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 and Communication; Programming, Events and Outreach; Sponsorship; Collateral and Print Communications; and the Weekly Walking Tour.
Digital Marketing and Communication
The BID’s website is the main source of information on 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, a calendar of 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. The BID produces a highly informative electronic newsletter, which is distributed monthly to over 12,000 subscribers. Subscribers also receive periodic email communications from the BID such as invitations to special events, business opportunities and programs as well as other important information. To supplement the website and monthly newsletter, the BID also utilizes social media platforms including Facebook and Twitter, and has become a regular contributor to the hyper-local news site NearSay.com.
Programming, Events and Outreach
As an organization that seeks to bridge the public, nonprofit and private sectors as well as the residential and business communities, the BID organizes and produces several events each year on a range of subjects.
The BID’s educational, networking and community events are produced under the Intersections: A BID Series Focused on Information, Ideas and Our Community brand. Intersections events include a speaker series which aims to bring BID members in touch with local elected officials and government/service providers in order to foster awareness and communication. Business assistance forums are larger scale events held in conjunction with Baruch College that provide BID businesses with opportunities to learn how they can grow as well as access government and private programs in a wide range of areas.
The BID holds an Annual Meeting in June, which is open to the public and provides highlights of the past year, information about upcoming projects, a review of the BID’s financial health, and the election of board members.
Networking events and community receptions are organized by the BID several times a year as a way to foster a sense of community among BID members. The annual Celebrate Flatiron Partnerships cocktail reception at 230 Fifth is the BID’s largest networking event and provides a forum for members to learn more about the BID and to meet other area stakeholders.
Sponsorship Program
The BID supplements its assessment budget and implements numerous projects by soliciting sponsorship funds from area businesses and property owners. Participation in the sponsorship program allows BID members to show their support for the district and also provides brand recognition throughout the Flatiron district and beyond. A catalog presenting a comprehensive menu of the various sponsorship opportunities is released annually.
Click here to download the 2011 Sponsorship Program Catalog
Collateral and Print Communications
The BID designs and produces a range of print materials for business, visitors, area residents, employees and organizations. These materials are free to the public and are provided in large part through the support of area sponsors. The full-color Discover Flatiron Map includes a listing of businesses in the district organized by category, and local architectural and historical attractions. A Manhattan subway system map is also included. The Shop Flatiron Guide is produced annually in time for the holiday season and for use year–round. The guide includes all the retail opportunities in and around the district as well as listing of neighborhood dining establishments. Both the Discover Flatiron Map and Shop Flatiron Guide are housed electronically on the BID website. They can also be found at the BID’s Visitor Information Cart on the Flatiron Public Plazas, at NYC & Co. Visitor Centers in Midtown, and other locations all over New York City.
The BID also produces several other informative postcards, handbooks, reports and rack cards for the various other programmatic areas like clean streets, public safety and social services.
- Important Phone Numbers Magnet - 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 to help local business and property owners understand and comply with NYC Department of Sanitation requirements.
The BID works with internationally-renowned BID member Pentagram Design on the BID’s collateral and branding.
Weekly Walking Tour
The BID provides a free weekly historic walking tour of the neighborhood. The tour meets every Sunday at 11 a.m. 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.
The BID promotes its free Walking Tour through rack cards that are distributed to hotels, businesses and visitor information centers throughout New York City. The Walking Tour Brochure provides an opportunity for visitors to go on a self-guided tour throughout the district and is also distributed to participants of the weekly tours.
