New officers have been selected for the Roanoke Avenue Business Alliance and its new president sees itd mission as remaining a team effort among the group and the community.

“It's taken the whole group to get us where we are,” said newly elected RABA President Steve Dennis, the owner of Digital Concepts on Roanoke Avenue, said.

As the alliance continues to look for a Main Street director, Dennis said following a contributors meeting this afternoon, the group is doing the work former director Charles Williams was doing. “We're responding to requests and questions and focusing on our work plan.”

The work plan contains the blueprint for the revitalization of Roanoke Avenue.

Dennis he would like to see a focus on facade grants for the avenue, on which more information can be found on the RABA website. “Retaining businesses and employees on the avenue is one the things I'm pushing for.”

One of the ways to do that is promoting the businesses that are there, “That there are still home town folks on the avenue serving home town folks.”

Dennis said it is important that RABA continues to match the momentum it has had over the last year as it continues to search for a director.

He said, however, the organization needs community support, “Beyond the obvious of community support for local businesses, both financially, ideas and suggestions, anything, just an email no matter how small or big. You never know where the next big idea is coming from.”

Former president Kim Simpson said during the meeting she was proud and pleased to serve. “I really feel good about Steve Dennis. He's done all the hard work behind the scenes.”

Simpson also announced that Sherry Wade is the new vice president of the organization, while Carol Moseley is the secretary and Janet Dixon the treasurer.

“I appreciate the faith the board has in making me president,” Dennis said during the meeting. “I look forward to serving.”