LIBA is adamantly opposed to the Nebraska’s adoption of the Electronics Extended Producer Responsibility and Job Creation Act.  The act has the potential to impose huge costs on Nebraska businesses including many electronics retailers.

The Act imposes costs on what it deems “manufactures” of electronics.   However, its definition of “manufacturer” will include many smaller local businesses who are not your traditional idea of manufacturers. Under the definition of “manufacturer” found in §(3)(11)(e) of this act any person who “imports” more than 1,000 units of electronic equipment for sale in  Nebraska is subject to the requirements of this act.

Under this definition, local retailers such as Schaefer’s electronics would be considered a manufacturer.  Schaefer’s store sells appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, and washing machines as well as electronics covered under this act such as Televisions, DVD and Blu Ray players and audio equipment.    Schaefer’s employs more than 70 people and sells well over 1,000 units a year which it obtains from out of state distributors.

Not only are the subject to this act but they are treated the same as giant manufacturers such as Dell or HP.  The following requirements would be in place if the bill passes:

• Accept a minimum amount of electronics for recycling each year.  Statute sets this amount and if the company does not reach it they must pay a penalty
• Provide a public education program about recycling electronics including a web site, toll free phone number, and public service announcements
• Pay a registration fee to the State of Nebraska of up to $5,000
• Pay a reporting Fee to the state of Nebraska of $2,750 every year
• Keep detailed records  which include
o Sales of electronics by weight
o Quantity by weight of electronics collected
o Electronics received for recycling from Nebraska consumers and from out of state consumers

That is not to mention the actual cost of recycling the product which they would be statutorily prohibited from charging to the consumer.
These high costs will force local retailers to alter the way they do business to cut employees or strictly limit their sales of electronics. These high costs could encourage our local manufacturers to relocate.  It could cause potential manufacturers, retailers, and employers who were considering locating in Nebraska to reconsider.

This is all to deal with a problem that the industry seems to be making great strides toward resolving on its own.  Many local businesses such as Schaefer’s, Schrock Innovations and Level Seven Computers already recycle electronics of any brand brought in by customers.  On the national level large manufacturers have partnered with brick and mortar stores such as Staples and the Goodwill to accept any electronics for recycling.  It is true that there may be situations, such as in western Nebraska, where there is no partner store.  To provide for this eventuality of these manufacturers have mail back recycling programs which allow consumers to mail their used electronics to the manufacturer for recycling at no cost.  In fact Apple will even send consumers an Apple gift card for Apple devices returned.

The Electronics Extended Producer Responsibility and Job Creation Act aspire to high ideals but in the end it worse than falls short.

LIBA studies and promotes these types of issues that are important to businesses and our community. If you have an interest in joining LIBA, please call me at 466-3419. LIBA membership is not restricted to just businesses.  We also have “individual” memberships for those who want to help influence our local government decisions.

by Coby Mach, President & CEO
Lincoln Independent Business Association
402-466-3419

Contribution Tax Benefits
If your employer offers a payroll deduction through a Section 125 Cafeteria Plan, you can make contributions to your HSA on a pre-tax basis. The deduction is removed from your paycheck prior to taxes being applied and deposited into your HSA. Ask your employer if they facilitate pre-tax deductions.

Contributions can also be made post-tax as an “above-the-line” deduction. This means you can reduce your taxable income by the amount you contribute to your HSA.

Tax Deduction for Contributions
Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions made by an eligible individual (or by a family member of the eligible individual) are an “above-the-line” tax deduction in determining the gross income of the eligible individual.

HSA contributions are deductible whether or not the individual is itemizing deductions. You cannot deduct HSA contributions as medical expense deductions. For purposes of recognizing your HSA deposits and distributions on your personal tax return, the IRS requires you to complete Form 8889.

Earnings Tax Benefits
The interest on HSA funds grows on a tax-deferred basis. And, unlike most savings accounts, interest earned on an HSA is not considered taxable income when the funds are used for eligible medical expenses.

When do you Pay Taxes on your HSA?
The only time you may pay taxes or penalties on your HSA funds is if you make a non-eligible purchase, or if you contribute more than the yearly maximum contribution limit. However, both misuses can be corrected free of tax penalties by April 15th of the following calendar year.

