The Webster Dudley Business Alliance officers and board have been meeting monthly over the summer and wanted to update you on some up and coming projects and meetings in the works. As always, any feedback, suggestions or comments are welcome.

• GENERAL MEETING - The next regularly scheduled meeting of the WDBA will take place on Wednesday, September 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Point Breeze Restaurant.

    6:30-7 p.m.  Regular/new business for WDBA members
    7-7:45 p.m. Presentation and speakers from Residents for Responsible Land Use & Development who will present information about the proposed shopping mall off of I-395 and Lake Parkway.
    7:45-8:15 p.m.  Q & A session/discussion

New business will include the following:

• MEMBERSHIP BROCHURE - This will be a tri-fold, 2 color brochure with member business information including location, hours, website and short blurb to be used as a referral tool between businesses as well as letting the public know who we are. We will be soliciting and updating information in the near future and would like to ask anyone who is willing to help out with this project to contact Deb Horan at booklovers@verizon.net or 508-949-6232. Once it is completed we will also need help distributing them throughout the area. Each member will also get 50 copies for their own use. There will be no additional cost to members beyond the annual $50 dues but you must be a member in good standing to be included.

• WELCOME BANNERS -  Attractive, eye-catching, high quality vinyl banners to be hung throughout Webster and Dudley starting on Main Street, East Main Street and West Main Street to welcome visitors into town and encourage the idea of community and doing business locally. Design ideas will follow to be voted on by the membership. Businesses and organizations may sponsor a banner for a yearly fee (approx. $75). If you are willing to help out on this project or have design ideas please reply to this email or contact Deb Horan at 508-949-6232.

Other news:

• COMMUNITY DAY - Sponsored by The United Church of Christ in downtown Webster to be held on Saturday, September 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the church grounds. The event will include crafts, food and music, visits with local police, emergency and fire personnel, social service agencies, storytelling, book swap, puppet theater and more. The event will be free and open to the public. The theme is “what’s new with ‘u’?, the goal being to promote a sense of unity among those who live, work and worship in the local area. The WDBA will set up a table. They are still looking for businesses to participate by setting up a table with products for sale, fliers, coupons or a presentation or give a monetary donation. Any businesses or organization interested in participating or being a sponsor should contact Rev. Deborah Loomis Lanford at 508-943-0061 or email uccfedwebster@verizon.net. This is a great opportunity to get your business in front of the whole community!

• OCTOBER ANNUAL MEETING & ELECTIONS - Nominations for officers and board members are now being accepted. Available positions include President (2 yrs), Secretary (2 yrs)and 3 Board Members (1 yr. ea). Please submit any suggested nominees (current business owners) or consider nominating yourself by emailing Rebecca Leonard at rootchakra@verizon.net. Remember, this group is only as strong as its individual members. We need your participation, enthusiasm and ideas!!