Lynn Seiden, owner of Seiden Photography and a founder of the relaunched Argyle Business Association (ABA), asked the Town of Argyle on May 19 to join the association and to consider a top-level municipal sponsorship.

Seiden said the ABA began as a town-run monthly meeting and volunteers kept it going after the town program ended. "We launched the Argyle Business Association in January," Seiden said, adding that the group expects nearly 100 paid members two days short of its 90-day goal. "Our members are excited to be together. It is fun to see the weekly Friday morning business meetings that we have. The room is buzzing." Her pitch to council included economic-development reasoning: an organized business association can help the town recruit and retain businesses and demonstrate local support when staff pursue new commercial development.

Laura McGreevey, a realtor with Southern Collective Realty and ABA member, described how the association has helped small-business owners find customers and referrals. "It really provides the support of the community," McGreevey said. Both Seiden and McGreevey asked the council to agendize a future formal request for the town to join the ABA at the $2,500 top level and to consider an additional $2,500 sponsorship.

Mayor Ron Schmidt asked staff to add the request to a future agenda; staff acknowledged it would be placed on an upcoming meeting packet for council consideration. The request is informational only at this meeting; no expenditure or formal sponsorship decision was taken May 19.

Why it matters: a municipal membership or sponsorship would be a formal financial commitment and would signal town support for a private business group that says it will assist with business-retention, recruitment and mentorship. The association's organizers said their stated aims include raising sales tax receipts and supporting business environment growth.

Clarifying details: Seiden said the privately relaunched ABA has nearly 100 paid members after launching in January; the top-level town membership and additional sponsorship each were proposed at $2,500. Staff agreed to place the town request on a future agenda so council can consider formal action.