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NEW YORK PRESS ASSOCIATION INTRODUCES...

The Newspaper

'Told Ya' Campaign to Run Through May

White Plains, NY-April 9...The New York Press Association (NYPA), which has represented New York State's community newspapers for 157 years, today announced in Westchester County a statewide advertising and communications initiative to reinforce with New Yorkers the unique and professional localized news coverage available only through community newspapers and their websites.  NYPA will be making these announcements across the state in the coming weeks. An estimated 12 million New Yorkers currently read community newspapers each year.

The campaign, called "Your Community Newspaper. Told Ya." emphasizes:

·         The benefits of local news coverage;

·         The importance of professional news gathering in local politics, government, and business, and

·         The economic impact of community newspapers across New York State.

The nine-week "Told Ya" campaign features eye-catching print ads, transit advertising (MTA, Amtrak and buses), and a comprehensive public relations campaign.  Sample ads, which were produced by Korey Kay & Partners, can be seen here, here, here, and here.  The Westchester announcement was made at the offices of Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino (R-I), who hosted local publishers for the event at his offices in White Plains. 

"The community newspaper is the heartbeat of New York towns, villages, and cities," said Michelle K. Rea, Executive Director of the New York Press Association. "Westchester County newspapers and their websites are chock-full of important information available nowhere else - information that has a direct impact on our lives and the lives of our children. The 'Told Ya' campaign serves to remind New Yorkers about these extraordinary community assets."

Ms. Rea also discussed the significant economic benefit of the 787 community newspapers across the state.  It is estimated that these newspapers generate between $850 million and $1 billion in annual revenues; employ more than 10,000 New Yorkers; generate more than $500 million in payroll dollars; pay property taxes in hundreds of municipalities; provide health insurance for thousands of families; support local businesses, and spend more than $35 million annually at local post offices.

"The news industry is quickly evolving, but solid news reporting will never be replaced," Ms. Rea continued. "Nowhere is that more true than at the local level."

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Top-Level Business, Political and Labor Leaders to Address Regional Surface Transportation Infrastructure Crisis At April 8 Conference   New Rochelle, NY Top-level business, political and labor leaders including New York Lieutenant Governor Richard Ravitch; Rear Admiral Richard Larrabee, Director Port Commerce Department of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; U.S. Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY, 8 th District) and Joseph F. Marie, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Transportation will address the crisis of the region’s outdated and deteriorating roads, bridges, rail lines, and other aspects of surface transportation infrastructure at the Third Annual Infrastructure Conference to be hosted by Iona College on April 8. Also participating will be Stanley Gee , Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation; John Cooney, Jr ., President, Tilcon, NY, a major provider of materials for the construction industry including highways in the New York metro area; Patrick Quinn , President, U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc., a leading transportation company; Frank McArdle , a well known consultant to the private and public sectors; Petra Todorovich , Director of America 2050, a national urban planning initiative to develop an infrastructure and growth strategy for the U.S.; Bart F. Livolsi , Managing Director, Public Finance, Citigroup Inc.; the state transportation commissioners from New York and New Jersey and others. News 12, Westchester County Business Journal and Radio Station WHUD will be the media sponsors of the event which is expected to attract more than 300 attendees. The conference— “CONFRONTING THE CRISIS: Solving Our Regional Surface Transportation Infrastructure Issues — will again bring together Iona College and presenting sponsor Terex Corporation, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction equipment based in Westport, Connecticut. Ronald DeFeo, Terex Chairman and CEO, is an Iona alumnus (’74).

Speakers and panelists will discuss practical solutions and funding needed to bring the regional transportation infrastructure up to grade. The urgency of the conference was recently underscored with the release of a report from NY State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli that cited the Tappan Zee Bridge as one of three major bridges in the state in “urgent need of improvements. If any of those bridges failed or was partially closed, the impact would be severe for the residents, businesses and communities that depend on them.” The needs and demands of key transportation links in the region including the Tappan Zee Bridge will be examined during the opening panel discussion.

