New TV adds pitch NY to businesses

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and state legislative leaders have unveiled six television commercials and a new website,  thenewny.com, to encourage businesses to expand or move to New York State.

The ads, to be broadcast nationwide, are narrated by actor Robert DeNiro, though he is not identified. The song, “Empire State of Mind,” by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, plays. Long Island’s Montauk Lighthouse is shown in one ad.

Stories of businesses, none of them local, are told in four separate spots. They include Fage Greek yogurt in upstate Johnstown, nanotechnology companies in Albany and Smith Electric trucks in the Bronx.

The $50-million campaign, designed by Manhattan advertising firm BBDO, also includes the new “I Love New York” tourism spots.

“We are competing against many other states that have been working for years to entice businesses," Cuomo said. “By telling the stories of businesses that are already succeeding in our state, we can attract even more economic opportunity and jobs here.”