New organization to support Chelsea businesses

A new organization in Chelsea is aiming to complement area chambers of commerce in building the local business community.

The Chelsea Business Alliance will hold its first annual meeting in October, said founder Dr. Ben Smith of Smith Chiropractic in Chelsea. The member-driven organization recently received its nonprofit designation and intends to use it to enhance the services of and offer programs to businesses, enabling them to improve at a cost-effective rate.

“Simply, the Alliance is almost like a chamber [of commerce], but we don’t answer to typical chamber regulations,” Smith said. “We will set goals for ourselves based on local input, and we’ll use our resources to be an advocate group for businesses in Chelsea.”

Smith said the organization will eventually hold annual events, provide regular classes and help recruit businesses to Chelsea.

“We want to drive traffic to Chelsea – to be a resource for potential new businesses that want to locate here and help them navigate the waters when they do,” he said.

According to Chelsea Mayor Earl Niven, the city is giving the Alliance its support and feels it will be a valuable addition to local chambers. Niven didn’t rule out the idea that the Alliance could someday evolve into a chamber to specifically serve the local economic climate.

“Because we currently have such great organizations — the Greater Shelby and South Shelby Chambers of Commerce — the Chelsea Business Alliance will just be a complement,” Niven said. “Right now, it just has a great opportunity to advocate for Chelsea.”

Smith said the Alliance would meet the second Wednesday of every month at 11:30 a.m. at Chelsea City Hall. For more information or to apply for membership, contact Smith at 678-6884.