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Beecher Flooks Funeral Home: One of Six Businesses Inducted into Westchester’s New “Business Hall of Fame”

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From left, Anthony Justic, chairman of The BCW Board of Directors; William Flooks Jr., funeral director at Beecher Flooks Funeral Home and Marsha Gordon, president and CEO of The BCW.
From left, Anthony Justic, chairman of The BCW Board of Directors; William Flooks Jr., funeral director at Beecher Flooks Funeral Home and Marsha Gordon, president and CEO of The BCW.

Westchester resembled the Great White Way earlier this week as The Business Council of Westchester held its version of the TONY Awards at its annual dinner event honoring some of the region’s most successful enterprises.

More than 600 people turned out to Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle on April 21 for The Business Council’s Business Hall of Fame Awards, which included a Broadway-themed celebration complete with a Playbill styled red-carpet, a Liza Minnelli look-a-like and performances by singers from the Westchester Broadway Theater – all overlooking the scenic Long Island Sound.

As part of the main act, The Business Council inducted a world-renowned technology developer, a leading holiday decorator, one of the nation’s oldest medical colleges, an affordable housing developer, a full-service insurance company and a family-owned funeral home that has operated for three generations.

From left, Amanda Volper, Hillary Volper, Brian Patrick Fontana, Eric Volper and Marsha Gordon, president and CEO of The Business Council.
From left, Amanda Volper, Hillary Volper, Brian Patrick Fontana, Eric Volper and Marsha Gordon, president and CEO of The Business Council.

New to the Business Hall of Fame this year was the addition of Chairman’s Recognition Award as well as announcing the winner of the Ron Volper Family Scholarship Fund for Business Excellence, which was given to Brian Patrick Fontana, who is pursuing an MBA at Pace University. The Business Hall of Fame, which is in its 14th year, has inducted more than 70 Westchester businesses.

“These winners represent all that is great in Westchester’s business community, its economy and its future,” said Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester. “We have it all here — large corporations, family-owned businesses and leading technology companies. We are pleased to induct these companies into the 2015 Business Hall of Fame, and we’re so happy to help our future business leaders gain the tools they’ll need to succeed.”

County Executive Robert P. Astorino congratulated the winners for joining an exceptional roster of inductees and for their great achievements. He also thanked them for their contributions to Westchester’s economy and its communities. The master of ceremonies was News12 anchor Scott McGee. The event co-chairs were Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson of Thompson and Bender and Thomas Lalla of Pernod Ricard.

The winners in their respective categories are:

Corporate Citizenship: New York Medical College in Valhalla. Dr. Robert Amler, vice president for government affairs and professor of public health, accepted the award.

Entrepreneurial Success: Mindspark in Yonkers. Erik Esterlis, co-president, accepted the award.

Small Business Success: York International Agency, LLC in Harrison. Robert Kestenbaum, CEO, accepted the award.

Women in Business Success: Rella Fogliano, president of MacQuesten Development in Pelham. Fogliano accepted the award.

Family Owned Business: American Christmas in Mount Vernon. Fred Schwam, CEO, accepted the award.

Chairman’s Recognition Award: Beecher Flooks Funeral Home in Pleasantville. William Flooks Jr., funeral director, accepted award.

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.

Two Westchester Families Recognized by the UJA for “Making a Difference”

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Via a UJA Federation of New York Release:

(From left) Tina Price, Caryl Orlando, and Nina Ross, all of Scarsdale
(From left) Tina Price, Caryl Orlando, and Nina Ross, all of Scarsdale

More than 350 guests joined UJA-Federation of New York’s Westchester Region as it honored the Beckman family of Scarsdale and the Rieger family of Bedford. At this Westchester Celebration, Yoav Cohen of White Plains was recognized for his contributions as Westchester’s first shaliach, or Israeli emissary, who serves as a cultural bridge between the local community and Israel.

The event took place on April 14 at Brae Burn Country Club in Purchase, where guests came together as a community to applaud the achievements of the honorees for their committed leadership in the Westchester Jewish community and to support UJA-Federation and its network of nearly 100 local and global nonprofits.

The evening’s theme focused on the families’ legacy of transmitting values — including commitment to their Jewish heritage, philanthropy, caring for those in need, and collective responsibility — and recognized the honorees for their dedication to making a difference through their actions.

