SIBA Partners With American Independent Business Alliance

This week, the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance (SIBA) announced a new partnership with the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) that will help SIBA member booksellers initiate independent business alliances in their communities. The arrangement includes a discounted rate for AMIBA affiliation and the opportunity for SIBA members to bring an AMIBA presentation and workshop to their areas at a reduced cost.

"We're real excited to bring this opportunity to our bookstore members," Wanda Jewell, SIBA executive director, told BTW. "The whole 'Buy Local' theme is of major importance to SIBA -- to be able to help stores thrive in their own community and attract their local customers."

For the next 12 months, SIBA members will be able to book an event during AMIBA's scheduled tours for $500 plus shared travel expenses. The first events will be scheduled for the week of October 15 through 19. Additional dates may include November 5 through the 7, and at least one week in early 2008. Jeff Milchen, co-founder of AMIBA and the original founder/director of the Boulder Independent Business Alliance (BIBA), will lead the October presentations. The suggested format is an evening public forum followed by a morning workshop to help prospective organizers take concrete steps.

SIBA has also arranged for a discounted rate for AMIBA's affiliation benefits and start-up materials. For new IBAs with SIBA members, the cost of affiliation and first-year membership is being discounted to $350 from $950.

Jeff Milchen of AMIBA told BTW, "I think [the SIBA partnership] is great. Booksellers have been playing a lead role in the localization movement.... There is a huge amount of untapped potential in the region."

SIBA is directing members to address scheduling inquiries and questions to AMIBA at [email protected] or (406) 582-1255. --David Grogan