About the eBA
The eBusiness Association is dedicated to furthering the knowledge and practical application of the Internet to increase business performance and success. We promote strategic use of the Internet through educational programming and seminars, by providing venues for member networking and through community stewardship. Our goal is to help our membership and the community improve their business performance through thoughtful adaptation of Internet technologies and applications.
History of the eBA
Started in 1996 in Rochester, New York, the eBusiness Association was founded by Robert Tubbs. Tubbs realized that often people with little to no Internet training are held responsible for providing a successful Internet presence in their everyday business. Consequently, these individuals have a challenging time learning and keeping up with the ever changing new media among their other business responsibilities. He formed the IMAA (Internet Marketing and Advertising Association) to help meet these challenges, bringing together successful professionals from the business community to provide a network of support and education.
In late 1999, the IMAA broadened its focus to encompass the ever expanding eBusiness initiatives that and the name was changed to the eBusiness Association to reflect that new energy and commitment.
The eBusiness Association actively assists the growth of member firms throughout western New York, providing company management with the support they need to capitalize on new opportunities in the steadily growing eBusiness marketplace.
The Association provides eBusiness seminars, workshops and many of the other resources and services necessary to assure business success via the Web or Internet. As a professional society, the organization is committed to providing its members, local firms, and entire communities with opportunities to gain a better understanding of the Internet, the Web and eBusiness as a whole. This has become a vital task since eBusiness represents so many revenue opportunities for the entire area.
The eBA prides itself on giving back to the community. Each year at least one $2500 scholarship is awarded to a local college student. In 2004, a record four, $2500 scholarships were awarded to local students.
Every year the eBA makes a special point of recognizing significant contributors to the productive growth of eBusiness in the Greater Rochester Area. The Executive of the Year Award has been given out ever year since its inception in 1996.