![Woman Fixing a Motorcycle](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_dd8e1b00558b43d38dab31335fa70fb4~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_810,h_540,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/11062b_dd8e1b00558b43d38dab31335fa70fb4~mv2.jpg)
![A Man and a woman participating in a radio show](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_850fa62ae7d544feb2d5123b545c3149~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_470,h_306,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/A%20Man%20and%20a%20woman%20participating%20in%20a%20radio%20show.jpg)
support
indieretail
Engage independent retailer associations and local officials to get involved and promote shop local campaigns in your community.
![Political Figure](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_85f72d13158147338bb14fa0dec24e24~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_300,h_225,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Political%20Figure.jpg)
Rally the Retailers
Engage the local indie retailers in your community and support their Independent Retailer Month efforts. Many independent retailers are members of state/province, regional and national trade associations.
Suggest the local retailer contact their association to suggest they promote Independent Retailer Month to all their members.
![Business People Applauding](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d252e1eadc9d4c6189392b90e084637b.jpg/v1/fill/w_300,h_200,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Business%20People%20Applauding.jpg)
Alert the Media
Proudly promote Independent Retailer Month to your local media and receive community coverage. The Resources page will provide suggested proclamations that local and state/province government officials can use in speaking to the media.
![Meeting](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_788c5195cc684353a888acbb2fed872d~mv2.jpeg/v1/crop/x_0,y_0,w_7544,h_5733/fill/w_300,h_228,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Meeting.jpeg)
Lead Meetings
Discuss Independent Retailer Month opportunities at community meetings and with local officials. Ask to be on the agenda for city council and county/parish government.
Contact local civic clubs - Optimists, Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions . Many have guest speakers at their weekly meetings providing you with the opportunity to tell about Independent Retailer Month.
![Barber Shop](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_d8c5bc53ea714099ac4f766345101802~mv2_d_4240_2832_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_440,h_294,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Barber%20Shop.jpg)
activity
idea bank
Take a look at the below ideas to see how you can lead your community to celebrate Independent Retailer Month and support the small businesses in your area.
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Invite your Mayor to issue the Independent Retailer Month Proclamation at a chosen small business or Main Street area
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Give an award to the independent retailer that has done the most to give back to your community during the past year
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Place Independent Retailer Month street banners throughout your local community
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Make the local information office an IRM hub during July where consumers can find out about all the small businesses and their activities
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Volunteer to speak at the meeting of local civic clubs as a representative of Independent Retailer Month
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Create a promotional page online listing all independent retailers in your area. Also print hard copies and give to customers
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Volunteer to represent your local retail community by being interviewed by local media to promote Independent Retailer Month