“In the rich narrative of Jewish history, the Beckmans and Riegers continued the chain by passing these meaningful values to their children,” said UJA-Federation’s Westchester Regional Chair Martine Fleishman of Purchase. She encouraged guests to view an exhibit at the event, a colorful timeline that showcased UJA-Federation’s response to the events that have shaped the Jewish community around the world.

“You’ll see that UJA-Federation’s history may very well mirror your family history in many ways,” she continued. “For nearly 100 years, we’ve responded in times of challenge — during the Great Depression, the darkness of the Holocaust, and the Six-Day War — and in times of joy and opportunity, such as the establishment of the State of Israel and the opening of the Iron Curtain to Soviet Jews.”

An interactive drumming experience kicked off the program and enlivened the evening.

(From left) Honorees Richard and Heidi Rieger of Bedford, Yoav Cohen of White Plains, and Shari and Joel Beckman of Scarsdale
(From left) Honorees Richard and Heidi Rieger of Bedford, Yoav Cohen of White Plains, and Shari and Joel Beckman of Scarsdale

Shari and Joel Beckman, who were honored with their sons, Steven and Jacob, have embraced the values of UJA-Federation for the past 30 years. Shari has served the organization in many capacities, including as Scarsdale area chair and as a member of both the Board of Directors and the Westchester Program Services Cabinet, which provides funding to programs that further the Westchester Jewish community’s efforts to address needs and support new approaches to successful models. Shari’s professional career as a college advisor to high school students has extended to volunteer opportunities, such as working with the Off the Street program, which is run by UJA-Federation beneficiary agency Westchester Jewish Community Services.

Co-founder of Greenbriar Equity Group, a private equity firm in Rye, Joel serves on the Board of Directors for UJA-Federation and the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty. A past board member of theJewish Community Center of Mid-Westchester, he is vice-chairman of the Chordoma Foundation and active in other philanthropic organizations.

Recognized with their daughters, Rebecca, Hillary, and Abigail, Heidi and Richard Rieger have devoted much of their lives to supporting the Jewish people. A member of UJA-Federation’s Board of Directors, Heidi is a founding member of The Neshamot Fund – Westchester Women’s Venture Philanthropy of UJA-Federation. A certified social worker with a part-time practice in Northern Westchester, shecurrently sits on the boards of the Jewish Community Center of Manhattan, Facing History and Ourselves, Clal, The Jewish Education Project, and The Blue Card. Richard serves as a senior advisor to Kingdon Capital. He serves on the board of the University Settlement House, the Photography Committee at MoMA, and the board of trustees at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School.

As shaliach, Yoav Cohen has built bridges and fostered understanding between the community and Israel. Born in Johannesburg, Yoav lived in South Africa until the age of 12, when he moved to Israel. He served in the IDF as a platoon commander and fitness trainer. Following his service, he worked in Israel’s high-tech sector at software giant SAP and then in the academic world at IDC Herzliya. He also co-founded friendasoldier.com, an innovative dialogue website connecting former IDF soldiers with the rest of the world.

(From left) Lois Kohn-Claar of Scarsdale, Tracey Bilski of Chappaqua, and Anita Greenwald of Armonk
(From left) Lois Kohn-Claar of Scarsdale, Tracey Bilski of Chappaqua, and Anita Greenwald of Armonk

The gathering also heard from Eric S. Goldstein, UJA-Federation’s CEO. “Westchester is an extraordinary philanthropic community,” he told the gathering. Speaking to the honorees, he added, “You represent the best of this community, and we’re grateful to you.”

Mindy and Andrew Feldman of Harrison, Janie and Adam Frieman of New Rochelle, Anita and Richard Greenwald of Armonk, Michele and Judah Kraushaar of Chappaqua, Randi and Dan Kreisler of Pleasantville, and Nancy and Robert Rieger of Rye served as event chairs.

About UJA-Federation of New York

For more than 95 years, UJA-Federation has inspired New Yorkers to act on their values and invest in our community for the biggest impact. Through UJA-Federation, more than 50,000 donors address issues that matter most to them, pooling their resources to care for New Yorkers of all backgrounds and Jews everywhere, to connect people to their Jewish communities, and to respond to crises close to home and around the globe. Working with nearly 100 beneficiary agencies, synagogues, and other Jewish organizations, UJA-Federation is the world’s largest local philanthropy; our reach spans from New York to Israel to more than 70 other countries around the world, touching 4.5 million people each year. For more information on how to donate or volunteer, please visit our website at www.ujafedny.org.

