The Westchase Area Business Association - A Primer!

Westchase is filled with dynamic businesses, big and small. There are specialty shops, unique restaurants, and services of all types. Some are brick and mortar and some are mobile or online-only.

In 2009, the Westchase Area Business Association (WABA) was formed to support and encourage these local businesses to thrive. WABA’s mission is to facilitate relationships between Westchase Area businesses by providing networking opportunities, both in person and online.

WABA is self-organized and voluntary. Membership and participation is easy; there are no dues or meeting requirements. However, like everything else in life, the more active members are, the more everyone gets out of it.

There are many ways that Westchase business owners can benefit from involvement in WABA. They can increase the visibility of their business by posting information online or hosting WABA meetings. Westchase Patch has been very supportiver of WABA, including co-hosting a meeting.

Meetings are held at 6:30pm on the Third Thursday of each month.  A Westchase business owner serves as a Host, a Co-host, or a Greeter for each meeting. In exchange for volunteering to organize a meeting, these three people are provided a few minutes to speak to the group about their business following the business portion of the meeting.

Like its members, WABA's organizers are volunteers who express an interest in promoting Westchase business. There is no pay or reward for organizers other than the satisfaction of promoting local businesses and increasing the visibility of their own. There is not a strictly defined executive board and WABA is currently looking for more local business owners to get involved. If you have any questions about WABA membership, meetings, or have any ideas for organization please feel free to contact me!

The next WABA meeting will be held on Thursday, Nov 17, 2011 at Rehab One Phyiscal Therapy at 10960 Sheldon Rd. in Tampa.