Business & Tech

Whiting Business Association Aims to Promote Local Commerce

Nonprofit association formed to promote local business

The Whiting Business Association formed about a year ago with a simple mission — to promote local business and foster a sense of community with locals.

"It's an organization of business owners that could give back in different ways," said association executive board member Jim Yorke, who serves as director of business development for All-Care Physical Therapy in Whiting. "Whether it's discounts for people of the community, or social events to promote the community. All different things."

So far, about 35 businesses have joined the WBA, according to executive board member Joel Wolf of Village Opticians. The association does not solicit for membership and joining is free; businesses are asked to contribute by, for example, donating a gift to for a welcome bag or paying their share of the cost for a planned coupon booklet, Wolf said.

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"People are calling us wanting to be a part of our group," he said. 

Whiting residents tend to shop within their community, which is why the WBA leadership wanted to form an association dedicated to serving those locals —they help to keep independent businesses alive.

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"So we really need the residents in this community to support the people in this town," Wolf said. "We support them and in turn we need their support."

The economic downturn was also an impetus to form the association, Wolf said, as Whiting residents might be tempted to travel to a neighboring town's big box store in hopes of finding a good deal.

"Now that the economy has changed, a lot of people contemplate going outside of this community," he said. "With business being reduced, they're in jeopardy of losing the businesses in their community."

Providing that extra bit of value to keep residents in local stores can come through community outreach — Wolf donates a pair of eyeglasses to each Manchester and Whiting volunteer emergency responder, for example.

Yorke also sees the potential for the WBA to help those living in Whiting, many of whom are seniors who can recall times before chain retailers moved in.

"It's a way of working with our business partners to optimize the money that we raise to further help the people in the community," he said. "The group was brought together to form ideas about how to give back to the community."

"We believe in the old view of service," Wolf said, who added that is something shared by Whiting's population. "We try to look for ways to participate, donate, sponsor — do all those things being a local business in the town."

Association members are planning the specifics for future programs and initiatives. One of the first ways it will reach out to the community is through a recently prepared booklet that will profile member businesses and offer discounts — 1,000 have been ordered and will be placed throughout Whiting, Yorke said.

Business fairs are another possibility for the association. 

"People in the community will be able to come out to meet members in the WBA, and we can get to know them better," Yorke said. 

Wolf, who has built a business during his 21 years in Whiting said that he "believes in this community." 

"I love Whiting and I love what it stands for," he said. "I believe that we need to be partners in this community to succeed and to flourish."

Those interested in learning about how to join the association can contact Wolf at 732-350-1900.


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