Because Community Matters

Think of your favorite grocery store, restaurant, butcher, hardware store, beauty salon or barber. We'll bet it's a homegrown business. Independent - locally-owned businesses are essential to a vital local economy and community character. They keep YOUR community alive.. They're owned by our friends and neighbors, or maybe even by you. Community-serving businesses are the backbone of local economies, civic life, local charities, and wealth creation for millions of citizens, as well as a training ground for future generations of entrepreneurs.

Problem: Today, independent businesses face unprecedented competition from larger chain competitors, internet merchants and franchises that enjoy national or international branding power and major economies of scale. As a result, community-based businesses comprise a smaller portion of our economy than ever before. We’ll lose much more than places to shop, dine or do business if we allow current trends to continue.

A Proven Solution: Many cities and towns have discovered a model, pioneered by the staff of the American Independent Business Alliance, to counter these trends successfully and help local entrepreneurs thrive. More than 85 communities in North America now boast Independent Business Alliances* to unite independent businesses across all sectors, along with concerned citizens to build vibrant, durable local economies.

For every $1 spent at a locally owned business, more than 68¢ remains in Harvey County. Only 43¢ spent at a national chains remains in the community. Most internet purchases return ZERO to Harvey County.