By Scott Sullivan
Editor
The Saugatuck-Douglas Area Business Association is essentially no more.
Formed May 18, 1987 as the domestic nonprofit corporation Saugatuck Retail Association, the business-member group for almost two generations worked to promote the climate here for retail merchants while sponsoring events drawing customers to downtown areas.
Last summer’s Wednesday-night Saugatuck Music in the Park concerts and fall’s Halloween children’s parade represented a bit of a last hurrah for the group.
“It’s hard running things without money and volunteer energy,” said president/secretary David Langley, who with Josephine Fowler largely put on 2023 SDABA efforts.
Langley said he was happy to see the Saugatuck-Douglas Convention & Visitors Bureau, which last week hired April Gundy as new events coordinator (see related story in this week’s paper) stepping up to assume operation of many ex-SDABA-run activities.
“The CVB has resources to continue celebrations and activities that are important to our community,” Langley said.
The bureau in spring 2018 saw members approve hiking lodging room assessments from 2 percent to the now statewide standard 5 percent, generating a then-estimated $500,000 more in yearly revenue.
The bureau, now under executive director Lisa Mize, has increased staff, marketing outreach and promotion of popular events that draw tourists here and enrich local business coffers.
COVID year 2020 further made SDABA fundraising efforts challenging, especially after the departure of administrator Gregory Muncey, who as an individual continues promoting area events.
“I am happy to see a lot of the work SDABA used to do carry on,” Langley said.