Leadership - Business Journals

SURVIVING AND SUCCEEDING

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • WESTCHESTER COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 31, 2021

Dear neighbor, They say that every challenge, however great, contains a seed of opportunity. The year that was 2020 put that hypothesis to the test, but it continued to hold true. All across Westchester County, businesses had to quite literally adapt or disappear. Those who were able to find those seeds of opportunity amid the stacks of dangers, challenges, illness, fears, frustrations, and vulnerabilities were often the ones who weren’t afraid to toss out their usual playbook, face challenges head on, and find the courage and the leadership to change.

Throughout the year, I kept thinking about a similar moment of transition and peril that happened not too long ago – the zenith of the Great Recession, while the country was still actively embroiled in two wars and facing the prospects of a long, painful recovery at best and another Depression at worst. On the day before the presidential inauguration, Bishop T.D. Jakes gave a sermon on what was demanded of leadership in that time of crisis, including this moral: “You cannot change what you will not confront.”

In Westchester County, we have been staring at a looming housing crisis, especially for working families, millennials, senior citizens who wish to gracefully age in place, and people with disabilities. But the scope of it truly affects all of us, serving as a drag on our local economy, complicating our efforts to sustain labor pipelines of our youth into the construction industry, denying our property tax-strained municipalities new revenue, and complicating our ability to make progress on critical issues like racial justice and climate resilience. The Westchester County Housing Needs Assessment found that we need 11,703 new housing units just to meet present demand – and that was before COVID-19 warped our real estate market and drove average home prices even higher.

The Building & Realty Institute is a trade association that represents the complete spectrum of real estate in Westchester, from the homebuilders, developers and remodelers who build and upgrade our homes, to the property owners, managers, and volunteer co-op and condo boards who own and operate our existing multifamily dwellings. Housing is the connective tissue that brings our member businesses together. As such, our members have had a panoramic view of what our housing crunch has on our economy, our affordability, and our policy debates at large.

We also see time and again that our reluctance to have the hard conversations about what it will really take for our communities to say yes to the housing we need causes us to have even harder conversations about our existing housing, bringing down new regulations, new financial pressure, and new intensity to the fights over the housing we already have rather than building the housing we need.

But we can do better. With so many mutually reinforcing problems intersecting with the central issue of producing the housing we need, we can look ourselves squarely in the mirror and realize that the “way things have always been done” will yield the same disappointing results that will only hold us back.

In that same sermon, Bishop Jakes made it clear that the willingness to step up and be a leader in challenging times is difficult but ultimately rewarding. “Everywhere you turn, there will be a critic waiting to attack every decision you make,” he said. “But you cannot enjoy the light without enduring the heat.”

We look forward to having those conversations and finding our way together to building the future of housing in Westchester.

Tim Foley CEO and Executive Vice President

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MAY 31, 2021

BRI Members are Building the Future of Housing in Westchester.

Come Join Us. The Building & Realty Institute is a trade association in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley representing the full spectrum of real estate in the County.

Whether you build new homes, remodel and update existing homes, or own or operate the co-ops, condos, and multifamily apartment buildings that make up our housing stock, your business will find a home with the BRI. Learn more about our opportunities for advocacy, education and training, and networking to enhance your business at www.buildersinstitute.org or by calling 914-273-0730.

Building Westchester, Together MAY 31, 2021

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12 Water Street White Plains, New York 10601 914.368.9919 www.thewestchesterbank.com

Dear Friends: Are you Ready for a Better Tomorrow? We’ve collectively arrived at an inflection point where challenges of this past year now turn toward more positive times ahead. As the leading community bank in Westchester and one of the fastest growing in the nation, The Westchester Bank would like to share with you what makes us different… and why we may be a better choice for your future business banking needs. That difference is three simple words, BANKING MADE PERSONAL. BANKING that offers all the same business products and services of larger financial institutions. That includes commercial loans and mortgages, lines of credit, business checking, MMA’s, mobile app and online banking. And with seven branch locations throughout Westchester, we make it easy and convenient for you to visit. There are also Cash Management products with the ability and convenience to scan check deposits from your office or home!

MADE is our call-to-action. Streamlined loan processing and loan decisions are all made right here, locally. If you can’t make it to the Bank, we’ll come to your place of business. Banking solutions are made by listening to, and understanding, your banking needs specific your business goals. Our Lending Team assigned to each customer makes sure you’re satisfied by being there for you whenever needed, day or night. Given that small businesses make up nearly 2 of every 3 new jobs in America, we made it possible for companies like yours to navigate the pandemic and redirect your thinking to growth… from keeping employees on board to capital improvements and more. In summary, we’re made of all the ingredients that lets every customer know ‘We are here for you’ in both good and challenging times!

