Not Too Early to Think About Independents

The American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) is again declaring the week of July 1 - July 7 Independents Week. "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 home town's future," stated AMIBA Director Jennifer Rockne. "Independents Week was a great success last year, our first year of doing this as a national campaign. We only expect participation to grow each year."

Independents Week began in Tampa, Florida, when Carla Jimenez of Inkwood Books gathered other independent businesses to participate in a group promotion. This group since formalized into the Tampa Independent Business Alliance (TIBA). AMIBA thought Independents Week would adapt well to a national campaign.

"We're inviting individual businesses and other organizations to AMIBA and our IBAs again this year in the campaign," Rockne told BTW. "This campaign can be as simple or elaborate as a local business or group wants to make it. 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 community. 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."

AMIBA had a great response from ABA members during last year's Independents Week, said Rockne. The alliance is already working with the Great Lakes Booksellers Association (GLBA) on their next regional campaign, which will include a local action kit GLBA will provide to their members. "I hope we can make similar connections with the other regional groups," said Rockne. "The key is to get as many indies and communities involved as we can and to make some noise!

"One of the highlights for me was seeing participants succeed in getting their city councils or mayors to declare July 1 - July 7 Independents Week through official city proclamation -- this is a staple activity and one that can be made into a great media event."

ABA members who are interested in participating can contact AMIBA at (406) 582-1255 or [email protected]. AMIBA will provide participants with information necessary for downloading instructions and templates from their Web site.