Wayland Business Association 9/1/09:  Growth beyond the 100-member mark is a key goal this year for the Wayland Business Association (WBA). And one new benefit the group hopes will attract members has the dual purpose of promoting more local shopping!

The WBA has reached into the 80s and 90s with membership over the last two years and is determined to break 100 and maybe even 110 this year. And a new feature on the WBA Web site lets members offer discounts or deals both to members and to the public at large.

This new tool is included free as a benefit to membership. It is a do-it-yourself advertising function that each member has when logged into their account at the WBA Web site. By filling out a simple form, members can present special offers to other members and/or to the community. Users can view the offers and print coupons to bring to the retailer or service company for savings.

“This is a win-win for everybody,” said WBA Co-President Dave D’Orlando who is beginning his third year leading the association along with Co-President Sue Collins. D’Orlando has been developing ideas to grow the membership and increase the WBA’s impact in Wayland. The WBA fundraising supports various community groups based on need each year.

“This year, of course, the need is to stimulate the local economy – and the WBA is promoting shopping locally. We can do that by buying products and services from local businesses – ideally the WBA members’ businesses. We hope the people of Wayland will think first about supporting Wayland companies when they need services,” D’Orlando said.

The WBA has been working hard to get its members to renew early. “We have nearly 70% paid for the coming fiscal year already,” D’Orlando reported. “We’re all volunteers and have automated as much as possible through our Web site to make it easier than ever to communicate with the membership. We appreciate when our members respond quickly and renew.”

Membership
Membership in the Wayland Business Association, costs significantly less than many such area business groups. Membership now not only includes the new advertising feature, but it also includes a full Web page on the online directory of members at no extra charge. Members are able to edit the information and publish a photo and logo as well.
To join the WBA, mail the appropriate membership dues to the Wayland Business Association, PO Box 218, Wayland, MA  01778. The categories of membership are:

• Full membership is $125 which includes dinners at bi-monthly meetings
• Associate membership is $75 with no dinners included (pay only if you go)
• Gold membership is $250 for businesses with more than 25 employees or those that want special recognition for supporting the organization and its community activities

Background
The WBA was formed more than 30 years ago based on a mission of community support. In 2009, the Wayland Business Association grew to 97 members, and supported several new community organizations with grants. The business group also changed its annual fundraising event from an auction to a night at a Vokes Theatre production.
For more information email info@waylandbusinessassociation.org or call any of the officers shown on the Web site.

 
The WBA donated more than $7,500 to community groups in the last year, including WAYCAM, Wayland High School Scholarship Fund, Vokes Theatre, Wayland Scouters, the Historical Society and more. It also supports the High School Business Education Program each year and has students visit (above, Dennis Kim explains his project while program director Jim Page listens) to report on their efforts.