CBA fosters growth, networking in Cadiz

By Rebecca Bratten Weiss Harrison News-Herald Staff Writer

CADIZ — Local business owners interested in connecting with other entrepreneurs and with the larger community have a helpful resource in the Cadiz Business Association.

The organization, which has been around for about 40 years, fosters business growth while also engaging in various community projects.

Dr. Jackie Hutyera of the Cadiz Business Association talked to the News-Herald about the organization’s purpose and activities.

“We obviously network,” she said. “People in various businesses are in contact with other business people, and that is a valuable asset.” Hutyera shared that the association meets once a month, at noon, during lunch break, so business owners don’t have to lose time out of their work day. At present, she said, they are meeting at the Cadiz Country Club, on the second Wednesday of every month.

Once or twice a year; however, instead of a noon meeting, they meet after work at the winery in Cadiz. “We have some networking, and a lot of fun,” said Hutyera.

Every year, usually the first weekend in June, the Cadiz Business Association organizes the village-wide yard sale. “People can pay just a few dollars to be on a list, and people can pick that list up from the visitors center so they’ll know who’s selling what, and where to go,” Hutyera explains.

One of the projects the association is involved with is beautification. They are responsible for putting the big concrete pots in uptown, and working with a local florist, who plants them and keeps them watered.

“We also do the Christmas parade, on the first weekend in December,” said Hutyera. “Different businesses have floats, we have the school band, the dance school marches and dances, then at the end of the parade, we have Santa Claus—sometimes he comes in on a carriage.”

After the parade, when children gather and talk to Santa, often in the fire hall. The Cadiz Business Association arranges hot dogs and hot cocoa, as well as treat bags for the kids.

The association is also responsible for organizing other seasonal events, including the judging of window decorations in various businesses in Cadiz and outlying areas,

See GROWTH Page 7