas Elliman at the company’s Armonk office. Having founded her own real estate and construction sales and marketing company, Katz has extensive experience in selling and marketing properties in both New York and South Florida. A Westchester resident for more than 20 years, she, along with her husband, splits her time between homes in East Hampton and Boca Raton, Florida.

The Westchester/Hudson Valley Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) “Light The Night” 2012 events collectively raised a grand total of $850,000. Of this, $604,000 was raised from Westchester County, despite having to reschedule the Westchester County walk event due to Superstorm Sandy.

The Music Conservatory of Westchester, a nonprofit community school of the arts based in White Plains, has appointed Ossining resident Liz Garger as chief institutional advancement officer. Garger will be responsible for the design and implementation of the Conservatory’s diversified fundraising efforts and developing a major gifts strategy and campaign to support program expansion as well as new initiatives. She will oversee the procurement of donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies to support annual operating and programmatic needs. Rena Stein also joins the Conservatory as development associate.    

The Mental Health Association of Westchester has welcomed Orlando Barreiro to its board of directors. Barreiro has a decades-long interest in psychology and is passionate about helping those who struggle with mental health issues. As an undergraduate, he aspired to become a clinical psychologist, a plan that was sidetracked by an invitation to join the family business. Currently, he is an assistant professor in the Mercy College School of Business, and a PhD candidate in Organizational Psychology. He is also president of the Decisions Management Group.  

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Laurence P. Gottlieb, director of the Office of Economic Development since 2010, has accepted the position of president and CEO of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. (HVEDC), effective February 25. Beginning on February 15, Eileen Mildenberger, executive director of the Westchester County Industrial Development Agency, will serve as interim director of the Office of Economic Development. The County will actively be looking for a permanent director of economic development. 

“Serving the people of Westchester during one of the worst economic downturns in modern American history will remain one of the highlights of my career,” remarked Gottlieb on his tenure. “In just three years under County Executive Astorino’s leadership, we launched the award-winning rebranding of Westchester as ‘New York’s Intellectual Capital,’ managed to secure five hundred million dollars in new private capital investment, retained six thousand jobs, created three thousand more, and kept PepsiCo’s world headquarters in Westchester. Even in the best of times, that’s an outstanding record, and, in my new role, I will continue helping the County attain greater economic success for the benefit of all Westchester residents.”

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NEW BUSINESSES, RELOCATIONS, OPERATIONS

Westchester County and trained volunteers are teaming up to help low- and middle-income residents get the tax credits they may be entitled to, particularly the federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC). County Executive Robert P. Astorino says that the free service will be available to qualified residents at locations in White Plains, Yonkers, Mount Vernon, Valhalla, Ossining, and Peekskill between February 4 and April 15. Residents are urged to call 211, United Way’s Help Line, to find out if they qualify. Further information is also available at westchestergov.com/eitc.

Empire City Casino has nearly completed its $50 million casino expansion. The largest private employer in the City of Yonkers, with nearly 1,200 employees, Empire City broke ground on the expansion in July 2011. Designed by Studio V of New York City, the 66,000-square-foot expansion includes a new casino entrance featuring a high-tech porte-cochère and 300-foot curved glass wall, a 30,000-square-foot modern gaming floor crowned by a contemporary art piece featuring the New York City skyline crafted of nails, and two new restaurants—Dan Rooney’s Cafe & Bar and Pinch. The expansion allows Empire City to reconfigure its present gaming layout with the relocation of nearly 700 of its existing 5,380 slot machines. The expansion has created more than 100 construction jobs, and ultimately 200 permanent jobs when complete.

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Grand Prix New York (GPNY) celebrated the launch of its newly expanded arcade at a special party for Abbott House, a social-service agency dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children, adults, and families. Nearly 100 attendees—including youth from Abbott House Group Homes and County Therapeutic Foster Boarding Homes programs, disabled persons from the Services for Persons with Developmental Disabilities program, Abbott House CEO Claude Meyers, Mount Kisco Mayor J. Michael Cindrich, and Business Council of Westchester representative Ebony White—enjoyed bowling, arcade games, and simulated racing, as well as dinner and beverages, all courtesy of GPNY.

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KUDOS

The Business Council of Westchester revealed the 2013 recipients of its prestigious Business Hall of Fame Awards. The year’s honorees in their respective categories include: 

Corporate Citizenship: KeyBank. It provides investment management, retail, and commercial banking; retirement, consumer finance, and investment banking products and services to individuals and companies. KeyBank Foundation grants benefit more than 100 nonprofit organizations throughout the Hudson Valley and the metro New York region every year.  

