New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman to Discuss Nonprofit Reform and Revitalization at Annual Summit

United Way of Westchester and Putnam's 10th annual Not-For-Profit Leadership Summit to attract a sold-out crowd of more than 600
. .New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman will be the keynote speaker for the Not-For-Profit Leadership Summit X presented by the United Way of Westchester and Putnam

The United Way of Westchester and Putnam in partnership with the Westchester Community Foundation present the Not-For-Profit Leadership Summit X on Monday, May 7, 2012. This year’s event, held from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel Tarrytown, features keynote speaker New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who will discuss his plan to “reform and revitalize” the state’s nonprofit sector.

“New York is the proud home of the world’s most dynamic and vibrant nonprofit sector, but for too long, our state’s regulatory framework has placed unnecessary burdens on these essential organizations. It’s time to unlock the full potential of our nonprofit community, and improve the lives of the countless New Yorkers they serve every day,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “In these difficult economic times, it is more important than ever to make New York a hospitable environment so nonprofits can continue to carry out their vital work. At the same time, we must maintain the public’s trust by ensuring that nonprofits are governed effectively, and with meaningful oversight.”

In 2010, nonprofits employed 1.2 million people, or nearly one of every five people in New York’s private sector (Crain’s New York February 2012). However, as the demand for nonprofit services increases, government funding has weakened. In February, Schneiderman unveiled legislation that would eliminate outdated and costly burdens on nonprofits, strengthen oversight and accountability, and reaffirm his office’s commitment to policing fraud and abuse. Acknowledging that organizations throughout New York face historic financial and strategic challenges, his plan also includes several new partnerships with the business and academic communities to enhance nonprofit governance.

The Leadership Summit kicks off at 8:30 a.m. with the breakfast keynote speaker, Bartley “BJ” Costello, Esq., partner with Hinman Straub P.C., who is a well-known legal expert and has done considerable advocacy work on both sides of the isle in Albany.

“We are delighted to welcome Eric Schneiderman and B.J. Costello.” said Naomi Adler, president and chief executive officer of the United Way of Westchester and Putnam. “It is a perfect time to dive deeper into the subject of reforming regulations of the nonprofit sector with the Attorney General and to learn from BJ Costello how nonprofits can work together more effectively to lead legislators in the direction of smart policies.”

After breakfast, attendees will be able to choose from sixteen breakout sessions on topics such as web technologies, strategic planning, profitable fundraising techniques, work/life balance, skills-based volunteerism, social media in the workplace, executive compensation, IT outsourcing, and board strategies, among others. Schneiderman will address the group during lunch at 11:45 a.m.

“Nonprofit agencies face a multitude of challenges, but the biggest hurdle remains: providing Westchester residents the services they need, every day, while federal, state and local governments cut essential funding,” said Catherine Marsh, executive director of the Westchester Community Foundation. “Everyone in the audience will be eager to hear the Attorney General’s presentation and provide constructive feedback.”

The Leadership Summit is underwritten in part by the TD Charitable Foundation. Gold sponsorship is provided by ConEdison and the afternoon reception is sponsored by NonProfit Guard. Other sponsors include BDO, Council Services Plus, Pragmatix, Association of Development Officers, Fordham University – Westchester Campus, Long Island University – Hudson, Mutual of America, Nonprofit Coordinating Committee of New York, Helene & Grant Wilson Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Pace University, POW'R Against Tobacco, US Alliance Federal Credit Union and Westchester Arc. There is a $30 non-refundable event fee for a nonprofit’s initial reservation. Each additional participant from the same organization is $20. Walk-in registration is $35, space permitting. Sponsorships and vendor tables are also available. The Doubletree Hotel Tarrytown is located at 455 S. Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591. For more information or to register, call 914.997.6700 ext. 704 or visit http://www.uwwp.org/summit.shtml.

About the Westchester Community Foundation
THE WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY FOUNDATION (WCF) is a nonprofit community endowment for the benefit of Westchester County. Its mission is to develop and manage philanthropic resources, and to distribute them in a way that is responsive to donor interests and community needs. The Foundation actively promotes charitable giving on behalf of the area’s nonprofit organizations. WCF is a division of The New York Community Trust, one of the largest community foundations in the country with assets of approximately $1.8 billion.

About the United Way of Westchester and Putnam
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2012, United Way of Westchester and Putnam operates with the fundamental belief that all people deserve a quality education, enough income to support a family, and opportunities for a healthy lifestyle. The not-for-profit organization works with agency partners, government, businesses and community leaders to solve problems that are too complex for any one entity alone. All contributions go toward improving the education, income, and health of the children, youth and families throughout Westchester and Putnam. United Way’s Hudson Valley Region 2-1-1, covering Westchester and Putnam as well as Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan and Ulster counties, answers up to 500 calls and 1,000 online inquiries per day ranging from tax, heating, and mortgage questions to childcare, basic needs, natural disaster and crisis calls. United Way of Westchester and Putnam is at 336 Central Park Ave., White Plains, NY 10606. They can be reached at 914-997-6700 or by visiting http://www.uwwp.org. Follow United Way on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/UnitedWayWP) and Twitter (@UnitedWayWP) for the latest news and updates.