It's Official, Barrington Business Association Born

The Barrington Business Association it is. And the organization plans to walk before it runs. 

Approximately three dozen business owners and managers made their first official decision as an organization Tuesday night the picking of a name. Barrington Business Association got no opposition. 

“The BBA,” said Holly Smith of Hollies on the Avenue, who presided over the meeting in the Senior Center. 

The business men and women picked that moniker because they want the organization to be more than the merchants in town. They want it to represent all of Barrington’s businesses. 

The next step they took was agreeing to pay $52 a year – or $1 a week – as dues. This means the group needs a bank account, Smith said. Everyone agreed. 

Less than 10 minutes later the BBA had set up four committees to handle certain duties: special events; finance/legal; membership/marketing, and government liaison. At the next meeting in May, those committees are expected to be filled with volunteer members. 

Creating a mission or a vision for the association was the next order of business. 

George Tamer, who owns Centre ACE Hardware, asked everyone: “What are you looking for out of the association?”

He answered his own question: “Camaraderie and communication between businesses.” 

Over the next few minutes, a host of other answers were tossed about: Break down negative perceptions about Barrington. Market the town. Shop locally. Increase visibility. Create or sponsor events that aren’t necessarily just for business. Refer customers to fellow business operators. 

Everyone seems to want “more of a business-to-business association” as a primary goal, said Smith, with a secondary goal being the marketing of the businesses in town. There seemed to be general agreement over these goals. 

Coming up with special events or taking advantage of events that already occur in town, such as the upcoming Memorial Day Parade or the annual tree-lighting ceremony at Town Hall, also got a good reception. 

So did making “welcome baskets” for real estate agents to give to home buyers or putting together “gift bags” like those given to the wives of professional golfers who participate in the annual CVS/Caremark Classic at Rhode Island Country Club. 

Doing a sidewalk sale or planning a community festival also was mentioned. Whatever the event, said Tony Brum, TD Bank store manager, “it will require participation.”

Overcoming the lack of a “walking downtown,” said Smith, which “makes it difficult to do certain events,” must also be factored into every initiative. 

Using trolleys or other shuttles is one possible way to deal with that obstacle, said Lois Coppolino of Daisy Dig’ins on Maple Avenue. She coordinated the meeting with Smith.

“We need to walk before we run,” said Joe Balasco Jr. of Vienna Bakery on Maple Avenue.

That comment seemed to sum up the session for a group that took its first baby steps just a few weeks ago.