OUR MISSION: The HARRISON COUNTY INDEPENDENT BUSINESS ALLIANCE, Inc. (HCIBA) is a non-profit (501 C-6) charitable organization of independent business owners and community-minded members. We are dedicated to helping local people start businesses, helping to organize & improve existing local business people, helping our county become energy independent, increasing local democracy, and ensuring equal opportunity. This effort was founded in 2005. The means were sought to improve the quality of life and reverse the declining business climate by adding value to this county's resources. Our criteria includes: Self-Reliance, Sustainability, Environmental Soundness, and Supporting Local Businesses. We are a local chapter of a strong nationwide organization that is reversing the trend of international chains displacing local businesses and jobs. Our national chapter is structured as a 501 C-3.
Rural communities especially, cannot afford to export profits outside of the community or overseas. This injustice is compounded when business taxes are used to give breaks / incentives to outside companies while forcing local businesses to close their doors. A documented study in Austin, Texas, proved that $100 spent at a national chain store only contributed $13 to local economic development. But when that same $100 was spent at a local business $45 was added to local economic development. One simply needs to study the demise of Keller Furniture and Tower Automotive to see the local cause and effects of this mentality. Volumes of information are available at www.amiba.net for those who wish to study the economics of exporting profits.
The concerns and expertise of our Board and Members are in the areas of: Business Management, Sales & Marketing, Agriculture, Agri-tourism, Tourism, Business Incubators, Ethanol, Soy-Diesel, Real Estate, Planning & Zoning, Warehousing, Restaurant Management, Construction, Indoor and Outdoor Recreation, Environmental Science, Meat Packing, Factory Production, Road Construction, Advertising, Law, Accounting, Energy Management and Trucking.
The LOCAL Economic Development Impact of "Our Projects' is estimated to be in excess of $30,000,000 per year.
HCIBA has volunteered to serve as a liaison to match up entrepreneurs with appropriate project opportunities.
We invite the Chamber of Commerce, ED, and CVB to partner with us or simply use HCIBA / NRE on a consulting
basis if / as needed. Equal opportunity for everyone.
Harrison County has never recovered from the loss of 400 jobs from Keller & 800 jobs from Tower Plant closings. Plus the loss of The Buffalo Farm, Bicycle Shop, and The Scenic Railroad has severely negatively impacted local tourism. Huge national chains have displaced many local businesses and siphoned enoumous amounts of discretionary income from the local economy. Unfortunately the gifts from these national companies are given to non-profit organizations, some of which COMPETE AGAINST local businesses.
Where appropriate---some of our projects will be facilitated by HCIBA (501C-6), some through for-profit local entrepreneurs, and some through municipalities.
LOCAL PEOPLE with profits re-invested locally for lasting, sustainable, clean, green, honest, self-reliant growth.
3 full-time grant writers will seek to acquire $20,000,000 in grants. A massive fund-raising drive will be initiated patterned after the YMCA success. EVERY company that does ANY business or sells ANY product or service in Harrison County, local / in-state / out-of-state, will be invited to participate. Local businesses will be asked to pledge 1% of their annual net profits each year for 10 years to assist in this re-development effort.
A $20,000,000 Revolving Loan Fund is needed to assist local entrepreneurs / farmers to invest in Harrison County’s future.
Anyone interested in participating in a productive / intelligent discussion on the merits / viability of Bio-Fuels is
encouraged to read the actual article which was published in the October ’07 National Geographic.
WE CAN HELP GROW YOUR BUSINESS
