GLBA Partners with American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA)

Booksellers have played a key role in a growing national movement of Independent Business Alliances – community coalitions that can help you succeed through teaming with other independent businesses, civic groups and concerned citizens in your community.

GLBA recognizes the value of building strength through numbers, and we believe these local IBAs greatly complement strong associations within our bookselling community. So we’ve invested in a partnership with the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) to underwrite a significant portion of your start-up costs and make it easier for you to spark the creation of an IBA in your community.

For at least the next year, GLBA members starting a local IBA will receive a $600 discount off the normal $950 first-year cost of affiliating with AMIBA (limited to the first ten booksellers). Affiliating groups receive a wide array (http://amiba.net/benefits_fees.html) of start-up materials and ongoing support from AMIBA’s staff to guide you through the organizing process.

As part of that process, AMIBA recommends hosting a community presentation and organizing workshop to kick off your local efforts. GLBA has arranged a large discount for our members to host such an event. AMIBA will schedule at least two weeks in 2008 during which GLBA members can schedule a local event for $500 + travel expenses, (normally $1000 - $2000). Timing for the first tour may hinge on the first GLBA member committing to a date, so contact AMIBA if you have a strong preference.

Please contact AMIBA at 406-582-1255 or visit AMIBA.net to learn more. Or contact the GLBA office at glba@books-glba.org or 800-745-2460

AMIBA’s Tips for Starting an Independent Business Alliance in Your Community

1) Get a portfolio / information packet
If you’re not yet familiar with the IBA organizing model, AMIBA produces an information portfolio that makes it easy to show others using examples from IBA around the country. Consider raising the idea with concerned citizens and local officials in addition to other independent business owners.

2) Organize a local presentation
A community presentation and workshop facilitated by AMIBA staff almost always moves interest into action. Local government agencies and universities often will cover the cost of such events (contact AMIBA for suggestions and supporting materials before approaching them).

3) Don't try to sell the invisible
GLBA is subsidizing 60% of the cost of becoming an AMIBA member and gaining a wide range of useful resources. Their starter kit includes templates for Articles of Incorporation, bylaws, a start-up handbook, business plan, database and access to a large and growing number of templates. AMIBA staff with first-hand experience operating IBAs offer ongoing support. Take advantage of this unique GLBA benefit!

4) Organize Your Steering Committee
Many hands make for light work. If each person can take on a few tasks, your IBA will get up and running quickly. Utilize the talents of your initial core group and expand it. Your inaugural board of directors likely will derive its members from this group.

5) Organize your Infrastructure
Energy and idealism without these fundamentals can go only so far. You'll need to set up a database, accounting system, bank account, dues scale, oversight committees. AMIBA templates and how-to's offer step-by-step guidance.

6) Begin Developing Relationships with Local Media and Government.
Media coverage will help you raise dialogue, recruit members, and build credibility and recognition. You can't start a conversation with local government soon enough -- the IBA voice should be represented in local economic development discussion.