February 12, 2013, by Michael Goot, Daily Gazette, GLENVILLE — The town of Glenville is inviting businesses to “come be a part of” its growth.
That’s the message developed by PC Public Affairs of Albany, which town officials hired last April at a cost of $12,000 to come up with a marketing plan for the town.
The plan states that Glenville is the “perfect blend of small-town charm and suburban convenience.” It also stressed that the Niskayuna, Burnt Hills and Scotia-Glenville central school districts rank second, fifth and 25th in The Business Review’s school district ranking.
Among the recommendations are to update the town’s website to reflect the new message, beautify its commercial corridors and promote the positive aspects of the town such as a business-friendly atmosphere and excellent recreational opportunities.
Andre Claridge, managing partner of PC Public Affairs, said research the firm did indicated that people have heard of Glenville but don’t know what the town has to offer.
For example, she said, there are numerous recreational opportunities including parks and access to the waterfront. When the firm’s staff was visiting various parts of town to conduct the survey, they saw numerous kayakers, boaters and pedestrians along the river by the Water’s Edge Lighthouse Restaurant. “It was a hub of activity on that waterfront,” he said.
Claridge said the town has to be consistent with this new marketing message and repeat it on its website, social media and all other media.
The marketing report divides the regions into “hubs” including the Town Center, Airport District, Freemans Bridge Road, Business and Technology Park, village of Scotia and Route 5 corridor.
It highlights new development that has already occurred or is in the process, such as Target, Panera Bread and Starbucks. In addition to the retail development, Integrated Fab Technologies announced last May it was tripling the size of its facility in the Glenville Business and Technology Park and adding 40 jobs.
The report added that the town could provide property tax incentives, grants from its Revitalization and Economic Development Investment Fund and small business loans through its new Local Development Corp.
Town Supervisor Chris Koetzle said this marketing plan is necessary to raise the town’s profile in the Capital Region.
“Some people, when you mention Glenville, they kind of ask, ‘Where’s that again?’ ”
The town is already doing some things recommended in the report, such as beautifying commercial corridors. Koetzle said town officials are seeking funding for a project to spruce up the Town Center area by installing attractive street lighting this year in the vicinity of Target. Glenville must accomplish the project this year because the state Department of Transportation is planning to install sidewalks in that entire area this year and likely would not rip up the street to put in wiring for the light fixtures.
Among the town’s other priorities this year is to streamline its approval process to offer a “one-stop-shop” approach to economic development. On April 25, the town will host its second annual forum for developers to learn about the town and present potential projects.
Koetzle said the next step is to have the town’s Small Business and Economic Development Committee develop an action plan based on the marketing report.
“We believe this is critically important to help increase the profile of the town and to attract more interest in the town among shoppers and businesses,” he said.