Grant Applications- as a registered nonprofit organization we have received grants to enhance business profitability and coordinate the efforts of marketing consultants.
New Resident Welcome Card- full color postcards mailed to all new residents of Gibsonville, quarterly providing links to web information about town and businesses.
Group Advertising – by sharing advertising cost you get larger coverage and customers are drawn to town by other businesses as well.
Website- as a member you have access to the GMA website so you can place your information where more customers will see it. We notify all members of events and business information.
Facebook- as a member you are able to have your Facebook information on the GMA Facebook page, plus we coordinate “Facebook Buddies” where GMA merchants repost other GMA merchants information to get wider circulation.
SCORE- We coordinate with the Gibsonville Small Business Administration Representative to facilitate information about free business assistance programs.
Activities to Promote Downtown:
Market Days- twice weekly market on the Downtown Greens (SAT & TUE) from June to October brings hundreds of potential customers to town.
Concerts on the Greens- summertime monthly Saturday evenings free concerts (June-Aug) draw hundreds more customers to downtown.
Fall Festival- over 5000 people attend this fall street festival on Main Street.
Lighting of the Greens- over 4000 people attend this evening business open house and street events (carolers, Santa, rides, garden rail road)
Parades-over 3000 people attend the Christmas Parade on Main Street.
Garden Railroad- operates every SAT from April to December between 9 am to noon drawing hundreds of customers to downtown to this free public attraction.
Networking- We promote each other by sharing information concerning sales and business events plus we are customers of each other.
Representation
City of Gibsonville- as a merchant association we have a strong voice in matters that effect downtown businesses (parking, event coordination, etc.). We are members of many of the city’s various committees that directly impact our downtown businesses. There is strength in numbers so your ideas and suggestions have more impact when presented by GMA.
Other Benefits
Springwood Church Road/Hwy 70 Sign Advertising Opportunity- Members can place advertisements on the hanging portion of the GMA sign for 30 days at reduced rates.
Education- We provide access to free training regarding customer service, window display, and how to profit from special events.
Window Signage- by displaying your GMA membership seal at your business you are supporting our local business community.
Merchants Association Meetings- we hold monthly meetings to discuss ideas, projects, and get information from government officials. You can meet with your peers and swap information. Meetings are held at 1 PM on the second Monday except for July and December.