American Independent Business Alliance

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of local independent businesses. It helps communities launch, sustain and network Independent Business Alliances (IBA). These local alliances work to strengthen and sustain community-based businesses while strengthening local economies and preventing chains from driving out locals.

AMIBA defines a local independent business as:

Private, employee, community or cooperative ownership
Owned in majority by area resident(s)
Full decision-making authority for the business lies with its owner(s)
A limited number and geographic range of business locations (determined by local affiliates based on their circumstances)

The organization was incorporated in 2001 by Jeff Milchen and Jennifer Rockne, who previously organized the Boulder Independent Business Alliance (in Colorado), the first such alliance in the U.S.

According to AMIBA's website, there were 40 local Independent Business Alliances and four regional affiliates around the United States and one in Canada as of March, 2008.

IBAs also promote citizen engagement over development of their communities and encourage members to play leading roles in community causes and sustainability initiatives.