Independents Week Set for July 1 - 7

The American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) -- a national outreach networking hub and resource center for independent business alliances (IBAs) and independent businesses -- has declared Saturday, July 1, through Friday, July 7, Independents Week. The national weeklong promotion serves to educate the public about the importance of shopping at locally owned, independent businesses.

"The annual celebration of our nation's independence is a perfect time to remind citizens that economic independence and self-determination were founding principles of this country," said Jennifer Rockne, the director of AMIBA. "It's a time to reflect on the importance of economic democracy and community self-determination by celebrating our nation's locally owned independent businesses and the stake each citizen has in shaping their hometown's future."

The idea for Independents Week was first developed five years ago in Tampa, Florida, by Carla Jimenez and Leslie Reiner, the owners of Inkwood Books, who placed that month's Book Sense titles on sale for the July 4th week. The response to the sales event was so strong that by 2003 about 20 local businesses were participating in the Tampa promotion, which urged community members to "celebrate our nation's independence [by] celebrating your independents -- for all your shopping, dining, and entertainment needs."

Over the last two years, the number of communities participating in Independents Week has grown significantly, according to Rockne, who added, "If the enthusiastic response of organizations representing independent businesses -- like ABA -- is any indicator, Independents Week will continue to grow." This year, one of the new organizational participants is the National Grocers Association.

AMIBA invites individual businesses and other organizations to join the July celebration. Noting that an Independents Week campaign can be as simple or as elaborate as a local business or group wants to make it, Rockne explained, "We provide templates and how-to's for activities, buttons, posters, press releases, and even a scavenger hunt game board. Participants can pick and choose among the ideas for what they want to do in their communities -- or they can feel free to create their own ideas. The main thing is to get lots of folks involved and make local and national news."

Many AMIBA participants pose the "Indie Challenge" to local celebrities and government officials -- asking them to shop only at locally owned businesses for the week. "We aim to get national celebrities to take the challenge, too," Rockne said. "We've had IBAs challenge their city council members to take the 'Challenge' for the week or for the entire month: [Council members] submitted their receipts at the end, and the council member who did the best job of supporting independent businesses won special recognition and prizes."

Rockne said that Independents Week had a very good response last year from ABA members. Already, one regional bookseller association has contacted AMIBA looking for information about this year's event. "I hope we can make similar connections with the other regional groups," she said. "The key is to get as many indies and communities involved as we can and to make some noise!"

Businesses and alliances that wish to be a part of Independents Week should register online at amiba.net/independents_week.html. Registration places participants on a master list that enables others of like-mind in their communities to find them. In addition, AMIBA uses the list to create media lists for its national press release. Registrants also receive an e-mail message with a web location for downloading participant information and templates.

AMIBA affiliation is not required to participate. For more information about the celebration and about forming an independent business alliance, contact AMIBA at (406) 582-1255 or visit www.AMIBA.net.