Brother James A. Liguori, President of Iona College, said: “ The nation’s transportation infrastructure is its economic lifeline. While we rarely stop to think of the network of highways, railways, bridges, tunnels, waterways and airline terminals that serve us each and every day, let just one major component of the network go out of service and our dependence on these man-made wonders becomes painfully obvious.”

He added: “With the involvement and support of our presenting sponsor, Terex Corporation, and its President, Ron DeFeo, one of our many alumni who have achieved great success in business, we are very pleased to be hosting our third annual infrastructure conference. We will bring many of the best and brightest minds together for what is certain to be a stimulating and thought-provoking look at this too often ignored, yet vital element in all of our lives.”

Mr. DeFeo stated: “The future of the region’s economic vitality is tied directly to the actions that will need to be taken in the near future to repair the transportation infrastructure. It will require creative thinking by planners and policy makers as well as a concerted, collaborative and non-partisan effort among the municipal, regional, state and federal governments. It will also require commitment and leadership if we are to succeed in improving the region’s economic competitiveness and quality of life for our citizens. Our hope is that the conference will not only help call attention to this urgent issue but will be instrumental in developing a long overdue regional plan of action.”

The conference’s advisory board comprises leaders in infrastructure related sectors who are planning the day’s program. They include: Michael Bazinet, Director, Corporate Communications, Terex Corporation; John Cooney Jr., President, Tilcon NY; Alfred B. DelBello, Partner, DelBello Donnellan Weingarten Wise & Wiederkehr LLP; Marsha Gordon, President, Business Council of Westchester; Frank McArdle, consultant to private industry and the public sector; Caryn McBride, Executive Editor of the Westchester, Fairfield and Hudson Valley Business Journals; William Mooney, President, Westchester County Association and Ross Pepe, President, Construction Industry Council of Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

To register and for sponsorship information, visit www.iona.edu/terex.

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Private Mortgage Banker, dedicated to the community, opens office in Purchase

 Continental Home Loans, a 26 year-old private mortgage banker based in Melville, New York, has begun operations in Purchase, New York, to offer a wide array of financing options for home purchase and refinance loans. All of the company's mortgage consultants are highly experienced. The new branch, part of a larger entity with 500 employees and licensed in 18 states, performs local processing and underwriting for the Westchester marketplace. They have leased 5,000 sq. ft. at 2900 Westchester Avenue in Purchase.

Besides its impressive offerings, its Branch Sales Manager, Arthur DiMella, is proud to announce that every one of its 12 loan officers will select a charity to help, to give back to the community in which a mortgage company is so intimately involved. DiMella, with 16 years of experience in his field, has joined the White Plains Rotary and has been active in the Marine Corps' Toys for Tots. Also joining CHL is the father and son team of Ralph Berardi, Sr. and Jr., with a combined forty-five years experience in mortgage lending.

Continental Home Loans is the number one FHA lender by units and loan volume in New York State for privately held mortgage bankers. "Another program the company will specialize in is HUD'S 203k, a construction loan well suited to the real estate market of short sales and foreclosures, which may be in need of repair or rehabilitation. It is an important tool for community and neighborhood revitalization and for expanding homeownership opportunities. We also cater to the first time homebuye. As a SONYMA (State of New York Mortgage Agency) lender, we are leaders for that program as well," said DiMella. The company plans a First Time Homebuyer's Seminar in March at the Yonkers Public Library. This free seminar will provide information on how to buy your first home, low down payment financing and down payment assistance programs available from the County of Westchester. There will be representatives from SONYMA, local attorneys and Realtors.

Links: Bee-Line Bus System Metro North Railroad White Plains BID Westchester Airport Westchester Business Journal

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Congresswoman Nita Lowey Hears Concerns of Business Leaders and Health Providers on Proposed House and Senate Health Care Reform Legislation

 Lack of Regulation of Health Insurers, Tort Reform, Potential Negative Impact on Small Businesses and Health Providers Voiced During Roundtable Discussion Requested by Lowey

WHITE PLAINS, NY (January 7, 2010) Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-18 th) heard concerns about the proposed health care reform legislation that is being debated by the U.S. Congress during a roundtable discussion today with a cross representation of the business community and health providers. The Congresswoman requested The Westchester County Association (WCA)—the area’s leading business advocacy group—to arrange the meeting.

