Benefits of Joining the Austell Business Association (ABA) include:

1. Connection & Community

• Join a vibrant, collaborative network of local entrepreneurs, creatives, realtors, builders, and service providers.

• Participate in monthly mixers, workshops, meetups, and business spotlights that encourage genuine relationship-building.

• Be part of a shared vision: “Together We Build, Together We Thrive.”

2. Visibility & Promotion

• Increase your business exposure through member directories, sponsored events, and social media features.

• Get featured in ABA’s newsletters, community events, or highlight reels—amplifying your brand locally and beyond.

3. Educational Opportunities

• Attend workshops, speaker events, and training series covering topics like business law, wellness for entrepreneurs, grant writing, commercial leasing, and real estate investment.

• Learn directly from experts across fields committed to empowering local business leaders.

4. Advocacy & Influence

• Gain a voice in local economic and development conversations.

• Influence zoning, infrastructure, and beautification projects shaping the City of Austell and surrounding areas.

• Participate in community revitalization efforts, particularly through collaborative community organizations such as Create Austell, Austell Art Alliance, or other city stakeholders and implementation partners, etc.

5. Access to Resources

• Tap into grants, sponsorships, and partnership opportunities.

• Receive referrals and recommendations through ABA’s trusted network.

• Learn how to leverage city, state, and nonprofit programs for growth, funding, and development.

6. Credibility & Trust

• Displaying your ABA membership boosts sense of community and establishes your business as a committed stakeholder in Austell’s economic and cultural development.

• Be seen as a collaborator and not just a competitor in the community.

7. Leadership Opportunities

• Serve on committees or volunteer for projects or make connections within the city that align with your passion—urban agriculture, youth outreach, real estate development, or wellness and more.

• Shape the future of Austell through active civic engagement and business leadership.

8. Celebration & Culture

• Participate in cultural events, holiday pop-ups, and themed business showcases (e.g., Small Business Month, Event Pop-Ups, Community Celebrations and Fairs).

• Celebrate your wins with a community that recognizes your impact and shares in your growth!

By definition, my friend, yes. However, we welcome you to come to a meeting or two without a commitment. We are here to build community and here for the long-haul, so if that means you need to try the shoe on before you buy it, by all means join us and you will see why the resources have been so good, our actions are producing results, and what all the buzz about getting involved is for yourself!

Austell CoWork, downtown Austell:

2760 Broad Street

Austell, GA 30168

Every third Thursday, from 5:30pm-7pm.

Austell Business Association

Member Privacy and Communications Policy

Effective Date: 1/6/2025

Introduction

To ensure transparency, accountability, and the protection of our members, the Austell

Business Association (ABA) has developed the following policy regarding data privacy,

access to membership information, and official communications. This policy applies to

all ABA members, leadership, volunteers, and third-party partners engaged in official

ABA activities.

1. Member Data Privacy

The ABA is committed to safeguarding the personal and professional information of all

its members. The protection of member data is essential to maintaining trust and

ensuring the integrity of the Association.

a. Confidential Information Includes:

Names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses

Business names, affiliations, and descriptions

Payment and membership status details

Any other identifying or sensitive information provided through ABA forms,

directories, or systems

b. Permitted Use of Data:

Membership data may be used exclusively for:

Official ABA communications

Event coordination and planning

Internal reporting and membership management

Strategic planning to benefit the Association and its members

c. Prohibited Use of Data:

ABA membership data may not be used for:

Personal gain or promotion

External solicitation or marketing

Political campaigning

Distribution to non-approved third parties

Any misuse of data may lead to disciplinary action, including membership revocation.