PERSONAL defines The Westchester Bank’s most important attribute. It’s what separates us from the competition where personal interaction just isn’t a priority. When you call us, you will always get a person on the other line, not some automated recording that leaves you feeling detached, disconnected. When the pandemic struck, our first order of business was to call every single customer and ask two questions, ‘How are you doing?’ and ‘How can we help?’. I’d venture to guess that the competition did not have the time, resources or simply didn’t care to reach out to customers in such a personal and caring manner. We care about each customer. We care about every staff member. We care about the many local charities and organizations that uplift Westchester… and that goes beyond just monetary. Volunteerism is part of our culture with many employees actively engaged in programs to benefit others. We feel very fortunate and blessed to be part of a community defined by how we collectively strive to improve the lives of our least fortunate.

Lastly and importantly, please stay safe and healthy. There’s much to feel positive about looking ahead and I personally look forward to the opportunity of serving you when ready.

Best for a Brighter Tomorrow,

John M. Tolomer President & CEO The Westchester Bank j.tolomer@twbusa.com 914.368.9919

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Ready for a Better Tomorrow?

‘Banking Made Personal’ is Ready for You. Commercial Lending Team “ Our is nimble, responsive and solutions-driven. We’re ready to meet your ever changing business needs whenever you are!

”

JOHN M. TOLOMER President & CEO The Westchester Bank

MAMARONECK 305 Mamaroneck Ave. (914) 315-2486 THORNWOOD 994 Broadway (914) 984-5446

MT. KISCO 51 S. Moger Ave. (914) 752- 4262

OSSINING 240 S. Highland Ave. (914) 502-4421

WHITE PLAINS 464 Mamaroneck Ave. (914) 290-6330

RYE BROOK 800 Westchester Ave., 4th Fl. (914) 368-0987

YONKERS 1900 Central Park Ave. (914) 337-1900

TheWestchesterBank.com

COMMERCIAL LOANS • COMMERCIAL MORTGAGES • CREDIT LINES • BUSINESS CHECKING • MONEY MARKET ACCOUNTS MAY 31, 2021

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Greetings from

Hartford HealthCare.

My 33,000 colleagues and I could not be more proud to help create Fairfield County’s bright future. Since St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport became part of Hartford HealthCare in October 2019, we have been working hard to provide access to more medical expertise in more convenient locations across this great county.

We believe that our role is to improve the health and healing of everyone in the region — so that all people can live their healthiest lives. That commitment requires investment and continual reinvestment in the livelihoods of Fairfield County’s business, civic and social service communities.

That’s why we’re investing in expertise, attracting world-class physicians who are eager to do their life’s work in Fairfield County. Hartford HealthCare’s Institute model of care aligns the efforts of experts across our system to deliver seamless services for heart and vascular disease, cancer care, the neurosciences, orthopaedics, urology and kidney specialties and behavioral health services.

We take our commitment to the underserved seriously, expanding St. Vincent’s respected tradition of mission-related work into new areas and programs. We provide robust health and wellness information on all media in Spanish, offer community clinics to those who lack ready access to care, and support local charitable and service organizations. Our experts have consistently and frequently been called upon to provide timely and accurate advice for people troubled by this global health crisis and looking for sources of reliable information. In print, online and on the air, we are proud to be that source.

Throughout the pandemic, we have had an even deeper opportunity to serve. Through our colleagues’ efforts in Fairfield County, Hartford HealthCare provided more than 90,000 COVID-19 tests, and has administered more than 30,000 vaccines.

At St. Vincent’s we cared for more than 1,240 hospitalized COVID patients — one of Connecticut’s most hard-hit areas in the first months of the pandemic. We were the first health system in the nation to partner with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide vaccinations using the U.S. government’s new vaccination vehicle.

It is our privilege and our calling to serve. Our healthcare heroes have worked shoulder-to-shoulder with residents and community partners through these 15 long months, offering hope and healing. Now, we continue that hard work even as we look forward.

Because we don’t want to go “back to normal.” We must aim for a greater goal, a higher aspiration. We want Fairfield County to have a health system that is better than normal — investing in its region, attracting top talent, addressing inequities in healthcare, creating jobs, and serving as a catalyst for forward movement.

That’s why we are proud to be the name sponsor of the new amphitheater at Harbor Yard. Far beyond the concerts and events that will help breathe vitality into Connecticut’s largest city, the venue will be an economic driver, a source of pride and a unique space for health-related community events.

Thank you, Fairfield County, for welcoming Hartford HealthCare into this region as we have added services and enhanced programs. It is an honor to serve you — and be a true part, and partner, in your future.

Wishing you health and safety,

Jeffrey A. Flaks

President and Chief Executive Officer Hartford HealthCare

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MAY 31, 2021 16555 Fairfield & Westchester Biz Journal editorial letter.indd 1

5/25/21 2:39 PM

Moving forward with hope and healing.

Thank you for standing together with our 33,000 colleagues during the COVID-19 pandemic — caring for us as we cared for our communities.

From the hearts that graced your windows and doors, to donations of meals and supplies, to drive-by salutes from our first responders, your generosity of spirit kept us focused as we moved forward. As we pass the first year of this pandemic, we pause to remember those we’ve lost, to celebrate those we’ve saved, and to embrace the emerging horizon of hope and healing.

Together — with tremendous gratitude to our healthcare heroes everywhere — we will achieve a bright and fulfilling future that is better than normal.

