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OUR MISSION:
Proactively taking part in the rebirth and development
of the Greenway Area Communities.
OUR VISION:
A multitude of individual flashlights cooperatively shining
to form a beacon of brilliance.
  GABA (Greenway Area Business Association) represents seven towns, eight townships and about 8,200 people within a 185 square mile area in Northeastern Minnesota. It accommodates approximately 200 businesses and boasts a 25% GABA membership rate. Our current membership of 55 plus includes business owners, local media personnel, city council representatives, school board electives, school administration, non-profit organizations, local realtors and concerned citizens. With membership more than doubling in the last year, our focus is changing to encompass larger community issues.
 What are we about? 20, 30, even 50 years ago this area was booming with industry. Schools and towns had enough money to achieve their goals, and local business thrived. How times have changed! State and federal governments have trimmed the fat from their budgets, and schools gradually lost drastic numbers in both students and aid. A plan to regain our prosperity was desperately needed. Enter GABA! GABA members focus their energy on fulfilling our mission with progressive thinking and consistent application.
Why a need for GABA? Dialogue is good, but action speaks volumes. With local school districts losing over 900 students between 2000-2004, we can sit by the wayside and watch our communities and schools disappear, or get involved and participate in their rebirth.
GABA has five committees that comprise the association: Beautification, Fundraising, Marketing, Economic Development and an Education Liaison with I.S.D. 316.
These committees oversee projects from planting trees along main streets to increasing visibility of towns and tourist facilities, from enhancing or developing community celebrations (currently "A Night on the Town", Marble Daze and Fish-A-Rama) to working side by side with IDC Jobs 2020 on assisting local communities with business and industry development.
We also aim to strengthen communication lines between local government officials and councils. Views and opinions can widely vary, but everyone envisions the best for their community. GABA seeks to focus on issues that will improve this area, and implement them! GET INVOLVED, this is Your Community!We need your commitment to prosper once again.
If you want more information on GABA, call 245-2995. Better yet, plan on attending our monthly meetings at the Greenway High School cafeteria. Our meetings are on the fourth Thursday of every month at 7PM. We would love to hear your proactive ideas.
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Fundraising Committee
This is GABA's energy source. They are responsible for events such as: A Night on the Town and Fish-A-Rama Family Day. This committee's hard work and dedication embodies the heart and soul of GABA.
Committee members we are looking for: should enjoy planning and organizing events. They need to be reliable and willing to put forth extra effort a few times during the year.
Economic Development Committee
Our three objectives are:
- To advocate and assist existing or new businesses in the Greenway area by overcoming obstacles and provide support while working with government entities.
- To provide community infrastructure assistanc. Some examples are: the Hwy 169 by-pass, railroads, water/sewer, electrical supply, industrial parks, etc.
- To update GABA members on projects in the Greenway area that may impact the local community such as the Eagle Ridge Holiday Inn and Suites, the Hwy 169 by-pass, Canisteo Mine Pit, Excelsior Energy and Minnesota Steel Industries.
Committee members we are looking for: should be those who need assistance or people who want to advance the rebirth of the Greenway area through business development.
Beautification Committee
This committee seeks to enhance the all-around look of our communities through signage, downtown beautification, storefront renovations, etc. Members are proud to live and work in the Greenway area. Through collaboration we can develop a comprehensive plan that promotes funding, facilitates excellence and creates a common beautification theme.
We are currently planting memorial trees in downtown Coleraine that have been purchased by individuals. We are also working on signage development, placement and funding.
Committee members we are looking for: should have ideas for community enhancement paying particular attention to Coleraine, Bovey, Taconite, Marble, Calumet and Pengilly.
Education Committee
The Greenway School District is a uniting force in our local communities. "Raider Pride" runs strong, and GABA supports our school district through promotion of educational activities and programs. GABA recognizes that young people are our future and our most valuable asset.
Committee members we are looking for: should have a strong desire to promote the school district and its facilities to local business communities and residents.
Marketing Committee:
This group works closely with our other committees to inform the public about GABA through press releases, ads, and other marketing material. They also foster the membership growth of GABA.
Committee members we are looking for: should be creative, have an interest in writing and marketing, be organized and goal oriented. |
Homepage | About Us | Members | Community Calendar | Contact/Join | Bookmark
Greenway Area Business Association
P.O. Box 76 • Coleraine, MN 55722
Pat 218-245-1387 or Troy 218-245-2995
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