Join The Associaton

Are you ready to join a dynamic community of business leaders dedicated to transforming Sitka into a vibrant economic hub? The Sitka Local Merchants Association (SLMA) invites you to join our committed network and be at the forefront of revitalizing and protecting commerce in our beloved town.

Join the Sitka Merchants Association today and become part of a thriving community of like-minded business owners dedicated to enhancing commerce in Sitka. Together, we are committed to creating a vibrant economic environment that benefits all members and fosters growth in our local market.

As a member, you will gain access to valuable networking opportunities, collaborative initiatives, and resources designed to help your business succeed, by working alongside fellow entrepreneurs.

The Sitka Merchants Association advocates for local businesses, ensuring that their voices are heard on issues that matter. We provide marketing support, event planning, and promotional opportunities to elevate your business within the community and attract new customers.

Invest in your business and Sitka's future. Join the Sitka Merchants Association and be part of a movement that empowers local businesses, strengthens our economy, and enriches our community. Together, we can make Sitka commerce thrive.

Beautification of the Lincoln Street Corridor

The SMLA is leading the charge in breathing new life into Downtown Lincoln Street. Our Beautification Projects aim to transform this historic heart of Sitka into an inviting and vibrant area that draws both residents and tourists alike. Picture charming streets adorned with lush greenery, artful installations, and welcoming spaces that reflect Sitka's unique spirit.

As a member, you can directly influence these exciting changes, ensuring that the Lincoln Street Corridor becomes a bustling commercial area and a beautiful gateway to our community’s rich heritage.

Opportunities Beyond Lincoln Street

While Lincoln Street is a focal point, our vision extends beyond its borders. Businesses located off Lincoln Street are equally vital to our mission. By joining the SMA, you will access a wide range of resources, collaborative opportunities, and support to enhance your business's visibility and success. Together, we can ensure that every corner of Sitka benefits from increased commerce and community spirit.

 FAQs

  • General Meetings: Last Wednesday of the month at 3pm at the Aspen hotel conference room.

    Beatification Meetings: Second Wednesday of the Month at 3pm in the Aspen Hotel Conference Room.

    We will always post meeting minutes and agendas on our website.

  • By joining the SLMA, you'll become part of a network of like-minded business owners committed to enhancing commerce in Sitka. Membership provides access to valuable networking opportunities, collaborative initiatives, advocacy on important issues, and marketing support. You'll have the chance to work alongside fellow entrepreneurs and benefit from resources designed to help your business succeed.

  • Absolutely! The SLMA is committed to supporting all Sitka businesses, whether they're on or off Lincoln Street. Our initiatives and resources are designed to benefit the entire community, ensuring increased commerce and community engagement throughout Sitka.

  • - Networking Opportunities: Connect with other business leaders and entrepreneurs in the community.

    - Advocacy and Representation: Ensure that local businesses' voices are heard on key issues.

    - Marketing Support: Utilize event planning and promotional opportunities to elevate your business.

    - Beautification Projects: Influence transformative changes on the Lincoln Street Corridor and extend them to the greater Sitka area.

    - Resource Access: Tap into resources that enhance your business's visibility and success.

  • Membership Categories

    Voting Members

    - Eligibility: Businesses operating within Sitka's designated downtown corridor, specifically from Harbor Drive to Lincoln Street (up to Seward Street), qualify as voting members.

    - Privileges: Voting members can vote in board elections, influence fund disbursement, and make official recommendations to the public.

    - Responsibilities: Voting members must attend at least two meetings annually, either in person or via Zoom. Participation in special meetings requiring members' votes is also expected.

    - Fees: $350 per year.

    Supporting Members

    - Eligibility: Businesses outside the designated downtown corridor, as well as those within who choose not to have voting rights, qualify as supporting members.

    - Privileges: While these members support SLMA initiatives and participate in events, they do not have voting rights regarding board elections or funding decisions.

    - Fees: $175 per year for non-voting members.

    Additional Information

    - Location-Based Voting Rights: Voting rights are determined by the location of your business. Businesses outside the downtown corridor can only join as non-voting members.

    - Meeting Participation: All members are encouraged to actively participate in SLMA meetings and initiatives to continue driving positive changes in Sitka's commerce.

    In summary, membership in the SLMA is both a commitment to enhancing Sitka's economic landscape and an opportunity to directly influence the future of local commerce. We look forward to welcoming you into our vibrant community!

  • The Sitka Local Merchants Association (SLMA) is enthusiastically pro-tourism. We understand the crucial impact tourism has on boosting our local economy and enhancing the vibrancy of our community. As an association, we are committed to following the guidelines set forth in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and adhering to the recommendations of the Tourism Task Force to promote sustainable and responsible tourism practices.

    The SLMA opposes any initiatives that could impede business operations in Sitka. By joining our association, you align yourself with a pro-business agenda that aims to benefit both local merchants and our cherished visitors.

    Together, we strive to foster a vibrant, welcoming, and prosperous environment for everyone who calls Sitka home or chooses to visit our beautiful community.

  • As a member, you will have the opportunity to directly influence the revitalization of the Lincoln Street Corridor. The projects aim to transform it into an inviting and vibrant area, enhancing tourism and community spirit. Participation details will be shared through our member communications.

    Beautification Meetings are held separately from general meetings and are every second Wednesday of the month.

    Volunteers and community members who are not members are also encouraged to attend, and anyone can join beautification projects. The beautification subcommittee is run and governed by the Merchants Association and the board.

  • Exciting networking opportunities for our merchants association are on the horizon! We encourage our members to take an active role in fostering connections within our community. If you're interested in hosting a networking event, please reach out to us. Together, we can enhance collaboration and strengthen our local business network. Your participation is key to enriching our downtown community and supporting one another in our entrepreneurial journeys.

  • Local merchants can actively maintain their memberships with Visit Sitka and the Chamber of Commerce for visibility and tourism growth. The Sitka Merchants Association will work with both organizations to create joint marketing efforts.

    Ultimately, participation in these opportunities lies with the merchants. Through collective support, we can enhance Sitka's offerings and build a thriving local economy.