In an exciting new development for the local economy movement, seven independent business organizations have come together to launch the Advocates for Independent Business (AIB), a new coalition dedicated to ensuring that locally owned, independent businesses succeed and thrive.
The coalition was founded by the American Booksellers Association, American Independent Business Alliance, American Specialty Toy Retailing Association, Independent Running Retailers Association, National Bicycle Dealers Association, Professional Association of Innkeepers International, and Record Store Day.
AIB will provide a structure for its member organizations to exchange information about successful programs that deliver value for their members, generate new ideas to support independent businesses, and work together to advocate for shared public policy goals.
ILSR helped the coalition get off the ground and is coordinating its work. We think building a national coalition will give independent businesses a stronger voice on critical public policy issues.
AIB has its roots in the Advocates for Independent Retail Summit organized by the American Booksellers Association two years ago. The day-long meeting drew over 50 people from more than 30 trade associations covering a broad range of independent businesses.
Recognizing the significant opportunity represented by that gathering and the value of having an ongoing vehicle for sharing ideas and collaborating to support independent businesses, the founding members of AIB began meeting earlier this year to create the coalition.
They anticipate that it will grow in the coming months as other organizations join. Membership is open to organizations that primarily represent independent, locally owned businesses.
More on the AIB’s website.
