Creating Strong Coalitions

CREATING STRONG

COALITIONS

Strong collaborations and coalitions are at the heart of positioning Albany for economic growth. Locally, along with the Albany Area Chamber, partners including the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission, the Albany Convention & Visitors Bureau and the city of Albany's Downtown Development Authority work together to drive growth to the community. Each has a unique mission, and by working together, these local partners secure greater results for Albany.

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

The top projects for Downtown Albany with the adoption of the new Downtown Master Plan: • Launch mixed-use development and welcome new residential living opportunities. • Complete the development and full occupancy of the Front Street Market properties. This accomplishment will highlight an entire block of buildings that are fully occupied and fully developed. (This model will be replicated to mobilize the development of another block of economic development projects within Downtown Albany). • Implement the Downtown Streetscape recommendations.

“Creating strong coalitions with community partners locally, statewide, and regionally is essential to getting projects to the finish line. This teamwork strategy allows us to celebrate our wins and our Albany – Dougherty citizens can enjoy the dividends of accomplishing community goals. We are stronger together!”

- LEQURICA GASKINS -

Downtown Manager & Executive Director of the Albany-Dougherty Inner City Authority and Downtown Development Authority

ALBANY-DOUGHERTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

The top areas of focus for the EDC in the next three years are recruitment, retention and marketing.

RECRUITMENT: Be proactive in local development and recruitment of employers.

RETENTION: Strengthen relationships with existing businesses and industries.

MARKETING: Sharing the story of activity to both internal & external stakeholders.

“When evaluating the future of a business, leaders look for communities where everyone is working towards a common goal and moving in the same direction. For any community to be successful, all parties must work together for a common goal.”

- JANA DYKE -

President & CEO, Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission

ALBANY CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

The top three goals for the Albany CVB:

RETHINK, Refresh, and Reposition the CVB brand based on new research. REDESIGN the Albany Welcome Center. DEVELOP a Mobile Welcome Center. “Tourism is a large part of Economic Development. It helps build out the quality-of-life piece prospects are looking for in a community. When our entities are working in unison, we can build a strong community package. Businesses want to join a happy family who is thriving together and working towards the betterment of everyone as a whole.”

- RASHELLE BEASLEY MINIX -