2016 DSIC Annual Report - Downtown Schenectady Improvement

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation
Statement of Activities for the Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014
Support and Revenue
City of Schenectady assessment revenue
Grants
Donations
Donated services
Ticket sales and booth fees
Marketing participation
Interest and miscellaneous
2015
$
Total support and revenue
260,000
169,650
109,192
24,900
7,778
118
16,990
2014
$
588,628
Expenses
Program Services
Environmental enhancement
Business promotion and marketing
Historic street sign project
Total program services
Supporting Services
Administration
Fundraising and development
Total supporting services
220,000
178,675
55,315
24,439
11,498
—
17,308
507,235
363,921
216,102
—
580,023
312,018
172,810
16,874
501,702
17,653
24,420
42,073
19,532
32,062
51,594
622,096
553,296
Change in Net Assets
(33,468)
(46,061)
Net Assets, Beginning of Year
570,903
616,964
Total expenses
Net Assets, End of Year
$
537,435
$
570,903
Before stepping foot int
o one of Downtown Sche
nectady’s many busines
or attractions, you can’t
ses
help but notice the sym
bo
ls of vitality all around you
Signs of hospitality, histor
.
y and business growth are
increasingly evident
throughout downtown. To
gether, they tell the story
of a district with an
incredible past, remarkab
le present and exciting
future.
Behind these signs lies
the true substance of do
wntown, and the Downtow
Schenectady Improvem
n
ent Corporation (DSIC)
is
proud to work on behalf
of the many property ow
ners and businesses tha
t contribute to our distric
vibrancy. Clearing sidew
t’s
alks of litter, debris and
we
eds creates a positive
atmosphere that support
s downtown developme
nt. Installing flowers,
holiday decorations and
banners enhances the en
vironment and celebrates
downtown’s positive asse
ts. Creating events, promo
tions and publications
attracts visitors and increa
ses awareness.
The DSIC also helps bu
sinesses help themselves
through educational
workshops, one-on-one
consulting, networking an
d informational
e-newsletters. In the co
mmunity, the DSIC provid
es
financial, promotional
and planning assistance
for many partner organiza
tio
ns to ensure that their
programs benefit our sh
ops, restaurants, service
s and cultural destinatio
much as possible.
ns as
It has been another pro
ductive and rewarding yea
r at the DSIC. Special tha
to our many partners an
nks
d supporters for making
ou
r efforts possible. All sig
point to Downtown Sche
ns
nectady as a dynamic de
stination to live, work, pla
and invest. We are certa
y
in that many more will po
pulate downtown’s lands
in the years ahead.
cape
Richard Antokol
President, Board of Dir
ectors
James Salengo
Executive Director
Mission Statement
Our mission is to promote
Downtown Schenectady as a
premier location for commerce,
recreation and living by enhancing,
facilitating, and supporting
economic and cultural growth.
Board of Directors
Richard Antokol, Esq., President
Antokol, Reisman & Coffin
Heather Peterson, Vice President
Watson, Peterson
& Company CPAs, PLLC
Chris Spraragen, Secretary
Schenectady Hardware & Electric Co.
Rudy Grant, Treasurer
Experience & Creative Design
Jeffrey Desnoyers
Pioneer Bank
Austin Fisher
VHB
Jeff Morlang
Maddalone & Associates
Carmel Patrick
miSci
Lori Selden
Mexican Radio
Office Team
Outdoor Team
Jim Salengo, Executive Director
Colleen Merays, Assistant Director
Gail White, Office Manager
Joe Diamond, Supervisor
Rob Gannon
Matt Heins
Designed by the Creative Advantage, inc.
