Tech Valley Now Launches Community Listening Project

ALBANY, NY (07/10/2008)(readMedia)--

WMHT and Zone 5 have announced the launch of an unprecedented research project designed to uncover public attitudes about the state of Tech Valley. At a press conference this morning, representatives announced details on the new Tech Valley Now initiative.

WMHT and Zone 5 will spearhead the project, which is aimed at taking the pulse of the region in this exciting time for upstate New York. The comprehensive Community Listening Project will consist of a series of focus groups, town hall meetings and interviews with opinion leaders as well as a web based survey to encourage a broad response. The project will stretch from as far south as Poughkeepsie to north in Glens Falls and the Berkshires to the east and as far west as Canajoharie. The goal of the project is to interact with all levels of the community to gain an understanding of the attitudes, perceptions, vision, hopes and/or concerns of the ever-emerging Tech Valley.

"Broadcasting has traditionally meant one-way communication,” said Robert Altman, President and CEO of WMHT. “This new project will enable us to engage the community in a two-way conversation and enhance our ability to provide programs and services that meet community needs."

“As a research based marketing firm it is our responsibility to understand and evaluate the playing field for our clients,” said Paul Fahey, COO of Zone 5. “We have always been passionate in supporting WMHT and our skills and resources makes this is a perfect fit.”

“All of us involved in regional development efforts talk to each other every day,” commented Michael Tucker, President and CEO of the Center for Economic Growth. “This is an opportunity to broaden the conversation beyond simply the stakeholders and engage workers and residents in every town, village and city throughout Tech Valley.”

The project will conclude with a broadcast report to the region in November as well as a written report to be shared with state and local leaders, both of which will help serve as a road map to the future of the region.

A trusted community resource for over half a century, WMHT Educational Telecommunications uses the power of non-commercial public television, radio, the web and other media to enrich the lives of more than a half million households throughout eastern New York state and portions of western Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Zone 5 is one of Tech Valley’s premier strategic communications firms. Rooted in both talent and technology, their seasoned team of communicators and creatives bring a unique left-brain, right-brain approach to outreach challenges. Cutting edge research capabilities augment their creativity to consistently surpass the expectations of even the most critical clients.