Suffolk IDA launches ads aimed at metro area businesses
In a new TV spot advertising Suffolk County as a place to do business, GSE Dynamics president Anne Shybunko-Moore, says a "great financial package" from the county helped her move work from Georgia to a defense plant in Hauppauge. Credit: Jessica Rotkiewicz, 2011
Advertisements touting the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency began airing Monday on two radio stations in the metropolitan area as part of a promotional campaign, officials said.
The ads, carried by CBS and Bloomberg Radio, feature testimonials from executives of expanding businesses that received IDA tax breaks.
The ads also will appear on newsday.com and in the pages of Long Island Business News, Crain's New York Business and trade journals.
"The initial focus of the IDA's marketing-communication campaign will be to highlight the many resources it brings to the table that are in addition to the traditional IDA financial incentives of property and mortgage tax reductions and sales tax exemptions," said Joanne Minieri, IDA board chairwoman and Suffolk economic development commissioner.
IDA executive director Anthony Manetta said the agency strives to approve projects within 30 days of receiving an aid application. "Whether a company is moving into Suffolk, or a local company is growing, the IDA will work to maximize benefits across all levels of government," he said.
The ad campaign focuses on businesses in the metropolitan region. It was created by Zimmerman/Edelson Inc. of Great Neck.
In April, the Suffolk IDA earmarked $400,000 for marketing and promotion, up from $25,000 last year. With the county treasury depleted, Manetta said at the time, the IDA would assume the ad responsibilities of the Department of Economic Development and Planning, which Minieri runs.
Separately, the Nassau County IDA is again touting itself in television ads.
In August, the Nassau IDA board unanimously approved boosting its marketing budget to $1.2 million, an increase of $516,000.
"We want to keep the momentum going. The business community has responded," said executive director Joseph J. Kearney Jr., referring to the number of deals that the IDA has done recently. "We've doubled our income in the first eight months of the year."
IDAs, which are funded with fees charged to applicants, provide tax breaks and bond financing.
Updated now Newsday travel writer Scott Vogel took the ferry over to Block Island for a weekend of fun.
Updated now Newsday travel writer Scott Vogel took the ferry over to Block Island for a weekend of fun.
