Announcements

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 27, 2008

Contact: Kaitlin Sopoci-Belknap, HumIBA Co-Coordinator, (707) 476-8475

Celebrate "Independents Week" By Going Local

EUREKA - Citizens of Humboldt County will have the opportunity to celebrate more than our country’s freedom this coming Independence Day. The Humboldt County Independent Business Alliance (HumIBA) is helping residents to appreciate the local, independent businesses July 1-7 with events ranging from fun to educational.

“Independent businesses are an integral part of our communities,” stated Kaitlin Sopoci-Belknap, Project co-coordinator. “They benefit us in many ways that large corporations cannot – economically, socially and culturally.”

HumIBA representatives will be available to talk to at many Farmer’s Markets that week in
addition to the Old Town Festival on the Fourth. Among the events sponsored by “Independents” Week is a Scavenger Hunt, in which residents can find different items sold at local, independent stores. Completed cards will be entered into a drawing for prizes donated by local businesses.

Residents can also take a pledge to spend their money at only local, independent businesses during Independents Week. The goal is that taking the pledge will help make people more aware of their purchase choices, and where their money goes.

“Out of every one hundred dollars that you spend in Humboldt County, only fourteen go back to the local economy if you buy from a chain. But, if you buy from a local business, forty-five dollars go back to our own economy. That’s a huge difference for the people who live here!” said Scott Menzies, Project co-coordinator.

In addition to public education about the importance of local business, HumIBA would like
to raise awareness of the services their group provides, which includes a future directory of independent businesses in the county, as well as facilitating cooperation between local businesses.

“If local businesses can compete with the chains by working together, by say, buying in bulk, then they can pass on those savings to residents in Humboldt County,” said Menzies.

For more information about Independents Week visit www.humiba.org or call 707-476-8475.

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Founding Members

• Arcata Economic Development Corporation Small Business Lending Center (Arcata)
• Law Office of M.C. Bruce (McKinleyville)
• KHUM Radio Station & Lost Coast Communications (Ferndale)
• Precision Intermedia (Fortuna)
• Simply Macintosh (Arcata)

Business Members

• 100 Fires Books
• Balanced Physical Therapy
• Blackjack
• Cascadia Wireless
• Central Office
• Clear & Concise Bookkeeping
• C.S. Designs
• Euresto Partners
• Gutierrez Land Surveying
• Alice Millington, Broker
• Jessicurl
• Moonrise Herbs
• Nansel Construction
• North Point Financial Resourcing & Solutions
• Post-Haste Mail Center Inc
• Signature Coffee Company
• Scrapper's Edge
• Scurfield Solar
• Kyana Taillon Photography
• Venlo Chocolates

Add your business to the list - become a member!