2. Access to Membership Data

The ABA maintains strict controls over who can access protected membership

information.

a. Authorized Access:

Only the ABA President and Executive Committee members designated for

administrative functions may access full membership data. These individuals are

required to follow all data protection protocols.

b. Third-Party Access:

Third-party access to membership data will only be granted:

With prior written member consent, or

By majority vote of the Executive Committee, and only for purposes directly

related to ABA operations (e.g., event management platforms, official

newsletters)

3. Official Communications and Public Representation

Clear and consistent messaging is critical to maintaining the ABA’s professional image

and public trust.

a. Authorized Spokesperson:

Only the ABA President or a designee approved by the Executive Committee may:

Speak publicly on behalf of the ABA

Issue official statements, press releases, or public commentary

Represent the Association in meetings with external stakeholders or media

b. Use of ABA Branding:

Members must obtain prior written approval from the Executive Committee before using

the ABA name, logo, or branding in any promotional or public-facing materials.

c. Official Email Requirement:

All emails and digital communications sent on behalf of the Austell Business Association

must originate from an official ABA email address (e.g., marketing@austellba.org).

Use of personal email accounts to represent ABA activities or make official

announcements is strictly prohibited.

4. Policy Violations and Enforcement

Any violation of this policy, including misuse of member data, unauthorized

representation, or improper use of ABA branding, may result in:

A formal written warning

Suspension of membership privileges

Permanent termination of membership, subject to a vote by the Executive

Committee

The ABA reserves the right to investigate potential violations and take appropriate

corrective action.

5. Questions or Concerns

For any questions about this policy or to report a potential violation, please contact:

Board of Directors, Austell Business Association

Marketing@austellba.org

Thank you for your continued dedication to ethical conduct and professionalism in

representing the Austell Business Association. Your cooperation helps ensure the

strength and credibility of our organization.

The ABA does have a Collaborative Engagement Policy.

Austell Business Association

Collaboration Engagement Requirements

Effective Date: 1/6/2025

Purpose

This policy outlines the necessary requirements, expectations, and procedures for

the Austell Business Association (ABA) when considering and formalizing a

collaboration with another organization. The purpose of these requirements is to ensure

alignment with ABA’s mission, promote transparency, and establish a clear framework

for mutual success.

1. Alignment with Mission and Objectives

Collaborations must support the ABA’s mission to promote economic growth, support

local businesses, and enhance the business environment in Austell. Prospective

partners should demonstrate:

Shared or complementary goals

Commitment to ethical practices

A positive reputation within the community or relevant industry

2. Proposal Submission

Organizations interested in collaborating with ABA must submit a written proposal

including:

Organization overview

Purpose and scope of the collaboration

Anticipated outcomes and benefits to the Austell business community

Proposed roles and responsibilities

Timeline of activities

Key contacts

3. Review and Evaluation

The ABA Executive Committee will review all proposals. Evaluation criteria may include:

Strategic alignment with ABA objectives

Community impact

Feasibility and resource requirements

Risk assessment

Additional input may be requested from ABA members or relevant stakeholders before

a decision is made.

4. Formal Agreement

If approved, both parties must enter into a written agreement or Memorandum of

Understanding (MOU), outlining:

Goals and scope of the collaboration

Roles and responsibilities of each party

Duration and terms of engagement

Communication expectations

Confidentiality and data-sharing provisions (if applicable)

Dispute resolution process

5. Communication and Reporting

Regular communication is essential for the success of the collaboration. Partner

organizations must:

Designate a primary point of contact

Participate in scheduled check-ins or planning meetings

Submit progress updates and/or final reports as agreed

6. Brand Use and Representation

Any use of the ABA name, logo, or branding in promotional materials must be approved

in writing. Both parties must represent the partnership accurately and professionally in

public communications.

7. Termination Clause

The ABA reserves the right to withdraw from a collaboration if:

There is a misalignment with core values or objectives

Obligations are not being met

The partnership negatively affects the ABA’s reputation or operations

Notice must be provided in writing, and all reasonable efforts should be made to

conclude the partnership respectfully.

Contact:

For questions or to submit a proposal, please contact:

Ta Millen, ABA President

President@austellba.org

P.O. Box 371

Austell, GA 30168