Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino has honored Priska Diaz of Eastchester, founder and CEO of Bittylab LLC. Diaz, who came to America with her family from Peru at age 17, spent three years designing at her kitchen table a new technology for baby bottles to dispense milk without air: The syringe-like, award-winning Bare Air Free baby bottles. Today, the Bare bottles are carried in Babies R Us stores nationwide.

"This is such a great American success story," said Astorino. "Priska made the most of her gift for design, took the leap of faith into entrepreneurship, and now she runs a million-dollar company. Women and minority-owned businesses in Westchester are really on a roll."

Bittylab LLC now offers two lines of air-free baby bottles; one specifically designed for breastfed babies, and the other for those who are solely bottle-fed. The company expects to reach its goal of one million units sold in 2016.

"When you have a dream that starts with a solid idea, the only thing between an entrepreneur and success is hard work," said Diaz. "I'm grateful to County Executive Astorino for the honor, and his support small businesses run by women like me."

The Westchester County Office of Economic Development's primary mission is to attract and retain business, to create jobs and to put people, business and opportunities, large and small, together. One of these resources, the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise program is an excellent resource for minority and women-owned businesses, who may be starting off, or have been long contributing to the local economy. To take best advantage of the benefits of the MWBE program, businesses are strongly encouraged to register.

Those interested in further information about the MWBE program or any other business resources available thought the Office of Economic Development should visit the Office of Economic Development Web site, WestchesterSmart.com to access and view information and resources.