The New Albany Area Chamber of Commerce was formed in December 1996. A former New Albany Business Association decided to evolve into an official Chamber of Commerce with a mission to promote business in the area. Membership totaled 25 businesses and civic organizations. Average meeting attendance was 8. Total chamber assets totaled $25,000.

 

On January 1, 1997, the first and only staff member Eileen Leuby was hired to serve as the Executive Director. She worked from her home that first year on a part time basis and donated the office equipment. With the help of the Trustees and Eileen’s coordination a membership campaign and an inaugural golf outing were launched. Mike Fitzgerald served as the Chairman for two years and offered the chamber some office space in a converted garage behind 153 W. Granville St. Additional new trustees included Maria Huff, Carl Shye, Craig Mohre, Cally Kardules, Don Medley, Dave Mango.

 

The membership grew to 150 in 1998. Additional new trustees in 1998 included Donna Holycross, Lauren Vagt, and Michelle Adams. In 1999, David Dygert – Huntington National Bank, became the Chairman and additional new trustees included Kelly Gargasz, Annette Kestner, Jim Bownas, Dawn Dietz, Tom Keesee, Debbi Raidel, and Jim Clark. The chamber continued to add new projects including an area map and an expanded Community Guide. In 1999, membership grew to 210. The chamber coordinated the parade portion of the local Founder’s Day celebration.

 

With limited resources the chamber relied on student volunteers for projects as well as the Board of Trustees. In 1999, the first large company – Aetna US Healthcare brought over 1,000 employees into the new business campus. The chamber prepared welcome packages for new residents and the new employees.

 

In 2000, Michelle Adams from PRISM Marketing Communications became the first female Chair and additional new trustees included Brian Murray, Dave Eyestone, and Vianne Gossett. The chamber moved to an office adjacent to the lobby in the Fire Station for better security and accessibility. The modest rent allowed the chamber to accumulate some resources to purchase needed technology including an expanded website. Part time student Mindy Davis helped extend the office hours to serve the membership that soared to 300 after a targeted membership campaign. Additional trustees included

 

In 2001, Debbie Raidel from Aetna US Healthcare became the Chair and additional new trustees included Bob Parsons, Alisa Bernard, Jason Brofford, and Jill Easterling. Sue McCaffrey joined the staff team as a part time employee. Membership grew to 320. The Fire Department began handling more emergencies as the areas employment and residential population grew which resulted in the chamber conducting an office search for affordable space. Meeting attendance averaged 40 to 60 representatives. Board of Trustee Bob Parsons was instrumental in leading membership campaigns and expanded job fair services.

 

On August 1, 2001, the chamber moved to a professional office on the second floor at Market Square with the help of the New Albany Company. Eileen Leuby transitioned into the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Sue McCaffrey became Office Manager. Additional student interns were hired to assist with some of the expanded seasonal projects and increased information requests. Promotional projects continued to improve in quality due to the high level of support by the membership.

 

The Annual Golf Classic held at New Albany Country Club and the Annual Taste of New Albany raised funds to support the mission of the chamber. These events provided a source of non dues income to keep dues affordable. In addition, several generous employers helped secure sustaining financial leadership by providing platinum and gold level commitments to the chamber. Business Expos, After Hours Mixers, and joint networking events with other chambers helped showcase members.

 

In 2002, Brian Murray from First Federal Savings became the Chair and additional new trustees included Mike Platte, Bob Atkinson, Sonya Gong, Lu Klaiber, and Nancy Paul. Added contests resulted in The Annual Golf Classic achieving sell out weeks before the event. The Community Guide was reformatted into a larger descriptive product which was available on the website and in print. The annual job fair helped large employers build up an employee base. The Annual Meeting and Community Update breakfasts draw over 135 members in attendance at each. The chamber launches the Annual Holiday Celebration in Market Square on the first Sunday in December.

 

In 2003, Fred O’Dell from Heartland Bank became the Chair and membership reached 370. Additional new trustee included Bernie Bornstein, Jason Harrell, Cary Hager, Patti Whitmer, and Lori Rech. The website utility continued to increase. Jade Inc. became the website host and upgraded the chamber website services. The chamber coordinates the arrival of the Bicentennial Wagon Train Celebration for July Fourth. The chamber adds annual awards to the Holiday Salute. The Taste of New Albany took place at the former Olivia’s restaurant and sold out all available spaces and tickets.

 

In 2004, Mike Platte from McDonald Investments became the Chair and membership reached 410. Additional new trustee included Lawrence Cohen, Ramy Macias, and Barry Saltzman. The Chamber President serves on the Community Events Board and coordinates the July 4th parade for 2004 & 2005. The Chamber launches a full color Community Calendar for all area residents. The Annual Taste of New Albany moved from October to August. The Chamber began to partner with the New Albany Signature Series to bring the successful “Taste of New Albany” to an outside venue in the Market Square and allow for the simultaneous enjoyment of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra.

 

In 2005, Cary Hager from Insurance Office of Central Ohio became the Chair. Additional new trustees included Shaun Simpson, Don Strench, Brian Zets, and Shelly Thompson. Chamber structures Committees to meet strategic objectives. Task Forces include Ambassadors, Benefits, Communications, Membership, Golf, and Special Events. The amount of active members serving on task forces increased to over 25% of the membership.

 

In 2006, Patti Whitmer from Discover Financial Services became the Chair and additional new trustees included Dr. Heather Sorensen, and Dr. Andrew Skasko. The chamber raised the investment level in the school by supporting the Four Aces and continuing support for the Senior Seminar Program as a major sponsor. Taste of New Albany sells out and draws a record 25 restaurants and 600 guests. Board of Trustee Don Strench helps leads a Charter Review Committee to refine the extent and scope of the governing roles of the leaders.

 

In 2007, Shelly Thompson from Mount Carmel Center for Wellness became the Chair and additional new trustees included Nikki Tuller, Jason Hoy, Julie Guinsler, Elvah Donald, Jim and Williams. The President Eileen Leuby was selected Grand Marshal for the July Fourth Parade by the Community Events Board in honor of the chamber’s tenth anniversary. The Annual Community Update breakfast continued to feature development updates and remains one of the most popular meetings of the year.

 

In 2007, the membership has reached an impressive 475 businesses and civic organizations. The chamber purchased data management software designed just for chambers of commerce to customize communications. The organization is fiscally sound and maintains a very engaged membership. Area projects serve dual purposes to help promote the businesses and civic organizations as well as provide a valuable resource tool for residents, visitors and employees. Jade Inc. assisted the chamber with another website upgrade. The website continues to exponentially grow in connectivity and visits. On December 3, 2007, the 12 month report reflected over 97,000 annual visitors to the chamber website.