Yonkers Business Week hits a grand slam
By ANGELIQUE CHIELLI
 May 19, 2008

It was a who’s who of the business community May 8 at the Hudson River Museum, as Yonkers Business Week honored business owners for their achievements and success at an awards dinner.

The honorees were: X2O Xaviars on the Hudson, recipient of the Yonkers Business of the Year award; Parkledge Apartments, recipient of the Yonkers Corporate Citizen award; Westchester ARC, recipient of the Yonkers Employer of the Year award; Zuppa Restaurant & Lounge, recipient of the Yonkers Family Business award; Metro Partners L.L.C., recipient of the Yonkers Rising Star award; and American Sugar Refining Inc.-Domino Sugar, recipient of the Yonkers Legend award.

The “going green” theme was in full bloom in the eco-friendly tented dining area. Dressed in green garb, Sarah Lawrence student performers posed as mannequins on tree stumps under a rainforest canopy that was projected on the ceiling. The green and blue lights that lit up the tent complemented the green tablecloths. The dinner was catered by honoree and Yonkers native Peter Kelly.

“I thought it was a great night,” Kelly said. “It was very well attended – more than 400 people – so it was fun. It was nice to be part of it both as an honoree and catering it.”

Yonkers Mayor Phil Amicone said although Business Week has grown every year, this year left him feeling particularly optimistic.

“Many of the business who have been here come back because they have gotten so much from it,” he said. “But to see so many new faces means that we have gone beyond the borders of Yonkers; people from outside the city are hearing about it and finding that it’s worth their while.”

As for his batting skills, Amicone’s swing on the cover of the Business Journal’s supplement for Business Week proves he really can go to bat for Yonkers.

“I have to tell you that’s as level a swing as you’re gonna ever see,” said Amicone. “And it proved to all my friends that I still can hit it out.”