Wilson stepping up to revitalize Clyde biz group
CLYDE - As the Clyde Business & Professional Association celebrates its 40th anniversary, it is getting a fresh start with the help of its new president, Aaron Wilson. Wilson is working to build BPA membership and is helping organize a new event similar to the once popular sidewalk sales that brought hundreds of shoppers to downtown Clyde.
The BPA has experienced a decline in membership in the past few years, and Wilson is hoping to turn those numbers around. The recent addition of new retail stores in the city make this a good time to focus on pulling businesses together in networking and marketing endeavors.
“I’m reaching out to some of our members in the past and also to new businesses,” Wilson said. “It feels like Clyde has a momentum going. It has a new record store, a new antique store, Cosi Bella and Ace Hardware. I want to reach out and keep that momentum going.”
Wilson’s first step was to work with BPA Vice President Mike Golembiowski, owner of Ski Lodge Winery, to create a survey for existing members to gather ideas for improving the organization. From the responses, they formed two goals: create better communication within the group and find ways to promote local businesses.
In an effort to improve communication, Wilson created folders filled with current BPA information, such as officer contact information, a schedule of events and a listing of BPA bylaws. He has been visiting local businesses to put those folders in the hands of existing and potential BPA members.
“I’ve been talking to people in an effort to build membership, and I want to get the pulse of our members,” Wilson said.
In an effort to promote local businesses, the BPA will once again host the annual Clyde Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 16 at Harvest Baptist Temple. The event will feature informational displays from area businesses and organizations.
Planning for the annual winter Winesburg Christmas Weekend is already underway.
“There’s a lot that goes into that. Literally, the fireworks get shot off and then the planning begins for next year,” Wilson said.
In addition to the annual expo and Winesburg Weekend events, the BPA is planning something new this year — Sidewalk Sales and Downtown Market. Local farmers markets will offer fresh produce, and BPA member businesses will set up stands to sell products or offer information on their services. The event will run at a yet-to-be-determined date in July.
Wilson said the event will reflect the summer sidewalk sales that were popular in downtown Clyde decades ago. He hopes it will give BPA members a new way to promote their businesses and will attract customers into the downtown area.
Wilson has stepped easily into his new role as BPA president. He is a lifelong resident of Clyde and has long been active in the community. His grandfather started the former Wilson’s Clothing store in downtown Clyde. Wilson spent nine years teaching at Vanguard, and he was a basketball and football coach for Clyde High School for 11 years. He and his wife, Shanna, have three sons, and Wilson has spent countless years being a volunteer coach for his sons’ sports teams. Currently, he is a financial advisor for Edward Jones Investments in downtown Clyde.
“As a kid growing up in Clyde, I was always the one watching the parades and going to the sidewalk sales. Now I get to give back and help organize those,” he said.
The Clyde BPA welcomes new members. Annual membership costs $60, but that fee will be waived for new businesses in 2016. Benefits to membership include reduced rate advertising opportunities, networking opportunities, and involvement in the business expo and sidewalk sales events.
For more information on Clyde BPA, email clydebpa@gmail or call Aaron Wilson at the Edward Jones Investments office at 419-547-1927.
Contact The News-Messenger correspondent Sheri Trusty at sheri.trusty@gmail.com or 419-639-0662.