ILBA Chapter 51

Organized in 1880, the Illinois Licensed Beverage Association (ILBA) is the oldest business trade association in the country dedicated to promoting and protecting the retail businesses that sell or serve beverage alcohol. The Illinois Licensed Beverage Association is a not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to maximize the business climate for retail businesses engaged in the sale and service of beverage alcohol products in Illinois; and to educate these businesses on better business practices. This includes working to defeat legislation that is contrary to this goal, and working to pass legislation that achieves this goal. Inspire the executive branch of Illinois government to conduct its regulatory responsibilities with minimal disruption to the functioning of the industry, while upholding the tenets of responsibility in the sale and service of beverage alcohol products. Educate businesses on better business practices, responsible server-seller practices, fiscal propriety, and general responsibility. Serve as ombudsman for member businesses to assist them with questions regarding licensing, questions on dealing with distributors and regulators, improving profit margins, etc. This activity accounts for the bulk of time spent by organization staff. Establish volume-buying agreements for ILBA members to allow proprietors to effectively reduce their cost of doing business. This to be achieved through economies of scale—using the combined purchasing power of ILBA members to negotiate discounts on commonly used services and commodities. Enact regular communication with ILBA members through establishment of the following:
• Website
• Direct mail pieces/e-mails to board members and industry partners to further the mission and goals of the ILBA
• Executive Director reports at regular ILBA Executive Board meetings
Increase membership in the ILBA. Conduct the business of the ILBA in a fashion that maximizes goal achievement, while concurrently maintaining the fiscal propriety of the organization.