A new media company has come to Kingston, buttressing efforts to create a digital corridor of computer-savvy entrepreneurs and their companies in the first capital of New York state.
The computer company Oxclove Workshop has become part of 33Delivered, creating a digital media resource focusing on “improving the human condition” as one of the co-owners says, by bringing solutions in the increasingly complex digital environment at substantially lower prices than competitors to cultural, philosophical or educational non-profits  such as one of their current clients, the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
The company, now known as 33Oxclove, came to Kingston for two reasons: an abundance of talent in the industry and far cheaper costs than in Manhattan, Brooklyn or other computer centers, said co-owner David Yakir. “We have been very, very successful so far,” said Yakir, noting that 33Delivered was successful in its own right before acquiring Oxclove
Now, he said, “We doubled employment in two months and are actively recruiting web development and design talent,” as well as looking to expand its uptown Kingston Wall Street office space.
Yakir has 20 years of expertise in advertising, media, digital marketing and entertainment. He founded one of the earliest digital media and advertising agencies, Blue Marble Advanced Communications Group (now part of Publicis Group) in 1994, which was named a “top five agency” by Adweek.
Yakir later was chief digital officer for Young & Rubicam Brands companies; he emerged from early retirement to start the new venture with co-owner Jim Edelstein. The two met 18 months ago while working on web projects for the American Museum of Natural History.
“There”™s two parts to our business that foster success,” said Yakir. “In the general sense of our services, we are a strategic creative and development company that works with clients and institutions to develop their digital process on all platforms.
“We also differ in that, with our understanding of the complexity of the digital world right now, where so many different skill sets are necessary, we are able to augment their internal team,” said Yakir. He said that at the Museum of Natural History, executives have integrated a dozen 33Oxclove employees into the museum operations.
And said co-owner Jim Edelstein, Kingston is proving a fertile place to grow a computer business. “We really think it”™s a great place for creative companies as well as computer companies to locate,” said Edelstein. “We found a lot of computer expertise up here already and hope to attract more.”
The company”™s leadership has met with Ulster County Executive Mike Hein to seek ways the company can help promote the city and county and aid its art groups and other endeavors. In addition, it seeks to assist in creating wireless access zones by getting the broadband and other infrastructure installed.
“33Oxclove is an ideal fit for Ulster County with our high-tech and art community,” said Hein. “Growing firms like this will provide the economic stimulus and jobs Ulster County needs.”
The mayor of Kingston is also happy to have his city showcased by savvy entrepreneurs. “33Oxclove”™s decision to expand its presence and employment base in uptown Kingston shows the many benefits the city offers as a location for firms focusing on digital technology, the arts and related areas,” said Mayor Jim Sottile.