OUTDOOR CLEANING & VISUAL IMPROVEMENTS
The DSIC’s outdoor program
DSIC RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
provides supplementary services
Sidewalk Cleaning
Project & Event Support
Flower Baskets & Street Planters
throughout the year to ensure the
Three full-time employees, 7 days/week
• Litter pickup, weeding, leaf clearing,
power washing, select sticker and
graffiti removal
• Major equipment: Bobcat 2300 &
5600 vehicles, Ford F-350 Super
Duty Pickup, Tennant 4300 ATLV
Vacuum, Tennant 6500 Ride-on
Sweeper
The DSIC outdoor team provides labor
and equipment support for a variety of
significant downtown activities throughout
the year.
• Schenectady Greenmarket’s
Summer Market
• Thursday Schenectady
Farmers Market
• City Mission’s CityScape program
• Vale Park Task Force events
• Infrastructure maintenance and
repair projects
• Targeted cleanup efforts following
the annual Kids’ Arts Festival,
Schenectady County SummerNight,
Gazette Holiday Parade and other
major downtown events
To accentuate streetscape improvements
throughout downtown, the DSIC
increased the total number of hanging
flower baskets and street planters for
summer 2016.
• 357 hanging baskets
(increase of 50 baskets)
• New flower baskets on Lower Union
Street, Erie Boulevard, Franklin Street,
Liberty Street and South Church
Street
• 70 street planters planted and
maintained (increase of 25 planters)
• Three seasonal watering employees
(one additional employee)
cleanliness, beauty and safety of
Downtown Schenectady. These
efforts are made possible by the
continued support of downtown
property owners and an annual
grant from the Schenectady County
Metroplex Development Authority.
Snow Clearing
The DSIC supplements city and property
owner responsibilities by clearing snow at
intersections, crosswalks, crossing signals
and garbage cans.
Hometown Heroes
Street Banners
Building upon the success of the
inaugural Hometown Heroes Banner
program last year, the DSIC continued
the program in 2016. Sponsored by
businesses, organizations and individuals,
the banners honor veterans and active
duty service men and women from
Schenectady.
• November 19, 2015 – Closing
ceremony for the 2015 banner
program at Proctors
• June 1, 2016 – Kick-off event for
the 2016 banner program at the
Schenectady Armory with honorees,
sponsors, elected officials and
partners
• 46 Hometown Heroes banners on
display along State Street and around
Schenectady City Hall from June
through mid-November
• Online map of banner locations and
honoree bios on DSIC website
• Major corporate sponsorship for a
second year provided by SEFCU
Winter Holiday Decorations
Lighted wreaths, garland pole wraps, City
of Schenectady Holiday Tree (sponsored
by KeyBank and decorated by Experience
& Creative Design).
• 16 new lighted wreaths purchased
for Lower Union Street for 2016-17
holiday season
Pilot Lighting Initiative
The DSIC installed solar lighting on
trees at the Stockade Gateway at Union
Street and Erie Boulevard as part of a
pilot initiative to bring decorative lighting
to areas of downtown without access to
electrical outlets. Additional locations are
being explored.
COMMUNICATIONS
Through its print and online
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
communications, the DSIC
DSIC Website – www.downtownschenectady.org
raises public awareness of
Downtown Schenectady’s
The DSIC launched a completely redesigned and reconfigured website that provides
current news on downtown activities and developments, a calendar of events, an
interactive map of downtown businesses, information on the DSIC itself and much more.
• Now mobile enabled to provide easy access on smartphones and tablets
many positive developments,
Downtown Schenectady Visitor Guide & Map
popular events and
vibrant businesses.
A new 2016-17 edition of the DSIC’s popular Visitor Guide & Map was completed
in spring 2016 to promote Downtown Schenectady’s dining, shopping, entertainment,
events and attractions.
• 60,000 copies (increase of 10,000)
• Professional distribution throughout the Capital District, Saratoga Region,
Berkshires and NYS Thruway
Schenectady Dining Guide
The DSIC and the Capital Region Chamber partnered on a new 2016-17 edition
of the popular Schenectady Dining Guide.
• 25,000 copies
• Professional distribution throughout the Capital District and NYS Thruway
Promotional Kiosks
Newly updated business maps installed in outdoor kiosks located on State Street
between Erie Boulevard and Clinton Street.