HartfordHealthCare.org Backus Hospital | Hartford Hospital | The Hospital of Central Connecticut | MidState Medical Center | St. Vincent’s Medical Center | Windham Hospital Charlotte Hungerford Hospital | Institute of Living | Natchaug Hospital | Rushford | Hartford HealthCare Medical Group | Integrated Care Partners Hartford HealthCare at Home | Hartford HealthCare Independence at Home | Hartford HealthCare Rehabilitation Network | Hartford HealthCare Senior Services

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5/25/21 11:55 AM

MAY 31, 2021

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CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

1 Gateway Plaza, Floor 4 Port Chester, NY 10573 Tel +1 (914) 345-5700 RobisonOil.com

Robison’s 100 year history has spanned a litany of different challenges. Together we have survived wars, embargoes, extreme weather events, recessions, depressions, and now even a global pandemic. Since 1921, Robison has evolved from a small mom and pop operation into a multi-faceted full-service home comfort company. Despite being best known as the largest fuel oil supplier in our area, we also provide a wide range of homeowner services including the supply of natural gas, electricity, heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing, indoor air quality solutions and more.

While our challenges were not on par with those of our healthcare heroes, people relied on Robison to keep them safe and comfortable in their homes as possible as they rode out the various stages of lockdowns and quarantines.

The pandemic presented new challenges for us to overcome. First, many of the 200 Robison team members including our service technicians, delivery drivers, plumbers, and others perform their jobs by visiting strangers’ homes. While many of our neighbors were able to find ways to get work done remotely, our staff ventured out to do whatever was needed to serve our loyal customers.

We developed strict safety protocols for both our own personnel and our customers so that we were able to keep each other safe while ensuring that no one went without heat, cooling, or other vital home services. With people spending so much more time at home as compared to years past, maintaining heat through increased delivery frequency was critical. In addition, homeowners grew more cognizant of the quality of the air in their homes and relied on Robison to not only keep them warm but also provide equipment and services to improve the air they breathed at home.

Needless to say, safety was of the upmost importance to both our staff and customers. While technicians needed access to our customers’ homes to make repairs or do regular servicing, homeowners were understandably wary about having people outside their family “pod” inside their home. We had to work out a protocol that would protect both our employees and our customers, which we did successfully and to everyone’s satisfaction. We were also able to offer our customers ways to sanitize and generally improve the air quality in their homes.

During the pandemic we learned just how important clean, fresh air is to our health.

Robison is a leader in Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) solutions. Robison carries a full line of high-efficiency air sanitizing solutions that can greatly reduce contaminants and allergens in the air. We saw a spike in demand for solutions such as UV lights that kill virus such as the current Coronavirus, MERV rated filters to trap contaminants, and duct cleaning solutions to kill whatever bacteria and dust that has built up in the homes duct work. All these Robison service offerings helped to put our customers minds at ease as we all struggled to find the best way to protect our families from the virus.

The experiences of the past year have redefined our motto of “The House that Service Built.” Robison was there for our customers and will continue to be for as long as we are in business. As people felt trapped in their homes, they were able to take comfort that their home was taken care of by the company that our community has relied upon for the past century.

Sincerely, Dan Singer Co-President, Robison

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MAY 31, 2021

David Singer Co-President, Robison

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MAY 31, 2021

MAY 31, 2021

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AND SOLUTIONS GROUP

PRISM PLANNING

Financial planning is an essential part of life. For 30+ years, and as a local woman-owned LGBTQ business, it has always been my focus to help underserved and marginalized communities have the financial security we all deserve. We understand the challenges of those following a unique path and are dedicated to simplifying the financial intricacies of life.

Whether it is budgeting, buying a home, saving for college or planning for retirement income, our team guides our clients through the sometimes overwhelming processes involved. When our clients anticipate life changes or need LGBTQ+ planning services, we are all about empowering them to pursue their dreams and passions while ensuring they feel well cared for, informed, and secure during all stages of their lives.

My roots are right here in Westchester County. I live in the house I grew up in and have chosen to remain in the community that I love. My parents often felt like outsiders; my mother was a first-generation immigrant, and my father was the first in his family to go to college. I was humbled as they instilled in me the belief that if you work hard and do your absolute best, you will be provided with the opportunities needed to succeed.

My commitment to provide financial planning access to those who don’t see themselves as necessarily fitting in is rooted in these values.

It wasn’t my plan to launch a business during the pandemic. I had already begun the process when I found myself in the middle of this life-altering crisis.

Should I put things on hold or not?

I decided to move forward. This was a critical decision on my part. As we found ourselves in this situation, it was even more essential to provide access and develop trust. Clients needed help sorting through large amounts of data and putting their finances into context.

It was the perfect time to launch.

During this pandemic we have all re-evaluated our priorities and my team and I re-confirmed how much we value each client. It has never been more important or more needed to make our clients feel secure and well cared for.

I see myself as a bridge builder. Uniting people, thoughts and ideas through compassion and care.

We created community. Last year our monthly client calls evolved into weekly calls which generated vibrant dialogue. I realized that many of our clients live alone and we created much needed personal connection.

