Introducing the New and Improved Carrboro Business Alliance 

"Growing Alliance is Recharged and Charged Up for a Greater Carrboro"

CARRBORO, NC: Introducing the new and improved Carrboro Business Alliance. This growing alliance of nearly 100 Carrboro-serving enterprises is recharged and charged up for a greater Carrboro.

“The Carrboro Business Alliance is stronger than ever – we are recharged and charged up to make a positive difference for local businesses and our community,” said Bridget Pemberton-Smith, co-owner of Cameron's and chair of the Carrboro Business Alliance.

There are three significant improvements that were developed and implemented throughout 2018 and will be presented in-person tomorrow at a Carrboro Farmers’ Market booth.

1. Recharged policy priorities
2. Reinvigorated programming
3. Refreshed branding and marketing

Going forward, the community can expect the Carrboro Business Alliance to deliver on its mission to connect members with information and customers, promote members and our community, and represent local business interests with policy makers.  

Recharged Policy Priorities

The Carrboro Business Alliance has five top policy priorities for 2018-2019, which reflect the organization’s values and policy platform. Members of the Policy & Advocacy Committee, co-chaired by Tyler Huntington of Tyler's Restaurant and Taproom and Nathan Milian of Carr Mill Mall, have an unwavering commitment to advance these priorities and build a stronger, more resilient Carrboro.   

1. No net loss of publicly available parking in downtown Carrboro
2. A Carrboro-appropriate public behavior related ordinance
3. More business representation on town boards and commissions
4. A town “buy local” preference in contracting and purchasing
5. No property tax increase

Reinvigorated Programming

The Carrboro Business Alliance is teaming-up with the local government to promote many special events that will help draw visitors and shoppers to downtown. “Carrboro CHEER!” is currently underway and it is a series of seven family-friendly events happening in downtown Carrboro this holiday season, including the Elf Market, the Tree Lighting and Children’s Chorus, the Holiday Parade, and Light Up Carrboro, as well as Small Business Saturday happening this Saturday.

“This Saturday (Nov 24) is Small Business Saturday and the Carrboro Business Alliance is encouraging everyone to #ShopLocal,” said Wendy Smith, co-owner of Cameron’s and chair of the Promotions Committee. “Stop by the Carrboro Business Alliance booth at the Carrboro Farmers’ Market this Saturday from 9-10am to see our new branding and meet members of our Leadership Council. The first 100 guests will receive a complimentary reusable goodie bag filled with local swag and coupons for hundreds of dollars in savings!” 

Refreshed Branding and Marketing

The Carrboro Business Alliance Leadership Council is pleased to unveil the new logo, which was designed by local Interactive Designer Juanita Wrenn and is part of the overall rebranding for the new and improved organization:   



Some notable elements of the new logo:

• The colorful logo reflects the diversity of Carrboro
• The smart, strong lettering of the full name reflects the business community
• The round shapes are a nod to common imagery throughout the Town of Carrboro and appear as plates – a nod to the many excellent local restaurants
• The blue and green color in the “C” reflects the earth and our shared respect for the environment
• The tagline (“Local Matters.”) is positioned in the center of the logo, reflecting the heart of the work of the Carrboro Business Alliance

The rebranding was led by the Carrboro Business Alliance Communications Committee, including Libbie Hough of the Orange County Public Library, Barbara Jessie-Black of the PTA Thrift Shop, Chrystina Elle Passanisi of Sofia's Boutique, Bridget Pemberton-Smith of Cameron's, and Pat Richardson formerly of the PTA Thrift Shop. This new visual identity will be carried through all digital media, including the updated Carrboro Business Alliance website, twitter (@LocalCarrboro), and facebook. 

ABOUT: The Carrboro Business Alliance was founded in 2014 by a small group of local business and nonprofit leaders who saw the opportunity to improve collaboration and advance shared goals. Today, the Carrboro Business Alliance includes nearly 100 Carrboro-serving enterprises - ranging from one-person studios to national corporations - and is governed by a Leadership Council with administrative support from the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce. The mission of the Carrboro Business Alliance is to: 1) Connect members with information and customers, 2) Promote members and our community, and 3) Represent local business interests with policy makers. Learn more at www.CarrboroBusinessAlliance.com. 

CONTACT: Katie Loovis, staff support for the Carrboro Business Alliance and vice president for external affairs, Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce, cell: 919-696-0781, KLoovis@carolinachamber.org.