I remember a quote from the distant past that still rings true today. “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country!” Although, the speaker may have been referring to issues of global proportions, the point is still true when we talk about our small town and the Alachua Business League. Any single entity, be it a country and its government, or a business and its employees, has limited resources.
The same holds true for the Alachua Business League (ABL) and its Board of Directors. The board can only do so much. The ABL is a volunteer run organization, which means everyone’s time is limited. If you are reading this and you haven’t had the thought, “there just isn’t enough time in the day,” then we could use you.
This is why the structure of the ABL consist’s of a Board of Directors and various committees. The committees all have a chairperson, or co-chairs, who are non voting members of the Board of Directors. The board meets in person once a month and hears reports from the different committees. This is where all the pieces of the puzzle come together, and the big picture becomes a lot clearer. If it weren’t for the committees we would never be able to handle all of the finer details of the organization.
This is also where the members come in. As with any group of people, there is a variety of skills and knowledge that are just waiting to be put to good use. By design, we are all unique. We think differently, have different priorities, excel in different things and in general, have different points of view. But when you are fortunate enough to bring all these individual traits together, you have a fully functioning entity that gets things done.
With all that being said, the ABL needs your skills and talents. Below are a list of committees that assists the Board of Directors in the operation of the Business League. Some may meet more than others, some may meet via the web or phone calls, some may not meet at all. Botoom line, they are all important in the general operation of the ABL. To steal another phrase, “Many hands make light work.” So the more people that step up and get involved, the less work for everyone.
ABL Committees
Click on any committee below for a full description.
Advertising
Provide guidance, leadership and coordination over all types of advertising and marketing. This committee’s responsibilities include:
- Seeking new ways to advertise the ABL, its events and its members
- Contacting appropriate parties for advertising and marketing purposes
- Coordinate and assist with advertising opportunities
- Present new opportunities to Board of Directors and members
Community Activities
Integrates the ABL into activities and events happening in the City of Alachua and surounding areas.
Festival
This event is the primary financial support for the scholarships we offer, among other annual expenses. The coordination of this event is a massive undertaking with multiple moving parts. The chairman and or co-chairman oversee every aspect of the festival, however it can not happen without committed help from multiple volunteers. This committee’s responsibilities include:
<li> Solicit and register vendors</li>
<li> File event application with city and secure event insurance</li>
<li> Secure sponsorships</li>
<li> Book entertainment and ensure staging is available</li>
<li> Update and distribute signs</li>
<li> Coordinate advertising and promotions</li>
<li> Logistics for vendor spaces</li>
<li> Coordinate with city for barricades, garbage, tables, chairs, etc</li>
<li> Registration and traffic flow on day of</li>
<li> Book porta-potties and wash stations</li>
<li> And more as needed</li> </ul>
Membership
This committee’s responsibilities include:
<li> Visiting new businesses as they move into area and share info about the ABL.</li>
<li> Follow up with vendors from festival who have expressed interest in membership</li>
<li> Visit existing businesses for the purpose of sharing the ABL’s mission</li>
<li> Seek new ideas to promote the ABL to local businesses.</li> </ul>
Networking
The heart and soul of the ABL and its stated mission, “Business Supporting Business.” Through that lens, we have created several events throughout the year that allow members to meet each other in a relaxed atmosphere; to get to know each other better; and to share information about their respective businesses. Currently, we have two signature events that take place throughout the year: Network Challenges and Meet and Greets. This committee’s responsibilities include:
<li> Contact members who have expressed interest in one or both of these events</li>
<li> Schedule dates, times and locations for events</li>
<li> Coordinate sponsors, menus, prizes, etc for events</li>
<li> Seek new ways to assist members and businesses to network together</li>
<li> Coordinate events with Board of Directors</li> </ul>
Scholarship
The ABL provides various scholarships for Sante Fe College, to applicants from Sante Fe High School. This committee’s responsibilities include:
<li> Determine and provide criteria for applicant’s eligibility</li>
<li> Review student applications</li>
<li> Meet as a committee to discuss and select top student choices</li>
<li> Attend Foundations Scholarship presentation to represent the ABL, if desired.</li>
<li> Report back to board any concerns, changes or suggestions regarding the ABL’s role or responsibilities to the Foundation or any other entity deemed appropriate</li> </ul>
Social Media
Keep all social media platforms up to date with fresh content and current happenings. This committee’s responsibilities include:
<li> Photographing events and meetings</li>
<li> Posting above photos into various social media platforms</li>
<li> Posting calendar events in various platforms</li>
<li> Post videos into You Tube as needed</li>
<li> Set up and maintain social media accounts as needed.</li>
<li> Populating same accounts with content.</li> </ul>
Website
Assist with upkeep of ABL’s website. This committee’s responsibilities include:
<li> Assist members with updates and changes to their information</li>
<li> Add and update event information to the event Calendar</li>
<li> Solicit information and articles that are educational, motivational and/or useful to the ABL members</li>
<li> Troubleshoot technical issues or contact appropriate support</li>
<li> Create posts or pages within WordPress CMS</li> </ul>
So again we say, “Ask not what the ABL can do for you, ask what you can do for the ABL and it’s members! If you have an interest in joining any of these committees or just want more information, we can be reached at Alachua.business@gmail.com or visit our contact page.
