Press release details

Troy, N.Y., June 10, 2003 -- Rensselaer County Economic Development & Planning has unveiled a major branding and marketing campaign to promote Rensselaer County. United under the tagline "Life looks good from here," the campaign features testimonials from local people talking about why they have chosen to live and work in Rensselaer County. The campaign focuses on the quality of life, opportunities and promising future of the County.

"The Capital Region is on the verge of a very exciting economic boom, and Rensselaer County must be a part of it," said Kathleen M. Jimino, county executive of Rensselaer County. "By promoting the unique opportunities and qualities of Rensselaer County, we can energize our residents, attract new businesses and expand our future tax-base - benefiting everyone in the County and the region, while preserving the quality of life that we enjoy."

The campaign features testimonials from 10 local residents and businesspeople that were nominated to participate in the campaign by area business leaders, residents and organizations. Each participant tells their unique story about the personal and professional success they found in Rensselaer County. The testimonials will appear on cable television, in print ads and promotional materials, and online at www.rensselaerlife.com. The funding for the promotional effort is supported by private dollars from the Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, not taxpayer dollars.

"Rensselaer County is a must consider option for people looking for a quality place to build a life and for businesses to grow, mature and expand," said Robert L. Pasinella, Jr., director of Rensselaer County Economic Development & Planning. "It's affordable, connected, accessible to culture, and supports top research and educational institutions, which combined with a talented labor pool creates a quality of life that is attractive to both industry and residents. Who better to tell this story than our greatest sales people - those who live and work here."

As part of the effort to generate excitement around the County, bright orange lawn signs with statistics and interesting facts serve as one promotional item that businesses and residents can display to show their support of economic growth and pride in Rensselaer County. These signs include "One of America's busiest Amtrak stations," "2,000,000+ square feet of high tech office space," "500+ lakes and ponds," "Yo Yo Ma records here" and "300+ restaurants." Window decals of the Rensselaer County logo are also available for business owners and residents. Lawn signs and decals are available free of charge by calling 270-2914.

"To cultivate an effective climate for growth, we must work cooperatively together to promote the opportunities in Rensselaer County. We have to be ready to see Rensselaer County in a whole new way and to show others who we are, what we are doing and where we want to go," said Jimino.

Local residents and businesspeople participating in the effort include: Clint Ballinger, CEO of Evident Technologies,Fred Cashmere, Owner of Crooked Lake Coffee and Tea Company, Al Davis, President of W.J. Cowee, Sue Goold Miller, Co-owner of Goold Orchards,Mary Hall,Volunteer at Sand Lake Center for the Arts,Padraic Hegan, Co-owner of B & H Fabrication, Eileen LaCorte, President of LaCorte Companies, Jim Lewis, Co-owner of Icarus Furniture, Fred Miller,President and CEO of The Kaleel Jamison Consulting Group,Mike Wacholder,Director of Rensselaer Technology Park.

To receive copies of the print and television ads, contact Jennifer Freeman at 518.456.3015 or jfre@mlinc.com.

About Rensselaer County Economic Development & Planning Rensselaer County Economic Development & Planning (RCED&P) is an economic development agency dedicated to ensuring the long-term economic vitality of Rensselaer County, N.Y. The office works to attract new businesses, assists existing companies with expansion efforts and creates an environment that encourages businesses to stay in Rensselaer County. A range of programs are administered by RCED&P to assist businesses with land and building selection, financing, employee recruitment and training, and permit and regulatory issues. Visit www.rensselaerlife.com for more information.

Contact: Nicole Pitaniello, Media Logic, 518-456-3015 or npit@mlinc.com