Work. Live. Play. Westchester!

EXTREME MAKEOVER: THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY ASSOCIATION PRESENTS WORK. LIVE. PLAY. WESTCHESTER -- A TRANSFORMATIONAL EVENT, ON JULY 31

WCA and World-Renowned Public Spaces Group Join Forces to Present a New Picture of Westchester’s Future, One that Transforms the County Into a Destination of Choice for Young Professionals

Raised and educated in Westchester County, many recent college grads and rising young professionals opt out of living here, choosing instead cramped, expensive New York City apartments. Why? “Because in comparison to New York City, Westchester lacks the culture and communities young people crave,” says Brendan Meyer, chairman of the Westchester County Association’s Young Professionals Group. The result is a brain drain out of the county, creating a dearth of young talent, so important to companies seeking a location that’s brimming with a dynamic, local talent pool.

Recognizing this, the Westchester County Association Young Professionals Group, in partnership with The BLUEPRINT for Westchester initiative and Project for Public Spaces (pps.org), will present a stunning vision for transforming Westchester into a place where young professionals will want to live and work, on Tuesday, July 31. WCA will host Work. Live. Play. WESTCHESTER!, a placemaking event, to focus on designing communities that are more attractive to a young diverse workforce. This eye-opening event is open to the public.

Pre-registration is required. To register for Work. Live. Play. WESTCHESTER! online, visit https://westchester.org/eventregister.php?event=213 prior to July 30. For reservations after July 30, please contact Laura Montopoli at lmontopoli@westchester.org or 914-948-6444. The cost is $50 per person ($40 per person for WCA members).

Placemaking is a proven approach to the planning, design and management of public spaces that has successfully transformed over 2500 communities in all 50 U.S. states and 40 countries. Work. Live. Play. WESTCHESTER!, sponsored by Houlihan Lawrence, Inc., will identify placemaking solutions and an action plan for the county’s civic areas, corporate campuses, transportation hubs, and more:

• Work. Live. Play. WESTCHESTER
• Tuesday, July 31
• PepsiCo World Headquarters
• Lobby-level Gallery
• 700 Anderson Hill Road in Purchase, NY
• 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“The available commercial inventory here in Westchester is a tremendous asset as we look to plan the neighborhoods and amenities of the future,” said Marissa Brett, Executive Director of Economic Development, Westchester County Association. “With the help of WCA members and municipal officials, dormant office parks can become modern housing options for young professionals or thriving entertainment complexes. Repurposing certain areas would also help invigorate the county’s economy. We see it as a win-win for everyone in Westchester.”

“Young professionals want competitively priced housing, exciting communities, varied entertainment options, culture and great restaurants,” Brett explained. “This event will help the business, real estate, and civic communities understand how they can take a leadership role in transforming Westchester to address these needs and jump-start economic vitality.”

About the Westchester County Association

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.

About The Blueprint for Westchester

The Blueprint for Westchester is the Westchester County Association’s aggressive campaign to revitalize Westchester’s economy in collaboration with the county’s real estate, business, and academic sectors, and strong participation from Westchester’s six cities and County government.  This multi-million dollar, multi-year initiative has been organized and driven by the private sector. Westchester is home to a highly educated workforce, a multi-billion dollar healthcare system, and internationally renowned cultural and recreational offerings.  And with magnificent parks and preserves, excellent schools, beautiful communities, and highly touted restaurants and retail establishments, Westchester cannot be beat in terms of our lifestyle.

About the Young Professionals Group

WCA’s dynamic under-40 set finds its home in the Young Professionals Group, which is actively producing the next generation of business leaders.  The Group provides a sophisticated level of business and professional development to its members and holds frequent gatherings at off-the-beaten-track places as well as at some of the county’s favorite venues. WCA YPs also benefit from frequent mentoring opportunities, and meet in small groups with business leaders who freely share their acumen and advice.