The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership has embarked on a range of marketing initiatives with the goals of informing district members and the public of the BID's work, branding the neighborhood as a destination and producing materials and events that highlight the area's businesses and attractions.
The BID’s marketing program seeks to accomplish these goals through four means of communications: Digital Marketing & Communication, Programming & Events, Sponsorship, and Collateral & Print Communication.
Digital Marketing and Communication
Distributing information on a wide range of subjects to BID members and the public is accomplished through various methods of digital communication.
Website www.discoverflatiron.org
The BID’s website is the main source of information about all aspects of the Flatiron district and the BID. It provides information on BID programs and services as well as useful information about the neighborhood including area transportation options, events, history and an extensive business directory. Additionally, the BID uses the website to solicit information and feedback from members and concerned stakeholders and as a means for BID businesses to promote themselves through the District Deals Page.
Newsletter
The BID produces a highly informative electronic newsletter, which is distributed monthly to over 12,000 subscribers. The newsletter contains a plethora of information about the Flatiron district such as upcoming events, new businesses, new business opportunities, important announcements and fun and interesting facts and stories about this diverse and historic area. Click here to see our newsletter archive or join our mailing list.
Facebook
The BID signed on to social networking in 2009 with the creation of a Facebook page. Through Facebook, the BID can reach a brought spectrum of interested individuals and much like the website provide a clear line of communication and feedback from interested parties and stakeholders.
E-Blasts
The BID’s 12,000 person strong email subscriber list is used regularly and responsibly to communicate directly with its constituents about emergencies, breaking news, events and opportunities that may be of interest. Click here to join our mailing list.
Programming and Events
As an organization that seeks to bridge the public, nonprofit and private sectors as well as the residential and business communities, the BID engages partner organizations to jointly produce three to six events and programs per year to educate and inform the public about important issues as well as to provide a medium in which the many stakeholders of the Flatiron district can interact.
Intersections: A BID Series Focused on Information, Ideas and Our Community
The BID's free programming efforts under the "Intersections" branding include:
Speaker series: These events aim to bring BID members in touch with their local elected officials and government and service providers in order to foster communication and provide answers and information to all participants.
Business assistance and outreach programs: These larger scale events provide BID member businesses with opportunities to learn about ways they can improve and grow their business as well as take advantage of government and private programs in a wide range of areas.
Meetings and Celebrations
Annual Meeting: In addition to quarterly BID Board of Director and committee meetings, the BID holds an Annual Meeting which is open to the public where attendees hear about the successes of the past year, learn more about upcoming projects; review the BID’s financial health and vote for board members.
Celebrate Flatiron Partnerships: The BID also holds an annual cocktail party and networking event during the holiday season called Celebrate Flatiron Partnerships. This event began as a way for the new BID to meet and bring together its members. It also serves as an opportunity for the BID to update its members on current and future programs.
Walking Tour
The BID provides a free weekly historic walking tour of the neighborhood. The tour meets every Sunday at 11:00 AM at the southwest corner of Madison Square Park at 23rd Street and Broadway, in front of the William Seward statue. Click here for more information.
Sponsorship Program
In addition to the BID’s assessment revenue, the BID supplements its budget and provide for various projects by soliciting sponsorship funds from area businesses and property owners. The Sponsorship Program provides area property owners and businesses with the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the neighborhood while promoting their business and supporting the BID. Click here to download the 2009 catalog.
Items available for sponsorship:
Banners - available on over 100 streetlamps throughout the Flatiron district, are an excellent way to advertise your company and your commitment to the district. These colorful 24-square-foot banners, designed by world renowned design firm Pentagram Design, provide sponsors with prominent logo placement throughout the district in a format only available to the BID. The banners also provide awareness of the BID and its programs and add color and excitement to the district’s streets.
Co-Branded Trash Receptacles - The BID purchased nearly 200 Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership branded trash receptacles since the BID’s inception in 2006, many through the support of local properties and businesses. Trash receptacle sponsors will receive logo placement on the trash receptacles and may request specific locations in proximity to their particular property or business.
Ash Urns - Available to the entire BID community, these custom co-branded ash urns are designed to match the BID’s custom trash receptacles. Already in use at the entrances to the Flatiron Building, these solidly constructed and easy to maintain ash urns are ideal for maintaining a neat and clean building entrance free of cigarette butts and ash.
Park Avenue South Mall Beautification Project - In 2009 a series of beautification efforts began throughout the district in addition to continued maintenance of the new public plazas and the seasonal planting and improved maintenance of the Park Avenue South median malls from 21st to 28th Street. An annual co-sponsorship or full sponsorship of one or more sections of the malls is available to local property owners and business, whose financial contribution will offset the costs of the project. Sponsors names will appear on plaques that will be prominently placed in the malls.
Printed Materials - The BID publishes various pieces of print collateral throughout the year that include space for sponsor recognition and advertisements.
Collateral and Print Communications
The BID also utilizes traditional methods of communication such as printing, flyers and mail distribution. The range of print collateral created and printed by the BID varies and is often provided to new businesses and other individuals or organizations the BID comes into contact with. The BID is also lucky to work with neighborhood partner Pentagram Design for nearly all of the BID’s collateral and design identity guidelines.
Past and present items include:
The Discover Flatiron Map - since the fall of 2007 the BID has distributed over 130,000 copies of its immensely popular Discover Flatiron Map. The full-color map includes a listing of businesses in the district organized by category; local architectural and historical attractions and the new Public Plazas. Specific business addresses and a Manhattan subway system map are also included. The map is housed electronically for download or printing on the BID website.
Neighborhood Guides - Following the successful distribution of nearly 12,000 Flatiron Holiday Shopping Guides during November and December 2008, the BID will be exploring the possibility of designing and distributing industry specific or themed guides to the district.
Walking Tour Rack Cards - The BID promotes its free historic walking tour through printed rack cards which are distributed to hotels, businesses and visitor information centers throughout New York City.
Pocket Guide of Important Phone Numbers - Includes contact information for various City agencies and other important entities.
AT-A-GLANCE Services in Times of Need - Pocket sized card with information on various services, distributed by our social services/outreach program.
AT-A-GLANCE NYC Sanitation Regulations - Pocket sized card for local business and property owners to help them understand and comply with NYC Department of Sanitation requirements.
Other Items:
Postcards, event invitations, Public Safety Program launch cards
For further information on these items or on ways to become more connected to the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership, please contact Eric Zaretsky, Director of Marketing & Economic Development by phone at 212-741-2323 or by email at ezaretsky@flatironbid.org.
