“Wonderfully and delightfully us” -- also DNA, 1SI & HPC acronym fest.

The post heading above is my suggestion for a new city slogan.

However, it isn’t my creation. Artist/raconteur/kayaker Dave Thrasher used the phrase to illustrate a colorful story he was spinning at Tuesday’s meet ‘n’ greet, and to me, it fully encapsulates the New Albanian experience, serving both as an insider’s ironically raised eyebrow and to describe the genuinely pleasurable aspects of living here.

I was considering “Anyone but Coffey in 2007” (thanks B.), as it symbolizes the hopes and dreams of most residents who possess the dual attributes of a brain and a pulse, but perhaps that’s a bit too specific.

And anyway, let’s get away from politics for a while.

This afternoon’s schedule includes my third meeting since being invited to serve as a board member of Develop New Albany, and I’m looking forward to our welcoming Michael Dalby, President and CEO of One Southern Indiana (1SI), for a Q & A session -- which is to be differentiated from the S & M group therapy afforded unfortunate citizens by our city’s dysfunctional city council – from which Mr. Dalby bravely is seeking a pledge of funding for pursuit of 1SI’s mission, even though the likes of Coffey refuse to understand it.

Here’s the introduction to the 1SI website as a refresher:

One Southern Indiana is the combined Economic Development Council and Chamber of Commerce for Floyd and Clark counties on the Indiana side of the Louisville, Kentucky metropolitan area. One Southern Indiana proactively works to grow our regional economy through business attraction, retention and expansion; through encouraging and supporting entrepreneurs; and through providing government and workforce advocacy, business education, networking opportunities and other business services to our investors. We are one vision, one voice for business.

As a small business owner for 15 years and the operator of this civic affairs blog since 2004, my stance is one of overall support for One Southern Indiana, although there remain important questions about 1SI’s acceptance and receptivity to the ideas and trends that motivate me and mine, specifically economic development in the urban core, the proper dimension of the bridges project, aspects of historical revitalization downtown, and the like.

I’ve no reason to believe that Mr. Dalby won’t answer these questions when asked today, and do so comprehensively, and it should be an informative afternoon for all of us.

Later tonight the New Albany Historic Preservation Commission meets, and here are a few encouraging highlights from the group’s agenda:

• Signage for the new Speak Easy jazz and blues club, which is coming soon to the old antique mall building on State Street (by Firestone).
• Signage for Treet’s Bakery on Market Street (across from the Grand and Bistro New Albany), which may be open as early as next week.
• The Schad & Palmer law firm’s new construction at 303/305 E. Main Street, which was “reviewed” here a few weeks ago.
• Vinyl removal for a home on Market, and the demolition request for 525 E. Market, which as Diggin’ in the Dirt has informed, finally is close to resolution.

As an HPC member has observed, “I think it’s safe to say reports of the death of downtown New Albany have been greatly exaggerated.”

Indeed. It’s been a damned tiring past few days -- and just as stimulating.