The Clintonville Area Business Association has now added more than 50 companies to its roster, following the promotion of membership that began in March.
The goal was to triple membership to 150 by January 1, and CABA executive director Nancy Kuhel says that number is on the right track.
“I hit 100 or I plan to hit 100, so that’s fine,” she said.
“This is very reassuring. I think a lot of it is that our members are aware of the value and are better able to communicate the value of being a member.”
The non-profit officially launched around the end of June 2021 and immediately signed on to 15 members.
CABA replaced the Clintonville Area Chamber of Commerce established in 1995. This chamber of commerce once had more than 300 dues, but he disbanded in 2020 at the start of the COVID pandemic.
Kuhel said the situation is different now, with local family businesses wanting to know what services they can offer to their communities and also looking for providers.
“The small business community is coming back,” she said. “People are looking to connect with neighbors and local businesses in their communities.”
Much of the drive relied on good old fashioned door knocks by Kuhel and other members of the CABA board. The trade association has also contacted other local organizations about neighborhood activities. For example, CABA partnered with Experience Clintonville in Holidayville on December 4th.
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The Clintonville Area Business Association has partnered with the Southern Ohio Chamber of Commerce Alliance to give members greater access to services such as group health insurance, unemployment insurance, payments processing, cybersecurity, shipping, energy and sustainability. It is, Kuchel said.
At the local level, CABA is in constant contact with members and responds quickly to member communications, she said.
Local businesses also regularly host after-hours events, she said. According to her, a coffee with CABA will be launched in her January for members unable to attend the evening event.
The entry fee is $165 per year for businesses with up to 2 employees. Fees increase with each company’s staffing level, and he is $1,000 for unlimited employees. Special promotional services are also offered to these companies.
According to Kuhel, interest rates will be raised by 10% in January. To join or learn more, please visit the group’s website at clintonvilleba.com.
Kuhel hopes to add another 150 to 200 members to the organization over the next year.
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“I think we’ve accomplished a lot,” she said. “Companies told us we were useful and valuable.”
Brad Harkrider, owner of Hank’s Texas BBQ at 2941 N. High St., recently attended CABA
“I think it’s important to participate,” said Harkrider.
gseman@thisweeknews.com
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