As we move forward into this post-pandemic phase and recovery, we will continue with the valuable practices we put in place, having learned the profound value of community, connection and caring.

Yours truly, Julia Peloso-Barnes CEO, Prism Planning and Solutions Group phone - 914-831-3050 fax- 914-831-0714 info@PPSGRP.COM WWW.PPSGRP.COM

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MAY 31, 2021

You’re Special.

We Think So Too. We are Financial Advisors all about empowering you to pursue your dreams and passions while ensuring you feel well cared for, informed, and secure during all the stages of your life. We simplify complexity and make the daunting digestible.

If you are following a unique path, be it what you do, where you live, or who you love — you’re likely to encounter complex circumstances, and might even feel marginalized or excluded. We understand those challenges and are dedicated to simplifying the financial intricacies of your life.

We get you. And we’ve got your back.

(914)-831-3050 • PPSgrp.com info@P info @PPSgrp.com PSgrp.com Julia Peloso-Barnes, CFP®, ADPA®, CRPC®, CPM® 777 Westchester Ave, Suite 101 • White Plains, NY 10604

MAY 31, 2021

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May 31,2021 Dear Westfair business community, In the midst of historic health, economic and political challenges that will forever define the year 2020, we witnessed many examples of effective leadership. We saw healthcare and frontline workers risking their own health to serve others, and teachers creatively driving student learning remotely. Small business owners showed resiliency and innovation as they keep their companies going and employees working. More Americans than ever exercised their right to vote and a multitude of citizens took a stand against racial inequities and injustices that have plagued so many for too long. While we still have a way to go, it does feel as though we are turning a corner and can be cautiously optimistic for the second half of 2021 and beyond.

For me, personally, 2020 presented the opportunity to expand my leadership role with KeyBank Real Estate Capital to also serve as Market President for Key’s Hudson Valley/Metro NY market. I am especially grateful for the broader lens my expanded role has afforded me in seeing KeyBank’s leadership in the local community.

I am extremely proud of how our Hudson Valley/Metro NY team faced the year with dedication and resilience, bringing to life our purpose to help our clients and our communities thrive.

Throughout the pandemic, our front-line employees have been on the job everyday serving our customers – through safe social distancing in our branches and by phone, online, appointment, and through our drive-up windows when customers preferred.

For those experiencing financial hardship, we provided relief through payment deferrals, fee and penalty waivers, and personal emergency loans.

Our bankers stepped up to help our business clients receive Paycheck Protection Program funding, delivering more than 66,000 loans totaling $11 billion nationally to help businesses remain open and their employees working.

Now, as our local economy shows signs of recovery, KeyBank is here to support our clients’ plans for the future.

A particular point of pride for everyone at Key is our bank’s commitment to effect change in our communities. Through our focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as affordable housing and renewable energy financing, we are aligning our actions to drive even better outcomes for the communities we serve. We recently expanded our National Community Benefits plan to $40 billion in lending, investing and philanthropy in low- and moderate- income communities. Since it’s launch in 2017, KeyBank has already invested $18 billion though the plan, including over $300 million directly in this market. This expansion means we are well positioned to continuing to work together with local leaders and organizations; it is a testament to our promise to continue to help our clients and communities thrive.

With the first half of 2021 nearly behind us, there is a renewed sense of optimism here at the bank and in the community. KeyBank’s commitment to the citizens and businesses of Westchester and Fairfield Counties remains steadfast, and we are ready for better days ahead.

Sincerely,

John J Manginelli President – Hudson Valley / Metro New York Northeast Regional Executive - Keybank Real Estate Capital

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MAY 31, 2021

helping communities thrive isn’t just something we do. it’s who we are.

Learn how we’re helping to make a difference with our Community Benefits Plan at key.com/community.

Key.com is a federally registered service mark of KeyCorp. ©2021 KeyCorp. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

MAY 31, 2021

210514-1058328

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It has been a little over a year since I joined the Municipal Housing Authority for the City of Yonkers (“MHACY”) as its new President and CEO. It was a baptism by fire. MHACY was in full pandemic management mode. It has been a tough year because we have all suffered losses due to COVID. Despite our losses, I prefer to focus on what people call the COVID silver linings.

MHACY management started investing heavily in technology. We started signing residents up for RentCafe which allowed our tenants to pay their rent remotely and receive notifications about food deliveries and PPE deliveries. We transitioned staff from our central office to their home offices through technology and flexible hours. We ramped up our presence on social media with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to send out messages, notifications and provide programing and information on the latest COVID news. Since we created our social media channels in 2020 and have had growth of over of 1.1k followers across all platforms with 749 Facebook fans and 253,588 impressions and 49 Twitter fans with 39,982 impressions and more than 800 engagements.

MHACY upgraded our website. For the first time in our history, we uploaded all the documents in English and in Spanish a prospective tenant needs to fill out as part of their application process. We created video tours of our apartments so that prospective tenants could virtually visit their potential new homes.

