Marketing Video Recommends Massena For Development
MASSENA - Low-cost hydropower, proximity to Canadian cities, recreational opportunities and a skilled workforce are all reasons to relocate to Massena, according to a new marketing video.
The Business Development Corporation for a Greater Massena unveiled a 10-minute video at this week's monthly meeting.
The film features BDC Executive Director Jason A. Clark, Clarkson University President Anthony G. Collins, Massena Electric Department Superintendent Andrew J. McMahon and others touting the region's assets and selling points. It can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjnhF7Gp1Q0 .
The 10-minute video titled "Massena Power Play" will be used in the BDC's new employer seeking strategy, according to board member Larry Ralston. The BDC plans to include it in a packet of information which will be sent to companies with needs matching Massena's assets.
"Massena, NY, is a gateway community. From enjoying the outdoors and international waterways, to conducting business through foreign trade zones, Massena is a strategic location for a company or a workforce looking for a change of scenery," Mr. Clark said in the video.
Mr. Clark, wearing a suit in front of the Massena Water Intake in the video, explains how low-cost hydropower gives Massena a competitive advantage over other areas.
John Martin, Alcoa Massena plant manager, and Patrick Curran, co-founder of Curran Renewwable energy, describe how low energy costs have allowed their businesses to thrive in Massena.
The video features shots around town, as well as glimpses of the Adirondacks, the Thousand Islands, Ottawa and Montreal.
The BDC spent $23,000 for Adworkshop of Lake Placid to produce the video. Filmiing took place over two days last summer and an additional half day earlier this month.
"There was a lot of editing time in between," Mr. Clark said.
The additional time allowed the BDC to include recent developments which could be beneficial to Massena, Mr. Clark said. The video mentions the "Beyond the Border" agreement, which could ease travel at the Massena Port of Entry.
"We were able to capitalize on the timing with some of that," Mr. Clark said.
In the video, Mr. Martin highlights the skilled labor pool as an important asset to Alcoa.
"We recently posted for 30 positions at the East plant and had over 1,000 applications," Mr. Martin said in the video. "The quality of the applicants is fantastic."
The video also plugs the former General Motors Powertrain site and points anyone with interest in redeveloping the parcel to Revitalizing Auto Communities Environmental Response Trust.
There is a strong cooperative environment in Massena, which encourages business development, Mr. Clark said.
"The Business Development Corporation for a Greater Massena has the strong support of our community, and we work hard to help businesses stay competitive locally, regionally and globally," Mr. Clark said in the video.
"Supporting businesses and business development is engrained in our community ... We're ready to show you how Massena works for you."
The $23,000 does not include distribution costs. The BDC is issuing another request for proposals for that expense.
BDC officials praised the quality of the video.
"I think it's very well done," board member Mark Reagan said.
Councilman Charles A. Raiti compared the effort to a similar effort the BDC completed 10 years ago.
"This thing here is right on the money," Mr. Raiti said. "This video is so much better than what we had before."
