The South Carroll Business Association

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The South Carroll Business Association (SCBA) has come a long way since its inception about 25 years ago.   Started by Peggy Holniker, a well-known local citizen, the original mission of the SCBA was the beautification of the Route 26 corridor in the greater Eldersburg area.  Back then the group met in what is now the Harvest Inn.  Now, networking is the order of the day, with a burgeoning membership that thrives on the many networking and marketing opportunities that the SCBA provides.  The overarching mission of the organization has evolved from one of community beautification to one of building a network of local business people that can connect with each other and the community.

As the South Carroll business community has grown, so has the SCBA. The South Carroll Business Association is open to any individual, business or organization located in or doing business in the South Carroll area. The organization now boasts 163 active members, ranging from home-based entrepreneurs to small “mom and pop” shops to large companies and organizations. Members are located in Eldersburg and as far away as Gettysburg, PA. Jon Allen, president of the SCBA, attributes the membership growth to the growing number of businesses in the area, the increasing importance of networking to the success of a business, and the increased visibility and activity of the SCBA in the community.

Each month members can participate in networking opportunities through a membership luncheon and After-Hours networking social events.  Luncheons are held on the third Wednesday of each month at Salerno’s Catering Hall in Eldersburg. After-Hours events are hosted by member businesses as an opportunity to showcase their products and services to other members of the organization. Members also have the opportunity to exhibit in the annual South Carroll Business Expo. There are additional promotional opportunities through newsletters, a membership directory and event sponsorships.

Members can increase their involvement with the SCBA by joining a committee.  Committees include Events, Business Expo, Golf Tournament, Membership, Newsletter, Public Relations and Government Relations. The committees are responsible for planning the annual expo, the annual golf tournament, the monthly events, member communication and keeping abreast of what’s happening with legislative initiatives both locally and nationally. A seat on the board of the Carroll County Chamber helps the SCBA to stay connected with the business community throughout Carroll County.

Leigh Johnston, owner of Diana’s Destinations, joined the SCBA about three years ago because she wanted to participate in the South Carroll Business Expo. “I’m a home-based business, so it’s a way to keep in touch with the business community here,” she says. Johnston says she enjoys the information and networking at the luncheons and has benefited from being a part of the Association.

For more information about the South Carroll Business Association visit www.southcarroll.org or attend a monthly luncheon. 

Lisa Albin is Director of Development for The Arc of Carroll County. She is a member of the Chamber’s Public Relations Committee, and is Secretary of the Leadership Carroll Alumni Association.   

For more information on any of the above items, you can contact us at: 410.848.9050. Please check back often for updates.