MHACY staff worked around the clock to provide services to our tenant/clients where they live. We sanitized common areas. We delivered food in collaboration with the Yonkers Office for the Aging and many other generous partners. We delivered PPE provided by the City of Yonkers Office of Emergency Management and New York State. We set up mailboxes at every site for residents to drop off their paperwork if they wanted to file their certifications and recertifications in a paper format.

MHACY consultants did thousands of wellness checks by calling every single tenant multiple times. We asked each tenant if they needed food, medical assistance, or anything else we had not or could not think of on our own. Our Resident Coordinators also trained residents on tablets provided through the ConnectHome initiative which allowed our residents to stay connected to news, loved ones and telemedicine providers. When the tablets did not provide a robust enough platform for distance learning, we worked with the Yonkers Board of Education to provide laptops and pay tutors to help our students.

We helped our residents celebrate the holidays. For Halloween, the staff packed 800 bags of Halloween candy for kids. On Thanksgiving with the help of Peter Kelly of X20 Xaviars on the Hudson we were able to provide more than 300 specially prepared meals to our seniors and did it again at Christmas when we also gave away gaming consuls. For Valentine’s Day we delivered baskets from Stew Leonard’s and on Earth Day we gave away reusable totes.

In February we hosted a vaccination clinic at Nodine Community Center, working in collaboration with Sun River Health, New York State, Westchester County, and the City of Yonkers to bus our seniors to the site. We are still working with the City Office of the Aging to bring vaccinations to homebound seniors.

I will not lie and say, “there were no tough days.” I lost one of my best friends and my uncle to COVID. I had COVID myself. Many of our staff and residents had COVID. But recently, I learned the word Ubuntu. It means I am, because you are. Nothing has ever seemed more real to me than that concept in the wake of the COVID pandemic. And that realization is just another COVID silver lining.

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MAY 31, 2021

“

In these uncertain financial times having guaranteed rent means a lot to me as a landlord.”

MICHAEL NUKHO Gem Management

Michael Nukho is a landlord with Gem Management Partners which manages about 500 apartments throughout Westchester County. They have rented to tenants through the Yonkers Landlord Housing Voucher Program (Section 8) for more than 30 years.

If you own rental property in Yonkers and are looking for good tenants, guaranteed income and a way to keep your occupancy rates up, find out how the Yonkers Landlord Housing Voucher Program (Section 8) can work for you.

Learn more at mhacy.org

 

We are accepting applications for RFPs now!

MAY 31, 2021

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51 Route 100 Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510

(914) 762-3415

F (914) 762-5726

thalleindustries.com

Dear Westchester Business Community: Thalle Industries and the Pacchiana Family have been committed to integrity, community service and our employees’ welfare since our family founded Thalle Construction in 1947.

Our commitment to integrity began with founder Guido Pacchiana’s insistence that his business would be grounded in honesty and good faith. Succeeded by his son George, and today, 74 years later, led by grandson Glenn Pacchiana, Thalle continues to be guided by those founding principles.

Our employees are Thalle’s most important asset. They are “Rock Stars” providing rocks, asphalt, and recycled products to the community. We make any product for any customer and treat our clients as we would like to be treated. The result has been seven-plus decades of success.

Our dedication to community service was tested over the past year and a half by the Covid-19 pandemic when our industry was deemed an essential service. As the largest recycler of aggregate and asphalt products in Westchester County, Thalle Industries kept its doors open while protecting our workers. We met with employees weekly to assure they had protective gear and to discuss strategies for staying safe. And thankfully, in 2020, the height of the pandemic, none of our 50 employees contracted Covid-19.

Concern for our community extends beyond our workforce. Our family and our companies have a proud tradition of providing both time and financial support to community not-for-profits and service organizations as well as local, state, business and industry organizations. We are pleased to play an active role in the Business Council of Westchester, the Construction Industry Council, Westchester Parks Foundation and the New York League of Conservation Voters and support many not-for-profits including Scenic Hudson, the Hudson Highlands Land Trust, the Fresh Air Fund and Groundwork Hudson Valley.

We take particular pride in our commitment to sound environmental practices. These ongoing efforts have been recognized with a Community Hero Award from Groundwork Hudson Valley; an Environmental Beautification Award from the New York State Nursery and Landscape Association; and a Best Green Friend Award from the Westchester Parks Foundation.

Our quarry in Fishkill is the only one in New York State where land is reclaimed as the mining advances, thanks to our innovative, environmentally friendly reclamation program. In fact, Thalle Industries and the quarry were nominated by the State Department of Environmental Conservation and received the prestigious Outreach Award from the National Association of State Land Reclamationists in recognition of our extensive reclamation and innovative quarrying practices.

Our public projects have included the Hudson River Shoreline Stabilization for Metro-North Railroad, Irvington Waterfront Park, The Yonkers Downtown Waterfront Redevelopment and Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park in Beacon, New York. Safeguarding the health of our children and our neighbors who commute is not a business strategy -- it’s the right thing to do.

At Thalle Industries, our commitment to our business, our employees and our community are an integral part of our DNA. As a family owned and operated business, we know that keeping each of these elements front and center have and continue to equal service and success.

