3 minute read
Argyle Business Association
ASSOCIATION Argyle Business
by Brooke Ezzo
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The 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 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 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.
OUR TOWN CONTINUES TO GROW
“When we do, any business located within our town limits can join for free,” Haley said. “That means everyone from corporate offices to home-based businesses.”
The Argyle Business Association will offer programming to connect local businesses with town officials, as well as network amongst themselves.
“This means luncheons, coffee events, etc.,” Haley said. “In addition, we expect for the program to grow into a space for more communication and support between the town and our businesses.”
Especially in the time we are in currently, and as businesses start to slowly reopen, it is important for us to continue to support local.
Until the official launch, Haley has created Argyle’s online business directory, and there is a form for business owners to join the ABA through the town’s website.
Visit, www.ArgyleTX.com and find the directory under the Economic Development tab.
