About GWRABA

The Greater Williamson Road Area Business Association

Every town has its main “strip” – Williamson Road is Roanoke’s. At the intersection of community and business, it is a true microcosm of the world, with its many international restaurants and businesses.

The business district is composed of an older commercial area rich with history; a highway ribbon peppered with restaurants, service shops, ethnic grocery stores, car lots, churches, vintage stores, schools, banks, a civic center, and a library. It’s all here.

The Greater Williamson Road Area Business Association’s (GWRABA) basic purpose and role – as set forth 40+ years ago – is to represent the interests of local businesses, attract new businesses, and collaborate in both the City and the County to help those businesses grow, with a unified voice. We are an advocacy organization that keeps its eye on local, state, and sometimes federal policies that may impact your business, while providing increased visibility in the community through marketing, networking and sponsorship opportunities.

The History of Williamson Road

Mission Statement

The Greater Williamson Road Area Business Association is dedicated to supporting business owners and engaging community leaders to further business growth, foster an entrepreneurial spirit, and enhance the greater Williamson Road Community.

Vision Statement

Two girls with face paint and butterfly wings smiling with a woman dressed in a floral costume and matching makeup.

The Greater Williamson Road Area Business Association is an advocacy-based nonprofit organization and the cornerstone of our business community. We are here to be: the Network providing numerous opportunities for businesses to meet the people they need to know; the Lead as the voice of businesses in the Greater Williamson Road area; the Advocate to encourage our businesses to make their voices heard and opinions known; and to Promote the visibility of businesses in the greater community as the guide helping to build a more resilient business.