The meeting marked the second time Congresswoman Lowey has sought input from WCA members on the proposed national healthcare legislation. The WCA has taken a leadership position over the past four years in seeking health insurance reform in New York State.

While participants agreed that providing health insurance for the uninsured and ending pre-existing conditions for heath coverage were commendable and long overdue positive steps, some of the provisions in the current House and Senate bills were problematic. Among the key points and recommendations made were:

• The proposed cuts in Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements will pose a serious threat to hospitals, physicians and other health providers in Westchester
• The requirement that small businesses with an annual payroll of more than $500,000 provide coverage to their employees will pose a serious impact on the financial health of some firms that have not been able to afford health insurance. Congress instead should be looking at incentives to help small businesses grow and contribute to the economy
• A regulatory body similar to the Federal Reserve that oversees the banking industry should be established to monitor the health insurance industry
• Health insurance companies should be made accountable for the services that they provide
• Medical malpractice insurance reform is critical to make it affordable for physicians to provide services and to help assure that access to care will be uniform throughout the country. Currently, those states like Texas that have passed liability reform have attracted a large migration of physicians.

 

As the lawmakers are now finalizing the bill, Congresswoman Lowey urged the group of 25 participants to e-mail their comments to her at the earliest.

The Westchester County Association (www.westchester.org) is 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.

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Women's Council of Realtors installs a new president - the same as last year's!

 As a testament to its popularity with female Realtors and the affiliates who support them, its president Toni Chrystal accepted yet another year's term as president of Women's Council of Realtors, Empire Chapter, on Wednesday November 18 at the Westchester Hills Country Club in White Plains. Toni's twin sister Terri Crozier became treasurer. Myriam Ramos was president elect/vice president and Carol Christiansen, VP of membership and Debra Boccarossa, Secretary. Catherine Favara, New York State President of Women's council, installed the Governing Board.

Long before the almost nightly networking gatherings that characterize the Westchester landscape, there was Women's Council, an organization that celebrates the empowerment and professional development of female and male Realtors. In fact they began in 1938! Because the past years have been so difficult for Realtor business, agents brokers and managers can feel better about themselves when they see their friends and people who have a shared commitment to self-improvement. Just think how ready they will be, how empowered, when the market does pick up. Although its immediate likelihood seems doubtful, its past history of cyclical improvement is inevitable.

The mission statement of WCR is "We are a network of successful Realtors empowering women and men to exercise their potential as entrepreneurs and industry leaders" Nationally a network of around 16,000 committed real estate professionals are ready to put their knowledge, expertise and connections to work for every client they serve. There are also 300 local and state chapters. To help them in developing their potential, an assortment of sponsors have supported this mission , from mortgage companies to attorneys, from contractors to decorating centers and title companies, and more.

In addition to the supportive sponsors, there are also office ambassadors, whose role it is to tell as many people as they can about the benefits of Women's Council. This must have worked this year, because this Empire Chapter won the award for Recruitment and Retention for 82 members! President Chrystal was only too glad to go to Chicago to collect the award.

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"A Gift Of Art"

 Holiday Show and Boutique

at the Mamaroneck Artists' Guild from November 27 to January 2, 2009

The Mamaroneck Artists Guild will celebrate the 2009 holiday season with its annual show and boutique, “A Gift of Art,” will run from November 27th 2009 through January 2^nd 2010. The selective gift buyer can choose from an abundance of beautiful and affordable works of art, in a variety of media, as well as exquisite boutique items, including jewelry, textiles, scarves, holiday decorations, and other crafts.  There will be a Gala Reception on December 4^th from 5.00-7.00pm. (Snow Date: December 10th, 5-7pm).

Regular Gallery hours are Tuesday thru Saturday, noon to 5pm. 

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