MidTown looks to add business members
- By Tony Adams – TADAMS@LEDGER-ENQUIRER.COM
It has a new name. Now the organization tasked with promoting and fostering business unity in the Midtown area of Columbus is looking to grow its member base.
MidTown Business Association, which changed its name from MidTown Merchants Association in March, will rally the business community with an 8 a.m. Thursday meeting at Columbus Public Library. It's being held in the Synovus Room.
"Our goal is to make it more inclusive, to create a more cohesive business community by including everyone," said Judy Tucker, director of community affairs for MidTown Inc., a group working to revitalize the area of the city dissected by Wynnton and Macon roads.
The association now has nearly 40 members, Tucker said, with roughly 2,000 businesses located in a large area bounded by Interstate 185 to the east, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to the south, Tenth Avenue to the west, and Talbotton and Edgewood roads to the north.
"So we have our work cut out for us," she said.
Thursday's one-hour meeting will be the group's first and will occur every other month. An electronic newsletter will be sent to members in the months no meetings are held. A Web page also is planned for merchants, Tucker said.
"This meeting will be to kind of set the stage for what's to come and to give general information as to what we plan to do as an association," she said. "So we just want everybody to take part."
Charter members of the business association include Hinson Galleries, The Butler's Pantry and Two Sisters Gallery. Newer members include Aflac, The Nursery of Lee Bayard, KIS Creative and medical physician Dr. William Roundtree.
Member fees are tiered -- $50 for two employees, $100 for three to 10 employees, $150 for 11 to 20 employees and $250 for companies that have more than 20 on the payroll.
Those wishing to attend Thursday's meeting should RSVP by calling MidTown Inc. at 706-494-1663.