Speaking to the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce at its breakfast in Cortlandt Manor, Chief of Staff for Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, George Oros, today said the County is reaching out to local businesses and offering them tools as never before.

Oros said the Administration was pleased with Governor Andrew Cuomo's business initiatives put forth yesterday in his State of the State address with the message that "people and businesses in New York are tired of the high taxes and the best way to root out high taxes is to cut spending."

He said the Governor's plans to create 10 regional economic councils to come up with innovative ways to attract new businesses to the state is a good first move.

The County, he says, is moving forward with its own initiative to attract businesses. Earlier this year, it launched a website -www.Thinkingwestchester.com- which offers an array of tools to businesses looking to set up shop in Westchester and to those seeking to expand. The associated marketing initiative with the website seeks to brand Westchester as New York's intellectual capital.

Oros says the County is now offering newly-released census data to businesses as well as maps,topographical and wetlands information to developers who are looking to build.

Said Oros to the 100 or so business and community leaders gathered, "We are working with municipalities and our various partners to provide a zoning database" that businesses can access.

He cited the recent grand opening of ShopRite in White Plains as an example of the County working hand in hand with a new business. He says lawmakers were contacted by the company requesting that  the nearby BeeLine Bus stop be moved closer to stop in front of the supermarket, a move it claims would increase business significantly.

Oros says the County agreed and that ShopRite picked up the tab to relocate the bus shelter.

He emphasized, "Westchester is being very proactive about going out to the business community to let them know 'We are here to help. We are not your adversary.'"