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About

The Hillsborough Merchants Association (HMA) is a public-private partnership between the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Hillsborough. The re-establishment of an active Association is included in the Town of Hillsborough Comprehensive Sustainability Plan (2030), which recognizes that supporting local businesses is important to creating a viable local economy.

 

Through its efforts, the HMA seeks to improve the economic vitality of Hillsborough businesses; improve avenues of communication between merchants, the Town and the Chamber of Commerce; and helps strengthen downtown, West Hillsborough and the overall business community. The Association provides a more reliable way to inform businesses about happenings in Hillsborough and allows collaboration on planning, joint-marketing opportunities, and more.

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The Hillsborough Merchants Association is organized and lead by the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce, in close collaboration with and support from area businesses and the Town of Hillsborough. Participation in the HMA is open, at no cost, to all Hillsborough, NC merchants. The HMA works with merchants to understand their needs, serve their interests, and seek input and direction on identifying impactful goals and projects.
Our Mission

Our Mission

  • Facilitate and increase communication, connection and collaboration between area retailers, restaurants, bars and other customer-centric businesses to work as a collective whole.
     

  • Promote area business success through marketing, events and innovative community projects that enhance the experience and image of Hillsborough as a shopping and dining destination.
     

  • Serve as an advocate and liaison for the business community with government.


The Merchants Association also aids in engaging businesses owned by women, veterans, and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) groups to support retention and expansion of these businesses, a goal identified in the Town's Sustainability Plan as important for economic growth.

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Focus Areas and Potential Projects

Collaboration and Communication
 

  • Hold regular merchant meetings to identify topical needs, share news and upcoming happenings, and receive feedback on issues affecting businesses.
     

  • Develop an online events and merchant-promotions calendar that will increase transparency and promote collaboration and joint marketing between businesses.

  • Create an online repository of resources for download and use by Hillsborough businesses, such as: flyers and social media post materials to advertise community events and personalize accompanying business promotions; branding/marketing templates and materials; logos; photos; business-topic educational materials, etc.
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  • Conduct outreach to new businesses to connect them to other merchants and resources.

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Event Management
 

  • Revive “Ladies Night Out” (or similar concept).
     

  • Manage the Merchant Trick or Treat Halloween Event.
     

  • Develop and manage new event ideas to increase business patronage.

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Marketing and Promotion
 

  • Place event, tourism, and other advertising in Chapel Hill and Durham magazines.
     

  • Work with media outlets to receive coverage that supports promotion of local businesses.
     

  • Survey area businesses to identify BIPOC, woman and veteran-owned businesses to enable targeted promotion.
     

  • Create a “Support Local” campaign that highlights Hillsborough’s unique business community and the importance of supporting area merchants.

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Advocacy
 

  • Survey area businesses to identify specific needs and use this feedback to explore additional focus areas and projects.
     

  • Serve as a conduit to provide collective merchant input to local government staff and elected officials regarding issues of importance to the business community.
     

  • Provide input and help develop consensus on how to increase parking options after the Town’s Parking Study is complete (new parking lots, a downtown shuttle, meters, etc.).

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Education
 

  • Host free seminars on topical issues (such as the new Corporate Transparency Act) and topics relevant to running a successful business.
     

  • Provide training/information regarding the nondiscrimination ordinance and other policies adopted by the Town that may affect business operations.
     

  • Promote grants, incentives and other financial-support resources available to businesses.

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Workforce Development
 

  • Analyze current labor market and skills gaps as a joint project between the Merchants Association, Durham Tech, Orange County Schools, etc. to define workforce and identify current/future needs.

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