Why Local?

2011 Summer of Independents Cleveland, OHClick here for HIBA promotions

Our Mission

The Heights Independent Business Alliance (HIBA) works to build a vital Heights economy based on independent, locally-owned businesses. HIBA unites locally-owned independent businesses, citizens, and community organizations to support the unique culture of the Heights through public education; cooperative promotion, advertising and purchasing; creating a strong and uncompromising voice for one-of-a-kind independent businesses; and engaging citizens in guiding the future of the community.

The Heights Independent Business Alliance exists to make you more aware of the cultural, environmental, and economic benefits of shopping at locally owned and operated businesses.  Our goal is to inspire people to shift their spending to independent businesses whenever possible… Consider Buying Local First. That’s all we’re asking.

HIBA’s purpose is to raise awareness of our collective buying behaviors, and to highlight Independent Businesses in the Heights, so that you’ll consider buying local first, and then modify your buying behavior just a tiny bit–to improve our local economy and build our community.

 Join HiBA in 2012 and make your contribution to building a Strong Independent Heights District!

Why is it important to ‘Buy Independent/Buy Local’?

  1. It keeps local dollars in our local economy. Multiple studies have shown each dollar spent at local independent businesses, onaverage, generates at least three times more direct local economic benefit than dollars spent at an absentee-owned chain.
  2. It makes us unique. There’s no place like the Heights! Homegrown businesses are part of what makes us special.
  3. It creates local jobs. When local businesses thrive, they create jobs for our neighbors and our community.
  4. It helps the environment. Buying locally saves transportation fuel. Plus you get products that you know are safe and well-made because our neighbors stand behind them.
  5. It nurtures our community. Studies show that local businesses donate to community causes at more than twice the rate of chains.
  6. It conserves tax dollars. Spending locally ensures that your sales taxes are reinvested where they belong: right here in your community!