Homegrown El Paso

WELCOMES LEADING INDEPENDENT BUSINESS ADVOCATE 

TO HELP HOMEGROWN EL PASO 

Starts 8:30 a.m. February 7 With Lunch/Workshops Until 1:00 p.m.

Event Demonstrates Tools to Support Local Entrepreneurs and 

Sustain Vibrant Local Economy

Homegrown El Paso’s membership works to support the efforts of the El Paso area’s locally owned, independent businesses to compete in an increasingly global environment.  Homegrown promotes its member businesses and educates them to provide a level of product quality and service that earns them the support of local consumers while, at the same time, educating the area’s population on the benefits of buying from local businesses.

Jeff Milchen, co-founder of the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) and a leading advocate for community-based businesses, will speak at The El Paso Community Foundation, 333 N. Oregon, 1^st Floor Foundation Room, at 8:30 a.m.–noon with lunch from 12 noon–1:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 7.  Milchen will offer a provocative presentation illustrating the economic and civic importance of sustaining a strong base of local, independently owned businesses.  He’ll provide numerous success stories of programs developed to support community-based businesses and keep them thriving in the face of competition from chains, online businesses, and others.

This presentation and training will advance the work of Homegrown El Paso.  Local organizer Nancy Ontiveros says, “Homegrown is just what El Paso needs at this critical time in our development.  Everything that is unique and inviting about El Paso comes from a local source.” 

“This conference will bring new synergy to Homegrown Members and supporters,” adds Heather Cuthbertson, President of Homegrown El Paso Board of Directors.

Milchen co-founded and directed the first Independent Business Alliance (IBA) a decade ago.  In response to inquiries and requests for help from dozens of communities, he went on to co-found AMIBA to help other communities start successful IBAs of their own, create a network for collaboration among them, and begin building momentum for national shifts.  His presentation will feature examples from some of the 80 affiliated groups, like El Paso’s, now operating across North America in communities of all sizes.

“Independent businesses are struggling for survival across the country,” said Milchen. “But through collaborative efforts and the active involvement of citizens, communities have proven that harmful trends can be stopped and home-grown businesses still can prosper.”

IBAs use a three-pronged approach, including public information campaigns about the benefits of doing business locally; organizing collaborative purchasing, marketing and media campaigns among business members; and creating a visible public presence for independent business owners whose interests too often are sacrificed in favor of more politically powerful entities.

“In the strongest local economies, most dollars are spent at locally owned businesses, where they recirculate several times in the community.  This multiplier effect is a critical but often overlooked factor in creating community wealth,” said Nancy Ontiveros. “Sustaining local ownership isn’t just important for sustaining our community character, it’s key to the long-term economic vitality of El Paso.” 

The event is free and open to the public. Lunch reservations ($15.00/person) are required.  To learn more or get involved in Homegrown El Paso, call Nancy at 915-240-8804 or contactme@homegrownelpaso.com