FiBA has been around for more than a decade, but what IS the Flagstaff independent Business Alliance? Well, it is “the fun business group” because of its popular networking events, which primarily locally owned businesses join. Simpatico Massage’s Theresa Janecek feels “FiBA is a constant reminder that small businesses are the heart and soul of any city. I appreciate being a part of this organization that so graciously supports my business endeavors and illuminates the power of word-of-mouth marketing.”
Flagstaff Community Market’s Heather and Art Babbott have been FiBA members for 10 years because they “understand the value of a diverse, resilient local economy, keeping our dollars in our community, supporting entrepreneurs and small business development, and providing important advocacy for independently owned and operated businesses.”
Gold Wolff Jewelers’ Pete Wolff says, “being a local business owner has made me realize how important it is to shop locally-owned. Money spent here trickles around our beautiful mountain town, but the same money spent at a national chain won’t trickle down into our local economy – only $43 stays here. But if spent locally-owned, $73 stays in Flagstaff! That percentage difference is huge.”
FiBA is affiliated with AMiBA (American independent Business Alliance). Co-director Jeff Milchen sees the impact of Independent Business Alliances growing steadily. “In the 2013 national survey, independent businesses in cities with grassroots groups like FiBA reported revenue growth of seven percent, tripling the 2.3 percent increase of businesses lacking local alliances.”
Ravens Eye Creative Werks’ Christina Norlin “wanted to join [an organization] that was fresh, with new ideas, in which the newer small businesses had just as much say and visibility as some of the older big businesses.” Visible Difference Art Supply’s RuthAnn Border adds, “Owning a business is a relationship with the community – you need to be compatible.”
Non-profits support local businesses, too. “We believe in supporting people who live and work in our community, people who make Flagstaff such a great town,” says John Tannous, executive director of Flagstaff Cultural Partners. “FiBA helps us connect with those folks, encouraging everyone to get behind the local/independent movement – they’re leading the way.”
Flagstaff Arts & Leadership Academy’s Executive Director Becky Daggett agrees. “You can’t have a vibrant local economy without strong locally owned businesses and flourishing arts and cultural organizations. I’ve been a FiBA member since the very beginning because I believe in the mission.”
Moran Henn, Friends of Flagstaff’s Future’s development and programs director says, “We joined because FiBA works tirelessly promoting locally-owned business and all things Flagstaff.”
Flagstaff Discovery Map’s Leslie Connell has “been an associate member since FiBA’s inception. FiBA offers support and networking opportunities to our locally-owned small businesses, which is critical to their success. Our local businesses are so important in keeping the unique culture of our community alive and well, which is important to locals and visitors alike.”
Citizen member Robert Young joined FiBA “to support local business owners – local businesses give this town its distinctive character. I enjoy helping Flag stay Flag!”
Hufford/Horstman/Mongini/Parnell & Tucker’s Patrice Horstman shops “at my friends’ and neighbors’ stores, which helps build a strong and vibrant Flagstaff. FiBA gets this connection, supporting community spirit.”
CPA LuAnn M Roberts supports “Flagstaff businesses whenever I can. Locally-owned businesses are my clients.” Rooftop Solar’s Hadassah Ziegler adds, “We believe that the culture of community is very important – that’s why we became FiBA members.” PS Printing’s Ruth Austin agrees. “Since joining FiBA, we’ve enjoyed meeting many local business owners, learning from each other, sharing ideas, and using each other’s services. I highly recommend other local business owners join FiBA.”
Four Winds Land Surveys owner Marilyn Weissman renews every year because “FiBA’s networking – especially its speed-‘dating’ events – are great fun. It also produces a member brochure, great advertising for my business.”
Katy Peterson sums it up: “Flagstaff Sports Exchange and FiBA are both about community synergy, strongly connected to the roots of what gives this place its independent personality. Being a FiBA member is a fun way to network with other local entrepreneurs who also want to keep Flagstaff unique and fabulous.” FBN
Find out more about FiBA meetings and membership on Facebook, LinkedIn, and www.FlagstaffIBA.com.
Debbie Leavitt is a FiBA board member.