Galloway Township Business Association to Introduce New Board of Directors at Kickoff Event

The has a specific focus heading into 2012, and it all begins with the GTBA's Kickoff Event, Jan. 31 at the , 6 p.m.

“This year’s focus will be on four areas that are important to the business owners of Galloway—networking, education, advocacy and joint promotion," said incoming GTBA President Mary Crawford. "All our activities from seminars to events will speak to these objectives for our members.” 

Steve Moliver had been acting as the association's president since its inception. At the kickoff event, Crawford will take over the lead for the association. Moliver will remain on the board as the immediate past president.

Moliver started the organization and was the association's president for the first few months of its existence. He took over for the departing president last year and served in that position for a year, but his goal was never to be the permanent president.

Moliver touted Crawford's organizational abilities, her ability to use technology to communicate effectively and to generate engagement among the qualities that he believes will make her a successful president.

"It's Mary's organization to lead and her agenda to set," Moliver said.

Crawford has been a member of the GTBA for two years, and has served as a director for the last year.

"The GTBA had a lot of changeover on its board in the past 12 months due to job and life changes and we were not as active as we would have liked to be," Crawford said. "I signed on to be president to bring some stability to the organization, and because I believe that a group like this can be very beneficial for the town. I have lived in Galloway for over eight years and the businesses that make up this town are extremely important to our community.

"We want to help those businesses succeed. As our group grows, we are looking forward to doing some town beautification projects as well as offer a scholarship. We want to be seen as both a small business support organization as well as a community organization."

Like Crawford, Ava Holly Lewis, Stephen Fiedler and Kenny Patel, the outgoing vice president, have all been with the GTBA since early on in its existence. Lewis will take over as vice president, while Fiedler will serve as the new secretary.

Richard Mannin and George Pappadopoulos will serve as directors, and Kellie Spawton will remain treasurer.

“We are planning monthly workshops as well as quarterly events designed to showcase the businesses in Galloway," Crawford said. "We offer joint advertising specials and networking opportunities for members to get to know each other.   This allows for some smaller joint promotions – for instance maybe the florist and the bakery get together and offer a combined Valentine’s package.  The GTBA provides the opportunity for that conversation to take place.”

The kickoff event is free and the GTBA is encouraging all professionals and business owners to attend and learn more about the association. RSVPs can be sent to RSVP@gallowaybusiness.com, or by calling 609-858-5858.

To learn more about the GTBA, visit gallowaybusiness.com or facebook.com/GallowayBusiness.