Still Time to Join Tina’s Wish Event Honoring Bill Clinton

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And Help Fund Research for Early Detection and Protection of Ovarian Cancer

By Grace Bennett

Tina Brozman
Tina Brozman
Tina Brozman was my age, 54, in June 2007 when she passed away, just two short years after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Tina was the former chief judge of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, an outstanding lawyer, law partner and had a profound influence on the lives of those she mentored. But most importantly she was a beloved wife and mother who was the center of her family.

Tina and her husband Andrew lived and raised their children in Chappaqua and were heavily involved in the community. During the last few months of her life, Tina laid the groundwork for Tina’s Wish, the only nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to funding research for the early detection and prevention of ovarian cancer.

With all the attention surrounding Angelina Jolie’s brave decision to undergo surgery to remove her ovaries, now is a great time to shine light on the staggering statistics about ovarian cancer and the desperate need for an early detection screen. 61% of ovarian cancer patients are diagnosed in advanced stages of the disease when the 5-year survival rate is only 27%. Those diagnosed in Stage I/II have a 5-year survival rate of 92%. Today, there are no early detection tests available for ovarian cancer. Diagnostic tools for early detection are critical to changing the global impact of this disease and Tina’s Wish is looking to solve this on a local, national, and global stage.

Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton
On Tuesday, April 14th, Tina’s Wish will present fellow Westchester/Chappaqua resident President Bill Clinton with the inaugural Tina’s Wish Global Women’s Health Award at a reception at The Waldorf Astoria. President Clinton is the ideal first recipient as both Tina’s Wish and the Clinton Foundation were founded on the principle that collaboration is the key to making change. The award was created to honor those individuals whose contributions to the betterment of women’s health have made a great impact.

After leaving the White House, President Clinton established the Clinton Foundation with the mission to improve global health, strengthen economies, promote health and wellness, and protect the environment.

I’ll be covering the event to help raise awareness. I hope you can join me on April 14th for a night that will celebrate those who support the betterment of women’s health around the world. Award reception tickets, VIP tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available, and all proceeds from the evening will benefit Tina’s Wish. For more information and purchase tickets, visit www.tinabrozmanfoundation.org/globalhealth/ or contact Beverly Wolfer, Executive Director, bwolfer@tinaswish.org, 212.880.5757.

Tina Brozman collage

How Frank Shiner Shone at “The ‘Freakin’ Cutting Room!”

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By Grace Bennett

The first time I heard Frank Shiner sing (several songs) was at a (once in a blue moon) Karaoke night at the Quaker Hill Tavern in Chappaqua. He was there with his family simply enjoying an evening out. Frank sang “Georgia On My Mind,” and I remember thinking, “Wait a minute. That’s not fair. This guy must be a pro.” I did find out in time that, yes, he surely is, having started his career as a singer/actor.

Fast forward to last week or so, when I saw a post on Facebook that his show “The Real Me Live Tour” was soon to take place at a celebrated NYC venue, The Cutting Room, and decided, as Inside Chappaqua, I needed to check this Frank Shiner out some. I’m glad I did. frank shiner

I invited two friends; one, Suzanna, my college roommate from way back when; another, a friend of my daughter’s, Max, who lives just blocks away from The Cutting Room and who recently helped me out with something…so: favor, returned. My old roommate and I are both tail end baby boomers, yet we ALL appreciated Frank’s repertoire of ’70s and ‘80s favorites, from Leonard Cohen’s “I’m Your Man” to Van Morrison’s “Brand New Day” while sipping our drinks and enjoying light fare. (The Cutting Room is also a full service restaurant.)

In the middle of his show opener: “(Looking for) The Heart of Saturday Night” by Tom Waits, Suzanna immediately offered, “Wow, he sounds like an American Tom Jones!” Frank’s playful approach to the stage and his joyful delivery are indeed reminiscent of Jones, only his voice is more sultry, in my humble opinion. Frank is definitely a sexy performer in a Harrison Ford meets Bruce Springsteen kind of way!

But what’s most sexy about him, I would like to add, is his obvious love and devotion to his wife Suzanne, who was there too at a center table surrounded by family and friends, no doubt reveling in the moments. First, Frank related how he won over his new love interest when he sang: “I Put a Spell on You” ( Jay Hawkins). Later, he sang ”The Real Me” dedicating the show to Suzanne’s victory over cancer. Nice!

