SHAYNE R. GALLO
MAYOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MAY 13, 2014

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KINGSTON ADOPTS TOWNSQUARED FOR LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT

Kingston, NY – On May 9, the city of Kingston became the first east coast community to partner with Townsquared, a free and private online network for local business owners and employees within their neighborhood. The launch effort was led by Kale Kaposhilin, community advocate and principal of Evolving Media Network, a local Kingston small business. "I realized instantly that the Townsquared platform was going to be a solution that would play perfectly into what we've been doing with the community in Kingston." Kaposhilin said, "Finally we have an online tool which is specifically designed to connect local businesses and organizations with each other. From our smallest companies to the mayor himself, everyone that I've talked to is excited about different ways that Townsquared can be helpful in Kingston."

Mayor Shayne Gallo and the Kingston Office of Economic Development & Strategic Partnerships also lent their support to the launch of Townsquared Kingston. Director Gregg Swanzey cohosted an event at City Hall to announce the launch, answer questions and sign up small businesses for Townsquared. “Townsquared will help us build strong neighborhoods in the Uptown Stockade District, Broadway – Cornell Street Corridors, and on the Rondout Waterfront,” Swanzey said, “and bring the city together driven by our innovative business community and active residents.” Both the city of Kingston and Townsquared believe that, through collaboration, business owners can improve the economic prospects of the city and their individual businesses in turn.

Mayor Gallo said, “Townsquared fits perfectly with the Business, Education, Arts, and Technology (BEAT) initiative as we build capacity for a livable city.” Townsquared has been used by small business owners to ask and answer operational questions, discuss crime and safety, organize marketing partnerships, engage with government organizations, and share recommendations and resources. As of this release, 43 Kingston small business owners, managers and employees have joined, representing 27 unique small businesses. Local companies such as R&F Handmade Paints, Kingston Happenings, Revival City Farms, DragonSearch Marketing, The Art Riot, and Luminary Publishing were among the first to jump on board with Townsquared Kingston.

The number of businesses and people associated with those businesses who are actively using Townsquared Kingston continues to grow as word gets out and more organizations get involved. Any local business interested in joining and connecting with their neighboring businesses should visit www.townsqd.com and click “Get Started – It’s Free”.

About Townsquared:
Townsquared is a free online service for local business owners and their staff to collaborate on a secure and private network with other businesses in their community. From security and neighborhood safety, to government engagement and regulation, and even hiring, small businesses share many of the same problems. Despite a desire to interact more with other local owners and employees to share and find solutions, the demands of running a small business prevent many from reaching out. Townsquared opens the door allowing fellow business owners and staff to interact on a free and simple platform.

Company highlights:
? Kingston is Townsquared’s first launch outside of the state of CA
? Launched the first neighborhood in August 2013
? Currently in neighborhoods in and around San Francisco
? Raised outside capital for expansion

Quotes (available upon request):
? Linda Missal, Partnerships Manager for Townsquared
? Kale Kaposhilin
? Gregg Swanzey
? Kevin Godbey

Examples of Recent Press
San Francisco Gate: SF Chamber, Townsquared team up to connect local business
Noe Valley Voice: Townsquared Ties Merchants Together
Venture Beat: Townsquared quietly picks up $5.26M to create local business communities

Media Contacts:
Linda Missal – Townsquared, Inc.
[email protected]
(760) 209-4094

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