£ WELCOME to NEW CIBA Business Members, THE CORVALLIS WEEKLY INDEPENDENT, and WILT FARMS - SUNSET VALLEY ORGANICS. We are excited to have you join the CIBA family of independent local businesses.

£ Celebrate spring with CIBA at our MARCH MEMBERSHIP MEETING! Join us from 5:30-7:00 pm at Special Occasions, 1435 NW 9th St for an evening of networking. The meeting will be Wednesday, March 28. As always, refreshments will be served. Come prepared to tell us in 2 minutes or less about your business!

£ After five fun years, the Planning Committee for the popular BUY LOCAL FIRST BREAKFAST series has decided that the goals of the partnering organizations (First Alternative Food Co-op, Corvallis Independent Business Alliance, and the Odd Fellows Lodge) have been wildly and successfully met. After much discussion, the committee has decided it is time to change things up a bit. Instead of a breakfast series, there will be one 2012 Buy Local First brunch-type event to coincide with a Celebrate Independents Week, July 1-7. Dates and locations are being confirmed. The venue will be larger, the time of day slightly later, and the local food selection broader. This will be an event not to miss! Volunteers, be ready to sign up soon!

£ Are you already missing all those yummy local-ingredient pancakes? How about attending a ST. PATRICK’S DAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST? CIBA members Corvallis Farmers’ Market and First Alternative are partnering with Corvallis congregations and local farms to support Ten Rivers Food Web’s That’s My Farmer Incentive Program with this breakfast. Expect fluffy pancakes made from local ingredients (including a gluten free alternative), live music and a chance to support our local community.

Proceeds will help provide a $6 match of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits spent at the Corvallis Farmers’ Market. This match supports the local farmers, promotes healthy eating and strengthens our farmers market – while helping low income families and individuals access fresh, locally-grown produce. The breakfast is Saturday, March 17, from 9-11 am, at the First United Methodist Church, 1165 NW Monroe Ave. Tickets are available at the door; sliding sale $6-$10.

£ New CIBA member The Corvallis Weekly Independent has already published an offer to fellow CIBA members. Get 50% OFF ADVERTISING for CIBA members through March 31. Contact Randall at adscorvallisweekly@gmail.com for more information.

£ RETAILERS WANTED for City survey. The Corvallis City Council is working to reduce the use of single-use plastic carry-out bags from retail locations in Corvallis and seeks input from the community.

Retail establishments in the City of Corvallis are asked to take the following survey and provide information to the City Council on your practices and preferences related to the use of carry-out shopping bags.

A group of community stakeholders has identified three options to reduce the use of plastic carry-out bags. These options are described in the survey questions. For additional information about the scope or definitions used, please visit the Sustainability tab on the City’s Web site.

To take the survey, go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YQPT3LC

£ Placing an ad in one of our local papers? Don’t forget to ask your ad rep to include the CIBA logo in your ad!

£ THANK YOU to Gathering Together Farms, McLellan Temporaries and The Color Wheel Co. for RENEWING BUSINESS MEMBERSHIPS in CIBA! Your membership dues help CIBA work for you!


ANNOUNCEMENTS & SPECIALS

For CIBA MEMBERS from your friends at Animal Crackers Pet Supply! Bring in this newsletter or your CIBA membership card and receive 10% off one purchase between March 15 and April 15.

If you have an announcement, a special or a coupon for CIBA members, please let us know – 541-752-0047; info@corvallisiba.org.


2012 CIBA CALENDAR

MARCH
3/28 – Membership Meeting, 5:30-7:00 pm


MAY
5/05 – Buy Local First Breakfast, 7:30-9:30 am

5/30 – Membership Meeting, 5:30-7:00 pm


JUNE
6/02 – Buy Local First Breakfast, 7:30-9:30 am


JULY
7/07 – Buy Local First Breakfast, 7:30-9:30 am

7/25 – Membership Meeting, 5:30-7:00 pm


SEPTEMBER
9/26 – Membership Meeting, 5:30-7:00 pm


NOVEMBER
11/ 14 – Holiday Social, 5:30-7:00 pm