April 7, 2012 – Firm picked to lure business to Glenville GlobalFoundries spinoffs sought, By Michael Goot, Gazette Reporter…Glenville is stepping up its efforts to attract spinoff business from the GlobalFoundries chip manufacturing plant by hiring an Albany-based marketing firm.
Supervisor Chris Koetzle said marketing has been a goal of the town for the past few years. PC Public Affairs would be responsible for creating a brochure, reaching out to local businesses and beefing up the town’s social media presence.
“It’s important for companies around the world to be able to find Glenville on a map,” he said.
Because it is a professional service, the town did not have to solicit bids. Rather, Koetzle reached out to four firms and brought PC Public Affairs to the Glenville Small Business and Economic Development Committee for its input. The committee recommended hiring the company.
Koetzle said the firm has experience in governmental affairs and business outreach efforts.
Managing partner Andre Claridge said the company tailors the marketing plan for each client. After sitting down with town officials to discuss what it wants, the company will assess the town, its economic development potential and the pros and cons of locating a business in the town of Glenville.
Although that analysis has not yet begun, Claridge said based on what he already knows about Glenville, he believes it is well-positioned for growth. It has low taxes compared with places like East Greenbush, Albany and Schenectady.
“I think Glenville has a lot to offer in terms of a nice community,” he said.
Claridge was a speech writer for former Gov. George Pataki. Members of his team also have experience working on the “I Love NY” campaign.
Other clients have included the Rudy A. Ciccotti Family Recreation Center in Colonie and Trans Tech Bus, an all-electric school bus manufacturer based in Warwick.
Richmor Aviation Chief Financial Officer James Valachovic, president of the Glenville Small Business and Professional Association, spoke in support of the measure at Wednesday’s meeting. Valachovic said the town’s strengths are its proximity to General Electric, GlobalFoundries and the University at Albany’s College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering.
In addition, the town is near Thruway Exit 26, an active rail freight line and an industrial park.
He pointed out that a recent article in Forbes magazine rated the Albany-Schenectady area as fourth best in the country for jobs.
Resident John Gaetani said he was not sure how he felt about the proposal. “I’m not really sure we need an advertising company — or whatever this is,” he said.
Koetzle said it was not done under the “cloak of darkness.” The town has mentioned several times it planned to hire a marketing firm and even received inquires as a result of the publicity.
The $12,000 is being tapped from the town’s Revitalization and Economic Development Initiative (REDI) fund. The money in that fund last year went toward a program that allows businesses to refurbish their signs. There is still some money for three or four applications this year.
Deputy Supervisor Alan Boulant said he believes it is worth the investment to develop the town.
“You have to spend a little bit of money to make money,” Boulant said.
Glenville has underutilized assets such as Schenectady County Airport and the property at the former Scotia Navy Depot, which is in the process of being turned over from the federal government to local officials.
Another goal is business retention, according to Boulant.
Boulant said he has received a lot of phone calls from developers praising the town’s approach to encouraging growth. The town is planning a forum for potential developers. “There is quite the buzz through the business community. I think it’s going to be well attended,” Boulant said.