WIBA offers a lot to small-business owners
As incoming 2010 chairman of the Wichita Independent Business Association, my goal for this year is to bring new members to WIBA by sharing information on the member benefits and illustrating to independent business people how they cannot afford to miss out on the one-of-a-kind advantages of WIBA membership.
As the owner of an independent business, Mid-Continent Safety, I understand the unique situation of many business owners. We are busy running the day-to-day operations of our companies, keeping multiple plates spinning. While making sure that nothing comes crashing down, we also must keep current on legislation that could have a significant impact on the corporation's bottom line and quite possibly the viability of our business overall.
How can anyone do all that and do it well? The answer that I've found works best is just four words: Wichita Independent Business Association.
While this organization has a strong history, it has also continued the commitment to making membership an even better value year after year, and that has always impressed me. As WIBA president Tim Witsman has said, "At WIBA we don't maintain, we build." The wide variety of services means WIBA has a program, seminar or event that will appeal to the needs of just about any business owner.
For example, in these economic times, getting together with other business leaders to network is more important than ever, and WIBA provides many opportunities to make these valuable connections. By meeting with other individuals who are charged with leading a company, you are speaking directly to the decision-makers.
These networking options range from the Business Your Way bi-monthly mixers to the monthly general membership luncheon and the WIBA Women's Leadership Alliance.
Becoming a member of WIBA also gives you a strong voice that is heard on a regular basis by the very people who make the rules and regulations that govern your business. Since members are polled before WIBA takes a stand on any major issues and also before the organization makes its legislative agenda, you can have an influence on the message that lawmakers receive from independent business.
Members are also kept up to speed on the latest political news through electronic updates on state and federal bills and issues critical to business.
In addition, members have access to local officials through the WIBA Face-to-Face Forums where we have had lunch with leadership from the city, county and Wichita school district as well as state legislators and the staffs of our federal representatives.
Whether you are a sole proprietor or among the top leaders of a large independent corporation, as a member you are welcome to participate in any of the committees that interest you. From government affairs to scholarship or membership, WIBA appreciates the time that members turn around and invest in the success of the association.
As chairman of WIBA, I invite you to take a look at WIBA and see just how this diverse group of independent business owners may be able to help you become a better businessperson in 2010.
Contact the WIBA office at 316-267-8987 or go to www.wiba.org for information on upcoming events and seminars. No matter your business sector or size, if you have an independent business, I'm confident that you will benefit from membership.
This story was originally published January 28, 2010 at 12:00 AM with the headline "WIBA offers a lot to small-business owners."