NEW ALBANY — Develop New Albany celebrated milestones, honored entrepreneurs and recognized elected officials for their contributions in growing the city’s business and historic base during the organization’s annual awards meeting Thursday.

The River City Winery, Ricke & Associates and Bottles Unlimited were among local businesses that garnered Pillar Awards for their efforts to revitalize the downtown and uptown areas of New Albany.

“I think we’re probably close to getting over the hump,” said Gary Humphrey, co-owner of the River City Winery, of the increase in businesses in downtown New Albany.

The River City Winery, which opened along Pearl Street in 2009, received the Horizon Pillar Award which honors new and emerging businesses.

Ricke & Associates  accepted the Foundation Pillar Award, which recognizes businesses or organizations located in downtown or uptown that have been established for at least 10 years.

Two Renaissance Pillar Awards were handed out, as Bottles Unlimited was honored for excellence in nonhistoric rehabilitation after business owners refurbished the State Street store following a devastating fire that gutted most of the interior.

Steve Resch was recognized for his work in redeveloping the United Gas and Electric Company building along Spring Street for the historic rehabilitation Renaissance Award.

Former Mayor Doug England and his wife Shelle received the Achievement Pillar Award for their support of downtown activities, organizations and businesses.

Among his contributions, England was credited for helping launch the Ohio River Greenway Commission, rebuilding the New Albany Riverfront Amphitheater and aiding the city in garnering a $6.7 million federal housing grant for the Midtown neighborhood during his three terms as mayor.

England, a native of Kentucky who has lived in New Albany for 45 years, said he’s proud of what his administrations accomplished for the city.

“This is really the only home I remember,” England said of New Albany.

Others including former Develop New Albany President Mike Kopp and Carl Malysz, who was deputy mayor during the England administration and now serves as director of community housing Initiatives for the city, were recognized for their contributions to the organization and business development.

“He lays awake at night and thinks, ‘what am I going to do with that empty building’,” said Develop New Albany President Susan Kaempfer of her predecessor, Kopp.

Kopp is a local Realtor who has focused on downtown commercial development. He served two terms as president of Develop New Albany.

“We’ll continue to grow the city of New Albany in big ways,” Kopp vowed.

Kaempfer will continue as president of the organization in 2012, as she first accepted the post last year. Like Kaempfer, the top members of the Develop New Albany executive committee from 2011 will continue in their positions this year including Vice President Joe LaRocca.

Along with the monthly First Tuesday business networking social, Develop New Albany organizes several events each year while also managing the downtown farmers’ market.

The New Albany Historical Home Tour, Exclusively New Albany and Holiday Fest are some of the events Develop New Albany sponsors annually.

Kaempfer anticipates 2012 will be a successful year for Develop New Albany and businesses in the city collectively.

“We want to raise the level of engagement,” she said. “We want to make sure everyone is working together, that’s the biggest thing.”