"Good Morning. This is Mayor Mike Bloomberg.

"Creating jobs is the number one challenge facing all levels of government - and in New York City, we're working every day to find new ways to spur economic growth. Last week, we saw major progress in three critically important industries: construction, film and television and tourism.

"Let's start with the construction industry, which is a major driver of our city's economy. When buildings are going up, it means materials and equipment are being purchased or rented from suppliers, and that salaries are being paid to workers. And last year, even as there was a 7.7 percent increase in the number of construction permits issued citywide, we also experienced an 18 percent decrease in the number of construction-related accidents. Between 2009 and last year, the drop was even bigger: 41 percent. That's thanks to our Department of Buildings' efforts to draft new workplace safety standards, increase enforcement and raise awareness about safety at construction sites.

"Another area where we're seeing record improvement is in our growing media industry. Ten years ago, only nine primetime television series were based in New York. This season, thanks to the work of our Office of Media and Entertainment, that number is up to 23 - the most ever. Last week, I visited the set of one of those series, 'Gossip Girl,' to celebrate the show's 100th episode, which will air tomorrow night. And 'Smash,' which premieres next week as part of NBC's primetime lineup, filmed scenes at the legendary St. George Theater in Staten Island. Our success in attracting primetime shows to locate here is part of a broader story of achievement.

"Last year, New York hosted more than 140 shows and 188 films. These productions support some 4,000 local businesses all across the city, including many glassmakers, lumber suppliers, hardware stores, and restaurants. Taken together, the industry contributes approximately $5 billion to our economy each year. And approximately 100,000 New Yorkers make their living working behind the scenes in film and television in careers ranging from carpentry to catering.

"Our $32 billion tourism industry also supports a broad range of jobs - from employees in art galleries and waiters in restaurants, to managers in hotels and sales clerks at clothing stores. Last year, thanks to the great work of the city's marketing and tourism agency, NYC & Company, as well as our success in making our streets safe, our parks greener, and our cultural institutions even more dynamic, New York welcomed 50.5 million visitors. That's up from our earlier estimate of 50.2 million, and it means that we've surpassed our original goal of 50 million annual visitors by 2015. And we also set a record for the number of tourism-related jobs. Today, the industry employs more than 320,000 people:  The most ever.

"Our construction, media production and tourism strategies are critical to diversifying our city's economy. And along with many other industries, they are growing and supporting jobs for New Yorkers of all backgrounds.

"This is Mayor Mike Bloomberg. Thanks for listening."