• Periodic updates to Jay Street Marketplace business directories
• Coordination of promotions in kiosks at the Center City Walk between
Liberty and Franklin Streets
Downtown Schenectady This Week E-Newsletter
The DSIC’s popular events e-newsletter showcases the wide variety of
happenings in Downtown Schenectady each week.
• 2,800 unique email recipients and growing
• Significant additional reach through social media and website
Social Media
The DSIC regularly shares information on its social media pages to promote
downtown events, businesses, economic development and DSIC activities.
• Facebook – 2,806 Likes* (increase of 1,232 over July 2015)
• Twitter – 1,813 Followers* (increase of 416 over July 2015)
• Instagram – 513 Followers* (new account for 2015-16)
*As of 7/11/16
Energize Your Business
This periodic communication targeted specifically to Downtown Schenectady
businesses features timely notifications and promotional opportunities.
PROMOTIONS
The DSIC’s promotions
are designed to support
Downtown Schenectady
businesses by connecting
visitors, residents and
employees directly with the
district’s many independent
restaurants, shops, services
and upscale living options.
DSIC PROMOTIONS OVER THE PAST YEAR INCLUDED:
Travers Restaurant Week 2015
Wing Walk 2015
Small Business Saturday 2015
Schenectady Soup Stroll
2016 Downtown Residential Tour
August 23-27, 2015 – 5th annual
promotion, coordinated with the Capital
Region Chamber. Twelve restaurants
offered multi-course meals for the
fixed price of $18.64, honoring the first
year of the Travers Stakes at Saratoga
Race Course.
October 3, 2015 – 4th annual promotion
coordinated with the Schenectady
County Visitors Agency at Proctors.
One of downtown’s most popular
food-related promotions, with capacity
crowds sampling chicken wings at
participating restaurants and voting
for their favorite recipe.
• 1,040 tickets sold
(73% increase)
• 18 participating restaurants
(12.5% increase)
• 2015 Wing Walk Winner
– 20 North Broadway Tavern
November 28, 2015 – The DSIC
partnered with the Capital Region
Chamber and Upper Union Street BID
on expanded promotions for this national
day encouraging people to shop locally.
• Kick off press conference at
City Hall on November 24, 2015
• Small Business Saturday promotional
items distributed to participants
• 37 local businesses offered
special promotions for the day
January 30, 2016 – Inaugural promotion
coordinated with Mad Jack Brewery
at the Van Dyck, Pinhead Susan’s,
Centre Street Pub and other Downtown
Schenectady restaurants. On a picture
perfect Saturday in January, thousands
of visitors flooded into downtown to
stroll and sample delicious soup recipes
for $1 a cup.
• 2,500+ approx. event attendees
• 16 participating restaurants
Downtown Schenectady’s
City Hall-iday 2015
Schenectady Restaurant
Week 2016
December 12, 2015 – The DSIC’s 12th
annual holiday event spotlighted family
fun in and around Schenectady City
Hall. Hundreds of visitors celebrated the
season in downtown with kids’ activities,
live music, photos with Santa, horse &
carriage rides and more.
February 22-28, 2016 – 11th annual
promotion coordinated with the
Capital Region Chamber, during which
restaurants offered multi-course meals
for the fixed price of $25. Results include:
• 25 participating restaurants
• 11,425 meals served
• $366,000 economic impact
• 22% increase in spending over 2015
June 26, 2016 – The DSIC organized
the first ever tour of upscale apartments
and amenities in several new residential
developments in Downtown Schenectady.
The tour was coordinated in conjunction
with the City of Schenectady’s Annual
Citywide Open House and H.O.M.E.S.
Fair, which featured more than 20
vendors along Jay Street with valuable
resources for potential homebuyers.
