City of Rochester
News Release
(Thursday, May 13, 2010) – Mayor Robert J. Duffy, R. Carlos Carballada, the City’s Commissioner of Neighborhood and Business Development and Councilmember Elaine Spaull joined East End area businesses and organizations today to celebrate the installation of artistic light pole banners along the East End District.
“This program is a win-win for everyone involved,” said Mayor Duffy. “It designates the East End district as a destination for shopping, services, entertainment and living. It also promotes local businesses and, most importantly, the entire community reaps the benefits of the program’s success by creating a more vibrant and appealing neighborhood.”
In 2009, representatives from various businesses and organizations in the Upper East End and East End districts joined to form the East End Marketing Committee to cooperate on joint initiatives to promote the combined districts’ various businesses, organizations and entertainment venues.
The East End banner project concept was proposed by the Philipson Group, a new local strategic marketing and communications firm located at 137 East Ave. The concept was proposed as a means to physically connect the Upper East End/Alexander Street district with the East End, which have been divided by the bridge over the inner loop.
The banner project is a public-private partnership designed to promote the East End with beauty and art. The pictures and descriptive words on the banners reflect the diversity of the East End community and city of Rochester. Photographers Walter Colley and Kim Salley donated their time and creativity and produced 16 different images of Rochesterians on the banner installations.
The Philipson Group obtained sponsorships for the banners from businesses and organizations within the East End district and other city businesses. To date, there are 53 banners installed with over 45 individual businesses and organizations participating.
“The East End Marketing Committee should be applauded for their progressive attitude toward these rather avant-garde banner designs,” said Michael Philipson, CEO of the Philipson Group. “Where many banner programs end up fading into the streetscape, these banners are designed to generate conversation and to reflect the diversity as a community and to add pizzazz to the district.”
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News Media: For more information about the banner project, contact Lewis Stress of the Philipson Group at 287-5555.