| think independentLY ~ GO LOCALLY-OWNed |
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AnnouncementsCelebrate Independents WeekDavid Cobb, Times-Standard Opinion Column Next week we will celebrate Independence Day. July 4th really is a day worthy of remembrance. After all, this day is not merely a day for barbecues and fireworks. It commemorates something deeper -- the founding of our country. On July 4, 1776, the 13 British colonies declared that they were “Free and Independent States” and that “all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved.” The Declaration of Independence explains the justifications for separation from the British crown, and proclaims that the American colonies were “united” in declaring their independence from Great Britain. So the Declaration is not merely a rejection of monarchy as a system of government -- it reflects the spirit of democratic republicanism, and embodies the concepts of natural law, self-determination, liberty, and democracy. It proclaims that the only legitimate government is one that has the consent of “We the People.” Powerful stuff! It is in that spirit that I urge folks to join me in supporting a new organization being launched -- the Humboldt County Independent Business Alliance (HumIBA). HumIBA is a coalition of locally-owned independent businesses, citizens and community organizations united to support hometown businesses in Humboldt County. Independent Business Alliances are a proven tool for protecting unique community characters, and they are popping up across the country. They ensure continued opportunities for local entrepreneurs, build economic strength, and prevent the displacement of locally-owned businesses by corporate chains. HumIBA will be working to ensure that the decision-making power over our community's future remains with the people who live here. In other words, HumIBA is a type of Declaration of Independence from corporate rule, and a Declaration of Interdependence amongst local workers and merchants. And let's be clear -- locally-owned independent businesses are absolutely essential to a vital local economy and to our unique way of life. They use the goods and services of other local businesses, serve as community hubs, and are a key component of healthy neighborhoods. They're owned by our friends and neighbors, or maybe even by you. The ever increasing number of absentee-owned chains -- with formulas dictating everything from the look of the building to who does the printing to where the money gets deposited -- has unhealthy consequences. It's not just local businesses who suffer -- our communities are losing social, cultural and economic strength, opportunities for entrepreneurship, and the ability to create their own futures. HumIBA will help to inform folks about the value of community-based businesses and their importance to the local economy, culture and social fabric. They will also elevate the profile of our community-based businesses through group branding and advertising to help level the playing field with national chains. Their first big project is to publish a comprehensive guide to all the local independent businesses of Humboldt County: the Local Options Directory. This will provide a comprehensive, legitimate and useful publication of all locally-owned independent businesses in Humboldt. The HumIBA is also encouraging folks to celebrate “Independents Week,” which is an annual national campaign to celebrate locally-owned independent businesses and their vital community importance. And here's what you can do to get involved: Take the local challenge: Use Independents Week to explore Humboldt County's independently-owned businesses. Pledge to make purchases from only local, independent businesses for one week. You'll keep your money circulating in our community three times as long or more than spending it at chains where it leaves immediately for somewhere else. Every dollar you spend at a locally-owned business helps our community in many ways Play the “find your independents” scavenger hunt: Download a game card (online at www.humiba.org) and start hunting for the treasures at independent business all over the county. No purchase necessary to play or win. There will be great prizes donated by our local independent business community. Meet your neighbors & the HumIBA: They will be
tabling at locations all over Humboldt July 1-7 to help spread the word
and good cheer for independents. David Cobb was the Green Party candidate for president in 2004 and currently works for Democracy Unlimited of Humboldt County. He can be reached at david@duhc.org or 269-0984. He is also the host of “Thursday Night Talk.” |
Founding Members• Alternative
Building Center (Eureka) Business Members • 100 Fires Books |
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Humboldt County Independent Business Alliance | PO Box 858, Eureka CA 95502-0858 | (707) 476-8475 | info@HumIBA.org |
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