Business Council of Westchester Unveils Racial Equity Initiative

RYE BROOK- (June 23, 2020) –Saying it is committed to standing again racism, the Business Council of Westchester today announced a series of steps it will take internally, as well as resources it will offer the business community to address racial inequality.

“Our goal is to advance the conversation about racism with actionable steps to support real change. Today, we are announcing the first steps toward that change with a multifaceted program that includes listening, actions, resources, programming, and more,” said Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester.

Gordon said the BCW will require its staff, Executive Committee and Board of Directors to undergo racial awareness training and will also identify a diverse slate of candidates for all open positions on its board. In addition, it will create an Anti-Racism Resource Center that will offer free programming for members and their employees. Sessions include:

○ Unconscious Bias

○ Fostering Inclusion in the Workplace

○ How to be an Inclusive Leader

○ What You Need to Know About Demonstrations

○ Coping with Civil Unrest

○ Self-Care in the Face of Trauma

○ Raising Children to Respect Diversity in Your Home

On Thursday, June 25 the BCW will also join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Business Council of New York State to sponsor two important programs to address inequality.

At 10 a.m. The Business Council of New York State will offer a webinar Called “Open Conversation: Racial Inclusion, Diversity and Equality in Business” that will feature a diverse panel who will discuss the struggles of black business owners, and examine how all business leaders can develop plans and guidelines to diversify their workforce and teach employees how to maintain an inclusive workforce that respects all customers and clients. Speakers will include Dr. Hazel Dukes, President, NAACP New York State Conference; Garry Johnson, Economic Development Chair, NAACP New York State Conference; Helen Brooks, Senior State and Local Government Affairs Representative, FedEx Corporation; Michael Garner, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Metropolitan Transportation Authority and President, Founding Chapter, One Hundred Black Men; Michelle McCleary, Immediate Past President, National Black MBA Association, New York; and Floyd Holloway, Counsel, State Farm Insurance.

Later that day at 1:30 p.m. the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, will hold a National Town Hall event that is part of a national initiative to address inequality.

“The BCW will stand with business and community leaders across the nation as we discuss concrete actions that can be taken by the government and the private sector to address inequality through education, employment, entrepreneurship, and criminal justice reform,” said Gordon. “It is our goal to continue to roll out resources that will support systemic change, and to play a role in this important dialogue and deliver a robust plan of action.”

About The Business Council of Westchester: The county’s largest and most influential business membership organization, The Business Council of Westchester is committed to helping businesses market, learn, advocate and grow. In addition, The Business Council of Westchester is actively involved in reviewing federal, state and county legislation and regulations in order to assess the potential impact on the business community and to influence the outcomes through advocacy when the business community’s interests may be affected. It also acts as an information resource for the business community and government leaders at all levels. Visit www.thebcw.org

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