New York is a breeding place for the entertainment industry, and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg acknowledges that every year. On June 15, 2009, Mayor Bloomberg presented the fourth annual “Made in NY” Awards at the Gracie Mansion to six individuals and organizations that have shown an influence or accomplishment in their field.
The five New York-originated winners are award-winning actress Edie Falco; In The Heights composer-lyricist-star Lin-Manuel Miranda; Senior Vice President of the Entertainment Group for Nielsen Business Media Gerry Byrne, who works with global entertainment and brands such as Billboard and Adweek; Hungry Man, an award-winning international production company; “Sesame Street,” the almost 40-year-old TV show; and Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts, a not-for-profit advocacy organization the helps prevent racism in the entertainment industry.
“New York City is home of some of the most talented people on the planet, and tonight’s honorees prove just that,” says Bloomberg. “They have become stars here in the city in various facets of the entertainment industry, and we’re proud to call them all New Yorkers. Our film and television industry is critical to our city’s economic success, and it’s the reason we created the ‘Made in NY’ tax incentive.”