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	NEWS DECEMBER 2014
	Did you miss any news that came from Downtown in December 2014? Good news! This week we bring you a special edition of Links chock full of the headlines you might have missed (or just want to re-read). Looking for ongoing updates? Like our Facebook page and follow us onTwitter and Instagram.
	Downtowns Making Big Strides  Some steps made by Downtowns in 2014 were big. Some were small. One was especially loud. The common themes among area Downtown communities: Old buildings, new investments and fresh thinking. Read more. Mission: Revitalize Downtown Albany  BID staffers were among those who judged a competition at The College of Saint Rose earlier this month in which business students at the college formed teams to come up with proposals for Downtown businesses, marketing plans and detailed financial blueprints Learn more. Investors Want to Convert Offices into Apartments  Prospective buyers want to convert an empty office building into 60 apartments in downtown Albany across from where the convention center is being built.Learn more. Photos: New Convenience Store Opens in Downtown  On December 16, 2014, the grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony were held for JB's Capital Convenience, located at 52 S Pearl Street.See photos. Albany Among Cities Setting Record in Public Transit Ridership  Albany is among a number of mid-sized American cities seeing record levels of ridership on public transit, according to a report from the American Public Transportation Association. Nationally, 2.7 billion trips were taken on public transportation in the third quarter. Read more. Downtown Eateries Rank Among Best Restaurant, Foodie Spots  Downtown restaurants Yono's, dp: an American Brasserie, Angelo's 677 Prime and Cafe Capriccio have ranked among the top 10 best restaurants and food spots in Albany. Read more. CDTA to Add Buses that Bend in the Middle  Citing overcrowding concerns, the Capital District Transportation Authority will buy two buses that are longer than the typical bus and will bend in the middle to go around corners. Read more. Albany Area Leads Job Growth  After adding 4,500 private sector jobs from November 2013 to November 2014, the Albany metro area leads Upstate job growth. Construction was the fastest growing industry in the area, with 2,800 new jobs. Read more. Photos: Wellington Row Looking Better by the Day  We walked by Wellington Row in late December and snapped some photos of what the construction site looks like these days. Work continues, and it's looking better by the day See photos. ACCVB Foundation Grant Recipients Announced  The Palace Theatre and Albany Symphony Orchestra were among the recipients of grants given out by the Albany Convention Center and Visitors Bureau onDecember 1st. See photos. Kinderhook Bank CFO Talks New Role, Growth  Kinderhook Bank's new CFO is looking ahead to the company's future and recently spoke to The Business Review about his career. Read interview. The Hollow Named Best Club in Upstate New York  The Hollow Bar & Kitchen was named 2014 Best Club in Upstate by Upstatelive. Another Downtown venue, the Palace Theatre, also received Honorable Mention in the Best Theatre category. Read more. KeyBank Expands Number of Surcharge-Free ATMs  KeyBank customers looking to save a few dollars and change now have access to more than 50 surcharge-free ATMs. Learn more.
	Downtown Albany BID, NY • downtownalbany.org • 518-465-2143