September 2003

	Feature Story: Westchester is "The Source" for Fortunoff's Staffing Needs

	Feature Story: Trade Mission to Italy Harvests Many Benefits
	Small Business Success Story: Metro Pool Drives Workers for Kam Sen Foods
	Business Membership Organization Spotlight: Westchester Association of Women Business Owners


Left to Right: Louis Fortunoff, White Plains Mayor Joe Del Fino, Sal Carrera, Director of Economic Development & Real Estate. County Executive Andrew J. Spano



	WESTCHESTER IS "THE SOURCE" FOR FORTUNOFF'S STAFFING NEEDS On September 17th Fortunoff and its 600 employees opened the doors to a new $92 million retail complex offering fine home furnishings and jewelry. Many of those employees were recruited and trained by Westchester County's One Stop Employment Center. The One Stop Center can provide workforce assistance to any business with human resource needs. For details, link to: www.westchestergov.com/onestopemploymentcenter/ The Fortunoff facility will also include several nationally popular retailers such as Morton's Steakhouse, Great American Cheesecake Factory (now open) and a Whole Foods Market. Annual sales for Fortunoff are projected to be $91 million.

	TRADE MISSION TO ITALY HARVESTS MANY BENEFITS In a continuing effort to link the economy of Westchester to the world, County Executive Andy Spano and a delegation of county officials and business leaders just completed a trade mission to Italy. The results of the trip include the creation of a "Westchester Desk" in Milan, Italy, which will promote trade, business linkages, cultural and technological exchanges between key cities in Italy and Westchester. A joint venture on park planning was signed with six mayors in the Milan area. Discussions were also held with Italy's leading superconductivity firm Ansaldo Superconduttori about its role in a demonstration project of plasma/fusion energy which could have applications for energy production in Westchester County. For information please contact Terry Masterson at 914-995-2988 or tmm5@westchestergov.com

	METRO POOL DRIVES WORKERS FOR KAM SEN FOODS One of the best products of a global economy is international cuisine. Kam Sen Foods is a 25-year-old retailer of Asian foods with eight locations on the eastern seaboard. Kam Sen recently opened a Westchester outlet at the White Plains Mall on Hamilton Avenue. Kam Sen needed assistance transporting 12 Chinese speaking employees from Queens. Metro Pool, the car and van pooling organization, was able to provide Kam Sen with one 12- passenger van, eliminating the need for three cars to make three trips with three highway bridge tolls. In addition, federal law allow employees to set aside up to $100 per month from the pre-tax gross income to pay for transit or qualified vanpool fares. For more information link to www.metropool.com or contact Butch Venoresi, regional manager at 914-993-6474

WESTCHESTER ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS (WAWBO)
WAWBO is celebrating its 25th year of service on behalf of women business owners. WAWBO offers members a forum to exchange leads, advice and expertise in building and maintaining a successful business. WAWBO offers its members mentoring help, interactive peer groups, a speakers bureau, and education on many topics. WAWBO recently held a well attended 25th anniversary gala event. For more information please link to www.wawbo.com

	ACCESSING RESOURCES FOR YOUR BUSINESS Services and Incentives for Westchester Businesses For information about tax benefits, business assistance programs, workforce and transportation services, low-cost energy and statistical data please visit http://economic.westchester.gov/home/ or contact Terry Masterson at 914-995-2988 or email tmm5@westchestergov.com.

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