Seriously, in an economy like this, can there be too many helping hands?
Rather, we have too few people who take the time to understand the differences in role, mission and intent between existing economic development organizations. This is an example of intellectual laziness, to be sure, and while troglodytes are to be forgiven, I expect more from elected officials.
If one is an independent small business owner in New Albany, downtown or otherwise, consider this question:
Rather, we have too few people who take the time to understand the differences in role, mission and intent between existing economic development organizations. This is an example of intellectual laziness, to be sure, and while troglodytes are to be forgiven, I expect more from elected officials.
If one is an independent small business owner in New Albany, downtown or otherwise, consider this question:
Which currently chartered economic development organization exists for the primary stated purpose of protecting and expanding his or her interests as an independent small business owner?
Yes, One Southern Indiana performs a needed function in attracting and servicing larger businesses and industries. Develop New Albany is at its best when it adheres to Main Street's four pillars and executes visitor events like the well-regarded Jingle Walk. Then there's the Urban Enterprise Association, with a narrower state-drawn mandate and plenty of useful programs therein.
What about the city of New Albany, which decades ago out-sourced the bulk of its traditional economic development activities to other entities?
Yes, One Southern Indiana performs a needed function in attracting and servicing larger businesses and industries. Develop New Albany is at its best when it adheres to Main Street's four pillars and executes visitor events like the well-regarded Jingle Walk. Then there's the Urban Enterprise Association, with a narrower state-drawn mandate and plenty of useful programs therein.
What about the city of New Albany, which decades ago out-sourced the bulk of its traditional economic development activities to other entities?
Don't make me laugh. The outgoing mayoral tandem has tried to force-feed its own chosen winner for four years running, and succeeded only in harvesting a crop of even hardier mistrust. Can Jeff Gahan improve on this sorry record?
Again, I ask:
Which of these economic development organizations exist for the express purpose of protecting and expanding one's interests as an independent small business owner?
The answer: None of them.
However, New Albany First is in existence precisely to fulfill this purpose, and as such, it performs a function otherwise left untouched by the others.
New Albany First is an independent small business association; that's what it does, that's why it is here, and since virtually all reputable economic analysts point to the enduring importance of just this sort of grassroots business activity, it should be obvious that whether NA First's advent is of recent vintage, or dates from a point earlier in time, is utterly irrelevant to considerations of its worthiness.
Again, I ask:
Which of these economic development organizations exist for the express purpose of protecting and expanding one's interests as an independent small business owner?
The answer: None of them.
However, New Albany First is in existence precisely to fulfill this purpose, and as such, it performs a function otherwise left untouched by the others.
New Albany First is an independent small business association; that's what it does, that's why it is here, and since virtually all reputable economic analysts point to the enduring importance of just this sort of grassroots business activity, it should be obvious that whether NA First's advent is of recent vintage, or dates from a point earlier in time, is utterly irrelevant to considerations of its worthiness.
For Councilman Zurschmiede to suggest earlier this week that NA First is somehow unworthy because it is youthful, and for him to use words like "slap in the face" to imply that existing hierarchies must be monetarily fluffed sans attention to what they've actually ever achieved to merit monetary fluffing, is beyond regrettable. For Councilman Caesar subsequently to remark there are "too many economic development organizations" is equally (and typically) short-sighted.
Both elected officials would benefit from sticking to facts, and it those facts are not in their possession, taking a few spare moments to gather the pertinent truths before venturing forth with poorly informed opinions that masquerade as "leadership."
Perhaps the incoming class of council persons will display greater comprehension, and exercise a more vigorous work ethic, when it comes to spotting the fundamental differences between the organizations we have, and encouraging each to hoe its row.
14 comments:
I'm not sure I agree with all that. As a small city with limited resources, three or four organizations with often competing agendas and expectations of City support spreads those resources awfully thin, token support rather than actual strategic implementation.
Your point about intellectual laziness is valid as too many decisions are still made based on notions of personal kinship rather than actual economics but doesn't that speak in some way to the need to make objective decisions about which of those agendas is most effective over the long term?
