Argyle Business
ASSOCIATION by Brooke Ezzo
Development, David Hawkins, to continue bringing it to fruition.
The concept was to create a resource not quite like a chamber but a small group
sponsored by the town to support local
businesses, similar to the one that exists in Highland Village.
“We met with the leaders of the Highland Village Business Association and got
their input,” Haley said. “As well as some influential Argyle business owners and leaders in the community.”
For a business owner, the opportunity
to participate in a business association
T
he importance of having a business association in our area is that it can create networking opportunities and raise awareness about our local businesses. An association can create resources for business owners and give them a platform to engage as our town continues to grow. Haley Pittman, EDC Marketing Technician, said the idea for a business association was brought up last year. Once she came on board this past November, she has been working with Interim Town Manager, Jeff Howell, and Director of Community
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| May 2020
has many benefits. The ability to bounce
around ideas and entrepreneurial advice is priceless. Long time business owners can share resources and teach others
how to navigate expectations from the community. Associations hold special
events for their members, giving them chances to meet with fellow peers.
“At first, we had set out a launch plan that included a mixer event at the
end of April,” Haley said. “Just as we were gearing up to announce and
start promoting the Argyle Business Association (ABA), COVID-19 hit.”
The impact of the virus has varied from business to business throughout the community. Although the plans for the ABA have been delayed, Haley said they have shifted gears to address the business owners’ needs in other ways. “We are working on an advertising campaign to support local businesses, since many of them have had to shut their doors or change their services during this time,” Haley said. “It has been wonderful to open up a line of communication with our business owners in a more centralized way.” Haley said the association is working hard to pick up right where it left off once officials are able to start planning for the official ABA launch. The goal is to make sure all business owners know the support from the town and community is there.
SMALL GROUP SPONSORED BY THE TOWN TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES
www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com
