About

Our Mission

The mission of the Springfield Area Merchants and Business Association is to support commercial revitalization, to strengthen commercial business activity and to provide a forum for business improvement.

Why Join

Networking: SAMBA provides quarterly meetings, mixers, festivals and other events that allow business owners and operators to meet their neighbors and develop contacts.

Voice with Local, State and Federal Government: City officials attend our meetings regularly to update our business community on governmental programs and incentives and to keep informed about SAMBA projects and member activities. SAMBA Vice President Christina Parrish serves as Chair of the Urban Core Citizen Planning Advisory Committee (CPAC), a group that provides advisory opinions to City government regarding land use, planning, zoning, transportation, economic development and public safety. SAMBA Officers meet regularly with City officials to stay informed about and provide comments on initiatives likely to affect our members.

Business Development and Education: SAMBA sponsors an annual forum dedicated to topics affecting urban core business owners. In addition, we hold periodic roundtable discussions on relevant subjects. SAMBA is dedicated to supporting our member businesses and helping them grow and prosper.

Special Events: SAMBA sponsors or assists with community events throughout the year. These events offer an opportunity to promote member businesses to neighborhood consumers.

Cooperative Advertising Efforts: There are numerous advertising opportunities for SAMBA members. Joint marketing efforts lead to great exposure for the district and for member businesses at a significantly reduced cost.