I agree with you that New Albany has abandoned its internal economic development role, at one point it was so ridiculous that Mayor Real chose an ordained minister to lead that effort, guess they thought they could pray for more jobs!
Now I question, Why new Albany First? You just stated that the city has outsourced its traditional E.D. Programs, why not take it back in-house, hire a true professional Economic Development Director, which can by the way be found via american economic development council and get to work!
create jobs, revitalize downtown which is coming along, I will give you guys credit there and get those workforce development programs in place so existing NA industries have a more skilled workforce which will enhance the ability of the city to bring in new employers and help existing businesses expand.
I agree with you that 1sI is pretty much a failure as is DNA.
Enlighten me why New Albany First is necessary when the real answer is what I propose: Professional E.D. as a program of the city of New Albany? After all the city has wasted 85k a year on Carl Malysz and the city does receive a considerable chunk of change in EDIT, so the city can fund an internal E.D. program.
Sounds to me like New Albany First is just a cover for protectionism and restraint of trade. Would you welcome a downtown mall with big box factory stores Roger even if the owners of the development were locals?
or how about a Tilted Kilt in downtown, again a franchise but say it was owned by a New Albanian, would New Albany First be supportive on that? or a Starbucks in the North part of town, but locally owned Franchise?
What is new Albany First real agenda, what is your program of work and how will it create sustainable jobs?
If there are to be fewer, then I know which ones to cut ...
Until then, unless the city intends to be reasonable about strategic imperatives, why not specialize?
The organizations can specialize. Some of them already have. But this conversation is about council financial support.
It makes little sense to give money to 1Si and NA 1St simultaneously. Their agendas are contradictory, creating a situation in which tax dollars would be pitted against each other. It's self-defeating.
I agree, Jeff. Today's exercise is one of rallying troops and smiting the dullards. Sometimes I get carried away.
Sounds to me like New Albany First is just a cover for protectionism and restraint of trade.
Are you aware that New Albany First follows the www.AMIBA.net model? The answer to so many questions can be found there.
The groups making the "restraint of trade" argument are typically the ones whose business models are largely dependent on massive governmental subsidies. Simply suggesting that they shouldn't receive those subsidies is, to them, "restraint of trade".
That they use their own protected position to argue that it should all be about a "free market" based solely on "quality" of product is a cruel joke that's been played on this country for far too long.
Ok roger, I will check it out in the interests of fairness and doing my due diligence, now i have a question for you: Would you as an independent business owner welcome a microbrewery/restaurant competitor to new Albany? assuming its locally owned
Would you as an independent business owner welcome a microbrewery/restaurant competitor to new Albany? assuming its locally owned
Yes. As we speak, several are in the planning stages across the river, and another perhaps in Corydon. There's no reason to believe we'll always be the only one on this side.
would you feel the same way if one opened say 2 blocks from yours?
Why would it matter, unless the city gave them a parking garage to build atop?
In Bamberg, Germany, Spezial and Fassla are across the street from each other. So are Mahrs and Keesmann. Schlenkerla and Ambrosianum are two doors apart.
well good to hear, what about a locally owned franchise brew pub/restaurant if such an entity exists or came to exist? still going to open the welcome mat?
There is one such entity in Louisville called BJ's Brewhouse; numerous franchises nationwide, and beer brewed in Nevada for shipment here.
There would be nothing I could do to prevent such an eventuality, and I would not actively fight it. If they actually brewed on site, I'd be more inclined to seek diplomatic relations. If 1Si lobbied on the chain's behalf for it to receive incentives and breaks suitable for a far-flung entity barely needing them, or if the glimmer twins gave them a parking garage, then I'd me more inclined to be annoyed.
If a local owned the franchise, I'd ask him or her why the cookie-cutter is necessary, and urge originality for the same investment as a greater potential return.
When the BJ's came into existence, the reaction of the local brewing community was boredom and indifference. That strikes me as appropriate. Real beer people simply don't go there, and those who do eventually gravitate toward the real thing.
EW, I'm out the door -- on the run the remainder of the day. I can pick it back up tomorrow.
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