Note: Photos were provided by Richard Abrams. – KtE

The brand new Rockmart Merchants Association gathered for their inaugural meeting, with eight local businesses joining in-person for the conversation and many more deciding already to become members.

Meant to provide Rockmart-area businesses with a new organization to help promote all who join, the new organization gathered at Rockmart City Hall on Thursday evening, June 24 to elect their first round of officers.

Rebekah Abrams, owner of White Tulip Market on South Marble Street in downtown Rockmart, was elected as the president of the Rockmart Merchants Association.

Joining her in leadership is vice president Chris Barron of Best Experience Services, Tina Lanier of Now and Then of Rockmart as treasurer, and Patti Weatherwax of Waxing Moon Nutrition and Wellness as the secretary. Helen Riley, owner of Rockin Rooster & Happy Hen, will oversee marketing for the organization.

Among those also participating in Thursday’s meeting was Rockmart Mayor Sherman Ross, who also provided some of his thoughts during the first gathering of the new organization.

Formerly, the Rockmart Business Alliance represented local businesses in the Rockmart area, but in years past they folded into the Polk County Chamber of Commerce as a committee.

The next meeting of the new Rockmart Merchants Association will be announced when scheduled. Check back for additional information and announcements as they become available.