Entrepreneurial Success: Patrick Vaccaro, firm-wide managing partner of Jackson Lewis, which has more than 700 attorneys practicing in 49 locations nationwide. He is responsible for the entire firm’s day-to-day administration and management. In his 44-year career, Vaccaro has represented employers in many types of labor and employment law matters. He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America Reference Guide for over 20 consecutive years.

Small Business Success: Murphy Brothers Contracting, Inc. The firm began in 1979 as local remodelers in Larchmont and is owned and operated by brothers and partners Christopher and Sean Murphy. It is known for building custom homes, home renovations, and distinctive commercial projects, as well as its own line of custom millwork.  

Women in Business Success: Judith Huntington, president and CEO of The College of New Rochelle (CNR). The College today enrolls more than 5,000 students on six campuses across the Greater New York City area. Huntington, who assumed the position as president in 2011, joined CNR as vice president for financial affairs in 2001, taking full responsibility for all fiscal issues. During her tenure, Huntington has amassed an impressive list of accomplishments, which include overseeing the construction and financing of CNR’s $28 million LEED-rated Wellness Center and improving the college’s financial strength.  

Family Owned Business: Thalle Industries, a 28-year-old family-owned company in Briarcliff Manor. Thalle also operates a quarry and asphalt facility in Fishkill, New York, and a recycle and supply facility in Elmsford. In 2011, Thalle Industries was honored by the New York League of Conservation Voters for its work in support of the environment, which was the first time that the environmental group has bestowed that level of honor on a company in the mining and construction industry.  

Makeup Artist Meredith Hayman has received two bridal awards—“Wedding Wire’s 2013 Bride’s Choice” award, for the fifth consecutive year, and also The Knot’s “2013 Best Of Weddings” award for Westchester County and the Hudson Valley.

Robin Herko, executive vice president of NAI Friedland’s Retail Division, was recently honored with the firm’s Broker of the Year award for her outstanding performance in 2012. The veteran broker, a Harrison resident, also received four additional awards from NAI Friedland, a full-service commercial real estate firm serving metropolitan New York. In addition, Herko was recognized for completing 20 retail deals throughout the year, the most of any broker, as well as the largest retail deal of the year: a long-term lease with Walgreens at 1031 Southern Boulevard in the Bronx. She also received an honorable mention for her long-term, 44,000-square-foot lease for the Tappan Zee Hotel, the second largest retail deal of the year. Herko’s successful year was due in part to her longtime partnerships within the office, most notably David Scotto and Steve Lorenzo.

DRiVE Consulting (formerly Res Ipsa Coaching)—a boutique consulting firm that specializes in actionable, causative coaching for professionals and recent graduates, those facing significant life changes, and corporate and small business teams—today announced its new brand and expanded services. Under the DRiVE Consulting umbrella, Founder and President Adam J. Krim will offer customized in-person and virtual consulting sessions to help individuals achieve greater engagement, fulfillment, and success in their personal and professional lives. 

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BIZ BUZZ: OUR BUSINESS BLOG 

INDIAN POINT GLOWING FROM ASTORINO ENDORSEMENT

After meeting with NRC Chairman, County Executive Rob Astorino empowers Indian Point with support of its continued operation. Huge stock purchase by French company Sanofi gives Tarrytown-based Regeneron Pharmaceuticals a shot in the arm. When a sale unravels, the polkas play on—at least for now—at Yonkers’ historic Polish Community Center.

Following a February 11 meeting with Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Allison Macfarlane, County Executive Rob Astorino reiterated his support for the continued operation of Indian Point. In a statement following the meeting, Astorino said, “I thank Chairman Macfarlane for her visit to Westchester today, and I enjoyed the opportunity to share my perspective on Indian Point. First and foremost, I sought assurances that the plant is operating safely, which she assured me it is.”

Yonkers’ landmark Polish Community Center is back on the market after its board opted to let a tentative deal to sell the property to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expire. Officials from the historic catering institution have indicated that it will stay open indefinitely as it searches for someone to acquire the 80-year-old property. Initially slated to close this month, prior to a sale of the building to the Mormon church, the transaction fell apart in January when the center refused the church’s request for a 60-day extension on the contract deadline to conduct further environmental testing.   

When Sanofi, the French drug development partner of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in Tarrytown, indicated that it plans to buy a $500 million voting stake in Regeneron, it sparked speculation of a planned takeover of New York’s largest biotechnology employer. In response, Paris-based Sanofi assured industry observers that it plans to abide by its partnership deal with Regeneron. Sanofi, as required by federal antitrust law, notified Regeneron that it plans to acquire the company’s common stock through open market purchases and direct purchases from shareholders. The two companies have a collaboration agreement to develop and market Regeneron’s Zaltrap, an intravenous drug for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. 

