Rockmart Business Alliance looking ahead to fall, winter for promotions
Rockmart Business Alliance (RBA) is viewing new ways to promote Downtown Rockmart by hosting a series of events during the fall and winter.
They discussed continued support of the second annual 2016 Riverwalk Festival, which is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, 2116.
The Riverwalk Festival is planned to provide people of all ages a stroll through the past and present by showcasing the art and craftsmanship of local and regional artists.
This year, a number of new activities are planned. This includes a Ferris wheel that will be placed near the Silver Comet Trailhead. Although the festival is free, a $1 donation per person will be accepted for rides on this attraction.
Arts and crafts will include woodworking, jewelry, pottery, face painting, wreaths, pen-works, soaps and special entertainment for the kids with inflatables that will get their attention.
RBA members are also viewing plans for the annual Festival of Treats, which is held in late October. This gives opportunity to parents to bring their children, dressed in Halloween costumes, to celebrate the occasion in Downtown Rockmart.
RBA with the support of volunteers and local merchants
usually hosts this annual observance. More details will be given at a later date.
A fall decorating contest in Rockmart will be held, September 1 through October 31. Judges will announce the winner on Sept. 15, 2016. The winning business will be awarded a ribbon and sign to place in the store window.
The group, during the August meeting, also reviewed plans for the video that will be shown in the Silver Comet Trailhead building. The video will showcase downtown businesses. Plans are to get a quote from a professional firm that can get the work completed before spring.
Suggestions would be to have Mayor Steve Miller given a brief welcome, followed by a view of retail stores, scenic and historic sites that would attract out of town visitors.
Denise Bell gave an update on the Tour of Homes planned for Dec. 3-4. The tour will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Tickets will be on sale at local stores for $20 and participants riding a shuttle will be picked up in front of the Rockmart Historical Museum/ Chamber of Commerce building, located at 133 S. Marble St.
Bell said plans are to include 5 homes that will be decorated in a holiday theme.
During the 2015 tour, the following homes were featured: Leigh Pugh Jones, 108 S. Marble St., Stefanie and Chuck Burford, 131 Howard St., Mitch and Lynn Davitte, 300 Heard St., Mary Jane Albea, 221 Samanda Circle, and the Mundy/Young/Lester home, 219 Church St. (Church Street Manor).
Stacey Lovvorn, RBA president, presented information about membership benefits, which are:
A voice as an organization of local independent businesses
Public awareness through media coverage of RBA ongoing advocacy campaigns such as the “Buy Local” promotions Access to RBA Facebook page and website Networking opportunities, including seminars and workshops on and of interest to small business owners in conjunction with the Polk County Chamber RBA’s 2016 goals are: Educate people about the benefits of patronizing and supporting local independent businesses
Facilitate cooperative advertising, marketing, public relations and educational opportunities for members
Build brand-name recognition and encourage retention and growth of existing businesses and give support and/or assistance to people seeking to locate in Rockmart
Actively promote positive growth and a sense of community pride in Rockmart