WCA forum to discuss economic growth in new environment

The Westchester County Association will host “Westchester: County of Tomorrow” on April 29, a conference focused on achieving smart economic growth as Westchester County emerges as a national hub for biotechnology and health technology.

The half-day conference will feature a keynote address titled “Seeing Around Corners: The Unseen Trends Shaping Our Future” by Dean Whittaker, CEO of Whittaker Associates and former managing director of industrial development for the state of Illinois.

The event will also hold a panel discussion with participants from across the country sharing their own experiences in the development and economic growth of their own hubs.

Speakers on the panel include:

  • Seth Pinsky, former president of the NYC Economic Development Corporation under Mayor Michael Bloomberg;
  • Jason Widen, co-founder of Innovate Raleigh;
  • Mayor Andy Berke of Chattanooga; and
  • Susan Dawson, executive director of E3 Alliance and former head of the Austin, Texas Chamber of Commerce.

Jerry Sanders, CEO of SkyTran, will lead a presentation discussing a new take on transportation via a mass transportation system based on magnetic levitation.

A second panel will feature business leaders sharing advice about leveraging public-private partnerships.

Speakers include:

  • Andrew Peskoe, partner of Golenbock Eiseman Assor Bell & Peskoe LLP;
  • Mary Scott Nabers, president and CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.;
  • Mark Strauss, senior partner of urban design firm FXFOWLE; and
  • Christopher Fisher of Partner, Cuddy & Feder.

“This will be a terrific opportunity to learn from others as we access how far we”™ve come and how best to move forward,” said Bill Mooney, president and chief executive officer of the Westchester County Association.

The conference will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Westchester Hotel at 80 West Red Oak Lane, West Harrison.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit westchester.org.