Other songs, “It’s a Sin when you Love Somebody” (Jimmy Webb) and “Feels Like Home” (Randy Newman) were also wonderfully delivered.

A stand out member of the band supporting Frank with background vocals was the elegant and jazzy Anthea White; star quality, too! Frank and Anthea rocked a duet: Paul Simon’s “Long, Long Day.” Accompanying vocals were: David Cutler, on Bass; Mark Palmer, keyboard and musical director; Hiroyuki Matsuura on Drums; Jay Rodriquez, Saxophone/Flute; and Chris Goercke on Guitar. Better Frank

At the start of the evening, Frank exclaimed, “Someone pinch me. I’m in The Freakin’ Cutting Room!” The evening ended with show goers snatching up his CD: The Real Me in the club’s grand lobby, and Frank greeting happy post show goers, including me. For upcoming shows, visit www.frankshiner.com

Frank and Grace

Mike Brady–Appointed New President And CEO of Greyston–Applauds the “Pioneering Social Enterprise”

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For release:

Greyston’s Board of Directors announced today that Mike Brady, President of Greyston Bakery, has been named President and CEO of Greyston, expanding his leadership role to the entirety of Greyston. “We are pleased to have found a leader within our existing team who possesses both the passion for our mission, as well as a vision for what a successful organization should be in the 21st Century,” said Deborah Stewart, Chair of the Greyston Foundation Board of Directors.

Mike Brady
Mike Brady

Brady was a Board Member of Greyston Foundation before being named President and CEO of Greyston Bakery in 2012, the for-profit arm of Greyston Foundation. Through his leadership, Brady developed the Bakery into a pre-eminent social enterprise, demonstrating that Greyston’s unique model of Open Hiring and PathMaking—Greyston’s mission in serving the people of Southwest Yonkers—is compatible with a profitable business model. Passionate about social entrepreneurship, Brady is a well-known thought leader on social enterprise management, mindfulness in business, and the development and success of Benefit Corporations. He is a regularly featured speaker on these and related topics, having presented at TED@Unilever, CGI America, the Ashoka Future Forum, as well as at Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and Brown.

Brady remarked, “Greyston celebrated its 32nd Anniversary this year and I am honored to have the opportunity to build on our heritage as a pioneering social enterprise. The momentum behind socially-minded and sustainable business practices has never been stronger and this could not be happening at a more critical time as we search for answers to the challenges of joblessness and poverty, which are preventing good people from leading lives of self-sufficiency. I look forward to working with the outstanding team at Greyston to address these problems and to set an example for other like-minded organizations to follow.”

“We congratulate Mike Brady as Greyston’s newest leader and visionary, who has the experience and passion to continue Greyston’s business model of expert community outreach and growth,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “I look forward to continuing our collaboration with Greyston to assist those in need throughout Yonkers and beyond.”

Under Brady’s leadership, Greyston Bakery has been marked by solid financial and mission-based achievements. During his tenure, the Bakery increased revenues by more than 50% and was recognized as New York State’s first Benefit Corporation. Brady’s strategic initiatives have also resulted in national distribution of Greyston Bakery brownies and cookies through Whole Foods Market, a high quality contract baking capability, and a strengthened 25-year relationship with Ben & Jerry’s and its parent Unilever. “Mike has been a remarkable leader of Greyston Bakery. We look forward to him bringing that same passion to the entirety of Greyston, raising the bar for all of our programs to maximize our positive impact on the people who need it most,” said Deborah Stewart, Chair of the Greyston Foundation Board of Directors.

Brady has more than 20 years of experience in strategy and management positions identifying and exploring new business opportunities in high-growth and transitional industries. Prior to joining Greyston Bakery, Brady was a partner with BAO Food and Drink, where he oversaw the development of the country’s first incubator dedicated to organic food production and distribution. He is also a business advisor to the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) helping to promote policies for a more sustainable economy. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, Brady lives in Westchester, N.Y. with his wife and two sons. Greyston’s main office is located at 21 Park Avenue, Yonkers, New York, 10703.

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About Greyston Foundation
Reaching more than 5,000 community members annually through its programs, Greyston recently celebrated its 32nd anniversary. Located in the heart of Yonkers, Greyston is a national model for comprehensive community development and is best known for the Greyston Bakery which has provided jobs and opportunities for hundreds of individuals and is the primary producer of brownies for Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. Greyston is an integrated network of programs that provide jobs, workforce development, childcare, housing, after-school programs and community gardens.