NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The City of New Rochelle has selected Marino, a strategic communications firm with significant expertise in promoting economic development initiatives throughout the greater New York area, to advance the City’s business expansion and economic development goals and programs.
The New York City-based agency was chosen through a competitive request for proposals (RFP) process that began in June and attracted proposals from a wide range of public relations agencies from across the region. City officials cited Marino’s noteworthy record of achievement representing large-scale economic development initiatives in New York City, Westchester County and the surrounding region, as well as the agency’s understanding of the County’s business climate.
Marino will work to promote the City’s ambitious downtown redevelopment plan, activated in 2015 by a Master Development agreement with RDRXR- a partnership of RXR Realty and Renaissance Downtowns. The new plan creates the possibility for a New Rochelle brimming with vibrant, intelligently designed new development that would impact the City throughout the 21st Century, accompanied by new zoning that provides a clear and transparent roadmap for investment to both developers and property owners alike.
“After an exhaustive search, we concluded that Marino was best qualified to help us promote business growth and communicate our City’s message that New Rochelle is truly an ideal setting to live, work and grow,” said Development Commissioner Luiz Aragon. “Their expertise will help us maximize business expansion while systematically incorporating community input.”
Marino’s talents encompass media relations, economic development know-how, brand building, and community relations, along with a legacy of experience. Marino has played a key role in supporting some of the most prominent, high-profile, public planning, economic development, neighborhood branding, and real estate initiatives in the Tri-State Area over the past two decades, with extensive work for municipal, public and private clients directly in Westchester County.
Marino’ founder, president and CEO Frank Marino served in the administration of New York City Mayor Ed Koch as Senior Vice President for Public Affairs, Media Relations and Marketing for what is now the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC). He is a graduate of New Rochelle’s Iona College and a Westchester County resident.
“New Rochelle is launching the most ambitious downtown development plan in the history of the Hudson Valley,” said Frank Marino. “With its desirable location, excellent quality of life, skilled and diverse citizenry, and favorable business climate, the City of New Rochelle holds tremendous appeal for employers. Our team is privileged to have been chosen for the opportunity to help the City fully realize its long-term economic development potential.”