PITTSTON — Merchants in the Greater Pittston area are teaming up to promote business, share resources and participate in shaping the current and emerging business environment with a networking event planned for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24 at the World of Brew, 170 Laurel St.
Light refreshments will be served.
Jane Chropowicki, Pittston business owner and chairperson of the Small Business Merchants Association (SBMA), recognized the difficulty in promoting a business by oneself.
“It doesn’t matter if you are new or if you have been active for 50 years,” she said. “You always want to keep fresh and continue to gain new customers.”
It was this notion that prompted Chropowicki to reach out to other like-minded businesses and foster partnerships to support business growth. She contacted Michelle MiKitish and Brandi Bartush, of The Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce, and the Small Business Merchants Association was born.
Many small businesses face similar challenges such as limited funds for marketing and advertising, negotiating credit card processing fees and finding ways to compete with larger corporations. The SBMA aims to work together and give businesses a voice on issues that may impact them and their locality. Additionally, it strives to attract new businesses to Greater Pittston and establish a strong presence in the community through organized events and promotions.
Membership to the SBMA is free, however one must belong to the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce.
The business must be located in the Greater Pittston area and have five or less employees or have been in business five years or or less. As a member of SBMA, one may support and promote business while utilizing all the other benefits of being a member of the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce.
