The Pasadena Business Association (PBA) is entering a new chapter in 2026, marked by new leadership, new board members, and a milestone anniversary for the longtime community organization.
This year, the PBA is proudly celebrating its 40th anniversary. Officially established in October 1986, the organization has been a vital part of the Pasadena community for four decades. Its origins trace back to a period of rapid growth in the early 1980s, when major infrastructure projects – including the rebuilding of the Magothy Bridge, the expansion of Mountain Road and the completion of Edwin Raynor Boulevard -helped fuel residential and commercial development throughout the area.
As new small businesses opened, local owners recognized the need for a unified organization to collaborate, share ideas and advocate for their collective interests. In response, a group of business leaders – including Ed Lauer, founder of Lauer’s Supermarket & Bakery – came together to establish the Pasadena Business Association. Their vision was to create a strong network that supported local businesses while contributing to the overall well-being of Pasadena. Forty years later, that mission remains central to the PBA’s work.
Now, the organization is looking ahead under the leadership of new Executive Director Hayley Gable Bowerman, a lifelong Pasadena resident. Bowerman brings a strong connection to the local community and a renewed focus on energizing the association and its membership.
“At its core, the Pasadena Business Association is about relationships. It’s about business owners supporting one another, sharing resources, and working together to strengthen the local economy and improve our overall community,” said Bowerman. “As the PBA enters its 40th year, I invite new businesses to become part of our legacy and help shape Pasadena’s future. Whether you’re a long-established company or a newer business looking to grow in the community, the PBA door is always open for an opportunity to be visible, involved, and connected.”
As part of its mission to provide consistent opportunities for relationship-building – often leading to referrals, collaborations, and long-term partnerships, the PBA hosts routine monthly events such as general membership meetings, breakfast networking mixers, and after-hours meet-ups. A full calendar of events can be found on the PBA website.
In January, the organization welcomed new members to its Board of Directors, including Arnold Moreland of Opportunity Ministries and James Bowerman of Real Creative Group of Douglas Realty.
The full Board of Directors includes President Tom Latta of Coastline Mortgage; Vice President John Collins of McCully Polyniak & Collins Funeral Home; Secretary Sara De Leon of M&T Bank Riviera Beach; Alyssa Jones of Growth Of The Phoenix; Paulette Morris of Idea Weaver Promotions; Terri Casalino of The Rumor Meal & The Rumor Reel; Cortney Stitt of Clark & Anderson Public Accountants; Jocelyn Pskowski of Clark & Anderson Public Accountants; and Kendra Burnett of Mosquito Squad. Together, the board represents a diverse cross-section of local industries committed to strengthening the Pasadena business community.
Continuing its tradition of community investment, the PBA is currently partnering with the Lake Shore–Severna Park Rotary to offer the annual Pasadena & Severna Park Community Scholarships, with applications available online to high school seniors who are going above and beyond to serve and improve their communities in Pasadena and Severna Park. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership, with a strong emphasis on service to others.
Looking ahead, the PBA is preparing for several upcoming events, including The Taste of Pasadena, which will be held Tuesday, May 19 at The Waterfront on Nabbs Creek Road in Glen Burnie. For over 15 years, the Taste of Pasadena has been a celebration of resilience and culinary creativity. It is the one night of the year where the area’s top chefs, bakers, and restaurateurs gather in one room to serve their best dishes to their favorite people: their neighbors. Tickets for the Taste Of Pasadena will go on sale in March.
With new board members, ongoing partnerships and exciting signature events on the horizon, the PBA is honoring its legacy while embracing fresh energy and ideas for the future. “The PBA has been part of my life for as long as I can remember – from watching the parade as a little kid to now serving as Executive Director,” Bowerman said. “It’s an honor to help lead this organization into its next chapter and continue building something that not only supports our businesses, but truly brings our community together.”
For more information on becoming involved with the Pasadena Business Association, visit https://www.pasadenabusinessassociation.com/join-the-pba.
