FIBA Getting New Board Members

Showing their love for locally-owned business, four Flagstaff business
owners have just joined the board of the Flagstaff independent Business
Alliance (FiBA). “As the owner of a local business, I know firsthand the
importance of independent businesses supporting each other,” explains Ruth
Austin, FiBA Vice-President.

FiBA, a grassroots business networking organization founded in 2003,
announces the new slate of officers and advisors, including President Brandy
Wojciak (Brandy’s Restaurant, Espresso Bar & Bakery), Vice-President Ruth
Austin (PS Printing), board member Charles “Chuck” Seiverd (The NOISE!), and
board member Pete Wolff (Gold Wolff Jewelers). Treasurer George Castleberry,
Secretary Debbie Leavitt, and board member Leslie Connell (Discovery Map Co)
continue on the board since 2009. FiBA’s advisors are Dexter Albert
(Intrinsic Consulting), Susie Garretson (citizen member, co-founder of
Flagstaff Athletic Clubs), and Howard Shanker (Shanker Law, ex-officio
Vice-President of FiBA).

Nearly 100 members strong, FiBA is a grassroots business organization
established in 2003 and comprised of all volunteer staff.  Austin adds,
“What’s great about FiBA is that it gives local, independent business owners
an opportunity to get together and network, share ideas, and get inspired.
As our membership grows, we’ll have even more of a voice about the issues
affecting our businesses.”

Recent accomplishments include a newly redesigned shopping guide by
member Joan Carstensen Design and a well-attended February meeting featuring
guest speaker Kimber Lanning of Local First Arizona. “FiBA meetings are a
comfortable environment to voice ideas and concerns of the independent
business owner – also great networking, fun, food, wine, great energy, and
door prizes,” invites President Wojciak.

Join us at FiBA’s next meeting, Wednesday April 18, “Speed-dating” for
business (1:1 efficient networking session) at Flagstaff Sports Exchange
5:30 – 7:30 pm. Meet everyone in the room in a relaxed, efficient way.

FiBA is a coalition of locally-owned, independent businesses and
community members working together to further develop the economic vitality
of Flagstaff while enhancing preserving its unique character. FiBA helps the
community prosper by supporting locally-owned independent businesses through
education, networking, advocacy and citizen involvement. FiBA is just one of
many local business alliances throughout the country and is a proud member
of AMIBA. Join FiBA on LinkedIn and Facebook – join officially on
www.FlagstaffIBA.com.