AVALON - 7 Mile Business Community Association, Inc. (7MBCA) is a New Jersey based, not-for-profit corporation that was incorporated on Aug. 11, 2008. 7MBCA is an informal grass roots group in the Avalon Business Community that has been actively involved in advertising and marketing the emerging business community of Avalon as a destination. Recently, the 7MBCA received a marketing grant from the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism for $21,223.

The grant money will help continue to put not just Avalon, but the Jersey shore on the map as a premier travel destination.

“We would like to thank the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism without whose funding we could not continue to do what we do,” stated Jacquie Ewing, President of 7MBCA. “The Southern Shore Regional Destination Marketing Organization in Crest Haven has always been a huge help to us as well.”

7MBCA works with area businesses to mount the multi-media marketing and advertising campaign, “Indulge in Avalon” with the tag line 'Shop. Dine. Relax'. The campaign’s eye-catching graphics are designed to showcase Avalon as a unique, attractive and diverse vacation destination. The tag line “Shop. Dine. Relax” targets the out of area audience looking for a family resort or a place to recharge in a beautiful, natural setting with plenty of options for fine dining, shopping and relaxing and fun.

In addition to the “Indulge in Avalon” campaign, portions of the grant money will go towards marketing the two largest events the 7MBCA hosts during the year to the Philadelphia and New York City audience. On March 2,3 & 4, the 7MBCA will host their Shop-A-Holics’ Weekend at the Princeton Bar & Grill on 20th Street & Dune Drive in Avalon and at a new additional location, the Whitebrier Motor Club and Restaurant, also located on 20th Street. Merchants from all of the surrounding communities come together under one roof to sell deeply discounted merchandise. A portion of the proceeds is donated each year to local charities.

The second event is Festive Friday, held every year on the Fri. after Thanksgiving. In 2010, 7MBCA expanded this event across the entire downtown business district while adding more free entertainment. In 2011, this included an ice skating rink in the center of town. It is a total community effort, with all the businesses contributing funds to pay for food and entertainment. The entertainment runs from 10am through late afternoon and leads up to Santa’s tree lighting ceremony at the downtown park sponsored by the Borough of Avalon. The 7MBCA will work on marketing this event to the Philadelphia and New York City area as well.