"More to Explore" as opposed to "Come to City"? You be the judge.

Shocker number one: The big electronic billboard by Grant Line Road and I-265, reading "New Albany: Open for Business."

Shocker number two: The ad above, on the 'Bama newspaper's pop-up littered web site.

Shocker number three: The ad leads to the city's web site, where someone has decided to explicate the considerable differences between DNA and NA1st, including a knee-slapping line about DNA working closely with Urban Enterprise.

Here's the entire piece. It's actually fairly informative, at least for so long as the reader ignores the reality of past experience.

I ask again: Why doesn't NA First have a link on the city's web site?

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Two Different Groups for New Albany

Tuesday, 06 March 2012 18:56

Perhaps you have seen signs throughout New Albany that bolster the both New Albany First and Develop New Albany, and you may have wondered what exactly that means. Develop New Albany and New Albany First are in fact two different organizations, but both serve as groups that help the community.

Develop New Albany (DNA) was founded in 1990 as a National and Indiana Main Street nonprofit organization that is operated by volunteers. The community-minded individuals and business leaders that are involved with DNA focus on economic restructuring, design, promotion and organization.

"We are charged to help our community. Downtown is the main part of the charter, because when the suburbs took over, downtown got evacuated, and storefronts were left open. People went by car, so the Main Street organization came into existence," said Susan Kaempfer, president, DNA.

Kaempfer explained the four categories of emphasis. The design committee consults prospective business owners about the proper way to modify purchased buildings, which is important to have an understanding of because many downtown New Albany buildings are within the locally regulated historic districts and the National Register of Historic Places.

The area of promotions strives to make sure everyone knows about the events that Develop New Albany, always with a happy face. Such events sponsored by Develop New Albany include the Farmers Market, Exclusive New Albany, Christmas in July 5k Race, Spring Bourbon Walk in Uptown and Jingle Walk.

Develop New Albany promotes the Winters Farmers Market and of course the summer market.

Within the economic reconstruction committee works closely with Urban Enterprise in regards to attracting new tenants and businesses into the area.
Finally, within organization is how DNA operates.

"In addition to promotions, we do marketing and work with the city and Urban Enterprise to brand New Albany, and we are getting them aware, to get people down here and to get people back into Southern Indiana," said Kaempfer.
DNA works for the community as a whole.

"We work hand-in-hand with the city in economic development. We are looking at landscape of downtown. What do people need? What are some of those things we need to pay attention to? We are going to work hand-in-hand with them, and will be a voice to anyone new coming into town," said Kaempfer.

Meanwhile, New Albany First is here to support the unique needs of the independent business owner.

"We are there to support. We provide seminars of interest and that are of need. We get experts do seminars. We are also pushing that people buy and shop local," said Caufield.

Independent business means that the business is not a franchise or national chain, not publicly traded, makes independent decisions and pays for all marketing and other business expenses.

Education is key for New Albany First. Caufield explained that when one shops at a national chain, only 36% returns to the community, but 64.8% from local, independent stores return. In addition, independent businesses have more decision making power when it comes to such issues as pricing and customer service.

New Albany First holds a variety of events, including seminars featuring such experts as Allen Howie who talked about Marketing in a Tough Economy

"We are the only independent business alliance, and we support and promote and educate people about the importance of buying locally. People have questions about marketing for example. The independent businesses have specific needs," said Kate Caufield, president, New Albany First.

One doesn't have to be a business owner to join either New Albany First or Develop New Albany. For example, one can be a "Friend of New Albany First." Information on how to join can be found on each website, which is listed below. However, because they are both so different, some business owners join both.

"We are serving two completely different functions. If you need help with marketing, we can help. If you want to be part of an organization that brings more people downtown and promote historic preservation, than DNA. It's good to join both.

Todd Antz, owner, The Keg Liquors, which is located both in Clarksville and downtown New Albany, is a member of both organizations, and sees the benefit.

"Being a member of both groups has its very distinct advantages. New Albany First caters to my needs as a local, independent business with great seminars and access to information I need as a small business owner, while Develop New Albany has been fantastic about welcoming me as a new business owner to New Albany with different events and networking opportunities. There are excellent people involved with both groups, and its been great working with them all. Both truly want the best for New Albany, and you cannot go wrong with that," said Antz.

Both organizations have events throughout the year, with New Albany First holding a seminar on March 15 from 6-8 p.m., and DNA holds First Tuesday events each month. For a complete schedule and more information check out developna.org and na1st.org.