On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the Business Council of Westchester hosted its annual Rising Stars: 40 Under 40 Awards at Million Air at Westchester County Airport, honoring forty exceptional young professionals from across the region. Selected through a rigorous review process evaluating leadership, innovation, professional achievement, and community impact, this year’s diverse class spans key sectors including healthcare, finance, law, real estate, technology, and nonprofit leadership. Beyond celebrating individual accomplishments, the signature event underscores the BCW's commitment to cultivating emerging talent and strengthening the network of next-generation leaders who are actively shaping Westchester's economic and civic future.
Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone interviewed Sayidana Brannan-Douglas, a documentary filmmaker and producer at SBD Media. Sayidana discussed her seven-year career in film production, which began with middle school classes at the Jacob Burns Film Center, and her passion for telling empowering, community-based non-profit stories. She shared insights into the creative process of directing and producing documentary media and mentioned her current work as a producer on season nine of the Netflix travel and food series”*Somebody Feed Phil”.

On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the Business Council of Westchester hosted its annual Rising Stars: 40 Under 40 Awards at Million Air at Westchester County Airport, honoring forty exceptional young professionals from across the region. Selected through a rigorous review process evaluating leadership, innovation, professional achievement, and community impact, this year’s diverse class spans key sectors including healthcare, finance, law, real estate, technology, and nonprofit leadership. Beyond celebrating individual accomplishments, the signature event underscores the BCW's commitment to cultivating emerging talent and strengthening the network of next-generation leaders who are actively shaping Westchester's economic and civic future.
Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Melanie Zamenhof, Director of Member Engagement at the Westchester Bar Association and Senior Staff Attorney at Neighbors Link Community Law Practice. Melanie detailed her work developing continuing legal education programs for local attorneys, judges, and community members, as well as her practice in immigration law and courtroom representation. Balancing her dual professional roles alongside raising two young children, she highlighted the importance of accessible legal education and thanked her mentors for supporting her career momentum. 

On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the Business Council of Westchester hosted its annual Rising Stars: 40 Under 40 Awards at Million Air at Westchester County Airport, honoring forty exceptional young professionals from across the region. Selected through a rigorous review process evaluating leadership, innovation, professional achievement, and community impact, this year’s diverse class spans key sectors including healthcare, finance, law, real estate, technology, and nonprofit leadership. Beyond celebrating individual accomplishments, the signature event underscores the BCW's commitment to cultivating emerging talent and strengthening the network of next-generation leaders who are actively shaping Westchester's economic and civic future.
Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone interviewed Kristina Gazivoda, Director of Patient Care Services at Northwell Health Phelps Hospital. Kristina shared her journey from clinical nursing into administrative leadership overseeing the hospital's oncology programming. She discussed the rewarding nature of providing high-quality care to cancer patients, expressed optimism for the future of medicine driven by advances in immunotherapy, and emphasized her commitment to supporting her nursing staff and community advocacy through the Business Council of Westchester. 

On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the Business Council of Westchester hosted its annual Rising Stars: 40 Under 40 Awards at Million Air at Westchester County Airport, honoring forty exceptional young professionals from across the region. Selected through a rigorous review process evaluating leadership, innovation, professional achievement, and community impact, this year’s diverse class spans key sectors including healthcare, finance, law, real estate, technology, and nonprofit leadership. Beyond celebrating individual accomplishments, the signature event underscores the BCW's commitment to cultivating emerging talent and strengthening the network of next-generation leaders who are actively shaping Westchester's economic and civic future.
Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Jenna Bergquist, Regional Ambassador for the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), representing the New Jersey and Westchester regions. Jenna explained her role in leading community outreach and building brand awareness for HSS's regional outpatient and surgical centers in White Plains, Paramus, and Mahwah. With a background in psychology and healthcare marketing, she discussed her passion for helping guide patients to top-tier orthopedic care, highlighting her daily routine of connecting with local physicians, schools, community organizations, and internal marketing teams. 

On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the Business Council of Westchester hosted its annual Rising Stars: 40 Under 40 Awards at Million Air at Westchester County Airport, honoring forty exceptional young professionals from across the region. Selected through a rigorous review process evaluating leadership, innovation, professional achievement, and community impact, this year’s diverse class spans key sectors including healthcare, finance, law, real estate, technology, and nonprofit leadership. Beyond celebrating individual accomplishments, the signature event underscores the BCW's commitment to cultivating emerging talent and strengthening the network of next-generation leaders who are actively shaping Westchester's economic and civic future.
Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone interviewed Ari Kwitkin-Close, Chief Revenue Officer for the Westchester Soccer Club, a professional USL League One team. Ari explained that the club, which plays its home games at Memorial Field in Mount Vernon, represents Westchester's first professional sports team and features a roster of players who retain college eligibility through their youth academy. They discussed the club's growth, average home attendance of around 2,000 fans, revenue streams focused on sponsorships and merchandise—such as a jersey featuring Metro-North train lines—and an offer to upgrade any radio listeners who attend a game to VIP status. 

