"Celebrate National Independents" at Wick's with New Albany First, tonight.

Andy Terrell, director of New Albany First, contributed this timely reminder to the newspaper. If you missed it last week, be sure to read, Andy's Book Review: "Locavesting: The Revolution in Local Investing and How to Profit From It."

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News and Tribune letters: July 5, 2011

SOUTHERN INDIANA — Writer: Go local

Friday, July 1, marked the beginning of “Celebrate National Independents” week and we at New Albany First! encourage residents of New Albany to help us celebrate our own locally-owned, independent businesses. Study after study has shown the benefits of having and supporting locally-owned, independent businesses. The owners of these businesses have strong ties to our community and they need our support. The phrase “You vote with dollars” takes on special significance when we’re talking about independent businesses. You, the customer, have the power to decide if our local businesses survive.

It’s that important.

New Albany First! would like to challenge and encourage you to do two things between July 1 and July 7. First, stop in and patronize some of these businesses located all over the city of New Albany. Second, take a moment to thank them for locating in New Albany and for adding their talents and knowledge to the rich fabric of our community. Oftentimes, a simple thank you goes a long way.

The mission of New Albany First! is to make the public aware of these businesses and to the benefits of supporting them. To that end, we invite both local, independent business owners and individuals interested in supporting our efforts to come to Wick’s Pizza tonight between 6 and 8 p.m. to help us celebrate New Albany’s independents! Stand with us as we stand with our locally-owned, independent businesses. We believe in them and in New Albany. Please make sure that you show them you stand with them too.

On behalf of the Board of Directors for New Albany First!, let me be among the first of many in saying “Thank You” to our independent businesses. We appreciate you!

Andy Terrell
Director, New Albany First!