Chronicle photo by Kelly Cambrel

The Shepherdstown Business Association (SBA) has begun its annual membership drive. The current members of the SBA said their hope is to increase membership to about 85 percent of the 66 businesses in town this year. “We want the other businesses to recognize the value of the SBA,” said Judith Platz, SBA vice president. The goal of the membership drive is to introduce the SBA to all business members and encourage their participation. “Their voices need to be heard at the table,” Deb Tucker, SBA marketing committee member said. Benefits of membership in the SBA include: Giving businesses a collective voice with town, county, state and federal government; promoting tourism through group advertising and marketing; being included in an SBA sponsored brochure; promoting the local economy; sharing information among business owners; and, having representation for the Jefferson County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Jefferson County Development Authority, Canal Towns Partnership, Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and West Virginia Division of Tourism. Pictured from left to right are Deb Dickinson, Treasurer Judith Platz, Vice President, Meredith Wait, President, Deb Tucker, Marketing Committee member and Cheryl Gallery, Secretary.