Member Directory            Join the WWBA            Contact Us            Read Our Newsletter      

• Home
• About Us
  • Background
  • Mission Statement
  • History
  • Bylaws
  • Board Members
  • Community Involvement
  • Member Benefits
  • WWBA Events
• For Members
  • Member Login/Logout
  • Renew Membership
  • Edit Member Profile
  • Submit News/Events/Ad
  • Add/Edit Coupon
• Need to Know
  • Member News & Events
  • Help Wanted
  • Community News
• New Members
  • New Members

Background

Mission Statement

The West Washtenaw Business Association's mission is to unify members with common interests in improving economic, environmental, and security conditions within our community. The WWBA provides a forum for communication, group benefit participation, and social outreach.

Picture circa 1950 of the Stadium-Liberty area. Photo courtesy of Kevin Stephens, Little Caesar's Pizza.

History

The WWBA grew from two preceding business organizations: the Jackson Road Business Association (JRBA) and West Stadium Area Business and Professional Association (WSABPA).

A business group arose in 1959 upon learning that the State Highway Department was planning only one entry ramp along the Jackson Road corridor for the proposed I-94 expressway–that being at Fletcher Road by Stiver's Restaurant. The initial association was conceived in front of Holland Furniture Store by Jacob Grant of Farmer Grant's, Herman Weber of Weber's Supper Club, and Walter Ernst of Paul Bunyan's Restaurant. Their efforts helped obtain ramps at Baker and Zeeb roads. In 1963, a formal association was formed, bylaws adopted, and the official name agreed upon as the Jackson Road Business Association. Jacob Grant was the first president.

JRBA accomplishments, other than the highway exits, include: persuading Michigan Consolidated Gas to put a natural gas line down the Jackson Road corridor and Michigan Bell to remove telephone toll charges along Jackson Road, getting sewer and water services to the corridor, and improving the paving and expansion of Jackson Road. JRBA also erected directory signs at Zeeb and Baker Roads (although the construction along Jackson Road in 2002 brought about the removal of the Zeeb Road sign).

The West Stadium Area Business and Professional Association originated in 1971 to help promote the West Stadium corridor as a viable business community and to provide social interaction opportunities among merchants. Gertrude Bethke and Dick Leslie were officers of the original board of directors. Enthusiasm dwindled in the late 70s and mention of merging with JRBA was considered in 1982, although not accepted at that time. WSABPA reorganized and accomplished the inauguration of a $60,000 three-year tree-planting schedule along West Stadium and adjoining routes, in cooperation with Elizabeth Dean Fund (a cost-sharing program offered by the Ann Arbor Department of Parks and Recreation). The association also began publishing a monthly newsletter: The Boulevard Banter and started the "Shop the Boulevard" logo used in group advertising, decals, and banners. During the 90s the tradition of a summer picnic for the merchants was adopted as well as an annual community involvement fund/friend raiser, Walk the Boulevard.

In the fall of 2001, the JRBA and the WSABPA merged to become the West Washtenaw Business Association (WWBA). The bylaws were changed and the state and IRS approved the name of the new organization.

Bylaws

ARTICLE I (NAME AND OBJECT)
Section A:	The name of the organization shall be the West Washtenaw Business Association.
Section B:	The purpose of the association shall be to promote and improve the security, environment, and economic development of the Jackson Road and W. Stadium Blvd. Area.
ARTICLE II (MEMBERSHIP)
Section A:	Membership shall be open to anyone who agrees to the purpose of the association.
Section B:	In cases of dissupute as to eligibility for membership, the obard of directors shall have the final decision. Only members whose dues are not in arrears shall be entitled to vote at meetings of the association.
Section C:	Each member in good standing, whether individual, partnership, firm, or coprporation shall designate in writing an individual who shall have full authority to act for the member and who shall be acceptable to the board of directors of the association.
Section D:	Each member shall be entitled to one vote.
ARTICLE III (DUES)
Section A:	The annual dues shall be determined by the Board of Directors at their November meeting, payable on January 1 of each year. The secretary shall send out statements of dues to all members on or about December 31 of each year.
Section B:	Members delinquent for more than ninety days may be dropped from membership at the Board of Director's discretion, and notified accordingly by the secretary. All rights of membership such as, but not limited to the displaying of signs, inclusion in the directory, and invitations to social functions shall be forfeited. Members may be reinstated upon payment of dues in arrears.
ARTICLE IV (MEETINGS)
Section A:	There shall be not less than four general meetings per year (April, September, and December) including the annual meeting in January. Others meetings may be called by the president when necessary
Section B:	Written notice shall be sent to each member by the secretary at least fifteen days prior to each general meeting.
ARTICLE V (QUORUM)
Section A:	No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless there shall be present at least ten members including two officers (president, vice president, secretary, or treasurer).
ARTICLE VI (BOARD OF DIRECTORS)
Section A:	The board of directors shall consist of eleven members elected by the general membership at the annual meeting.
Section B:	Directors shall serve for a period of three years, with four being elected in year one, four in year two, and three in year three. At the close of the annual meeting, the board of directors shall convene and elect the officers as stated in Article VII.
Section C:	Activities of the association shall be governed by the board of directors.
Section D:	The board of directors shall meet at the call of the president at least six times per year.
Section E:	At least six members of the Board, including the president or vice president, must be in attendance at a board of directors meeting to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Section F:	Should a board member resign, or miss three consecutive board meetings, the board of directors shall have the power to select a replacement, who will then serve the remainder of the term.
ARTICLE VII (OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES)
Section A:	president: shall preside at all meetings of the association and the board of directors. S/he shall be the spokesperson for the association. The president shall appoint all committees as needed to complete the functions of the association. The president may authorize the expenditure of any amount up to $500. Amounts in excess of $500 require approval by the majority of the board of directors.
Section B.	Vice-president: presides at meetings and assumes the duties in the absence of the president and shall act upon duties as assigned by the president.
Section C:	Secretary: shall keep a record of meetings of the association and of the meetings of the board of directors. S/he shall keep a complete record of names and addresses of all members, and shall serve all notices as required.
Section D:	Treasurer: shall Collect all dues and monies due the association and keep a true and accurate account of same. Pay out such funds as approved on order of the president or board of directors. At each board, general, and annual meeting, submit a complete statement of the accounts showing receipt and disbursements for the past year and financial condition of the association to that date.
ARTICLE VII (COMMITTEES0
Section A:	The standing committees shall be the membership committee, the audit committee, the nominating committee, the program committee, the governmental relations committee, and such other committees as may be deemed necessary.
Section B:	The nominating committee shall meet at least two months before the annual meeting to nominate a slate of officers and chairpersons and members of committees.
ARTICLE IX (AMENDMENTS)
Section A:	These bylaws may be amended by two-thirds vote of members present at any duly-called general or special meeting.
Section B:	The association may be dissolved by a vote of membership at a special meeting called for that purpose, such termination to be effective ninety days after such vote is taken, provided all outstanding obligations of the association have been paid.
Section C:	In the event of termination of the association, its surplus funds and other assets shall be equally divided among the members in good standing at that time.
ARTICLE X
	The rules contained in Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern all deliberations of the association in all cases to which they are applicable, and in which they are consistent with these bylaws.
	Back to Top