Dedicated Business Leadership for Upshur County

About Us

BURMA is a non-profit 501(c)(6) organization representing large and small retail merchants and related business professionals in Upshur County.

The association depends on its networking abilities and vast sources of information to continue as a viable resource for Upshur County merchants and business professionals. Marketing and advocacy is critical to its future success.

Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month, at different locations, normally at 12:00 noon. Each meeting lasts approximately 1 hour and there is usually a lunch provided at the location for a small fee.

We recently finished our marketing and advertising strategies and work with other organizations to coordinate local events such as the Antique Appraisal Fair, Chili Cook-Off, Bridal Expo, and Merchants Walk just to name a few. BURMA is also working on providing training seminars that will benefit our local service businesses.

A business membership is $30.00 annually and multiple business owners may purchase an additional 1 year membership for their other establishments for an additional $10.00 per business after their initial $30.00 dues. We also offer an Associate membership for $15.00 annually. Associate members are not eligible to participate in voting or hold office.

BURMA is dedicated to the growth and prosperity of our business members and the local issues that improve the quality of life for all that live, visit, and work in Upshur County. We are able to focus on what our members feel are of most need in our area through a comprehensive marketing plan developed by our members.

BURMA not only brings together the people who own and operate our local businesses, we also provide valuable business services to our members. They include: 

Advertising Opportunities & Business Support Services

• BURMA Offers a Wide Range of Networking Opportunities Through Partnership in Local Events
• Placement of Brochures/Business Cards in our Convention and Visitor’s Center and at CVB Functions
• Discounted Rates for Group Advertising in Local Papers, Magazines, and Periodicals
• Coupon Listing on Our “BURMA BUCK” that is Distributed Throughout the Year
• Representation by BURMA at Trade Shows and Events such as the Bobcat Merchants Fair

 Networking and Marketing Events

• Monthly Lunch Meeting on the First Thursday of Each Month
• E-mail Reminders for Meetings and Upcoming Events
• Community Events
• BURMA Business Awards Dinner
• Annual Meeting
• BURMA Website

 Creative, Cost-Effective Advertising Opportunities

• Affordable Full-Color Co-op Advertising in the WV Travel and Tourism Magazine
• Affordable advertising on the Farmer’s Almanac Calendar
• WVSF Queen Pageant BURMA Basket Promotion
• Merchants Walk Brochure and Touring Map
• Annual Craft Fair Schedule of Events Brochure and TV Advertising
• Advertising on our Christmas Page Spread
• BURMA Decal

Solicitation Notice: Contributions to BURMA, a 501(c)(6) organization, are not deductible for federal income tax purposes as charitable contributions and should be treated as a business expense.