According to the Motion Picture Association of America in Connecticut, the film and TV industries generated more than $1.81 million in wages in the past year. Danielle Bibbo (executive vice president of strategy and business development at ITV America), made a significant contribution towards that number by urging the company to relocate a substantial portion of its operations to Stamford.
Bibbo, who was also named as the head and latest member of The Stamford Partnerships board, was announced earlier this month.
Jon Winkel, CEO Stamford Partnership, explained how we were inspired to start a Media Advocacy Group after she and ITV joined us. It was conceived that the various media companies in the region could be connected and work together to benefit all. Partitions’ role is to facilitate and organize the group so that it can operate.
Bibbo said Connecticut’s tax credit was one of the main draws to relocating ITVs headquarters out of New York City. But Stamford had its own unique advantages.
We chose Stamford because it is close to New York City, where so many media professionals live, Bibbo explained. We wanted somewhere that was close to Manhattan and the boroughs but still had some city amenities. There were also some other major media companies already in the area. This felt like the right place for us.
Bibbo discovered Connecticut’s tax incentives when she was working for NBC. NBC has been a long-standing presence here in Stamford, and most of its color commentary from the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics was conducted out of its Stamford offices. She saw an opportunity to create something that would draw workers away from the city, the waterfront mixed use development. It also houses a Rhode Island-based Cisco Brewers outpost, a signature restaurant and an attractive workspace. All owned by Brent Montgomery (former ITV CEO).
Bibbo acknowledged that it is not easy to find a workforce from New York City. We believe that the officers at the village are a beacon for both our company and our employees.
According to Bibbo this effort has been largely successful. Covid’s demographic trends can even be helpful in smoothing out the transition. People who want more space, but are not locked down, are more likely to consider Stamford. Bibbo stated that those who live in the city continue to appreciate the reverse commute.
One person actually told me that he wrote books on the train. She said it with a smile.
Bibbo stated that she hopes to foster closer relationships between media companies that have relocated to the region over the past few years.
Many companies feel that competitors or rivals are common in their industry. Bibbo stated. But, we feel like these businesses are our partners and colleagues and we want to create a connected network of media companies here in Connecticut, and in Stamford.
She believes media companies can bring a vital injection of creativity to a city whose economic engine is largely built on finance and insurance companies. Winkel agrees that a deeper talent pool will benefit everyone.
Winkel stated that he would continue to check out the job boards regarding the potential implications for new media tenants in this area. Restaurants, service businesses such as print shops, and other Main Street Businesses should be on the lookout to receive a major splash benefit.
