The aim of the newly-formed Topeka Independent Business Association (TIBA) is to be the foremost advocate for independently-owned businesses in the Shawnee County area.

Membership in TIBA is open to any Shawnee-County business that is not publicly traded, and it is expected that the majority of TIBA members will be businesses with fewer than 20 employees. TIBA will belong to and support the Topeka Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, and the Kansas Independent Business Coalition.

TIBA will offer health insurance plans to its member firms with fewer than 50 employees. Since polls conducted by The National Federation of Independent Businesses and other organizations consistently show the cost and availability of health insurance to be of overwhelming importance to small business owners, those organizing TIBA expect more than half of the members to purchase their employee health insurance through TIBA.

Dues in TIBA are based on the number of employees the member business has. For 1-5 employees, dues are $175 per year; for 6-50 employees, dues are $245. For 51 or more employees, dues are $295. New members also pay an additional $25 joining fee.

Other reasons to join TIBA include:

• TIBA will be a strong political voice based on desires of the members, who will be polled on every hot issue.

• TIBA will host monthly luncheon speakers to keep members informed on local and state issues.

• TIBA will publish monthly e-newsletters to alert members to legislative issues, business management information and upcoming activities.

• TIBA will sponsor educational seminars and workshops to enhance business management and personal growth.

• TIBA will offer a website directory listing members and resources.

• Special discounts are available to TIBA members for a variety of products and services.

• TIBA members will have the ability to network with other business owners in the Shawnee County area.

• TIBA will offer group insurance and healthcare programs that provide honest, quality insurance offering the greatest amount of protection at a reasonable cost.

• TIBA members will have more clout with insurance companies through the group than when going it alone.

For additional information, contact:

Ken Daniel, TIBA Chairman, 232-4590, x205, This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
Mark Hood, TIBA President, 817-1752, This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

-- END --

Sharon DuBois is the president of Senior Ease (www.seniorease.com), as well as the editor of KsSmallBiz.com. Comments and responses may be emailed to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

Word Count: 397

Media Representatives: Please feel free to republish this article with proper credit. For information, contact Kenneth Daniel, publisher, This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it , or Sharon DuBois, editor, This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

Disclaimer: KSSmallBiz is published by Kenneth L. Daniel. Statements of fact or opinion are those of the authors or persons quoted. All information is believed to be accurate and authoritative but is not intended to substitute for legal, accounting, tax, or other professional advice.

Website: Past articles and much more are available at the website, www.KSSmallBiz.com.