Recent Promotions & Honors In The World Of Westchester Business (4/8)

C.W. Brown Named Westchester Green Business

C.W. Brown became Westchester Green Business certified in March. The Armonk-based general contractor received the distinction under the Westchester Green Business Challenge launched last year, the region’s only green business certification program that helps train organizations and provides the tools they need to become green leaders within their respective industries. C.W. Brown employs sustainable measures like solar panels, tubes that carry sunlight deep into the building, and a compost garden.

Sustainable Westchester Gets Nod from Public Service Commission for Community Choice Aggregation Pilot

The New York State Public Service Commission approved implementation of the very first community choice aggregation (CCA) pilot program in New York, and it will be carried out by Somers-based Sustainable Westchester.

The initiative essentially aims to lower energy prices through bulk purchasing. Municipalities can accept bids from energy providers for the total amount of natural gas or electricity being purchased by local residents or small businesses within that municipality. The program builds upon Governor Cuomo’s “Reforming the Energy Vision” plan designed to “spur clean energy innovation and investment, improve customer choice and value, and protect the environment.” Sustainable Westchester, a not-for-profit that represents several municipalities in Westchester, sought approval last December for a demonstration CCA program.  

There are other potential benefits of CCA on top of cost savings: price stability for a fixed-contract term, the ability to build an energy program that reflects local preferences and needs, including a preference for cleaner power sources, and the potential for energy service companies to secure a large number of customers at relatively low marketing costs.

Celeste Reeves of DoubleTree by Hilton Tarrytown Wins Hilton Worldwide’s 2014 CEO Light & Warmth Award

Celeste Reaves, a senior office manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Tarrytown, was the recipient of Hilton Worldwide’s 2014 CEO Light & Warmth Award. The award is the highest honor that Hilton Worldwide—the world’s largest hospitality company—awards each year to a select few of its more than 300,000 team members globally. The award comes with a $10,000 prize.

Thomas Manisero Named to the 2015 BTI Client Service All-Stars

Wilson Elser, a national law firm with an office in White Plains, announced that Thomas R. Manisero, chair of the firm’s national accountants and commercial services practices, has been named to the 2015 BTI Client Service All-Stars. That list is published by BTI Consulting Group, and is compiled based on a deep exploration into the industry’s movers and shakers. Manisero is one of 354 attorneys nationwide named by corporate counsel as a client service leader.

Manisero provides general counsel services to numerous accounting firms and organizations in connection with their legal needs, from licensing issues to malpractice litigation. A commercial litigator by training, he also has handled a wide variety of contractual and business disputes during his 30-year career. Of note: Manisero played a pivotal role in taking down the infamous criminal Ponzi schemer Marc Dreier (you may have seen the case on CNBC’s American Greed), and he has handled 50 SEC cases since 1998. Manisero is also chairman of the Purchase Community House and an ArtsWestchester board member.

Patrick Lynch of OLA Consulting Engineers wins Engineer of the Year

Patrick F. Lynch, PE, President of OLA Consulting Engineers (OLA), was named engineer of the year by the New York State Society of Professional Engineers Westchester/Putnam Chapter. The award was presented at the Society’s 43rd Annual Engineer’s Week Dinner Dance on February 20.

Lynch, who has been providing engineering services for over 28 years, joined OLA in 1989, became a Partner in 1993, and was named president in 2001. He is a licensed professional engineer in 28 states, a certified energy manager, and a LEED-accredited professional. He serves on the Board of Directors of The Business Council of Westchester, and is an active member of several national and regional trade associations. Lynch’s notable projects include the Jacob Burns Media Arts Lab in Pleasantville, the PepsiCo R&D Building in Valhalla, the new student center at Manhattanville College in Purchase, and a new corporate aviation facility at Westchester County Airport.

“There are many influences that brought me to be in a position to accept this award, from a childhood interest in engineering, encouragement from my father and professional mentors, to my incredible team of colleagues at OLA and the support of my wife and family at home,” says Lynch. “My goal is to pay it forward by nurturing the next generation of engineers, and encouraging as many as possible to pursue their PE license and to take a leadership role in our industry.”