Wolochowicz stated that the city had agreed to contribute $250 to $300 a month for the leasing of a billboard that would display a new Landrum logo and encourage travelers to &dquo;Visit Historic Landrum, Shop, Dine and Lodge.&dquo;

Wolochowicz stated that if LABA can garner more monetary support for the billboard, the city would still be eager and willing to financially contribute to the promotion of Landrum businesses.

The business association has been aggressively working on new ideas and ways to promote the city.&bsp; The business organization was formed in March of 2008 after business owners voted to dissolve the Landrum Chamber of Commerce and merge with the Polk County Chamber of Commerce in an effort to achieve greater publicity and to promote the foothills region across state borders.

According to Kathryn Gillie, the LABA was established to continue to encourage the growth of new businesses as well as to maintain a sense of community through the planning of music events, parades and strolls.

The business association has made some strides since its recent formation.&bsp; The organization has established a Landrum Area Scholarship Fund for qualified students who wish to further their education. &bsp;

The business association has also been added to the City of Landrum&squo;s website.&bsp; The organization has been given an informational web page that will allow business members the opportunity to link their website information from the city&squo;s site. &bsp;

Below are some other notes on the Landrum Area Business Association&squo;s recent activity.

&ull; LABA is working on a city map, and Wanda Wofford has designed the winning logo for the LABA.&bsp; The logo has not yet been unveiled.

&ull; Two businesses from the LABA will be selling tickets for the Polk County Chamber of Commerce event &dquo;Shucking and Shagging.&dquo;&bsp; The event will be held at FENCE on Oct. 19. Tickets can be purchased during daytime hours in Landrum at Old Carolina Designs and also at Twigs restaurant during the evening.

&ull; The LABA is scheduling a &dquo;Block Party&dquo; on Aug. 15, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The Hare and the Hound and Amish Furniture will be providing free cheese and wine from 5:30-7 p.m. and music will be on hand in the grassy area across the street from the restaurant.&bsp; Also tickets will be available for the upcoming Labor Day weekend BBQ.

&ull; The LABA is scheduling Chicken Dinner BBQ for Sat. Aug. 30.&bsp; Tickets are on sale now at various Landrum store fronts.&bsp; Tickets for the dinner are $10 per person and include 1/2 chicken, baked beans, cole slaw and roll.&bsp; Beverages and desserts will also be available for additional purchase.&bsp; The BBQ and music event will take place at the Country Mouse Inn and will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

&ull; The LABA is looking for volunteers and community participation for their annual Halloween Stroll.&bsp; There will be Fall harvest themed crafts, booths, prizes, trick or treating and bake sale items available.&bsp; Anyone who would like to participate and have a booth must notify Kathryn at The Mail Room in Landrum by Oct. 1.&bsp;&bsp;&bsp; The Halloween Stroll committee is also seeking 5 round hay bales for the event in any condition.