Contact: John Angelo, SNBA Executive Director,
614.299.8050 x13
johnangelo@shortnorth.org

SNBA Celebrates 25 Years... Launches Plans for Next 25

Short North Arts District, Columbus, Oh—Nearly 150 business owners and managers filled Havana Video Lounge Wednesday evening for the Short North Business Association's Annual Meeting and to celebrate the organization’s 25th anniversary. Following a tremendous year of accolades from across the country (including articles in the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune and CNNMoney.com; as well as Ohio Magazine's honors for Gallery Hop as the "Best Arts Event in the State", and Experience Columbus' 2008 Expy Award), the SNBA announced the Arts District would not be resting on its laurels. After a quarter century of outstanding revitalization, the District finds itself on the cusp of national stardom... an acclaimed destination with top of mind recognition synonymous with its hometown: a marketing advantage held by only a handful of cities with similar destinations, including: New York's Chelsea and SoHo districts, Seattle's Pike Street Market, and New Orlean's French Market.

SNBA Executive Director John Angelo stressed the importance of nurturing the unique flavor that has made the district a sensation. He offered: “Over the years, the Short North has transformed from urban blight, to artistic, bohemian wonder. As our success builds, opportunists will take notice. From now on, when a ‘For Lease’ sign shows up in a retail space, it will not be a forgone conclusion that a one-of-kind, experiential business will set up shop. Chains, out-of-the-box concepts and non-experiential businesses will want access to the buzz. To remain relevant and vital, we must proactively identify and recruit the businesses of tomorrow... the businesses that will strategically compliment the offerings of the District and keep us in the national spotlight.”

During the meeting, the SNBA outlined a series of priorities and programs the District will pursue in 2008 and beyond to strengthen their competitive advantage in the Midwest, including:

• Reinforce a focus on art and encourage walking experiences throughout the district,
• Grow convention, tour group and traveler business,
• Advance development in the north end of the district and strive to connect with the OSU Gateway,
• Promote the district locally, regionally, and nationally as a must-visit, experiential destination,
• Improve customer interfaces on all levels, including: safety, parking, lighting, panhandling, accessibility, way-finding, and online services,
• Keep the Gallery Hop and SNBA events fresh and vibrant by introducing experiential themes and by creating new public events such as Dogtoberfest and the Halloween Extravaganza
• Help advance the city’s key initiatives, including to: attract and retain young professionals, revitalize downtown, Get Green, prepare for the 2012 bicentennial,
• Create Columbus’ true, year-round urban experience... with special focus on the holidays... to compete and draw people to the downtown area,
• Support higher density property development for both residential and commercial uses,
• Proactively recruit merchants in five key categories: art, home decor, dining + entertainment, fashion, and everyday living (pharmacy, bookstore, deli, hardware store), and
• Recruit presenting and supporting sponsors of the acclaimed monthly Gallery Hops.

The evening kicked off with remarks from city councilmember MaryEllen O'shaughnessy, followed by the reading of a mayoral citation commemorating 25 years of achievement. Pete McGinty, V.P. Marketing at Experience Columbus, spoke about the evolution of the Short North and its role in selling Columbus to conventioneers, tour groups and travel writers. He commented: "The Short North is the heartbeat of Columbus. I’ve been saying that for years. Try to imagine the city without it. We wouldn’t be the same.”

For up to the minute Short North Arts District news, visit shortnorth.org.

Short North Business Association • 1126½-A North High Street • Columbus, OH 43201 shortnorth.org