Sincerely, The Pacchiana Family,

George, Gloria and Glenn

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MAY 31, 2021

Pictured at Thalle’s facility in Elmsford, Front row (L to R): Founder George Pacchiana, President & CEO Glenn Pacchiana; Back row (L to R): Joe Landi, Mahar Gonzalez, David Figueroa, Brian Massy, Jeff Manganello, Hilario De Paz, Jovany Heredia, Caroline Stricker, Warren Shealy, Tim Fee, Joe Perrone, Joe Colavito, Jenn Lazzari, Miguel Diaz, Jessie Lozada

A VIEW TO A BRIGHT FUTURE Thalle Industries, Inc. view toward community involvement represents the continuation of a philosophy that has three generations of history. Beginning with Thalle Construction, which started in 1947, the Pacchiana family and their companies have generously given their time and financial support to many local, state and national industry organizations and worthy community charities and service organizations. Thalle Industries, Inc. continues that tradition today.

A N AWA R D -W I N N I N G T RA D I T I O N •

Family-Owned Business Award presented by Fairfield County Business Journal, Westchester County Business Journal, WAG Magazine

•

Small Business General Excellence Award presented by 914 INC Magazine

•

Changing Places, Changing Lives, Community Hero Award presented

by Groundwork Hudson Valley

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Environmental Beautification Award presented by the New York State Nursery and Landscape Association Inc.

•

Best Green Friend Award presented by the Westchester Parks Foundation (formerly Friends of Westchester County Parks)

•

Certificate of Recognition for Thalle Industries Commitment to Green Business Leadership in the County of Westchester presented for participation in the Westchester Green Business Challenge and Westchester Green Business-Certified programs

•

Hall of Fame Award, Family Business Success presented

by The Business Council of Westchester

•

Leadership and Vision Award presented by the New York League of Conservation Voters Award

thalleindustries.com

MAY 31, 2021

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Dear Westfair Business Community Despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Yonkers is moving forward, building on our nearly decade-long economic renaissance that has resulted in more than $4 billion in private investment and more than 9,100 multifamily units planned, completed, under construction and approved for development.

Yonkers continues to grow by attracting major national and regional developers. We’re particularly excited by Lionsgate Studios which is constructing a $100 million state-of-art movie studio along our waterfront. Not only will it generate over 400 new jobs and 400 construction jobs, it will also put Yonkers on the map as the New York’s Hollywood on the Hudson. We anticipate other major film companies will soon follow in Lionsgate’s footsteps.

There are many reasons for Yonkers success. Our central location offers unmatched access to all major highways and is less than 20-minute commute to Grand Central via Metro-North and only 40 minutes to every major airport in the Tri-State region. We also have an abundance of commercial development sites from office and retail to manufacturing and warehouse space. And, of course, there are those breathtaking views of the Hudson River and Palisades that have attracted so much residential development.

In addition to our city’s business-friendly climate, Yonkers also benefits from the work of the Yonkers Industrial Development Agency which offers financial incentives for commercial and residential development projects. Over the past two years, the Yonkers IDA has provided incentives to projects representing a total private investment of approximately $1.1 billion. Those developments are projected to create approximately 2,700 new residential units, 234,400 square feet of commercial and industrial space and approximately 3,450 in construction, permanent and part-time jobs.

Despite the pandemic, Yonkers celebrated a number of grand openings and groundbreakings for a range of residential projects including the 126-unit Regency on Hudson, 29-unit 9-11 Riverdale Avenue and 160-unit Marquee at 697 Bronx River Road. All three projects, which received IDA incentives, include affordable units.

Our city’s retail sector got a big boost this year with the groundbreaking of a new 130,00-square-foot Target store at Cross County Center.

Target’s decision to invest in our city is a testament to the retailer’s confidence in our thriving economy.

At the height the pandemic, we launched our “Back to Business” marketing campaign to celebrate our re-emergence from the economic downturn. The campaign, which featured testimonials from prominent business leaders, included events with both the Yonkers Downtown BID and the South Broadway BID promoting discounts to dine at local restaurants. Last June, we also streamlined and lifted restrictions on outdoor dining permits so that restaurants and cafes could reopen quickly after the lockdown and get back to business.

I am particularly proud that during the pandemic, our city granted a total of $620,000 to 62 micro-enterprise businesses through our Yonkers Business Assistance program. In addition, the Yonkers IDA and the Yonkers Planning & Development department have allocated through loans or grants nearly $1 million to 70 small business in Yonkers to assist in their recovery efforts.

The pandemic has been a unique challenge for us all. For the City of Yonkers, we are not only ‘back to business’ but growing stronger and better than before. We are well positioned for another year of steady economic growth.

Sincerely

MIKE SPANO Mayor, City of Yonkers

City Hall • 40 South Broadway • Yonkers, NY 10701 • Tel. 914.377.6300 • Fax 914.377.6048 • Email Mike.Spano@YonkersNY.gov

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YONKERS IS ON THE RISE Yonkers is on the rise with more than $4 billion in private development and over 9,100 new multi-family residential units planned, recently completed, under construction and approved for development.

