Spirit Flies High in Albany

ALBANY, NY (12/03/2009)(readMedia)-- Southwest Airlines' in-flight magazine Spirit is profiling Albany under the "Business Focus" section of its December 2009 issue. This section, which was just recently added to the magazine, explores the area's economic development initiatives, takes a look at the region's key business sectors and commerce, the region's advanced education and healthcare resources and all of the unique characteristics of the Capital Region that heighten the quality of life here.

The Downtown Albany BID is offering December Southwest travelers an added incentive to read the Business Focus on Albany in Spirit. Travelers who mail in a copy of the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District advertisement featured in this December 2009 section - along with their name, mailing address, telephone and email address - will be eligible to win a $100 American Express Gift Card! Entries must be received by January 15, 2010 and must be from the actual magazine reprints and photocopies of the ad are not permitted. Entries can be mailed to: Spirit Contest, Downtown Albany BID, 522 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207.

"We were thrilled to be approached by Southwest about this opportunity to showcase the redevelopment and growth in Downtown Albany and the Capital Region," said Georgette Steffens, Executive Director of the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District. "The writer captured a great cross-section of the many assets our region has to offer. The contest is a fun way to test the reach of the story and perhaps see where readers are coming from."

According to Southwest Airlines, they are the #1 US domestic carrier and the largest carrier at Albany International Airport. Spirit magazine reaches over 3.2 million travelers per issue, giving it the second largest readership of any in-flight magazine.

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Downtown Albany Business Improvement District

The Downtown Albany BID, incorporated in 1996, is a private, not-for profit 501 (c) (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.