Andra Atteberry

Staff Writer n andraa@nwanews.com

Having had a great year under former president Chris Donovan, incoming President Steve Morrow wants to help members achieve the goal of the Bella Vista Business Association -- to promote the businesses in Bella Vista.

In any organization, Morrow's goal is always to leave it better than he found it. Donovan, Edward Jones investment representative, did that.

"He did a huge job," Morrow said. Donovan involved more than 25 to 30 members in running the organization and increased the number of active members attending meetings to 35.

Before he even takes office this January, Morrow, manager of Allen's Foods, has been talking to members asking them how the association can help them.

"I'm trying to find out the needs of businesses here by meeting members one-on-one. They already tell me one thing: network," Morrow explained.

Members want to know who they can ask questions of and who may have dealt with similar issues. They also wonder how they can they cooperate with each other.

Since advertising is so important to his business, one idea Morrow has is to invite people from newspapers, radio and television to talk about advertising: when the best day is to advertise; what is the best place to advertise; what are the rates.

He'd also like to have someone from the Bella Vista Division of the Benton County Sheriff's Office talk to the members about how they can help the Sheriff's Office and how they can make their businesses safer.

Finally, he hopes to help the members become more active in the association so that new members will join. Any business with a 72714 or 72715 zip code is welcome to join the association, he explained.

The association meets at 7:30 a.m. the third Tuesday of every month at Concordia, which is also a member of the association.

"It is very generous to share, and they do a super job," Morrow said.

They also provide coffee and doughnuts for the meeting.

For information about the Bella Vista Business Association check out the web site: www.bellavistabusiness.com or contact one of the officers.