Troy, New York, November 5, 2008 – Mr. Wally Altes is a well know community and business leader – in Albany. He has now taken his experience and leadership to the City of Troy and joins the Board of Directors of the Troy Downtown Collaborative. “I am so pleased to join the Troy Downtown Collaborative Board” said Mr. Altes. “Downtown Troy has great potential but we must continue to push forward new initiatives to realize that potential.  I strongly believe that the TDC can lead and partner with like-minded organizations and individuals to create a downtown where all are welcomed and can enjoy urban amenities.”   Mr. Altes is the retired president of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce, host of The Bottom Line on WMHT, and author of the blog ‘Wally’s Bottom Line’. He and his wife Jane, retired president of Empire State College, moved to the conservatory in Downtown Troy in July of 2007. The Troy Downtown Collaborative is a group of business owners, property owners, developers and community activists working towards establishing a Business Improvement District in Downtown Troy. The group’s mission also includes implementing marketing, beatification, business development and special event initiatives throughout the BID formation process. Contact: Elizabeth Young, Director Troy Downtown Collaborative 274, River Street, Troy, NY  12180 Phone: 518-727-9786 E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: www.troybid.org