What: Talking to residents around Yorktown it is astonishing how few realize IBM’s Watson calls Yorktown home. Having IBM as part of our community is an incredible asset that we must maximize. Companies such as Prodigy, an original competitor of AOL, one time called Yorktown home as well. Building a technology parkway will create greater employment opportunities that will support Yorktown’s workforce, keep our residents in our community and provide the critical mass needed to support and expand our commercial taxbase.
Why: Yorktown continues to have the same conversation and expect different results. We have enough grocery stores and banks but scratch our heads when other brand name retailers, such as Trader Joe’s, won’t settle in Yorktown. Building a critical mass to support our local business community is the key and attracting job creating employers is the answer. It is time we stop the daily export of Yorktown’s workforce and usher in opportunities right in our backyard.
How: Proactively building partnerships to communicate and attract employers is key. Exploring start-up tech companies, biotech and cutting edge industries who provide good paying jobs for Yorktown’s educated and highly skilled workforce is key. Welcoming organizations such as the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, Westchester County Association and partnering with our local business groups, will produce the right results for our residents. With the right leadership we can open Yorktown to these possibilities.
