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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is GVIBA?
The Gallatin Valley Independent Business Alliance is a rapidly-growing membership of over 75 locally owned and independent businesses in the Gallatin Valley and beyond. Its mission is to promote locally owned independent businesses in order to preserve the Gallatin Valley’s unique character. Its goals are accomplished through public awareness and cooperative marketing. GVIBA highlights the local independence of our members and the importance of shopping locally in the Gallatin Valley and surrounding areas.
What is the organizational structure of GVIBA?
GVIBA members are local independent business owners and community members who care abut sustaining their community. Members include grocery, hardware, sports, jewelry and book stores; auto, printing and real estate services; insurance, real estate and advertising agencies; and various media groups, just to name a few.
How is GVIBA funded?
GVIBA is a non-profit organization with a paid part-time Executive Director, and a volunteer Board of Directors. Annual membership dues and community supporters presently fund the alliance.
How does GVIBA differ from the Chamber of Commerce or the Downtown Bozeman Association?
Most Chambers are mainstream business associations that do not actively promote locally owned independent businesses. The DBA is primarily focused on the marketing of downtown Bozeman. GVIBA is an alliance that specifically enables locally owned independent businesses to thrive. The GVIBA advantages are the energy and creativity of other independents, reaching out to community supporters, and instilling a sense of pride in shopping locally and independently in the Gallatin Valley and beyond.
If I become a member, do I need to come to regular meetings, or participate in other projects?
Comments and ideas are welcome from members at any time, and attendance at regular meetings or participation in projects is always welcome, but not required. Enjoy being a member, but with none of the guilt connected with missing meetings due to a hectic work schedule.
Would GVIBA consider doing co-op advertising with other independent businesses?
Absolutely. GVIBA is not only interested in educating the public on the benefits of buying local, but also wishes to promote all local businesses that are independently owned and operated.
Is GVIBA a part of anything that intends to bash “big boxes” or corporate businesses?
No. GVIBA’s intention is to build and maintain a healthy Gallatin Valley economy, which in turn provides employment opportunities for its citizens while preserving a strong sense of community that nurtures individuals and families. This objective is based on a belief in the benefits of supporting the local economy and an appreciation of the individual charm, character and integrity of the Gallatin Valley and surrounding areas.
What issues does GVIBA address?
GVIBA addresses issues that affect locally owned businesses in the Gallatin Valley and beyond. It educates and advocates through publications and community events, is committed to preserving the area’s unique character, and has found that public support through awareness is the most successful avenue.
What does GVIBA do specifically to promote local independent businesses?
GVIBA’s #1 purpose is to advertise in order to educate the public. Member businesses receive benefits designed to promote local independence and customer awareness. Posters, balloons and yard signs, along with radio and newspaper advertising, are all used to promote various activities during the calendar year, and especially around holidays. One example is the “Celebrate Our Community’s Independents” promotion during the week prior to the community’s 4th of July celebration. The group also attempts to have a presence at various events and gatherings in the Gallatin Valley and beyond throughout the year.
Where can I find the GVIBA directory?
The GVIBA Directory is a publication that lists all active members and is distributed throughout the community for consumers’ use as a quick reference to all of their favorite local shops. It can be found in all member businesses, in various public locations, and in the GVIBA office at 35. E. Mendenhall, Suite 215, Bozeman. The GVIBA membership of locally owned independent businesses can also be found on the GVIBA website (www.GVIBA.org).
Does GVIBA have figures or percentages showing the benefits of shopping locally, and where do these figures come from?
“Livable City” (www.livablecity.org) shows that when $100 is spent at a locally owned business, $45 is recycled back into the local economy, versus $13 out of $100 spent at a national chain store. If that $45 continually gets recycled back again into locally owned independent businesses, there is a huge “multiplier effect” providing an incredible boon to the local economy.
What does a member of GVIBA receive for their membership investment?
- A Membership Directory available for consumer use;
- www.GVIBA.org, with a complete listing of all member businesses;
- educational materials;
- an opportunity for group purchasing and advertising;
- “Buy Local” campaign support decals, window statics and yard signs;
- business mentoring group;
- a coupon program at participating businesses
How can businesses join GVIBA?
GVIBA members need to be locally owned and independent, live and have their primary place of business in the Gallatin Valley or surrounding area, and have the freedom to make their own business decisions. Membership forms are available at the GVIBA office, 35 E. Mendenhall, Suite 215, Bozeman, and online at www.GVIBA.org.
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