Our Purpose

The purpose of ELBA is to inform our members and the East Lincoln
Community about issues and plans that would affect their quality of life, and to transmit community concerns to those government and private agencies or companies that are accountable to address these concerns.

East Lincoln Betterment Association (ELBA) Early History

We are proud to profess that our organization is one of the “old originals” in the early evolution of East Lincoln since we were established in June of 1976.

Over the years we have been dedicated to identifying many of the opportunities for improving and maintaining a higher quality of life in our community. The following chronology of events includes, but is not limited to just some of the contributions instrumental in the ways we effected the beneficial change for the betterment of all the people who live and work in Eastern Lincoln County:

1976 – 1977

Instrumental in acquiring one of the areas first pharmacist & drug stores as well as two optometrists.
Donated $1000 to establish East Lincoln Rescue Squad.

1978 – 1979

Funded road signs for Highway 16 intersection.
Helped secure area ambulance service.

1980 – 1981

Appointed a committee to study a County zoning ordinance.
Supported early recycling efforts.

1982 – 1983

Surveyed community needs.
Provided funding to increase the number of East Lincoln Park ball fields.
Provided 24 hour car counts for NCDOT to promote Highway 16 improvements.

1984 – 1985

Met with Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. to promote widening of Highway 16 into four lanes.
Petitioned NCDOT for Highway 16 improvements.

1986 – 1987

Instrumental in the addition of red & caution lights at Highway 16.
Petitioned Board of Commissioners for East Lincoln sewer system.
Began sponsoring the annual non-partisan Candidate Forums.

1988 – 1989

Created newsletter to keep citizens better informed about the community.
Orchestrated fund raising drive for East Lincoln Park.

1990 – 1992

Helped secure $34,350 of matching Federal grant funds for East Lincoln Park.
Secured toll free local telephone service between Denver, NC and Charlotte.

1993 – 1995

Donated: $1000 to four East Lincoln schools; $2000 to East Lincoln Branch Library; video equipment to Sheriff’s Department.

1997 – 1998

Placed mail pick-up boxes along Highway 16.
Supported efforts for a East Lincoln public community center and gym.

2002 – 2003

Hosted educational forum on alcohol referendum.
Hosted opening of new East Lincoln Branch Library.
Supported the creation of the East Lincoln Political Action Committee.

2004

Promoted Charlotte’s Central Area Transit Authority (CATS) bus service to East Lincoln.
Held progressive dinners to benefit area charities.
Supported the creation of the East Lincoln Community Chorus.

2007

Supported passage of The Lincoln County Land Use Plan

2008

Supported building of Beatties Ford Park
Participated in NC 16 Business Corridor Vision Plan

2009

Supported passage of a County wide Unified Development Ordinance

Who Is ELBA?

East Lincoln Betterment Association (ELBA) is a thirty (30) plus year old non-profit organization of volunteers working to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Lincoln County by educating the public on key issues and concerns.

We are dedicated to identifying opportunities for improving and maintaining a higher quality of life in our communities and developing ways to effect change, where beneficial, for the betterment of all people who live or work in eastern Lincoln County.

Our membership consists of those resident and business owners of Catawba Springs Township and those areas surrounding that agree to support the aims, purpose, and objectives of the Association. Only dues paying members are eligible to vote or be on our nominating committee. General membership meetings are open to any interested persons.

Our Association is administered by a Board of Directors, which consists of four (4) Officers and seven (7) Directors who are elected for two (2) year terms. Our regular Board meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month.

We present dynamic and informative guest speakers at each of our General Membership meetings that are held on the third Thursday of every other month at the Unity Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 8210 Unity Church Road, Denver, NC

We invite and encourage everyone to attend. The doors open at 6:45 PM and the programs will get underway at 7:00 PM. Light refreshments are usually served.

We are your voice, your connection, and your instrument to effect positive change in our County. ELBA prides itself in ensuring smart growth with a watchful eye, and recognizing hard-working citizens and organizations that step forward to make our community one of the best in the Lake Norman area.

We challenge you and your family or company to become a member of ELBA if you have a vested interest in this community as a resident or corporate citizen of our County and join those of us who are already actively involved in making a difference.
Share your perception, your perspective, and your passion to help contribute to the pride of making our community a much better place in which to work and live.