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HOT PROPERTIES

914INC.’S COMMERCIAL
REAL ESTATE SHOWCASE

Property: Reckson Metro Center, 360 Hamilton Ave, White Plains 
Brokered by: Matthew Lisk, Cushman & Wakefield (914) 694-3494 
Availability: 31,718 square feet. Rental rate is negotiable.  
Selling points: The Reckson Center is a 12-story, 380,616-square-foot, reflective-glass, class A office building featuring an onsite garage with 578 parking spaces. The rental property features a cafeteria, conference center, auditorium, executive dining room, fitness center, and shuttle service. 
Downside: Minimum divisible is 16,000 square feet 

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914 DATEBOOK

UPCOMING BUSINESS EVENTS

TUESDAY, 2/26/13
You’re On LinkedIn, Now What?

The Digital Arts Experience, 170 Hamilton Ave, Suite 100, White Plains, 6 – 7pm. Robin Colner, MBA, founder, and creative principal at digital marketing and social media agency DigiStar Media, will help you learn basics like optimizing a profile and expanding your professional network as well as tips for generating sales leads, locating your next job, and more. Cost: $45, including refreshments. Advance registration is required at linkedinsavvy.eventbrite.com.

THURSDAY, 2/28/13
Surviving Healthcare Reform: What Every Westchester Business Needs to Know Now!

Tappan Hill Mansion, 81 Highland Ave, Tarrytown, 11:30 am – 2 pm. The Westchester County Association presents a panel discussion and luncheon for businesses of every size. Many of the key provisions of the Affordable Care Act are scheduled to take effect January 1, 2014, bringing with them individual mandates, shared responsibility rules, and health insurance exchanges that will significantly impact businesses of all sizes. Online reservations are required for this event and can be made at westchester.org

FRIDAY, 3/1/13
‘Trailblazers’ Honored as Part of Black History Month

800 Westchester Ave, Rye Brook, 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Westchester County will honor five African Americans, including one posthumously, for their professional and civic accomplishments, at the annual Black History Month and Trailblazers Award ceremony. It is sponsored by the Office of County Executive Robert P. Astorino, the County Board of Legislators, and the County’s African American Advisory Board. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP at WCTrailblazers@gmail.com.

MONDAY, 3/4/13
Professional Women of Westchester Celebrates Women’s History Month

Crowne Plaza, 66 Hale Ave, White Plains, 6 – 8pm. Featured speaker News12 Westchester News Director and Anchor Janine Rose will share career milestones and the traits she credits for her success as an Emmy-winning broadcaster. Cost: $15 per person for PWW members; $20 per person for non-members. Includes appetizers. Cash bar. Must pre-pay to attend. For info: professionalwomenofwestchester.com

THURSDAY, 3/21/13
914INC.’s Building a Successful Business

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tarrytown, 455 S Broadway, 7:30 – 9 am. Experts from the fields of accounting, law, commercial lending, marketing, and more will be leading this power breakfast/panel discussion, hosted by 914INC., which will tell you all about how to start and grow a successful company. Guests register free online, but seating is limited. Register at pr@westchestermagazine.com

SATURDAY, 6/1/13
Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester 19th Annual Humanitarian Award Dinner

The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester will host its 19th th Annual Humanitarian Award Dinner honoring Jim and Ashley Diamond on Saturday, June 1, 2013, at Lexus of Mount Kisco, 275 Kisco Avenue, Mount Kisco. The John Beach Award will be presented to John Bueti. The cocktail reception begins at 7 pm, followed by a sit-down dinner, awards ceremony, live and silent auctions, and dancing. The dinner is open to all by advance registration. Individual tickets are available for $350; sponsorship tables are also available. Online reservations are required for this event and can be made at: westchester.org..Contact Lisa Keogh at (914) 666-8069, ext. 112, or via email at lkeogh@bgcnw.com.

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Do you have tips, scoop, or gossip concerning business in Westchester? If so, our INComing blogger, Lisa Cesarano, is all ears. Please e-mail her with a short pitch to 914incoming@gmail.com.

Upcoming events should be submitted no later than Sunday, February 24, to be considered for the March 5 edition. Please submit business-related events only; no fundraisers or consumer events.

Our Westchester Home Builders Awards take place on April 4!

Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Forum is March 14!

Unveiled: A Boutique Bridal Brunch is February 25!

Our Best of Westchester Elimination Ballot is open through March 6!

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