News
May 26, 2016Lt. Governor Hochul to Deliver Keynote Address at Downtown Albany BID Annual Meeting
The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) announces its Annual Meeting will be held June 1 at 5:30 p.m. at the Palace Theatre in downtown Albany. The evening will include the keynote address delivered by Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, presentation of the 2016 James M. DiNapoli Award to SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher, and will bring together former and current BID staff, board members, property and business owners in celebration of the organization’s 20th anniversary.
Speaking at a time of heightened investment in Albany’s newest neighborhood, Lieutenant Governor Hochul will provide insight on the new Downtown Revitalization Initiative, which places an emphasis on creating a strong sense of place, workforce development, and enhancing quality of life in New York’s urban centers. As Chair of the Regional Economic Development Councils, Hochul will provide unique insight into the funding competition currently underway throughout the State, highlighting why investing in our downtowns is critical.
“As someone who meets with business owners almost daily, it is clear that Governor Cuomo’s vision for an improved business climate in New York is working,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “I have seen first-hand Downtown Albany BID’s commitment to revitalizing the city and their success. What’s happening in Albany can be a model for other cities across the State.”
Recognizing the importance of investing in downtown Albany, the BID created the James M. DiNapoli Award in 2013 in honor of a founding member and inaugural Chairman of the Board. It is given annually to an individual, organization, or business that has exemplified Mr. DiNapoli’s spirit of partnership with the BID in shaping the direction of downtown Albany. Chancellor Zimpher is literally shaping part of Downtown, having recently spearheaded the renovation of the front lawn and main entrance to the SUNY System Administration building in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the building’s construction. In addition to her role as chancellor, Zimpher is active in numerous organizations, including currently serving as Chair of the Board of Governors of the New York Academy of Sciences and Chair of the National Association of System Heads, and locally sitting on the Capitalize Albany Corporation Board. Zimpher became the University’s twelfth chancellor in 2009.
“The State University of New York has made a conscious commitment to being a leader in creating vibrant communities around New York, and we know that we make particular impact in the communities our colleges and universities call home,” Chancellor Zimpher said. “With nearly 500 employees, SUNY System Administration is the largest single employer in downtown Albany, and our headquarters is located in an extraordinary landmark building. We see exciting things happening on and in the historic streets and buildings around us, and it has been an ongoing pleasure to contribute SUNY’s intellectual and creative resources to the partnerships that are strengthening and supporting life and work in downtown Albany.”
SUNY Plaza, the former D&H Railroad Building, has served as SUNY’s System Administration headquarters since 1978.
In previous years, Tracy Metzger (2013), I. David Swawite (2014), and Joseph Nicolla (2015) have been presented with the James M. DiNapoli Award.
“The progress that Downtown has experienced over the past 20 years is due in large part to strong leadership exemplified by both Lieutenant Governor Hochul and Chancellor Zimpher,” states Georgette Steffens, executive director of the Downtown Albany BID. “The importance these two women have placed on Downtown and the part they play in its revitalization is exactly what drives others to make investments within the District.”
The Downtown Albany BID’s Annual Meeting is open to the public and will feature a video highlighting the projects and progress made throughout Downtown over the past 20 years, in addition to the keynote address and award presentation. Tickets for the annual meeting can be purchased online www.downtownalbany.org/am2016 or by calling 518.465.2143 x10.
