NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Celebrities are lending their voices to a new advertisement campaign promoting New York State’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
During a press conference at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan, Gov. Andrew Cuomo played a series of advertisements narrated by Robert De Niro, Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Joel, all promoting the initiatives New York State is taking to boost the economy as the state recovers from the pandemic.
Cuomo says the “Reimagine New York” public awareness campaign will focus on New York's “rebirth.”
“With more New Yorkers getting vaccinated every day, it's time to turn the page, rebuild our state's economy and look forward to a new economic future for New York,” Cuomo said. “This new multimedia campaign will promote our state's commitments to growing the economy, improving our infrastructure and helping small businesses with an assist from some of New York's most famous residents. We're highlighting new possibilities for the future as we reimagine a state that is stronger, fairer, greener, and more resilient than ever before.”
The ads will be played across New York and there will be additional animations to be featured on digital billboards throughout the state, according to the governor.
“New York State is no stranger to a challenge,” De Niro says in his PSA. “And after a most difficult year, we’re rising up stronger and building back better. We’re building new airports and rail stations, revitalizing downtowns, opening small businesses, stimulating growth across the state and providing affordable internet access for all New Yorkers. We’re New York Tough; so let’s reimagine, rebuild and renew New York together.”
The ad campaign was unveiled shortly after Gov. Cuomo announced the completion of the $1.5 billion expansion of the Javits Center.
The governor confirmed the project, which will add 1.2 million-square feet to the convention center, was completed on budget despite the challenges related to COVID-19.
Cuomo said that he hopes the expansion of the Javits Center will lead to more events that will help New York in it’s recovery. He notes that the Javits Center is the busiest convention center in the United States.
"Re-investing in on our infrastructure is critical to restarting our economy after COVID-19, and the expansion of the Javits Center will play a pivotal role in attracting people back to New York and supporting local businesses," Cuomo said. "From operating as a COVID-19 field hospital to the largest vaccination center in the United States, the Javits Center has demonstrated its importance to the recovery and resurgence of the Empire State, and this project reinforces their part in New York's economic future."
Starting on May 19, the Javits Center will be allowed to host events at 30% capacity, with safety restrictions in place.
Over the last year, the convention center had been closed as it was first used as a massive field hospital for COVID-19 patients and then later converted into the state’s largest vaccination center.
Events will be hosted in the areas of the center that are not being used for ongoing vaccination efforts, Cuomo said.
The governor notes that the Javits Center expansion will create over 6,000 new jobs and generate nearly $400 million in economic activity annually.
Stay informed, stay connected — follow WCBS 880 on Facebook and Twitter. Listen live to WCBS 880 Newsradio.