The Brambleton Business Association (BBA) is closer to becoming a reality, forming along the lines perhaps of the Williamson Road Area Business Association. WRABA executive director Wendy Jones addressed the second meeting of interested merchants on or near Brambleton Avenue in November; last week the BBA met for a third time to hash out bylaws and other organizational details like member dues. By next month it could form a charter.
The BBA now meets at 9am on the third Thursday of every month at the Brambleton Center; businesses along Brambleton from Brandon Avenue in Roanoke City to the Cave Spring section of Roanoke County where the road starts to head uphill to Bent Mountain are eligible to join. Merchants in the vicinity that are not located on Brambleton have also expressed an interest in becoming members, according to Gloria Fox of Potentially Chic, one of volunteers working on the bylaws.
“We’ve had a lot of excitement,” said Fox, who restores vintage furniture, sells some new pieces, and offers kitchen cabinet makeovers and interior decorating services. “There’s been a really great response so far.” Having a “bigger voice” in getting things done along the Brambleton corridor is one motivator for the BBA, said Fox. “Trying to get some things done in the area – a big group would definitely be a little louder.”
Wendy Jones imparted some of those thoughts in her talk in November; she’s been working to find funding to beautify the streetscape along Williamson Road, which involves city and county properties. Jones has even led walks, accompanied by local government and public safety officials along the busy roadway, pointing out what she and other WRABA members would like to see there in the future.
Gaining more business is the principal goal of course said Fox, along with the networking: “getting to know each other. Sharing ideas and being able to refer [clients and shoppers] to each other.” Fox said Roanoke County officials have been very helpful in sending out notices to potential members; Roanoke City has also been taking part in the monthly meetings.
By next spring the Brambleton Business Association hopes to start staging some joint events; perhaps sidewalk sales, open houses and maybe a tie-in to the annual Grandin Court 5k/10k races in May. (See the Brambleton Business Association Facebook page for more information.)
“We are working on the bylaws right now,” noted Fox, “and definitely by the spring we should be seeing some events and special things going on.” Fox estimates as many as 100 businesses – from tobacco shops to Kroger “and everything in between” have expressed an interest in joining the BBA.
By Gene Marrano
