While they are a diverse group, members of the Flagstaff Independent Business Alliance (FiBA) share a few common – and even some surprising – characteristics. FiBA small businesses seem to match and contribute to the fabric of our quirky, off-the-beaten-path mountain community. They highlight the importance of keeping a small town thriving by shopping locally. They are eclectic, independent, authentic, customer service-oriented, and FiBA members tend to develop relationships to help customers and each other in Northern Arizona’s competitive business environment. But, they also share a sense of fun as small business owner-operators.
“It’s really about our collective personality,” said Katy Peterson of Flagstaff Sports Exchange. “It’s earthy, authentic; it’s independent, playful.” She added that FiBA members are also “real and committed, and we care about this place, the community.”
In addition, Peterson said that she recently has seen signs of improvement for business in Flagstaff; she’s noticed that both business activity and the character of the community may be on an upswing from the recent recession. “The playful spirit was never gone, but it was paralyzed for awhile… and it’s thawing,”
One quite surprising thing for at least one small Flagstaff business owner in the informal FiBA network is that Visible Difference, a long-standing niche art supply store, has been getting referrals from big box competitors all through the recession; in turn, Visible Difference is making referrals back to those chain stores.
“When I know there is a locally owned store, I refer my customers there first. I help them find what they need,” said Visible Difference’s Ruth Ann Border.
Another FiBA member is Arizona Music Pro. This downtown business supports community music education by sponsoring trophies for young musicians. These trophies are donated to local music teachers who then present them to outstanding area students in school music programs. Arizona Music Pro has been doing this for nearly 20 years, adding up to a contribution of more than $10,000. The full-service music store also offers free group guitar lessons at 1 p.m. on Saturdays for those who purchase an instrument there.
“We’re a gathering place for musicians and aspiring musicians,” said Arizona Music Pro owner Lance Roederer. “We approach everything from music education, to having fun.” Roederer added that business for him is “more of a relationship, more than selling a box off the shelf.”
Roederer also noted some of the FiBA qualities that stand out for him. “Their focus on local business is really what drew me to FiBA. FiBA really shines the spotlight on what our local community is all about – being involved as best we can and as much as we can in the community.” FBN
FiBA is a coalition of locally owned independent businesses and community members working together to develop the economic vitality of Flagstaff while enhancing and preserving its character. Visit www.flagstaffiba.com for more information.
Steele Wotkyns is the owner of WotkynsPRplus, a public relations firm.
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