The Yonkers Industrial Development Agency (IDA) is paving the way for the Yonkers renaissance with business development incentives to enhance economic development and job growth in Yonkers. Combined with the City’s business-friendly environment, Yonkers is leading the region in attracting major developers. Yonkers is the New York suburb with the highest number of new apartments built in the last five years, according to data released by RENTCafé.

To learn more about how the Yonkers IDA can help your development project, visit yonkersida.com or call (914) 509-8651

Yonkers Industrial Development Agency, 470 Nepperhan Avenue, Suite 200, Yonkers, NY 10701

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Dear Westchester friends and families, Without question, the 2020-21 school year was like no other. As was the case for “virtually” every school in the state and nation, the COVID-19 Pandemic confronted Iona Preparatory with unforeseen and highly challenging circumstances. I am pleased and gratified to be able to report that despite often daily adjustments, we stayed true to our motto of “Estote Firmi,” or “Be Strong.”

Back in March 2020, when the containment zone was announced for New Rochelle and the sweeping scope of the Pandemic became known, we asked ourselves where we were going to be when the 2020-2021 school year started? We made the decision that we could not and would not stand still. Not only did we invest in infrastructure and technology—more than $150,000 to install cameras in every classroom and upgrade our testing software— but over the summer our teachers came in for specialized training to be well-versed in Google Classroom and other remote learning platforms.

Our goal was to remain open as much as possible without jeopardizing faculty and students. Maximum instruction; minimum risk.

We kept students in the classroom to the extent possible and created a hybrid model allowing students to learn remotely when needed. We went two straight months before needing to quarantine anyone, and our students overcame obstacles and remained resilient. Our boys embraced technology and thrived. They also reached out to serve their communities, donating food, water, masks and gloves to St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Yonkers and Neighbor to Neighbor in Connecticut; and creating apps linking volunteers with senior citizens to assist with groceries during stay-at-home orders.

Our teachers became champions of education. Our sports teams, limited to virtual practices for so long, finally returned to competition and played like champions. We are the defending LoHud Sports Tom Whelan Private School of the Year, after all. Our school and students continued to flourish.

With the close of this unprecedented school year upon us and COVID restrictions being lifted, it is a great time to reflect on the positive news surrounding our graduates. The members of the Class of 2021 were pillars not only for the Iona Preparatory community, but for the communities in which they live. They will continue their education at some of the best schools in our nation: Brown, Colgate, Columbia, Duke, New York University, the University of Virginia, and the list goes on. Moreover, during a time in which so many families are struggling economically, our boys earned a collective $34 million in academic, merit-based scholarships. With an average award of $60,000, an Iona Preparatory education pays for itself, and certainly helps take the sting out of rising college tuitions.

I know I speak for our entire Iona Prep community in wishing them success and good fortune as they go forth and become the leaders of tomorrow. Class of 2021: job well done! To God be the glory, and may Jesus live in our hearts. Forever!

Bro. Thomas R. Leto, Ed.D. President

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IS YOUR SON IONA PREPARED? INVEST. INSPIRE. IGNITE.

An Iona Preparatory education is one of the best investments you can make for your son’s success. + Graduating classes have earned more than $130 million in academic, merit-based college scholarships over the last five years. + Lifelong alumni network enhances college and career trajectories.

+ A developmental and comprehensive school counseling program that implements a scaffolded approach with dedicated college counselors in a student’s junior year, helping them prepare for acceptances to top-tier higher education institutions such as …

+ Iona Preparatory all but pays for itself as graduates earn an average of $60,000 in scholarships.

For more information, please write to Admissions@IonaPrep.org or visit IonaPrep.org

Iona Preparatory Upper School 255 Wilmot Road New Rochelle, NY 10804 (914) 600-6154

Iona Preparatory Lower School 173 Stratton Road New Rochelle, NY 10804 (914) 633-7744

   @IonaPrep  in/IonaPrep  IonaPreparatory

MAY 31, 2021

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31 Mamaroneck Avenue | White Plains, NY 10601 | t 914.428.4220 | f 914.428.4306 | www.artsw.org

May 31, 2021 Dear Friends: It is quite a miracle that arts and culture in Westchester has survived—not without painful cuts and closings, but certainly still intact and gearing up for a robust comeback. Yes, we are battered financially but spiritually undaunted, secure in the economic value and higher purpose of our collective mission and humbly grateful to those who quietly and without fanfare supported the collective arts community and the individual venues and creators during this bitter crisis.

There is still much to do to rebuild and restore our structural and human assets. Most impacted has been our artist community, 63% of whom nationally are out of work. Thank you to all those who contributed to our Artist Relief Fund through which we were able to give grants to some 30 artists. We will continue to be that portal to assist them. Thank you to our Westchester County government for continuing cultural funding as budgeted and for supporting the myriad virtual workshops and streamed programs our community produced during the pandemic. We all learned how to gracefully pivot, and in the process, we enlarged our online audiences. We thank our County Executive and 17 county legislators who funded a $250,000 Challenge Grant Program that spurred our community to raise another $754,000 in private donations. Thank you to the more than 2000 donors who matched these funds. Many thank yous to our loyal friends, corporations, foundations, agencies small businesses who continued our funding uninterrupted. We will continue to be a safety net for the community, providing things to do and places to go. Thank you to the Examiner and the Westchester Business Journal who publish our ArtsNews online and a hearty bravo to our partnership with Today Media. Getting the word out is so vitally important to us all. It may seem like a small thing, but we’re grateful to all those who supported and with good cheer attended our many virtual fundraisers. Now, that’s dedication!

