North Andover Merchants Association Advances Small Business Pride

This week (May 16-20) is National Small Business Week. Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has proclaimed a week to recognize the contributions of small businesses to the economic well-being of America.

The North Andover Merchants Association, (NAMA) supports all North Andover businesses and encourages residents to consider and act on their motto, "Stay Local, Shop Locally."

NAMA is a non profit organization that has been made up of local businesses for the past three years. According to its Web site, NAMA "is committed to improving North Andover through the promotion, enhancement and growth of local businesses."

Richard Vaillancourt is the current President of the volunteer-run organization. "Our goal is to promote local businesses and help them become successful through networking and town events."

Vaillancourt who grew up in North Andover is owner of PC Pros, a small computer repair company. His family owned Val's Restaurant, and he is well aware of the challenges of running a business in town.

Business owners pay a membership fee of $100 a year which includes group advertising, discounts on individual advertising, participation in town-wide events and workshops. The organization which currently has 80 members meets monthly at the Senior Center.

The intent he said, "is to create a community to support each other." 

NAMA has a presence at  this Sunday's , National Night Out and the Santa Parade. "We set up a tent with information about local businesses and  give away bags with promotional items from the merchants," he explained.

Last 4th of July, NAMA sponsored a free bouncy castle for kids that members volunteered to staff for three days.

Individual members can also donate and sponsor musical bands for the Santa parade. In turn, a business will get to have a banner with their name hung on a a truck carrying the band.

Always looking for ways to promote local businesses, Vaillancourt said they are looking to partner with Welcome Wagon. They also have NAMA stickers which local merchants can display with possible discounts down the road.

The organization has been recently working with the Town's Economic Development committee and local restaurants for a Restaurant Week tentatively scheduled for sometime in September. 

NAMA is located in a virtual office, but persons calling the number 978-965-2708 should leave a message. Vaillancourt receives all messages through email and said he or Phil DeCologero, NAMA secretary will return every call.