Albuquerque Independent Business Alliance

In a recent board meeting, we were discussing how to attract (and keep) more members.  More members mean more benefits,  more power to affect public policy, and more opportunities for everyone (including bartering, job sharing, price considerations, referrals, etc. etc.)We're at about 270 right now, with the goal of 500 by the end of the year.

We’ve all heard this - for everything to buying local…to regular dental check-ups.  But, knowing it’s right and actually doing it are two different things. Particularly when we’re in a rush and on a tight budget.  

Think “Bah, Humbug, Borrrrring!” about networking? You may not have attended an AIBA networking event. Example: Thursday, March 19. Location: Designer Marketplace. Attendance: 30 or so. Experience? Clusters of people chatted with animation. Nice people. I met several folks I didn’t know. Some gathered around the food table featuring snacks from Fremont’s Fine Foods. Others drifted through the Designer Marketplace Showroom. People introduced themselves and listened with interest to others. In other words, conversation happened.

When AIBA board member, Myra Ghattas, recently left for a family trip to Lebanon, she dropped an email line: “I'll be buying local….in Beirut!”  We bet she did too. 

We encourage you to buy local, even when you’re not here in Albuquerque.  You can find Indie Biz Alliances all over the United States, with this map.  And, you can also  ask the locals. (“Where do you go?”)