Rusk Area Merchants

Think Local. Grow Together.

About Rusk Area Merchants

Built by rusk for rusk

Built by Rusk. For Rusk.

Rusk Area Merchants is a community-driven organization made up of local business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals, and residents who believe in one simple idea:

A strong Rusk starts with strong local businesses.
We exist to support, promote, and protect the people who make this town work every day — the shop owners, tradesmen, restaurateurs, service providers, and independent professionals who serve Rusk with pride.
This is not a top-down organization or a political body.
It is a grassroots effort focused on local commerce, local cooperation, and local success.
Ourmission

Our Mission

To strengthen Rusk by supporting local businesses, encouraging residents to shop local, and fostering collaboration that benefits the entire community.

We work to ensure that:
  • Local businesses have visibility and support
  • Entrepreneurs have a place to grow
  • Workers have local opportunities
  • And residents benefit from a thriving hometown economy
Why rusk area merchs exist

Why Rusk Area Merchants Exist

Small towns thrive when they invest in themselves.

Rusk Area Merchants was created to:
  • Give local businesses a collective voice
  • Promote local ownership and entrepreneurship
  • Encourage dollars to stay in Rusk
  • And build pride in buying, hiring, and investing locally
     
We believe economic development doesn’t start in boardrooms — it starts on Main Street.
Our values

Our Values

Local First
We believe Rusk should always support its own before sending business elsewhere.


Community Before Competition

When local businesses work together, everyone wins.
 

Integrity & Transparency

We advocate for fair treatment of local businesses and honest representation of local commerce.
 

Pride in Rusk

We don’t just operate here — we belong here.
Looking ahead

Looking Ahead

Rusk Area Merchants isn’t just about today — it’s about building a stronger Rusk for tomorrow.

As we grow, our goals include:
 

  • Expanding the business directory
  • Creating job and housing resources
  • Hosting community events
  • Supporting downtown growth
  • And making Rusk a destination for opportunity and pride
Join us

Join Us

Whether you own a business or simply care about Rusk, you can be part of what we’re building.

Together, we are creating a stronger, more self-reliant Rusk — one local business at a time.

Join
Who can be

Who Can Be a Rusk Area Merchant

Rusk Area Merchants is open to:

  • Brick-and-mortar businesses
  • Home-based businesses
  • Contractors and trades
  • Professionals and service providers
  • Entrepreneurs and startups
  • And community supporters who believe in buying local
If you serve Rusk — you belong here.

Our Board of Directors
 

Staff Member

James T.

President 
Staff Member

Maria L.

Treasurer
Staff Member

Thomas G.

Outreach Coordinator

Frequently Asked Questions
 


Who is eligible for your services?
WAnyone who is a member of the Rusk Area Merchants that does business in  Rusk, TX and nearby areas.
 

Am I eligible to become a member?
All members must hold a professional license that their business uses that allows them to legally do business in the state of Texas. (example, law license, medical license, or sales tax certificate.)