The Saluda Business Association (SBA) was formed in 1995 and represents approximately 80 area merchants, service people, artisans and crafts people, building contractors, and interested individuals who love Saluda. The vision of the SBA is to help Saluda prosper, preserve its heritage and culture, and keep revenue and the next generation in the community.
What the SBA does;
- Owns and maintains the saluda.com website which serves as the official town guide.
- Sponsors, coordinates, markets, and provides volunteers to work the Saluda Tailgate Market. Developed and maintains the saludatailgate.com website.
- Sponsors and produces Hometown Christmas stroll.
- Funds and maintains the Christmas lighting on the buildings downtown.
- Develops and funds the printing of the Saluda Rack Cards that are distributed to 10 visitor’s centers throughout western NC and interstate welcome centers.
- Produced special promotional items like the Saluda Adventure Guide.
- Funds and creates the Saluda advertisement in the Blue Ridge Parkway directory.
- Co-funded the new Polk County Map including providing the artwork.
- Purchased the new iron benches on Main Street.
- Sponsors and funds the re-printing of the “Saluda 100 Years” book authored by Charlene Pace.
- Sponsors and funds the re-printing of the Saluda School’s 4th grade class “Through Your Eyes” books.
- Coordinates with the NC Department of Transportation to place strategic road signs to draw tourists into Saluda.
- Initiated the effort to fund and purchase National Registry plagues for the historical buildings in town.
- SBA members represent Saluda in the Foothills Economic Partnership Group
- SBA members represent Saluda in the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and influenced the Historic Town page on their website.
- SBA members attend Saluda’s City Council meetings to represent the businesses in any issues that may impact the business community.
- SBA members participate in the Historic Saluda Committee projects.
- We are proud and excited about our newest project: The Saluda Visitors Center, which opened in June 2020. The center is manned by volunteers and will give all members of the SBA as well as all lodging operations that pay Hotel Room Tax to the city of Saluda an opportunity to showcase their properties by either advertising on large board (for an extra charge) and/or have their brochures and leaflets presented at no extra charge.
The Saluda Business Association cordially invites you to become a member, and right now is a great time to join!