Participating tour locations included:
• One 11 Liberty Street Apartments
• 200 State Street Apartments
• 242 Broadway Apartments
• 508 State Street
– The Foster Luxury Apartments
• 525 Union Street
– Lofts at Union Square
COMMUNITY & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
The DSIC staff continues to
foster important relationships
within the Downtown
Schenectady community,
resulting in numerous
professional collaborations,
rewarding sponsorship
opportunities and essential
financial & volunteer support.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
2015 Building Block Party
October 29, 2015 – The DSIC’s largest
annual fundraiser took place at the
GE Theatre & Wright Family Atrium at
Proctors.
• 400+ attendees
• 25 restaurants providing food stations
• Building Block Awards presented to:
✧ Centre Street
– A Public House & Garden
✧ New York Folklore Society
✧ Schenectady County Public Library
– Central Branch
✧ Schenectady Rotary Club
✧ YMCA Schenectady
• $37,000 raised
Workers’ Compensation Board
Employee Welcome
December 2015 – The DSIC partnered
with the Schenectady County Metroplex
Development Authority to welcome more
than 150 new employees to the New
York State Workers’ Compensation Board
building at 328 State Street.
• Materials and special offers submitted
by dozens of downtown businesses
• 150+ welcome bags assembled and
delivered to employees
The Lion King Downtown Planning
March 2016 – The DSIC
coordinated a downtown
planning session with partner
agencies in preparation for an
influx of visitors during the
month-long run of The Lion
King at Proctors.
Internship Program
University at Albany and College of
Saint Rose interns provided important
assistance to the DSIC throughout the
year in the areas of communications,
promotions and research.
Chamber Ribbon Cuttings
Derek Laing,
College of Saint Rose
Victoria Colarusso,
University at Albany
The DSIC proudly represented Downtown
Schenectady at the Capital Region
Chamber’s many grand openings and
ribbon cuttings throughout the year within
the downtown district.
Event & Program Support
The DSIC continues to provide financial, planning and/or labor support
to a variety of community events and programs. Examples include:
• Canal Fest – Explore Schenectady
• Chamber Business Awards Committee
• Chamber Good News Awards Committee
• Chamber Gazette Holiday Parade Committee & Participation
• Jazz on Jay Sponsorship
• Kids’ Arts Festival Committee & Participation
• Paint the Town Purple & Happy Hour for
Hope for the American Cancer Society
• Schenectady Ambassadors Committee & Sponsorship
• Schenectady County SummerNight Staff Support
• Schenectady Farmers Market Staff Support
• Schenectady Greenmarket Staff Support
• Schenectady Smiles Committee & Participation
DOWNTOWN SCHENECTADY FUN FACTS
44
RETAIL SHOPS
You will find just what you’re looking
for in the unique small businesses
of Downtown Schenectady
– clothing, books, music, flowers,
gifts, home furnishings
and much more.
also enjoy your favorite bands at our
popular nightspots while having a
nightcap with your friends.
25
ARTS &
EDUCATIONAL
VENUES
including Union College, SCCC, Clarkson University and miSci.
focused
on the
The DSIC keeps
more than 16 miles of
sidewalks clean and
litter free, removes
stickers & graffiti from
public surfaces and clears
Schenectady.
with cuisines from around the globe. You can
Light Opera Company, as well as quality educational institutions
OF SIDEWALKS
Downtown
Downtown Schenectady offers spectacular dining
venues such as Proctors, Schenectady Civic Players and Schenectady
MILES
and intersections in
Whether you are on the go or out for a night on the town,
Downtown Schenectady features outstanding entertainment
16
snow from crosswalks
54
EATERIES &
NIGHTSPOTS
future
357+70
HANGING BASKETS & STREET PLANTERS
350
YEARS
The Stockade Has Been Continuously
Inhabited For More Than 350 Years
Historic Downtown Schenectady is rich with
places to explore – The Stockade District,
Schenectady County Historical Society,
the former Erie Canal, Union College
Campus, City Hall…the list goes on.
The DSIC keeps Downtown Schenectady in bloom throughout the summer.
Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp. | 143 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12305 | 518-377-9430 | www.downtownschenectady.org