A million thanks to our state legislators whose leadership shined ever so brightly as they allocated one million dollars to Restart the Arts in Westchester and Rockland. What they did will of course help our 150 cultural affiliates. But it will do more than that. It will help restore life as we once knew it. It will help us all gather together once again. It may even give us renewed hopefulness for an equitable and prosperous future. It may encourage others to do similar life affirming acts of kindness and revitalization. Now wouldn’t that be a great legacy to celebrate in the months to come? Indeed!

With our appreciation,

Janet Langsam CEO, ArtsWestchester S24

MAY 31, 2021

The Arts and Business Go Hand in Hand.

We are working together to bring public art to streets and buildings in Westchester, enlivening our downtowns and enhancing our built environment. ArtsWestchester invites you to partner with us in bringing art out in the open for the enjoyment of all.

Become a Business Partner Today: artsw.org/bizmember

Got a love the arts!

Visit artsw.org for our Top Virtual and In-Person Arts Picks.

ArtsWestchester partnered with Ridge Hill to commission this Ella Fitzgerald mural by artist Danielle Mastrion.

MAY 31, 2021

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The past year has challenged us and our clients like no other. Throughout this difficult period, Thompson & Bender served as a critical partner in helping businesses pivot and adapt to a world in crisis.

We saw offices, stores and restaurants close. Large events essential to our clients’ financial viability were cancelled.

Traditional models of conducting business collapsed.

Through this tumult, clients turned to us for advice, guidance and answers to many questions. How do we keep our customers engaged if they cannot enter a store? How do we fundraise without an annual gala? How do we reposition our messages to the public to emphasize compassion and solidarity?

The answers were not simple and there was no established template for operating in a socially distanced world.

Thompson & Bender saw this crisis as an opportunity to guide our clients through uncharted waters.

For some clients that meant a greater push into social media. We helped others wade into the waters of virtual events and fundraisers. Above all, messaging was key. We helped clients develop communication strategies that emphasized community service, support for healthcare heroes and charity for neighbors.

The results helped our clients stay afloat and even prosper in this new world. The Business Council of Westchester and ArtsWestchester were able to stage virtual annual events that collected almost as much revenue as in normal years, and learned new ways to reach their audiences.

We helped clients organize socially distant events, including the Westchester Parks Foundation’s Bicycle Sundays and hybrid Gala. And, for the City of Yonkers we launched a GenY campaign letting audiences know they were “open for business.”

Along the way, we learned as much as our clients about productivity, remote working and the powerful emerging platforms for engaging the public, such as Zoom and Twitch. The lessons will not be forgotten in the post-pandemic future but will be incorporated into our arsenal of business solutions.

We like to believe that our dedication to clients―before and during the pandemic―is the reason for our success. In turn, we appreciate the support we receive from the business community that has helped us win numerous Best of Business Awards from 914Inc. for our advertising and public relations work.

A special thank you to our loyal clients for sticking by us during this difficult time. And we in turn did our utmost to see them through.

As our society returns to normal, we remain committed to our clients, community and neighbors. Thompson & Bender cherishes the leadership that our partners have granted us for the past 35 years and we will use that role for the benefit of everyone in Westchester County and beyond.

Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson Partner

Dean Bender Partner

Geoff Thompson Partner

1192 PLEASANTVILLE ROAD, BRIARCLIFF MANOR, NY | (914) 762-1900 | THOMPSON-BENDER.COM

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Founding Partners: Geoffrey Thompson, Elizabeth Bracken‑Thompson, and Dean Bender

WESTCHESTER’S PREMIER COMMUNICATIONS, PR AND ADVERTISING AGENCY Thompson & Bender is the unrivaled leader in delivering strategic PR, advertising, social media, event marketing, messaging, and integrated communications that help their clients succeed. They utilize the latest media platforms for digital campaigns, with lead generation, search engine optimization, ad words, content creation, and deep-dive analytics to maximize clients’ ROI. The acclaimed agency’s continued recognition includes the Business Hall of Fame Award, the 2017 Small Business Award, and they were voted Best PR and Advertising Agency, Best in Graphic Design, and Best Social Media Agency for three consecutive years. For 35 years, the full-service agency’s talented team has created strategic marketing plans and award-winning work for the “who’s who” of regional Fortune 500 corporations, healthcare, higher education, real estate, retail, hospitality, media, government, and not‑for‑profit organizations.

1192 PLEASANTVILLE ROAD, BRIARCLIFF MANOR, NY | (914) 762-1900

THOMPSON‑BENDER.COM

MAY 31, 2021

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