Leaders gathered to explore strategies for long-term environmental, social, and economic action across the region
The Westchester County Association (WCA), in partnership with Pace University’s Elisabeth Haub School of Law , brought together business, government, and industry leaders for the 2026 Profit & Purpose Sustainable Business Conference to address critical issues shaping the region’s economic future. Held at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, discussions focused on New York’s evolving energy and environmental policies, infrastructure investment, responsible AI, and the role of business innovation in driving sustainable economic growth.
“Building a sustainable economy is not separate from building a strong economy, it is central to it,” said Michael N. Romita, President & CEO of the Westchester County Association. “Today’s business leaders must navigate regulatory uncertainty, evolving technologies, infrastructure needs, and changing public expectations. This year’s Profit & Purpose Conference brought leaders together to share ideas, identify real-world solutions, and advance smart growth that benefits businesses, communities, and the region.”
The conference featured a keynote discussion between Joris Veldhoven, President of New York Transco and Harrison Gifford Bench, law student at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law, exploring how New York can transform ambitious energy goals into real-world progress. The conversation emphasized the necessity of balancing New York’s clean energy goals with the growing demand from AI, computing, and electrification – and the energy infrastructure needed to support that balance. Veldhoven boiled down this discussion to a central question: “In this day and age of AI, of more compute, of large loads of electrification, do we have the right transmission lines in place, here in New York State, and in the United States, to make sure that we keep the lights on?”
“We were excited to welcome so many leaders across business, government, law, energy and the nonprofit community to our campus,” said Horace E. Anderson, Jr., Dean, Elisabeth Haub School of Law. “This annual conference captures a challenge that is increasingly important across industries: how we pursue economic growth and innovation, while also considering the broader impact of the decisions we make.”
The keynote was followed by robust discussions in which panelists spanning industry, academia, and public policy engaged in forward-looking conversation about how policy, infrastructure, and technology intersect to support sustainable growth. Among the panelists was State Senator Peter Harckham, Chairman of the Committee on Environmental Conservation, who discussed New York’s Cap-and-Invest program, the ongoing transition to electrification, and the need to support New York’s companies as they adapt to new sustainable practices.
A central element of the conference was the second annual Profit & Purpose Action Award Competition, presented by WCA and the Sustainable Business Law Hub at Pace University, seeking student-led solutions to address real-world sustainability challenges. Following a presentation by three student finalists, Samuel F. de Carvalho received the 2026 Profit & Purpose Action Award for his innovative proposal addressing sustainability and corporate responsibility. His winning concept explored private environmental governance and the role of grievance mechanisms and remedies in the mining sector, demonstrating how emerging leaders can contribute fresh perspectives and practical solutions to sustainable business challenges.
“Today’s discussions reinforced that sustainable business is a core strategy for organizations navigating a changing economy,” Romita said. “The next step is turning these conversations into investment decisions, modernizing buildings, planning for future energy needs, and preparing the workforce to support those changes.”