Blueprint for Westchester: Utilize private sector, reduce commercial inventory, create jobs, spur economy

With commercial real estate in a slump, the Westchester County Association, Westchester's preeminent business organization, is embarking on a new, aggressive campaign to reverse the ten-year downward trend and revitalize Westchester's economy. Our smart, new "Blueprint for Westchester," a multi-million dollar, multi-year campaign, driven by the private sector with strong collaboration from the county's real estate, business, academic sectors, and participation from Westchester County government and the county's six cities, is poised to get the job done. Through The Blueprint, we are working to repurpose some of our existing inventory and attract new business and investments through a strong nationwide marketing program which will emphasize the distinctive location, technological, educational, cultural, and environmental advantages of the county. Our goal is to create quality jobs and generate tax revenue for the residents of Westchester County by reducing the inventory of unoccupied commercial space by 50% or three million s/f. According to the real estate industry's calculations, that three million s/f equals 12,000 new jobs! We're also embarking on a strong advocacy campaign in Albany for business-friendly legislation, and extending that campaign to the federal and local levels as well. Specifically, The Blueprint for Westchester calls for promoting the county's six cities as suitable urban locations for business because of their proximity to workforce housing and transportation; employing SWAT teams to promote the county; creating a strong incubator for emerging businesses; and providing a functional relationship between business and Westchester's fine institutions of higher education. The Blueprint will strive to ensure that companies looking to expand or relocate view Westchester County as the location of choice. The good news is that Westchester's proximity to New York City makes it a prime location. The County has a first-rate transportation system including: three rail lines, ten parkways or highways, an airport, a county-wide bus system, and ferry system. We are home to a highly educated workforce, and a multi-billion dollar healthcare system. We've got fourteen colleges and universities, and internationally-renowned cultural and recreational offerings. And with our magnificent parks and preserves, excellent schools, beautiful communities, highly-touted restaurants and retail establishments, and extensive waterfront, we can't be beat in terms of our lifestyle! The Westchester County Association is excited about this extraordinary opportunity. As the preeminent business membership organization in Westchester County, the association is committed to business advocacy, economic vitality and to providing a strong and clear voice for the interests of businesses on the regional, national and international levels. Its key objectives are: promoting positive economic development in the region; fostering business development; and providing its members with access and interaction with key public and private sector individuals, agencies and organizations. With an enthusiastic and extraordinarily competent team at the helm, and a well-thought out Blueprint charting our course, the association has set sail on a very positive, ambitious, and interesting journey. Stay tuned! Marissa Brett is the executive director of economic development at the Westchester County Association, White Plains, N.Y.