Mary Hamel

02/20/10
Executive Director
Metro Independent Business Alliance
www.metroiba.org
www.buylocalmn.com
mary@metroiba.org
651-387-0738

MetroIBA is a non-profit organization working to support and preserve locally owned, independent businesses in the Twin Cities region.  MetroIBA's mission is to help the Twin Cities maintain its unique community character, provide continuing opportunities for entrepreneurs, build economic strength, and create an environment where  locally owned, independent businesses grow and flourish.

Our three goals are:

1.  to promote local independents.
2.  to educate consumers on the value of shopping at locals.
3.  to improve conditions for local independents by influencing public policy.

Supporting locally owned, independent businesses keeps more of your money in your community.  When you spend $1 at a local independent, an average of 68 cents is recirculated into the local economy.  In contrast, when you spend $1 at a national chain, only about 43 cents stays at home.  If Twin Cities consumers shift even 10% of their spending from chains to locals for one day, the Twin Cities economy gains some $2 million.*