Sitting down to write about the potential state of our 2017 economy on the eve of the inauguration of our 45th president — the first-ever pure businessman to inhabit the White House and one of the most divisive political figures in our country’s history — is a tricky proposition at best. Depending upon which side of the political spectrum you sit on, our incoming leader is either illegitimate and terrifying or refreshingly unorthodox (there are few people whose feelings remain neutral), but it is certain that his presidency will bring drastic and immediate change.
As such, economic forecasting — very often an exercise in futility to begin with — becomes near impossible against this backdrop of uncertainty. Will change, as it is proverbially thought, be good? Or will the uncharted territory we are heading into capsize the stability of our business climate?
I am not prepared to venture forth with my own economic prognostications for the year ahead, so I am grateful for the local experts we tapped who were willing to wade into the mire and share their thoughts on what to expect in 2017. When all-encompassing change on the national level seems imminent (whether you welcome it or not), it is comforting to look locally for an economic picture that is slightly less volatile. Turn to page 44 for our full look at how eight key Westchester business sectors may fare in 2017.
Our cover story dives yet further into one of those sectors: healthcare — the sector that was, arguably, most impacted by the previous administration and equally likely to be transformed again by the new one. The political battles over healthcare aren’t likely to end anytime soon, but the industry is moving ahead with attempts to craft its own destiny through the use of technology. In “The Digital Age of Healthcare” (page 30), writer David Levine takes a look at healthcare’s attempts to catch up with the rest of the business world when it comes to technology. While the sector has been notoriously slow to digitize, Westchester is now seeing some impressive innovation in healthcare, from robust telehealth programs at Westchester Medical Center Health Network and NewYork-Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital to a patient portal app that WESTMED Medical Group is designing to increase patient engagement and outreach.
Of course, one of the hardest facets of change is looking inward, to make assessments before enacting modifications. (Let’s hope our new leaders in Washington will remember to do that.) At 914INC., we’re pondering our need to change by conducting our first-ever Reader Survey. Please take part by visiting westchestermagazine.com/914incsurvey. Tell us what you love about the magazine, what you hate, and what you’d like to change. We still put some faith in the popular vote here, so there’s a good chance your opinions will truly matter.
Amy R. Partridge
Executive Editor