Village of Ossining Partners with Business Council of Westchester to Attract Young Workers
Ossining, NY (PRWEB) July 18, 2013 -- The Village of Ossining and Business Council of Westchester have announced the completion of a joint partnership study focusing on how to attract young professionals to the historic village. The initiative, led by the Business Council’s Rising Stars Alumni Network, follows a study conducted by the Westchester Coalition for Business Development to address the flight of younger workers from Westchester County.
Last summer, the Business Council’s Westchester Coalition for Business Development conducted a Youth Flight study involving a series of focus groups made up of college students and young professionals under 40 years of age. Based on study findings, Ossining was identified as an ideal pilot community to attract and retain young professionals due to its affordable housing prices, community waterfront and parkland, award-winning school system, access to mass transit, and motivated leadership.
“Younger workers have a strong desire to stay in Westchester County provided there are employment opportunities, affordable housing, and reasonable property taxes,” said Marsha Gordon, president and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester. “Ossining not only meets this criteria, but fits with the study’s other key findings as well. It is a great place for those under 35 to grow their careers and families to establish roots.”
Additional key findings derived from the Coalition’s study include the desire for mixed-use, downtown development with access to mass transit and a high demand for improved utilization of parkland.
The Business Council of Westchester’s Rising Stars Alumni Network, formed from Westchester County’s former Rising Stars “Forty under Forty” recipients, is a select group representing the best and brightest in the region. The group touted Ossining for the waterfront views and small town feel, noting its growing retail and restaurant business and easy access to New York City.
A series of action items have been established to enhance Ossining’s positive assets including further development of the waterfront and parkland with the goal of cultivating a “work, live, play” atmosphere. The creation of a Restaurant Row would promote nightlife and attract visitors to eat, relax and enjoy themselves.
“Our partnership with the Business Council of Westchester could not have come at a better time,” said Ingrid Richards, the Village’s Manager of Downtown and Economic Development. “The Village of Ossining is currently in the midst of a yearlong Bicentennial Celebration honoring its past and embracing the future. There are a number of exciting developments on the horizon for the Village.”
The cornerstone of the “Ossining in 3D” Bicentennial Celebration is a large-scale, 25-piece outdoor sculpture exhibit weaving through the Village’s historic buildings and downtown waterfront area. The six-month juried exhibition, running through October, will provide direct and free access to art for thousands of residents and visitors. In addition to the sculpture exhibit, several events are planned over the summer and fall months to appeal to a wide variety of audiences.
For information on the Village of Ossining and its upcoming bicentennial events, please visit http://www.villageofossining.org, http://www.celebrateossining.com, or contact the Village Manager’s Office at 914-941-3554.
About the Village of Ossining
On April 2, 1813, the Village of Ossining became the first incorporated village in Westchester County to be state-chartered. Today, Ossining is a culturally diverse, affordable place to live, rich in both history and natural beauty. Approximately 24,000 people reside in the three square miles of this historic Village on the Hudson River, which boasts extensive shopping, recreational programs, educational enrichment opportunities, and community services. Ossining’s role in New York’s heritage has been recognized by its inclusion, as one of only 14 areas, in an Urban Cultural Park System designed to attract visitors to the State. With its Bicentennial anniversary in 2013, the Village of Ossining has launched “Ossining in 3D,” a yearlong celebration of events designed to honor the Village’s past while embracing its future. Visit http://www.villageofossining.org for more information.
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 http://www.westchesterny.org for more information.
Kelly Lee, Co-Communications, Inc., 914.666.0066, [email protected]
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