Michael Levinson does not own a business in St. Louis, but he firmly believes he has a stake in the well-being of local independent businesses. Today, he is doing all he can to help call attention to the value they bring to the community. The 24-year-old Levinson -- a self-described "regular Joe" -- grew up in St.

This Fourth of July, the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) would like consumers to celebrate America's independence in what might be a revolutionary way for some: by celebrating their local independents.

The small, unique shops and galleries of Santa Fe, New Mexico, are losing ground to the national chains, according to a recent study of independent businesses conducted by the consulting firm of Angelou Economics. Commissioned by the Santa Fe Independent Business & Community Alliance (SFIBCA), among others, the study found that "independent businesses comprise a higher share of Santa Fe's economy than the national average." To read the study click here: www.santafealliance.com.

John Hickenlooper, a successful, popular restaurant owner and developer, has become the successful and popular mayor of Denver. With no previous political experience, "not school treasurer, not dog catcher," Hickenlooper took office in July 2003, succeeding Mayor Wellington Webb.

Though the Tampa Independent Business Alliance (TIBA) is just over four months old, the seed for its creation was planted, rather aptly, during Independence Day week 2002. That's when the owners of Inkwood Books in Tampa, Florida, decided to put all of the month's Book Sense 76 titles on sale during the week of July 4 to celebrate the Independence Day holiday and to bring attention to their store as an independent business.

At the urgings of the Salt Lake Vest Pocket Business Coalition [VPBC] -- an independent business alliance with approximately 200 members -- Salt Lake County recently agreed to fund a comprehensive study on the economic impact of locally owned businesses in the Salt Lake metropolitan area. The Salt Lake County Council has committed $30,000 in 2004 for the study, which will be conducted by the University of Utah's School of Business. The school will work directly with the county council.

It may have just started gathering momentum, but the Albuquerque Independent Business Alliance (AIBA) was organized enough to hold a recent "Buy Local" shopping day. On Saturday, December 6, the fledgling group asked Albuquerque consumers to buy only at locally owned businesses.

On Saturday, December 6, Sustainable Connections (SC), a Bellingham, Washington, local-business network, will be holding a "Buy Local Day." The event kicks off a holiday season-long promotional campaign in which SC is asking Whatcom County, Washington, consumers to "Think Local, Buy Local, Be Local." Inspired by Austin Unchained, which was held November 15 and organized by the Austin Independent Business Alliance, the aim of SC's Th

On Saturday, November 15, the Austin Independent Business Alliance (AIBA) asked central Texas residents to forego chain store shopping for one day in favor of local merchants.