Small Business Network Opens to Serve Loganville, Grayson and Monroe

It’s no secret that small businesses have struggled in the last few years, so its not surprising that many have joined together to try and help each other negotiate the tough economy. In the Loganville and Grayson area, several small business networks have popped up of late, the latest one being the Tri City Small Business Network that is based in Loganville.

Initially born out of frustration and a need to do something to help themselves and some of their fellow small business owners, the Tri City SBN was formed by a few small business owners in the Loganville, Grayson and Monroe area. The charter membership so far is comprised of a number of diverse local businesses that ranges from construction companies, realtors, insurance agents, a driving school, an exterminators, a pet groomer and a musician to name a few. Attorney and newly announced candidate for a seat on the Loganville City Council Mike Jones also is a member of group.

The Tri City SBN is not the same as the Tri City Business Association founded in July and headquartered in Grayson to serve the Loganville, Grayson and Snellville tri-city area. However, Loganville and Grayson are benefactors in both. The also serves the Loganville, Grayson and Snellville areas. City businesses also have access to the Walton and Gwinnett chambers of commerce.

“We are in the Loganville, Grayson and Monroe areas, but also cover the other small business communities like Walnut Grove, Social Circle, Youth, Yersey, Bold Springs and Between said Shane Randall of Shallow Pocket Web Design, one of the founding members. “We are a closed network and go by referrals, but until we build up more members we do have some of the same businesses in a Group – like we have more than one realtor in Group A, but as we grow we will open a Group B and move one across to that group.”

Randall said the annual fee for the charter members will only be $50 and any money left over at the end of the year will be donated to a local charity. There are 79 charter memberships left. Randall said unlike some of other business networks, there are no requirements on attendance. However, he said like everything you usually get out what you put in so participation is encouraged. Another principle of the Tri City SBN, Randall said, is that there are no plans to actively mass market to get members – the network is being grown by invites from members to other small businesses in the area. The Tri City SBN plans to hold quarterly events to showcase their businesses and support the community, such as car shows and promise to actively promote their fellow member businesses.

The Tri City SBN currently meets at 9 a.m. Thursdays in the New London School of Driving classroom at 4396 Highway 20 in Loganville.