SLIPPERY ROCK — For 10 years, the Slippery Rock Business Association has been helping area businesses become more well-known.

“We are here to promote the businesses in the area, but we also have to grow business in the Slippery Rock area,” President Jen Whitmoyer said.

The group was founded in 2004 by a few local business owners.

Initially there was some discussion about forming a Slippery Rock area chamber of commerce. After some discussion, the group decided to become an affiliate of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce. Whitmoyer said this is easier and less costly for the association, and it gets a “mentor” in the chamber.

“It’s a really good partnership,” Whitmoyer said.

The association currently has 98 members. When the association started, it had 30 members. Whitmoyer said it generally has between 100 and 140 members.

“We get new members every month,” Whitmoyer said. “It grows. It ebbs and flows.”

Most of the businesses are in the 16057 ZIP code, but they also come from Butler, Cranberry Township, New Castle and Pittsburgh. Whitmoyer said out-of-area businesses often join because they are looking for marketability in the area.

Whitmoyer said one of the main ideas behind the association was to keep dues low while offering as much exposure as possible. The annual membership fee is $75.

Members can put inserts in the association’s newsletter for free, they can be listed on the association’s website for free and they can be involved with the association’s e-mail blasts.

Whitmoyer said with so many local businesses for owners to reach out to, the association also creates a networking opportunity.

“Because you’re a member, you’re trusted,” she said.

The association holds monthly meetings, mostly at member locations. Often times the owner of the business gives those present a tour. Members also get the opportunity to speak at the meetings and update those present on what they are doing.

“You make it what you want it to be,” Whitmoyer said.

In July, the association holds its annual “duck race” fundraiser. Money raised from the event goes to local charities. The association also holds its Christmas party in December.

This July, the association held its 10th anniversary celebration with a picnic in Gateway Park. Whitmoyer said more than 200 people came to the event.