On Thursday, September 17, 2026, 914INC. hosted its annual Best of Business Awards at the historic CV Rich Mansion in White Plains, bringing together Westchester’s top local leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to celebrate the region's thriving commercial landscape. The festive evening offered an invaluable opportunity for vibrant networking and collaboration while spotlighting the exceptional accomplishments of the area's business community. The event officially honored the leading B2B companies and innovators highlighted in the magazine's September/October issue, underscoring their vital contributions to Westchester's economic growth and success.
Stepheny Ordonez, Operations Supervisor at Inspiria Outdoor Advertising, spoke with Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone about managing behind-the-scenes logistics for major out-of-home ad campaigns. Having been with the company for eight years, she described how her detail-oriented role keeps account deadlines, artwork, and production on track for CEO Ronnie Ram and VP Andy Seraita. Ordonez expressed pride in working for an agency with a strong community reputation and shared contact details for businesses interested in outdoor media displays.

On Thursday, September 17, 2026, 914INC. hosted its annual Best of Business Awards at the historic CV Rich Mansion in White Plains, bringing together Westchester’s top local leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to celebrate the region's thriving commercial landscape. The festive evening offered an invaluable opportunity for vibrant networking and collaboration while spotlighting the exceptional accomplishments of the area's business community. The event officially honored the leading B2B companies and innovators highlighted in the magazine's September/October issue, underscoring their vital contributions to Westchester's economic growth and success.The Visual Brands principal Randy Herbertson joined Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone to discuss his agency's work in branding, performance media, and web development. Highlighting his three-year partnership with Robison Oil, Herbertson explained how his team maintains brand consistency, runs targeted 24/7 service campaigns, and performs modern AI/search audits to keep clients visible to their audiences. He stressed that effective marketing focuses on consumer trust, reliable service, and tangible benefits rather than competing solely on price. 

On Thursday, September 17, 2026, 914INC. hosted its annual Best of Business Awards at the historic CV Rich Mansion in White Plains, bringing together Westchester’s top local leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to celebrate the region's thriving commercial landscape. The festive evening offered an invaluable opportunity for vibrant networking and collaboration while spotlighting the exceptional accomplishments of the area's business community. The event officially honored the leading B2B companies and innovators highlighted in the magazine's September/October issue, underscoring their vital contributions to Westchester's economic growth and success.Levitt-Fuirst Insurance president Ken First sat down with Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone to discuss operating Westchester’s largest independent insurance brokerage. As a third-generation leader with an extensive corporate background before joining the family firm, First outlined how his 80-employee company relies entirely on referrals rather than heavy advertising to serve mid-sized businesses and high-risk industries like construction. He also shared insights on risk management—such as insurers using modern technology like drones and satellite imagery to inspect properties—and voiced his commitment to remaining independent amid widespread private-equity consolidation in the brokerage industry. 

On Thursday, September 17, 2026, 914INC. hosted its annual Best of Business Awards at the historic CV Rich Mansion in White Plains, bringing together Westchester’s top local leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to celebrate the region's thriving commercial landscape. The festive evening offered an invaluable opportunity for vibrant networking and collaboration while spotlighting the exceptional accomplishments of the area's business community. The event officially honored the leading B2B companies and innovators highlighted in the magazine's September/October issue, underscoring their vital contributions to Westchester's economic growth and success.Denine Timlin, president of D9 Permit Services, spoke with Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone about how her business simplifies the complex firearm licensing and permitting process across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Originating from her family's gun range and training school in Mount Vernon, Denine explained her role in guiding clients through required state safety courses and paperwork, notably pointing out that New York City now allows non-residents to apply for carry permits. She emphasized strict adherence to safety, proper home defense equipment, and the crucial need to address mental health over imposing restrictive laws on law-abiding citizens. 

On Thursday, September 17, 2026, 914INC. hosted its annual Best of Business Awards at the historic CV Rich Mansion in White Plains, bringing together Westchester’s top local leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to celebrate the region's thriving commercial landscape. The festive evening offered an invaluable opportunity for vibrant networking and collaboration while spotlighting the exceptional accomplishments of the area's business community. The event officially honored the leading B2B companies and innovators highlighted in the magazine's September/October issue, underscoring their vital contributions to Westchester's economic growth and success.HudCo co-founder Christina Cohen and general manager Samantha Barr joined Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone to discuss their 9,000-square-foot co-working and events space in Dobbs Ferry. They detailed how HudCo survived the pandemic by leaning into private event hosting and integrating on-site wellness providers, such as physical therapists and acupuncturists, to offer a balanced work-life environment. Barr also highlighted unique community additions like an in-house pop-up bookstore (Picture Book) and upcoming live entertainment events sponsored by local partners.

