In 2001 a group of Tampa Bay area independent business owners - from fine restaurants to unique clothing stores to funky record stores – joined to promote each other by celebrating Independents Week during the week of the 4th of July. These core businesses were the founding members of TIBA when it formally affiliated with the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) in 2004.
TIBA is proud to be involved in the growing national network of IBAs that includes over 35 AMIBA affiliates in 24 states, as our local alliance has grown to number over 140 members.
TIBA participates in two annual national promotions with all other IBAs:
- INDEPENDENTS WEEK in July (born here but adopted by AMIBA and several other national associations including the American Booksellers Association, the Council of Independent Restaurants, and the American Specialty Toy Retailers), and
- AMERICA UNCHAINED on the third Saturday in November (started in Austin and nationwide since 2004, with a growing list of organizations participating).
Locally owned independents ensure the vitality of the local, independent businesses in our area, highlighting the richness and diversity of choice, and raising consciousness about our economic contributions. TIBA seeks to have this important perspective represented in decision-making in our hometown, supporting our schools, parks, arts, law enforcement and each other!
