PBA Update

The Pasadena Business Association is where membership meets opportunity. By being a member, you can grow your business and improve the community. Here are some great reasons to join PBA.

1. Monthly meeting with your peers: Networking, critical community information, business education, legislative issues — these are all things that can have a direct impact on your business. Meet people, make contacts and have your voice heard.

2. E-newsletter: Keep up with what's going on! Legislative, business and community issues are highlighted and discussed.

3. Membership listing on the website and in the printed PBA directory: The guide is essential for Pasadena residents seeking goods or services. This benefit alone makes the annual dues worth paying for.

4. Community outreach programs: A direct connection to the community that publicizes member businesses and creates interaction with residents and community leaders.

5. Workshops, round tables and seminars: Access to experts providing information to improve your business skills and discover innovative ways for your business to grow. In the past, we have hosted Facebook marketing and Google Plus local marketing classes.

6. Trade Show: Expose your business to hundreds of new customers looking to discover local Pasadena businesses.

7. Legislative power: Government officials are PBA members and attend meetings; the PBA as a group can influence decisions that affect business.

8. Social Events: We have multiple events throughout the year including an annual crab feast, scholarship fundraiser, Taste of Pasadena, annual golf tournament and more!

9. Community Events: Caring and Sharing Parade, Veterans Day ceremony, Christmas tree lighting.

10. Shop Local Program: Educate the community on the importance of keeping the money in Pasadena by shopping or using local members.

Learn more at www.jointhepba.com.

Businesses serving the Pasadena area gain a vital connection to the community through the Pasadena Business Association. Below are some PBA efforts you should know about.

Community Donations: The PBA works to make Pasadena a better community in which to live and work by donating funds and time to various education and community causes such as Hancock’s Resolution, Career Connections at Northeast and Chesapeake high schools, Downs Park summer concerts, the Route 100 flag fund, annual high school scholarships and the Education Excellence Award.

Education Committee: Working year-round with local schools, PTAs and businesses, this committee is involved in community food, clothing and school supply drives, providing for needy families. The education committee gets involved with tutoring, mentoring, and Career Connections programs for Chesapeake and Northeast high schools. It aims to make a difference by “Educating the Community for Our Future.”

Pasadena History Books: More than 8,000 copies of two history books about Pasadena have been purchased over the last nine years. Conceived, funded and produced by PBA members, “Between Two Rivers” and “The Pasadena Peninsula” were written by Isabel Shipley Cunningham. The books are sold at several Pasadena locations: Sandy Spring Bank, The Bank of Glen Burnie, Ace Hardware & Hearth at Lakeshore Plaza, and BB&T.

Membership Directory and Community Guide: Published annually, and distributed to more than 5,000 businesses and residences in Pasadena, the guide offers all members in good standing three free listings: alphabetical, business category and cross reference. Display ads can be purchased for a nominal cost as well. This invaluable marketing tool is a prime source of information for the Pasadena community. If your business is not in it, be sure to grab this opportunity for the next directory by contacting the office.

For more information, call 410-360-4PBA(4722), email pasadenabusinessassociation1@verizon.net or visit www.pasadenabusinessassociation.com.