​In a bid to improve access to information about our county, the Business Council of Westchester unveiled earlier this week an ambitious new data exchange. A free online portal, the BCW Data Exchange will be regularly updated with information covering consumer spending, workforce, housing, education, transportation, infrastructure, municipal services, and several other demographic and statistical factors in Westchester.
The exchange’s data is derived from the nonprofit research organization Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress. According to BCW President and CEO Marsha Gordon, the exchange will undoubtedly spur future growth. “Data is knowledge and knowledge is power. We believe the BCW Data Exchange is a critical resource that will allow Westchester County to win in a very competitive economic climate locally, nationally, and globally,’’ says Gordon. “We are on the cusp of serious development and growth, and the BCW Data Exchange will help spur the creative thinking and innovation we need to take that growth to the next level. It will also provide the critical insights that our business organizations, educational institutions, non-profits and government leaders need to make the best, most informed decisions.”
The exchange is a product of more than two years of planning by the BCW Board of Directors, along with help from the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors and The Journal News, as well as sponsors JLL, Simone Development Companies, and Marks Paneth LLC. The exchange will also offer a rotating blog produced by community influencers, with upcoming blogs featuring Westchester County Executive George Latimer and local city mayors discussing revitalization efforts.
“We live in a world where having and understanding data is everything,’’ says BCW board member and Galvanize Worldwide co-founder Heidi Davidson. “The comprehensive data available through the BCW Data Exchange will fuel Westchester’s economic-development efforts,” she adds. Anthony Justic, Chairman of the BCW, agrees. “This is exactly the type of work that a leading business organization should be doing and we thank Heidi Davidson for her leadership on this initiative,’’ says Justic. “The BCW Data Exchange will be a tremendous resource for everyone in the community.’’
Customized reports will be available for those looking for a more detailed view of the data. The online portal is currently available through the Business Council of Westchester’s site.
