Tracy Metzger of TL Metzger & Associates Named Inaugural James M. DiNapoli Awardee

Related Media

Tracy L. Metzger, Inaugural James M. DiNapoli Award Recipient

ALBANY, NY (05/02/2013)(readMedia)-- The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) and the Board of Directors will present their Annual Meeting on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Times Union Center, 51 South Pearl Street in Albany, NY. The meeting will highlight 2012 successes and discuss the Board's vision for 2013. Speakers scheduled for the meeting include: Albany County Executive Dan McCoy, Albany Mayor Gerald D. Jennings, Marc Paquin BID Board President, Georgette Steffens, Executive Director, BID, and select event sponsors.

The Downtown Albany BID Board renamed the annual Compass Award in memory of James M. DiNapoli who passed away unexpectedly at the end of 2012. DiNapoli was a founding member of the BID and served as the Organization's first Chairperson. Many believe that his passion for the heart of the Capital Region and dedication to the business and property owners helped chart the course of revitalization that includes over $1 billion of investment in Downtown since the creation of the BID in 1996.

According to Georgette Steffens, Executive Director, BID, "His legacy will live on not only through this award, but through the development projects he was involved with and the people he mentored."

The James M. DiNapoli Award will be awarded annually to an individual, organization or business that has exemplified the spirit of partnership with the BID in shaping the direction of downtown Albany. The Board is pleased to announce the inaugural James M. DiNapoli Award recipient is Tracy L. Metzger, President and Owner of TL Metzger & Associates.

"We are proud that Tracy will be given this honor," explains Steffens, "recognizing her great spirit of partnership with the BID in shaping the direction of downtown Albany."

Immediately following the meeting, a post-event titled Illuminate Downtown will take place on the floor of the Times Union Center arena from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Creating a loose replica of Downtown inside the arena, Illuminate Downtown, will feature over 60 Downtown vendors from restaurants and pubs, retail and business services to cultural and entertainment venues, and apartment conversion information. All exhibitors will have special offerings, contests, as well as food and drink samples. A cash bar will be available.

"The event will shine a spotlight on everything that makes our Downtown great," said Steffens, "by featuring businesses who choose to locate in Downtown, attendees will have an opportunity to meet these stars and experience the best of our Capital City."

The Chronicles, the 2012 Downtown Albany JazzFest Competition winners, are slated to play the event.

Attendees to Illuminate Downtown will:

• have the opportunity to vote in an Ugly Office Contest presented by ROI Office Interiors and the Downtown Albany BID. The top three applicants will be presented for a public vote and the winner will receive an office makeover worth $2,000 including office furniture and services from ROI Office Interiors. Votes will be tallied and a winner will be announced at the Illuminate Downtown event. Applicants have until May 9, 2013 to enter the Ugly Office Contest. For more information, please visit downtownalbany.org.

• Place their name for a chance at the Good Life package. Downtown Albany's Good Life package includes (2) premium tickets to the Andrea Bocelli Concert on Thursday, June 13, 2013 at the Times Union Center, an overnight package stay with breakfast at 74 State Hotel, dinner at Yono's and cocktails at Blue 82 (valued at over $1,000). Applicants have until May 14, 2013 to enter the drawing. The drawing and announcement will occur at the Illuminate Downtown event. For more information visit downtownalbany.org.

• Bid and purchase select 2012-2013 Sculpture in the Street oversize Dutch clogs during a live auction.

• Play in a bubble hockey tournament with chances to win Albany Devils' sports memorabilia.

• Participate in multiple drawings to win $50-$100 to a Downtown Albany BID business.

Free parking is being provided for both the Annual Meeting and Illuminate Downtown event in the Times Union Garage, courtesy of the Times Union Center.

Tickets are available online at downtownalbany.org or by contacting ksigsby@downtownalbany.org | 518.465.2143 x13. Annual Meeting tickets are $35 for BID Stakeholders, $45 for Non-Stakeholders and include access to Illuminate Downtown. Individual tickets to Illuminate Downtown are $15 general admission, or $5 for students.

For a chance to win free tickets to Illuminate Downtown contact the Downtown Albany BID and/ or follow them on one of their social media channels.

The Downtown Albany BID would like to thank all their Annual Meeting sponsors including The Swyer Companies, The Times Union Center, CDTA, Sixty State Place and Albany.com for their continued support in making Downtown a vibrant and exciting neighborhood.

The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) is an organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the character, vitality, and possibility of downtown Albany. Through its many programs and events, the Downtown Albany BID works to enhance the image of downtown Albany and further its reputation as a prosperous and exciting city to live, work, and visit. For more information on the Downtown Albany BID please visit downtownalbany.org | @DowntownAlbany | 518.465.2143.