For the third year in a row, City Theatrical has been named to the Inner City 100--a list of the fastest-growing companies located in America’s inner cities. The list is a joint project of Inc. magazine and the nonprofit Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC). Bronx, NY-based City Theatrical placed 52nd on the nationwide list of firms.
“Inc. and ICIC started the list to reverse bad perceptions that prevent businesses from locating in inner cities--and therefore prevent inner cities from thriving,” says City Theatrical president Gary Fails. “But they are finding that inner-city businesses actually set the pace for many business trends, including outstanding customer service and top-speed turnaround.”
“City Theatrical is proud to be named to the Inner City 100 for the third year running,” Fails adds. “Locating in the Bronx was a good business decision for us, and I’d like to think that by being here we also are contributing to the economic well-being of our neighborhood.”
Founded 15 years ago by Fails, a former Broadway stagehand, City Theatrical has expanded significantly and now occupies its original facility on East 133rd Street as well as three adjoining buildings. It has received 15 major product and business awards in the past six years. The company’s lighting accessories are part of Broadway shows including Chicago, Contact, Les Miserables, and Phantom of the Opera.
The Inner City 100 was created to stimulate economic activity in inner cities by showcasing companies that have thrived there. This year’s winners were selected from more than 2,300 nominees that met criteria for location, growth, and operations. Companies on the 2001 list are ranked according to their growth rates between fiscal years 1995 and 1999.