Little Organization With a Big Heart: PABA Supports Business and Community

Wondering who is behind the annual Patagonia Fall Festival, special business events, and periodic community forums? It's the Patagonia Area Business Association (PABA), a member organization whose mission it is to enhance local businesses and maintain the vibrancy and vitality of the local economy.

Originally called the Patagonia Community Association, PABA was reorganized in 2002 to focus specifically on helping local business owners enhance their enterprises. The organization continues to support a variety of community events, including community forums and festivals. Some of PABA's 2002 accomplishments include:

• Raised $1,000 for the Patagonia High School band via the 2002 Fall Festival raffle
•Moderated a community forum with the Nature Conservancy and State Parks
•Moderated a political forum that featured mayoral candidates and several important local proposals
•Relaunched www.patagoniaaz.com
•Developed an all-new full color area Visitor's Guide
•Purchased colorful signs that welcome visitors to Patagonia

Future plans include the distribution of promotional materials to Phoenix, Tucson, and other large markets, development of Mountain Empire "packages" that entice visitors, and the creation of events that bring local business owners together to network, among other things. But in order to accomplish these goals, we need you! If you are not yet a member, consider joining today—and/or volunteer your time to one of our many community efforts.

If you have any questions about PABA membership, contact Membership Chair Jenna Haugaard, gatheringgrounds@theriver.com or President Jeffrey Cooper, jeffreycooper@theriver.com.

JOIN PABA