As we celebrate the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary, we’re also celebrating our independents: how independent, locally owned businesses contribute to a healthy community and local economy, and how each of us contributes to the success of these businesses. We call this celebration Independents Month. It’s also the 25th anniversary of the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA). Another reason to celebrate!
“We believe that strong local economies [and the independent businesses and community members who make them stronger] are the essential building blocks of a better world,” said Michael Shuman, local economist and AMIBA Board Member. “We refuse to despair about what’s gone wrong with our world and instead are committed to strengthening a national and global local economy movement.”
Throughout July, let’s give thanks to ALL independent business owners and their staff for the community values they embody and for their spirit of entrepreneurship. Let’s also acknowledge all the ways these individuals give back to our community with their time, talents, goods, and services—making us healthier and wealthier.
Let’s Make Ripples
Independents Month is also a time to reflect on your role in building our local economy: your ability to think and act independently and embrace your part in shaping the future of our region. Where you spend your dollars matters; your everyday choices create a ripple effect that starts with you and extends to our entire community and local economy. Choose Indie Local (choose to shop at and invest in independent and locally owned businesses), and the positive ripple effect reaches new heights.
3 Ways to Celebrate
#1: Take a Staycation
No need to travel far to take a break! Enjoy a staycation this July and travel to special events and destinations close to home. Enjoy the myriad events offered by locally owned businesses throughout the US.
#2: Find Waldo
Get ready! Waldo begins hiding in many cities and towns from July 1 to July 31.
Learn More!
#3: Enjoy a Summer Reading Adventure
Not just for kids! From National Book Foundation: Whether you loved summer reading challenges as a kid or want to try one out for the first time, we hope that readers everywhere can join us for bookish fun all summer long. Learn More!
Looking for more ways?
Support Local Wherever You Are
Traveling during Independents Month? Enjoy what locally owned businesses have to offer wherever you are. Ask locals where their favorite independents are and look for local economy networks at amiba.net/our-network.
Embrace Energy Independence
Finally, join AMIBA for our July virtual event and discover how locally owned clean energy benefits independent businesses and helps communities reclaim their power (and money!) from monopoly utilities.
Join John Farrell, Institute for Local Self-Reliance Co-Executive Director and Director of the Energy Democracy Initiative, to get inspired and learn how you can support affordable clean energy and community power where you live.
Thank you for celebrating independents during Independents Month (and beyond). Together, we’ll boost the positive ripple effects our community receives when we spend and invest more of our dollars at locally owned, independent businesses.
