The Ellicott City Business Association has big plans for the future, and now it has the money to back them up.

The association, which acts as a chamber of commerce for Main Street merchants, recently received $10,000 in donations from developers Donald Reuwer and Bruce Taylor, and the group is expecting as much as $30,000 more, according to Jared Spahn, president of the association.

The developers, both of whom have housing projects around Ellicott City, have agreed to donate a portion of the profit from each lot they sell to the association.

The donation comes in addition to money from the group's annual Taste of Ellicott City fund-raiser and dues, which increased this year.

To date, the association's budget is about $17,000, Spahn said - nearly seven times its average budget two years ago of $2,500. Membership has doubled in the past three years, he said.

"The ECBA is in the best financial shape we've ever been in," Spahn said. "As a result, we're able to do some pro-active things. What it gives us is the opportunity to work with more organizations. Instead of just talking about things we can do, now we can start forming our committees to decide what is it we want to do. "

Among ideas for the group are creating a business plan for the historic district and getting better parking, installing lighting along Main Street in the form of old-fashioned lampposts, and bringing in a consultant to work with retailers in the historic district to help them improve their businesses.

The group also plans for more and improved advertising for the town to draw shoppers.

Chris Cotter, who owns an advertising agency on Main Street, has worked with the association to develop a series of ads, which the group has used this year. The association has spent more on advertising this year than the past several combined, Spahn said.

That is an investment that is likely to pay off, said Melissa Arnold, who heads the county's Tourism Council.

"Considering the things that have happened in the fall of last year and this year, I think it's been vital to help encourage people to get out, to let people know we're still here and we are still a good place to come to," Arnold said. "This fall, our school tours have disappeared completely. [But] we have seen an increase in Maryland motor coaches coming into the area. It's been really good to see that part of the tourism business has not suffered because of the unusual events."

Sam Coyne of Craig Coyne Jewelers said business at his 2-year-old store has doubled, a likely result of his advertising. But he said increased foot traffic, window-shopping and crowds from events could be attributed to the business association's work.

"In general, the traffic in town has been improved," he said. "We had a very successful weekend as a result of that [Fall Arts Festival.] That was quite nice."

But plans for association money will be in the hands of next year's board, Spahn said. The association is scheduled to have elections next month, and he expects new committees to emerge next year that will develop plans to help the organization grow.

"There's always the 'haves' and 'have-nots,' and typically the 'haves' get to make the decisions," he said. "Now we're in a position where we can do projects with other organizations in town and actually make a financial contribution. Now we're a 'have.'"