The American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of local independent businesses, helps communities develop strong local economies through nurturing local entrepreneurs, and promotes citizen engagement in local economic development. AMIBA helps communities to: launch and successfully operate "buy local" campaigns; facilitate group purchasing and marketing among local businesses, and; other programs to support community enterprise. Many of these communities form Independent Business Alliances to strengthen and sustain community-based businesses while strengthening local economies and preventing chains and other remotely controlled businesses from driving out locals. AMIBA defines a local independent business as: * Private, employee, community, or cooperative ownership * At least 50% owned by area residents * Full decision-making authority for the business lies with its local owner(s) * A limited number and geographic range of business locations (determined by local affiliates based on their circumstances) The organization was incorporated in 2001 by Jeff Milchen and Jennifer Rockne, who previously led the Boulder (CO) Independent Business Alliance, the first such alliance in the U.S. The AMIBA is a 501c(3) educational organization based in Bozeman, Montana and is directed by a board comprised of present or past leaders of local IBAs. facebook.com/theAMIBA @theAMIBA