Blue Hill At Stone Barns Named One Of World's 50 Best Eateries

Local Restaurant Ranked One Of 50 Best Eateries In The World

Blue Hill at Stone Barns was ranked 49th in the world’s 50 Best Restaurant list by William Reed Business Media. The restaurant is no stranger to awards recognizing its renowned food; The James Beard Foundation recognized the restaurant for excellence just last month, and it was included in the 100 best in the country list hosted by OpenTable.com in December. This latest award was granted to the restaurant due to the unique dining experience it offers.

Dan Barber, Blue Hill’s co-owner and executive chef, uses products and produce from both its own farm and other local producers in the Hudson Valley. The unique dining experience includes a multi-taste menu called “Grazing, Pecking, Rooting” from which you can pick as many courses as you want. And when the food is brought to the table, so is a ceremony of theatrics that Blue Hill derives from its on site educational facility.

NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital President Awarded For Management Excellence

John Federspiel, New York Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital president, was awarded the Senior Level Healthcare Executive Regent’s Award on June 17. Federspiel, along with the other recipients, was honored during a gala event at the Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle. Healthcare Leaders of New York (HLNY) chose the recipients of their award based on criteria such as leadership ability, innovation and creativity in management, organization development and promotion, organizational growth, and stature within the community.

Throughout Federspiel’s 28-year presidency of the hospital, he has helped it advance from a predominantly localized community hospital to a nationally recognized contemporary healthcare facility. The hospital is known for its quality of care and patient satisfaction. Federspiel also executed several expansions and renovations that resulted in improved service for the hospital’s patients. Federspiel states, “As happy as I am to receive this honor, it is not an end. We strive to exceed expectations by providing our patients with the very best healthcare and that means we will never stop improving.”

WCA President and Two Others Given Community Service Award

United Hebrew, an assisted-care rehabilitation center and nursing home based in New Rochelle, chose to honor three patrons for its 6th annual Community Service Award, one of whom was Marissa Brett, president of the Westchester County Association (WCA). Brett’s recognition was based on the WCA’s economic development initiative, BLUEPRINT, which she has lead for three years.

The initiative has played a key role in efforts such as supporting startup and early stage companies, and assisting in driving the up-and-coming healthcare and science sectors in the county. Also honored were Father Martin Biglin, pastor at Holy Name Church in New Rochelle, and Pearl Quarles, former Westchester County Legislator (the first of African-American descent), member of the board of United Hebrew of New Rochelle, and an active member of various community organizations. 

Co-Communications CEO Named To 2015 New York SmartCEO Brava! Awards

Co-Communications, Inc.’s Stacey Cohen was one of several recipients of the 2015 New York SmartCEO Brava! Awards. The annual award honors top female CEOs who are exemplary leaders for both their communities and their companies.

They encourage local philanthropy, mentor up-and-coming leaders, and drive their companies towards substantial growth. As a winner, Cohen and her company will be promoted in SmartCEO’s magazine’s print, digital, video, and social channels.

Rey Insurance Agency Honored For Community Service Commitment

Tarrytown-based Rey Insurance Agency recently won two awards from Erie, Pennsylvania-based Erie Insurance Company, which honored its outstanding community service and exceptional performance as an agency. The 2015 Erie Insurance Giving Network Agency of the Year Award recognizes independent agencies that demonstrate exceptional commitment to the community through volunteerism. Sisters Linda Rey and Laura Rey Iannarelli, the owners of Rey Insurance, have been involved with various charitable organizations including the American Heart Association, Rotary International, and United Way, as well as their local chamber of commerce in Sleepy Hollow.

“Getting involved in the community wasn’t a strategic consideration,” Linda Rey said. “It was just how we were raised. But it is a way to build a solid, reliable, and valuable network. It takes a lot of connections to run a business—you need that support or you’ll never be successful.” In honor of the agency’s efforts, Erie Insurance donated $2,500 to the charity of the sisters’ choice, United Way of Westchester and Putnam. The Rey Insurance Agency is also one of a select group of agencies honored by Erie Insurance with the Founders’ Award. Erie’s Founders’ Award is a measure of quality agency performance in auto and property production and service to customers. “The Rey Insurance Agency is a dynamic agency that is connected with its community, and it’s an honor to work with them,” said Erie Insurance New York Branch Manager and Vice President Shane Badon. “Erie Insurance has been fortunate to partner with such a deserving agency thanks to its outstanding community involvement.”