This proves that organizations similar to San Juan Local First can make a difference for small locally owned business in their community, said Jeff Milchen, of the American Independent Business Alliance.
Milchen will bring his message of supporting local, independent businesses through local alliances to Farmington with a presentation titled Strength in Numbers from 8 a.m. to noon Feb. 9 at the Farmington Civic Center. Milchen’s presentation is supported by San Juan Local First, a non-profit business alliance of locally owned independent businesses.
Milchen started the first independent local business alliance in 1998 in Boulder, Colo. He said that effected such a great change in the community that it was clear there was a demand for this type of service and work. He then, co-founded the American Independent Business Alliance to help communities across the country implement their own effective buy local campaign and/or independent business alliance.
While here Milchen will deliver a message that offers key steps “to create a network of support for local independent businesses,” he said.
He will do this by offering tools and information that build support for local business, but also debunk the myths that big box stores offer better deals and help shoppers to make a conscious decision when spending their dollars.
“Local business will rarely win out on cheapness, but they can absolutely win on battles defined by value,” Milchen said.
Through his work, he has seen more than 80 local business alliances make a big impact in communities just like San Juan County. These alliances can assist the businesses in developing such things group purchasing and marketing to become more competitive.
“These alliances are making a difference and San Juan Local First can help independent businesses to compete successfully,” Milchen said.
For more information about this event visit
www.SanJuanLocalFirst.org.
