Loosely organized in 2010, IBANK was initially formed to repeal a local law passed by the Campbell County Fiscal Court. This law was viewed by many as an unnecessary regulation that would have negatively impacted the business community, while others viewed the law as an infringement on the property rights of business owners. While working to repeal this law, over 125 business owners were contacted
. An overwhelming majority indicated a strong desire for an organization, dedicated to the economic and governmental concerns of business owners in our community. In response, the Independent Business Association of Campbell County (IBACC) was formed in April, 2011. In late June, 2011 we kicked off our membership campaign. Several members of the organization began attending various government meetings in order to keep our members informed of issues affecting the business community. We began holding periodic networking events and information seminars (See list of seminars below). In 2012 IBACC merged with Northern Kentucky Business Association (NKBA). Before joining forces, both organizations had earned reputations as champions of the business community, successfully lobbying against county ordinances saving individual business owners hundreds and in some cases thousands of dollars annually, opposing unneeded bureaucratic agencies, leading the effort against anti-business legislation at the State level. In the Fall of 2012 we hosted one of the first 2012 Primary Congressional debates, featuring Democrat and Republican candidates for U.S. Congress, 4th District seat vacated by retiring Congressman Geoff Davis. During 2012 we accomplished the following:
- Led the effort to defeat a Taxing District’s proposed 27% property tax increase.
- Successfully lobbied against the passage of an overly burdensome countywide “Used Property Ordinance”.
- Led the effort to kill a proposed STATEWIDE smoking ban.
- Successfully lobbied against the passage of a proposed local gross receipts tax.
- Provided several business-focused seminars (See list of seminars below).
- Attended numerous government meetings voicing the opinions and concerns of the independent business owners of Northern Kentucky. Along with that growth came additional accomplishments:
- Prevented passage of a Campbell County zoning change regulating temporary outdoor sales that would have added additional fees and regulations to small business owners.
- Lead the effort to prevent passage of HB 190, another proposed STATEWIDE smoking ban in the 2013 legislative session.
- Continued to host business-focused seminars (See seminar list below).
- Initiated a meeting with the Campbell County Attorney, Campbell County Police Department and members of the business community to discuss, formulate and support the passage of a workable “Used Property Ordinance”.
- Became one of the leading groups attempting to keep the Brent Spence Bridge and a new companion bridge toll free.
- The only pro-business organization opposing Local Option Sales Tax.
- Began to push for legislation providing more transparency and accountability of un-elected boards.
- Continued to attend numerous government meetings voicing the opinions and concerns of the independent business owners of Northern Kentucky.
2014 in Kentucky was an election year (every 4yrs) for every Countywide office as well as State Representatives and some State Senators. Because many of our members are active members in the community, many were involved in the campaigns of the various candidates. We did continue to work on all of the issues that were important to our members and the business community. We had a huge impact! Our accomplishments continued to grow:
- Planned, organized and conducted Candidate forums in Campbell County races for the May Primary and November General election. These forums were free and open to the public. AT THE FALL FORUM FOR THE JUDGE/EXECUTIVE'S RACE WE HAD THE LARGEST ATTENDANCE OF ANY FORUM BY ANY ORGANIZATION!!!
- Assisted business owners in dealing with a State Agency.
- Continued to push for legislation providing more transparency and accountability of un-elected boards.
- Became the lead business group in the effort to inform the public as to why tolls on the Brent Spence would adversely affect the economy of Northern Kentucky.
- Convinced legislators to prevent tolling legislation from being passed.
- Have offered solutions to I-75 and I-71 congestion.
- Lead the effort to defeat yet another State-wide smoking ban bill, HB173.
- The only pro-business organization opposing Local Option Sales Tax.
- Continued to attend various meetings, keeping our members informed of issues affecting their businesses.
2015 is shaping up to be a big year already. With the pressure increasing, by some, to toll the Brent Spence Bridge we joined forces with other interested parties. We helped form Northern Kentucky United and again prevented passage of legislation allowing tolling. We are also seeing that solutions we have offered for I-75 and I-71 congestion are being discussed by more and more people, political and business leaders. Other accomplishments so far in 2015:
- We have continued to push for legislation providing more transparency and accountability of un-elected boards.
- Lead the effort to defeat yet another State-wide smoking ban bill, HB145 15RS.
- The only pro-business organization opposing Local Option Sales Tax.
- Continue to attend various meetings, keeping our members informed of issues affecting their businesses.
- We are going to concentrate on growing our membership and conducting more business focused seminars for our members.
- We are going to increase our presence in Kenton and Boone Counties
SEMINARS WE HAVE HAD FOR OUR MEMBERS:
- Business Legal Issues
- Health Insurance and changes resulting from the Affordable Care Act.
- 401K and Investment Planning.
- Social Media Marketing.
- Changes to the Small Claims Court Laws presented by the County Attorney regarding bad check collection.
- Personal and Business Tax Changes.
- We have held two forums featuring Jim Waters, Vice President of Communications at the Bluegrass Institute "The Seven Pillars of Freedom" and “HOLDING GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABLE”
