CABA Gears Up for Annual Board Member Elections

It’s that time of year again for CABA (Carrollwood Area Business Association).  Elections for nine positions are scheduled for this week.  Those roles include: President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and six Directors.

Ballots have been mailed to all members and may be submitted via mail or at the annual Election Breakfast on Wednesday, July 6 at from 7:30-9am. 

Votes will be accepted until 8:30  a.m. on the Wednesday, and winners are announced immediately afterward.

Members were not permitted to send out campaign emails or solicit votes

According to CABA Executive Director Maria Patterson, historically, approximately 150 members vote, which accounts for about 45 percent of the members.  

Per the by-laws, Board Members are “a vital link between CABA and its members.  Their primary duties are to know the membership, to network frequently and to demonstrate enthusiasm for CABA activities.” 

They must also “support the organization, be respected, set policy, and serve the membership.”

In addition, Board Member duties include attendance at:

• Weekly meetings, monthly board meetings, monthly networking gatherings and power lunches
• Annual landmark events such as Meet the Candidates Breakfast, Election Day, Awards & Installation Dinner, Golf Classic, Business Expo, and more.
• Special events such as ribbon cutting ceremonies, invitations for construction tours and other business functions.

Formed in 1986, membership perks include the business directory (published annually, circulated to 10,000), free group messaging, member-to-member discounts, a profile page on their website, weekly networking meetings, press releases, and a new member welcome kit, which includes a plaque and pin.

Patterson, who works full-time for CABA, says that her proudest accomplishment was the implementation of the CABA website, which rolled out in 2009.  With over 3,000 visits per month, it allows members to interact in multiple ways.

As a result, many have taken advantage of these valuable resources and their lives have flourished both professionally and personally.

“Over the past 13 years of our membership, CABA has been an exceptional source of business for my husband Dick and me - not to mention the many special friendships that continue to enrich our lives,” said Karla Nielsen, a real estate consultant and property expert with Keller Williams Tampa Properties. 

CABA’s goals are both to bring awareness to CABA and its members.  Volunteering will remain a top priority, and the board hopes that in turn, residents and other businesses will "call a CABA member first".  As a group, the member-friendly organization also hopes to maintain their current membership while attracting new members, according to Patterson.

A member since 2005, Lisa Demmi, president of the social media firm Cake Sweet Promotional Concepts, served as CABA president from 2009-10.  A self-described “CABA brat," her mother served in the same role many years ago. 

“There is no better networking association in Carrollwood and the surrounding areas," said Demmi. "Probably 65 percent of my business has come directly from my participation in CABA and it will always be a part of my marketing and referral network.  CABA is like a big family and we take care of each other."

That camaraderie stretches well beyond the CABA membership. 

“There are many things I love and admire about Carrollwood, including the loyalty and determination our residents have – for one another and for the community – to succeed and thrive,” said Patterson.

The annual CABA Election Breakfast on Wednesday, July 6 at The Red Elephant Pizza and Grill from 7:30-9 a.m.  There is no fee and RSVP’s are not necessary.  Please note that this is open to CABA members only, and guests are not permitted at this event. 

If you are interested in joining CABA, log onto their website, or click on this link for convenient online registration.  Contact Maria Patterson at 813-264-0006 or, at caba@usecaba.com for more information.