American Independent Business Alliance

09/01/2026

LOVE this tip from Artisans Cooperative!

"Commission unique work from your local artisans using local material where possible.

In this way, you can enjoy being a benefactor twice over: to the local economy—helping to strengthen it—and to the environment. By sourcing local material, your local artisan is passing on your support to other local and regional businesses. What’s good for one is—in this case—good for many!”

Have you ever done this? If so, we'd love to hear more!

08/31/2026

Where we spend & invest our dollars shapes where we live: Choose Indie Local (independent and locally owned businesses)

08/31/2026

Stay inspired!

08/31/2026

September Events for Helianthus Books popups.

9/4/26 First Friday with KC AutoWorx at 505 Southwest Blvd KCMO from 6-10pm.

9/12/26 Crossroads Music Fest at 1600 Genessee St KCMO 3-8pm.

9/13/26 Crossroads Flea at 1901 Wyandotte KCMO 9am-2pm.

9/17/26 Cowtown Vintage at 3101 E Gillham Plaza KCMO 6-11pm.

9/18/26 Third Friday with KC AutoWorx at 1310 W 39th St KCMO 6-9:30pm.

1st & 3rd Fridays with Wasteland Society, Sauced & Tossed, Surreal Tattoo, and KC AutoWorx; Crossroads Music Fest and Crossroads Flea are all outdoor events with street parking available. Cowtown Vintage & Arts Exchange is an indoor event with both lot and street parking availability.

08/30/2026

Celebrate local art during Choose Indie Art Month in October:

Let's encourage people to give gifts from the ❤️ and discover one-of-a-kind handmade items from local artisans and experiences at independent arts venues.

Get ready to celebrate the arts with us!

08/30/2026

"The food ecosystem of a community is where the environment, health, culture, and the economy converge.

And we know firsthand that a healthy food system reinforces the values of a healthy economy.

For this reason, Fogo Island’s foodways have always been integral to Shorefast’s work."

~ Shorefast on Fogo Island

08/30/2026

Reminder: The tomatoes are at their prime! The peaches are still juicy! Summer is still in full swing! Now is a great (and tasty) time to eat in season, source local produce and maybe even try a new fruit, vegetable or dish while you’re at it 🍅🌽

We challenge you to make the most of the last month of summer with this bingo card. Complete one or more squares (or try for a blackout) and submit a photo of your card by sharing in the comments 👇

Happy eating!

08/30/2026

Eat & Invest Indie Local Inspiration

08/29/2026

From Monadnock Local - The Local Crowd Monadnock (NH): Last month, we asked you to rethink our food system for the long haul. We focused on efforts to build a stronger local food system (such as New Hampshire’s Local Food for Local Schools Purchasing Incentive Pilot Program) and a more resilient food system (through permaculture projects led by Earthcraft Design LLC and others).

In this month’s article, our food system focus continues—as does Eat Indie Local Month, a month-long nationwide celebration throughout August. We’ll rethink our future through fair and regional food systems—the networks of people, animals, resources, and processes that grow and bring food from the farm to your plate.

08/29/2026