The Greater Williamston Business Assocation (GWBA) is hoping to increase the number of area businesses that participate in the group’s efforts to promote the local business community. The GWBA currently has 35 members and a membership drive is underway through March.
The group meets on the third Tuesday of each month, usually for lunch at a local restaurant. The February meeting was held at the House of Pizza Restaurant in Williamston on Tuesday and was attended by approximately 17 members.
All local businesses are invited to attend a meeting or contact President Chris Trotter for information on the GWBA.
During the business portion of the meeting, Trotter said the association will have window decals available for all members to display and the group discussed their next project.
The next event for members will be the Annual GWBA Easter Egg Hunt held in Williamston’s Mineral Spring Park. The event is free to area residents with small children and includes prizes and fun.
The event will be held on Saturday, Mar. 16 with a rain date of Mar. 23. Easter Sunday will be Mar. 31.
The GWBA is also looking into ways to promote the town and will consider a GWBA website.
During the meeting Tuesday, Williamston Mayor Mack Durham and Jack Ellenburg announced plans for a new festival in June.
The Heroes, Bluegrass and Barbecue Festival will feature the Defenders Motorcycle Club and honor local police, fire and EMS personnel, the mayor said. Durham said the event is another in a series of festivals and events he would like to see the town host in an effort to promote the town and attract people to it.
Durham said he would like to see this festival and others bring people to the town and benefit local businesses.
Ellenburg said this will be another exciting event for the town with motorcycles on display, all day bluegrass music, barbecue and other activities including special recognition of local “Heroes.”
The GWBA was invited to participate in some way.
GWBA president Chris Trotter encouraged members to consider ways the association could be a part of it.
Anderson County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Chad McBride offered the group advice on safety in the workplace.
McBride said businesses should look at internet security, having good working security cameras and a plan in place in the event of an intruder or shooter.
