Downtown Albany BID To Hold 12th Annual Meeting June 6

ALBANY, NY (05/27/2008)(readMedia)-- The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) will hold its 12th Annual Meeting on Friday June 6 from 11:30am – 1:30pm, at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Albany. The two-hour event will mark the organization’s progress toward its strategic priorities and outline its plans for future initiatives. The luncheon will feature a keynote address from Kennedy Lawson Smith, founder and principal of the Community Land Use and Economics (CLUE) Group, LLC, and the presentation of the organization’s 2008 Compass Award.

Kennedy Lawson Smith is one of the nation’s foremost experts on commercial district revitalization and development, independent main street businesses, and economically and environmentally sound community development. In 2004, following 13 years as director of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Main Street Center, she co-founded CLUE, a private consulting firm that helps civic leaders and developers craft dynamic retail development strategies, cultivate locally owned businesses, strengthen community development programs and policies, and improve main street revitalization efforts. Ms. Smith has consulted on projects in all 50 states, Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy and Singapore, and has been featured in the New York Times, Business Week, Forbes, Red Herring and Fast Company, among others.

“The BID’s Annual Meeting provides a forum to communicate the continued progress made on our strategic priorities and to understand the trends, opportunities and challenges that will shape our future,” said Pamela Tobin, executive director of the Downtown Albany BID. “We look forward to hearing from Kennedy Lawson Smith on her expertise and knowledge working with cities across the globe, and what we can take away to incorporate here in the Capital City.”

The BID’s 2008 Compass Award will be presented to Kevin O’Connor, CEO of Tech Valley Communications (TVC). The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to partnering with the organization to improve the quality of life in downtown Albany. Mr. O’Connor was selected by the BID’s Compass Award Committee in recognition of his leadership in helping to create a 21st century environment for the Capital City. Among other accomplishments during his tenure, TVC has invested more than $5-million in leading-edge communications infrastructure improvements and created Albany FreeNet, a high-speed wireless internet network covering downtown Albany.

The meeting of BID members, key stakeholders and corporate partners will also include an overview of the organization’s highlights and accomplishments, and an address by Albany Mayor Gerald D. Jennings. Tom Birdsey, president and CEO of Einhorn Yaffee Prescott Architecture & Engineering and out-going Chairman of the BID’s board of directors, will formally welcome newly elected board members.

The BID’s 2008 Annual Meeting is sponsored by Legacy Banks with additional support from the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA). Media sponsors include WNYT NewsChannel 13 and the Times Union.

Members of the media interested in arranging an interview with Kennedy Lawson Smith are encouraged to contact Pamela Tobin at the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District via email at ptobin@downtownalbany.org or by calling 518-465-2143.

Individuals and organizations interested in attending the event should contact the BID at 518.465.2143 ext. 10 for tickets and information. Space is limited and reservations are strongly recommended.

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About the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District The Downtown Albany BID, incorporated in 1996, is a private, not-for profit 501© (3) organization that works to restore, promote and maintain the character and viability of downtown Albany and to improve the quality of life and overall image of downtown for all those who work in, live in and visit the Capital City. Ample public parking is available at downtown’s public garages, lots and on-street metered spaces. Metered parking is free after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all weekends. For information about the Downtown Albany BID, call (518) 465-2143 or visit www.downtownalbany.org.