Name of Organization: Youngsville Area Business Association (YABA)

Mailing address:  P.O. Box 190, Youngsville, N.C.  27596

Phone: 919 556-4026 or 556-5073

Email address:  yabanc@embarqmail.com

WEB site address: www.yabaonline.com

Contact Person: Janis Cyrus  - Executive Director

Mission statement: The Youngsville Area Business Association is an organization to advocate positive growth of the Youngsville business  community. 

Dues:Membership dues are $50.00 for businesses and $10.00 for patrons. (Patrons are local leaders that wish to support the YABA organization)  Business membership includes a business card size ad in the Youngsville directory. Larger ad spaces are available at an additional cost.

Background Information

YABA is an 504 (c) nonprofit organization with an all volunteer staff. The organization was reestablished in June, 2005 and has grown from 15 members in 2005 to over 200 members in 2011. A monthly newsletter is published for all members and  “Night to Network” evenings are held for members to socialize, network, and meet fellow business owners. In addition, membership includes a listing and business card size ad in the Youngsville Business directory which is published by YABA. One of our goals is to restore and beautify downtown Youngsville which will lead to downtown development.

The following are some of the projects that have been coordinated through the group:

* Youngsville Business directory: the first directory was published in June, 2006. Over 1500 copies were distributed to new and existing residents in the area so that they will be able to identify and utilize local businesses. YABA membership includes an ad and listings in the directory. The 2007 directory was printed with 3000 copies – double the first publication! The 2012-2013 publication is now available.

* Facade grants: The Town on Youngsville allotted $10,000 for facade grants. Five businesses were selected to receive a maximum of $2,000 per business. These funds provided new awnings, building repair, and painting for 5 downtown businesses.  The second phase of the facade was funded by Crescent Development and began in October, 2006. Five additional businesses placed awnings and painted their buildings.  As new businesses open in Youngsville now coordination is done with the builders to maintain the color scheme and building design of the town.  The Youngsville Town sign is now in place at the corner of US1-A and Main Street  thanks to contributions from YABA, the Youngsville Woman's Club, and local businessman Larry Carter.  The Town Hall sign was installed in 2012.

* Art Projects: YABA began selecting sites for murals in August, 2005. The Coca Cola sign on the corner of Main and Cross Street was repainted in antique colors November,2005. A 16 foot by 20 foot mural for the side of Griffin’s Restaurant on Main Street depicting scenes from Youngsville’s history was completed in July,2006. The second phase of murals begin in June, 2007 with the Luddy Park Concession stand and the former Youngsville Milling Company building mural completed in November,2007. All of these murals were painted by muralist Kim Young. In 2008 YABA turned to local artist Boni Arendt  for a  concrete mosaic bird statue which is located at the corner of Main & Railroad Street.  The 2009 project added Town banners up and down Main Street with a design by Kim Young.
 YABA coordinated the installation of  the  beautiful Youngsville Town sign at the intersection of Main Street, Holden Road, and US1-A in 2009 and  lighting was added to the sign in 2010.
The 2011 project was the concrete base located near the Youngsville Library as you enter Youngsville from  US1-A South.
Muralist Kim Young completed that project in 2011.

* Calendars: Scenes from days gone by in Youngsville were first printed for 2006 and every year since. Funds raised from this project are used to fund the art projects and signage projects  
Call 556-5073 for information. 

* Christmas parade: YABA along with the Town of Youngsville sponsors the Santa float in the parade each year. In addition, the organization participates in organizing the parade and worked to establish an Old Time Christmas all day celebration after the parade starting in 2005. Events after the parade included children’s activities,a visit with Santa,singing by local churches,and refreshments. The day ends with the lighting of the Christmas tree and singing by local children. This event was established to give that “Hometown” feel to the community and to celebrate the Christmas season.

* Christmas Care:YABA coordinated with local businesses and churches beginning in 2005 to help over 40 children in the Youngsville area during Christmas by collecting clothes, toys, and food. During 2006 the number increased to 16 families, 50 children, and 4 seniors thanks to the generosity of the community and in 2007 over 20 families were helped through the Christmas Care program. The 2008 Christmas Care was bigger than every helping 48 families with 118 children and 9 seniors. With the open hearts of the community YABA was able to help 53 families in the area in 2009,131 children in 2010, and 153 children in 2011.
In 2012 we helped 57 familes and 144 children with their Christmas wishes.

* Local Parks: YABA is working with several local organizations to improve Mitchell and Luddy Parks.This includes the development of a children’s play area, ball field, fencing for the basketball court, and parking area in Luddy Park as well as purchasing additional picnic tables and a sign for Mitchell Park. A new events sign was added at Luddy Park in 2010.

* Historical Plaques: plaques denoting historical buildings in Youngsville are currently being sold by YABA.

* Memorial bricks: bricks are being sold to assist in finance the brick sidewalk project currently underway in Youngsville. The Town of Youngsville has a plan to replace existing sidewalks with brick sidewalks. The first brick section was installed by the town the week of June 20,2006. Bricks sell for $50 per brick with all profits going back into the brick sidewalks. You may purchase

a brick in memory or in honor of an individual as well as to note a business establishment in the area. This is a great way to become a part of Youngsville’s history!   

* Promotions: The goal is to have a local promotion each month. Events include the Lake Donna Party, Easter Egg Hunt, Art’s Day, Fall Festival, Wrestlemania, and the Old Time Christmas. These promotions are sponsored by YABA and other local organizations to raise money for Community projects, bring people to the downtown area, and to provide members of the Youngsville community with wholesome, fun events.

 * Business Expo – our first Business Expo was held March,2007 and was a great success. Over 40 vendors participated including 5 food vendors. The business vendors were please with the turn out and the contact leads they were able to establish.  In addition we offered a unique area designated for nonprofit groups so that members of the community could be aware of volunteer organizations in Youngsville. This is now an annual event for YABA the third Thursday in March.