Independent Businesses Sweep City Pages' Best of the Twin Cities 2008

City Pages Best of Twin Cities 2008From Art Supplies to Seafood and from Books to Baby Goods, independent and locally owned shops dominated the 2008 City Pages Best of the Twin Cities awards. It only makes sense--you're not going to get an authentic experience and knowledgeable service at a Big Box store. MetroIBA members who won include:

Art Supply - Wet Paint Art
Bookstore (used) - Magers and Quinn
Children's Bookstore - Wild Rumpus
Baby Goods Store - Peapods Natural Toys & Baby Care
Fish market - Coastal Seafoods
CD Store (new) - Electic Fetus
Natural Foods Grocery - Mississippi Market

These are are businesses with a passion for independent thinking that sets them apart. See the MetroIBA member directory for more fiercely independent local businesses.

MetroIBA Networking Breakfast

05/06/2008 - 7:30am
05/06/2008 - 9:00am
Start the day off with Amore Coffee and meet your fellow Metro Independent Business Alliance members. Bring your small business problems, small business solutions, and small business questions.
Amore Coffee 917 Grand Avenue St. Paul
Questions? Call Kirk at Bank of the Lakes: 612-822-8395

2008 Annual Meeting

03/27/2008 - 6:30pm
03/27/2008 - 10:00pm
  • Meet your MetroIBA Board, including the new members you have elected
  • Socialize and network with other MetroIBA members
  • Snacks and beverages will be served

$10 in advance
$20 at door

Green Lights & Red Flags – Rules of the Road for Advertisers

04/24/2008 - 8:00am
04/24/2008 - 3:00pm

a MetroIBA partner event...

Event title:  Green Lights & Red Flags – Rules of the Road for Advertisers
Sponsors:  The Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau
Date:  Thursday, April 24, 2008
Time:  Registration begins at 8:00am – Adjourn at 3:00pm
Cost:  $130 ($100 for BBB members)

Location:

MetroIBA launches BuyLocalMN.com

We're proud to announce the beta launch of BuyLocalMN.com, a new, free service for independent businesses, sponsored by the Metro Independent Business Alliance. BuyLocalMN exists to provide an easy, one-stop directory for Minnesotans looking for locally-owned, independent places to shop or find services.

Any independent business in Minnesota is welcome to sign up and submit a listing for free.

www.buylocalmn.com

Passport Production Update

We are working on the final phases of the new Passport in an effort to have it out by the holiday shopping season. All renewals that are due and new memberships that are in by November 15 will be included in the new Passport. If you would like any changes made to your current listing, please let Melissa know!

The Zingerman’s Experience Seminar

By Beth Bergman, Owner of Wet Paint and Founding Member of MetroIBA

Buy Local First campaign a big success in Utah

The New Rules project has found Utah's Buy Local First campaign to be a big success. From the article:

A two-year-old campaign dedicated to building greater support for locally owned businesses in Salt Lake City and across Utah is having a considerable impact.