- Development Counsellors International
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Development Counsellors International, also known as DCI, is a place marketing firm based in New York City that specializes in economic development and travel marketing, and investment lead generation services. Founded in 1960 by Ted Levine, the company now employs more than 40 people and has regional offices in Denver, Philadelphia, Tucson and Los Angeles.
As an organization that works directly with places around the world, DCI’s first marketing campaign was developed for the island of Puerto Rico surrounding its Operation Bootstrap program. Since then, DCI has worked with over 300 places to promote their business and tourism attributes. The firm’s clients include large economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and community and visitor’s bureaus with a focus on economic development and tourism marketing.[1]
Every three years since 1996, the firm releases a “Winning Strategies". The report includes the most effective marketing techniques in economic development and executive perceptions of the best business climates in the United States and the world.[2]
According to O’Dwyers, in 2008 DCI ranked 52nd in fees of major independent public relations firms. The company has also won the PR News’ Community Relations award in 2006 for its efforts to help the Baton Rouge community recover from the effects of hurricane Katrina.[3]
History
According to the company founder, DCI began with just one client and two employees. The company’s first office consisted of two small rooms in a medical supply warehouse on 14th Street (Manhattan) and 5th avenue in Manhattan. As the U.S. director of public relations for Puerto Rico’s Operation Bootstrap program, Levine created a model economic development program for other countries wanting to boost tourism or encourage business development. Since then, DCI has worked with more than 300 cities, regions, states and countries, helping them attract both investors and visitors.
Andy Levine, son of Ted Levine, joined DCI in 1991 and has since taken over the day-to-day management responsibilities as the firm’s president.[4]
The company’s use of an open-book management philosophy has led to unique monthly staff meetings, where employees, including administrative staffers, present the company’s financial report for the previous month.[5] For those interested in working at the company, Andy Levine, the firm’s president, requires no less than 12 references from finalists.[6]
DCI had moved its headquarters location eight times since 1960 and most recently relocated to Manhattan's Union Square neighborhood in 2007.
In July 2010, DCI acquired Mondotels, creating DCI’s meetings and incentive (MICE) division.[7] Founded in 1982, Mondotels specializes in developing meeting and incentive business for destination marketing organizations and convention bureaus.
External links
References
- ^ http://www.prnewsonline.com/news/10576.html
- ^ http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-flash08.html?project=EXECPOLL0807
- ^ http://www.prnewsonline.com/news/10576.html /
- ^ http://www.prweekus.com/Idaho-to-look-in-state-for-representation/article/126565/
- ^ http://www.inc.com/magazine/20050901/handson-finance.html
- ^ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123904785521794145.html
- ^ http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mpi/oneplus_201107/#/80
Categories:- Companies based in New York City
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