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Independent Businesses of Putnam County Unite to Form Putnam County Independent Business Alliance
The suburban county of Putnam in New York, a community of locally owned independent businesses recently announced the launch of the Putnam County Independent Business Alliance (PCIBA). The goal of the PCIBA is to help preserve and maintain the quality of life and business integrity in the small towns and communities that comprise Putnam County. It has been established to help the community respond effectively against chain store competitors, to maintain a diversity of choice, and to stop the trend of closing community based businesses.
PCIBA was created to raise public awareness of the superior overall values offered by local businesses, the impact on the community of daily spending decisions, and to nurture and enhance Putnam's community of local businesses. The PCIBA will utilize a model already used in more than 25 towns, cities and communities across the country that are affiliated with the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA), part of a rapidly growing network to support independent business at the community level.
Rich Osmers, President of PCIBA states " The interest in the PCIBA is very strong by many local business owners. They understand the impact that major corporations are causing to the local economy. What we want to do as a non-profit organization is to make the local consumers aware of the advantages of using locally owned businesses and the negative impact of not supporting locally owned business. When local business fails we see more commercial vacancies and less money circulating in the community. We need the help of all community residents to rally around a cause that impacts everyone. We have a choice - less local business or more taxes. Massive advertising by major corporations drives many to purchase products and services out of the community."
The PCIBA wants to counter it by promoting local independently owned businesses that can provide the same product or services at an equal or better price and keep more money in the community. Their logo of Sybil Ludington on a horse is a symbol of independence and united we stand as a community."
Their first priority will be to align with the local Chambers of Commerce to conduct a "Buy local, Shop local" campaign, which will include educational materials, store decals, and a media campaign. The not-forprofit organization will feature its benefits and membership at their website: www.pciba.org. PCIBA is investigating member benefits such as credit card services and business discount cards.
According to the PCIBA, "local independent businesses typically generate more than three times the local economic activity of national chains, thanks to independents spending more money in the local area - using more local goods and services such as banking, printing, advertising, legal services, furnishings and more. Through this "multiplier effect", the added taxes collected from local expenditures provide critical support for our schools, parks, law enforcement and more."
PCIBA's initiatives will include a member directory, loyalty card, website, advertising, and more. PCIBA invites local businesses to a free informational meeting on December 3 at Kitch n' Kaffe, 985 Route 6, K-mart Shopping Center, Mahopac on December 3. Call 225-8300 for reservations.
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