IDA DIRECTOR PRESENTS ASTORINO AGENDA AT BRIARCLIFF MANOR ROTARY CLUB

        Westchester County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) Executive Director, Jim Coleman, was the guest speaker at the Briarcliff Manor Rotary Club luncheon last Friday held at the Maya Riviera Restaurant.

        Club member Dr. Sy Yuter introduced Coleman who began his presentation by giving an overview of Robert P. Astorino’s top three priorities as county executive: protect tax payers, preserve essential services, and promote economic growth.

        Club members engaged Coleman in a lively discussion on issues ranging from taxes and spending to the ongoing dispute with the federal government to protect local zoning. Under the Astorino administration the county property tax levy has been reduced by two percent and spending has been cut by 5.2 percent. Coleman explained that as one of the eligible communities named in the Affordable Housing Settlement, the Department of Housing and Urban Development has targeted 92 affordable housing units to be built in Briarcliff Manor.

        Coleman talked about his role as executive director of the IDA and described the success that the agency and the county’s Office of Economic Development has had in attracting new businesses and growing the local economy. Under the Astorino administration, the county has attracted $500 million in new private sector investment and created 4,600 new jobs. In addition, the county has retained 4,800 jobs from companies like PepsiCo that have chosen to remain in Westchester and expand its operation.

        The Astorino administration helps small businesses too by providing an abundance of resources for entrepreneurs, whether they are just thinking about starting a new business or if they need help taking their company to the next level. The free workshops and seminars offered through the county help small businesses learn how to get government contracts, apply marketing and public relations strategies, create a business plan and more. Darlene and James White of DTM Parts Supply took advantage of these seminars and other resources offered through the county and their sales are up 43 percent from this time last year.

        Coleman conveyed the county executive’s mission to replicate success stories like that of DTM Parts Supply by partnering with rotary clubs and other community organizations to identify small businesses that are looking for assistance. “Please tell anyone in your family or community who wants to do business with the county, we are open for business,” Coleman said. “We want our businesses to thrive, to create more jobs here in Westchester.”

        If you or someone you know is interested in starting or growing their own business and would like to take advantage of the many resources available through the Westchester Office of Economic Development, please contact Jim Coleman at jcoleman@westchestergov.com or call 914-995-2963.

###

Additional news available at www.westchestergov.com

Connect with us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WestchesterGov

Follow us on Twitter: @WestchesterGov