On Thursday, September 17, 2026, 914INC. hosted its annual Best of Business Awards at the historic CV Rich Mansion in White Plains, bringing together Westchester’s top local leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to celebrate the region's thriving commercial landscape. The festive evening offered an invaluable opportunity for vibrant networking and collaboration while spotlighting the exceptional accomplishments of the area's business community. The event officially honored the leading B2B companies and innovators highlighted in the magazine's September/October issue, underscoring their vital contributions to Westchester's economic growth and success.Brittney Hodgins, Director of Residential Services at Hope’s Door, spoke with Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone about the critical support her organization provides for domestic violence survivors. She shared her personal experience as a survivor and outlined Hope’s Door's comprehensive shelter and wrap-around services, which include transitional housing, job readiness, counseling, and children's activities. Hodgins also highlighted their 24/7 confidential hotline (888-438-8700) and text/chat support, encouraging anyone in need to reach out without fear. 

On Thursday, September 17, 2026, 914INC. hosted its annual Best of Business Awards at the historic CV Rich Mansion in White Plains, bringing together Westchester’s top local leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to celebrate the region's thriving commercial landscape. The festive evening offered an invaluable opportunity for vibrant networking and collaboration while spotlighting the exceptional accomplishments of the area's business community. The event officially honored the leading B2B companies and innovators highlighted in the magazine's September/October issue, underscoring their vital contributions to Westchester's economic growth and success.Sharc Creative President Andrew Castellano sat down with Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone to discuss his journey from terrestrial radio to pioneering on-hold messaging and audio marketing. Castellano reflected on how learning community-relationship building at WFAS guided him to found Sharc Creative 25 years ago, expanding over time into overhead music platforms, online radio, and podcasting. He emphasized the importance of staying ahead of tech trends—transitioning from cassettes to digital apps—and credited his long-term partnership with Vice President of Creative Services Jim Feldman for the company's continuous evolution. 

The 2026 Westfair Communications Women Innovators Awards brought together impactful female leaders redefining success across industries for a day dedicated to networking, leadership growth, and breaking barriers. During the gathering at The Water's Edge at Giovanni’s in Darien, CT, honorees sat down for live interviews with Westchester Talk Radio host Andrew Castellano. Their discussions centered on overcoming industry challenges, driving innovation, and the importance of fostering supportive networks to empower the next generation of women in business.Speaking with host Andrew Castellano, Patricia Stark, communication expert and creator of  "The Calmfidence Method," discussed her work which helps leaders maintain calm under pressure and project confidence when it matters most. She shared practical advice on overcoming social anxiety and public speaking fears through deep breathing, visualization, and self-hypnosis, stressing the importance of positive internal dialogue and reframing challenges as growth opportunities.

The 2026 Westfair Communications Women Innovators Awards brought together impactful female leaders redefining success across industries for a day dedicated to networking, leadership growth, and breaking barriers. During the gathering at The Water's Edge at Giovanni’s in Darien, CT, honorees sat down for live interviews with Westchester Talk Radio host Andrew Castellano. Their discussions centered on overcoming industry challenges, driving innovation, and the importance of fostering supportive networks to empower the next generation of women in business.In her interview with Westchester Talk Radio host Andrew Castellano, Melissa Alcruz, Chief Marketing Officer at Mr. Short Sale, detailed her organization's mission to protect families from the financial and emotional toll of property foreclosure. She explained how short sales offer homeowners a manageable alternative—rebuilding credit much faster and providing relocation assistance—while emphasizing that her team works to dismantle the stigma and mental stress associated with unexpected financial hardships. 

Westchester County Parks' Fall Vendor Village brought vibrant community energy to Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla on Saturday, September 12th. Blessed with a fantastic, sunny fall day, attendees gathered against the scenic backdrop of the historic dam to enjoy live music while exploring a wide variety of pop-up booths featuring everything from local artisans, makers, and unique crafts to regional food vendors. Adding to the lively atmosphere, Westchester Talk Radio was on hand live at the event, interviewing several of the local vendors and giving them a platform to share their stories and showcase their unique products to the broader community.WTR host Andrew Castellano spoke with Siobhan Francis, founder of Sip & Saver, about her line of cold-pressed, fresh fruit beverages inspired by her family’s Caribbean heritage and her mother’s recipes. Siobhan explained the specialized humming-bird pressing process that preserves natural nutrients without added preservatives or concentrates. She highlighted popular offerings like the Pink Lady watermelon lemonade and Osintia’s limenade, sharing her entrepreneurial journey and encouragement for aspiring business owners.