State-of-the-Art Digital Communications Network Launched in White Plains
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- White Plains Mayor Joseph M. Delfino announced today that the City of White Plains and Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCO) unveiled the nation's first digital display communications network concentrated in a downtown area. At no cost to the City, this project allows almost instantaneous communications between City Departments and the general public within visual distance of the signs.
The state-of-the-art network consists of eight 6' x 3.3' displays installed exclusively on City of White Plains Department of Parking properties in high impact locations throughout downtown White Plains. The network will rotate static advertising images on each display in an 8-second loop. This digital sign network expands upon MD Sales & Marketing's ongoing contract with the City of White Plains Department of Parking.
The City of White Plains enjoys exclusive use of discreet digital scrollers on each display to reach the public more effectively with messaging that can be changed on a moment's notice, as frequently as needed. In addition to directing parking and traffic in the vicinity of its parking facilities, the flexibility of the digital network benefits the City with real-time display of vital information to the public in the event of disaster or Amber Alerts.
"The public's safety always comes before all else," said Mayor Delfino, "and thanks to Clear Channel and MD Sales & Marketing, White Plains has another very effective tool to help ensure the well-being of our residents and visitors." The mayor expressed gratitude to the companies and to the innovative Parking Department for enabling the City "to enjoy another 'first' in the country, with a downtown concentrated network for displaying not only emergency and traffic information but also City events, festivals, concerts and the messages of our many civic and charity organizations."
Tim Kennedy, President/General Manager, Clear Channel Outdoor New York was on hand to proclaim the White Plains digital display network as a "technologically advanced, first of its kind outdoor communication tool. Digital technology is the most effective way to reach the increasingly transient public and has proven emergency and public safety messaging capabilities," he said. "Consistently ahead of the curve, White Plains continues to be the 'Renaissance City' even in these difficult times, and this new program will assist local businesses and spur local economic activity."
Business and restaurant owners, such as Brian McGroarty at Elements Food & Spirits in White Plains are delighted at the advertising opportunity. "Elements Food & Spirits will be part of this exciting innovation because the signs' high visibility will result in more activity and greater revenues for all advertisers," said Mr. McGroarty who also catered the post-unveiling reception.
"It's very satisfying to realize that my firm's success also benefits the taxpayers in White Plains," said Mike Dougherty of MD Sales and Marketing. "Residents should know that Al turned a yearly budgeted cost into not only a savings for the City but a new revenue stream," he said, referring to White Plains' Commissioner of Parking Al Moroni. "This could be a new business model for other major cities around the country which would also gain an enhanced downtown appearance," Dougherty said.
Already known for the unusually appealing aesthetics of the newly-completed Longview Garage, Commissioner Moroni considers the new digital signs as an enhancement to the appearance of downtown. "Under the leadership of Mayor Delfino, White Plains has blossomed into a very attractive and vibrant city," he said. "The Parking Department does what it can with design and lighting to make our parking facilities as safe and attractive as possible."
White Plains, situated only 25 miles north of Manhattan, is one of the nation's top suburban and retail centers. The City has a population of 56,000 residents, but this number rises to over 200,000 during the day as office workers, shoppers and visitors arrive by car, rail, bus or plane. White Plains is the business capital of Westchester County, serves as the County Seat, and is also home to Federal, State and County court offices. It houses a multi-modal public transportation system, an airport and is the gateway to metropolitan and upstate New York, New England and points north, while also located an hour's drive from four major Metropolitan airports.
About Clear Channel Outdoor
Clear Channel Outdoor (NYSE:CCO) is the world's largest outdoor advertising company with close to one million displays in over 50 countries across 5 continents. In the United States, the company operates just under 200,000 advertising displays and has a presence in 49 of the top 50 Designated Market Areas. It also operates airport, rail, taxi and mall advertising businesses worldwide. Its Spectacolor (U.S.) and DEFI (international) divisions are the global market leaders in spectacular sign displays, including in New York's Times Square. Clear Channel Adshel is the company's international street furniture division, which operates over 3,500 municipal advertising contracts worldwide. Clear Channel Outdoor also operates digital displays and networks in most of its divisions. More information may be found by visiting www.clearchanneloutdoor.com.
Source: Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings
Released September 23, 2009