HSA Contribution Limits
The maximum you may contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA) is:

Catch-up Contributions
Individuals age 55 and over can make catch-up contributions.

Contribution Frequency
How often you make HSA contributions is completely up to you. You can make an annual lump sum contribution, you can make regular monthly deposits, or you can make multiple deposits in no particular order. Your bank or HSA administrator will always be pleased to accept your money.

A common mistaken impression is that HSA contributions must coincide with your health insurance premium payments (typically monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly). Not so.

HSA Contribution Deadlines
If you want to claim the HSA contribution tax deduction for a particular year, your HSA contributions must be made on or before that year’s tax filing date. For example, 2012 HSA contributions must be made on or before the April 2013 filing deadline.

HSA Contributions must be Cash
Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions must be in cash. Contributions cannot be made in stock or in other property.

Please note: these guidelines should not be the only source you use to make a decision and should not be considered legal or tax advice as that can only be provided by an attorney, CPA or other professional tax advisor.

If you would like to discuss potential health care insurance coverage and requirements it would be best to secure an appointment with one of the health insurance producers in UNICO Midlands who can provide additional help in the area of health care reform. For more information, give us a call today at 402-434-7200.

by Kipp Kissinger
UNICO Group, Inc. | www.UnicoGroup.com
402-434-7200

The event gives Lincoln great national exposure because runners know our course is world class, the atmosphere is fun, and it serves as a qualifying race for even bigger venues like the New York City and Boston marathons.

It’s also a huge economic driver for the community.  Race organizers estimate 66 percent of the runners are from outside of Lancaster County and 14 percent of those runners come from outside of Nebraska.  Most of the runners who travel from outside of the area come in the night before and patronize our hotels, restaurants, and retail locations.  In many cases they stay for the entire weekend.

For year, race organizers have had plans to expand the race.  Today, the size of the course requires that registrations are capped at 10,000 entries.  The race sells-out in days, if not hours.  Race organizers tell us they would like to grow the race to 15,000 runners or more in the next ten years.  The problem is that parts of the course are simply not big enough to handle that many runners.

That’s why I want to thank the Lancaster County Visitor’s Promotion Committee and the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners for having the vision to invest $300,000 of county lodging tax dollars into growing the marathon.  With the donation, the Helen Boosalis trail can be widened to allow more runners to participate in the race.

The funds would come from lodging taxes paid by people who stay in hotels and motels in Lancaster County.  The Lancaster County Visitor’s Promotion Committee (members are from the hotel, retail, and attraction industry) makes recommendations to the county board on how to spend the money and ultimately, the board of commissioners makes the final decision on where the money goes.

The county board gave initial approval during an informal presentation on the project in February.  We expect them to give formal approval during a board of commissioners meeting this summer.

Clearly it’s an investment that will more than pay for itself over time and a wise move to grow one of the city, county, and state’s signature events.

The Chamber’s mission is to improve the lives of Lincoln residents by providing increased economic opportunity and can only be accomplished together.  Networking opportunities, business advocacy, and creating economic viability are critical to our success.  We encourage you to become a member and help us achieve these goals for Lincoln.  For more information, please contact Paul 436-2350.

by Wendy Birdsall, President
Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
402-436-2350
www.lcoc.com

Summer is no different, and it’s just around the corner….so are you ready for the competition?

Most people know they will be wearing less in the summer and so they have to compete to look their best. Sometimes it’s competing to look better than others, but most importantly it’s a competition with themselves….just to look our personal best. This is a healthy thing when done right. Even Olympic athletes aren’t at their peak 365 days a year. So, if we set goals for ourselves to hit our peak at times of the year such as summer or getting ready for a beach vacation, we can give ourselves the incentive we need to workout more and eat better.

What about kids? Is summer competitive for them? It is becoming more so with every year. Smart parents realize that no matter what age their kids are, they should be preparing. One day they will want to get into college, get scholarships, and get jobs. All of these things are absolute competition. So, smart parents take advantage of the opportunities presented each summer. This is a chance to get additional cross training for sports and just to stay healthy (and not become another statistic on childhood obesity). It’s also an opportunity for kids to engage in activities that provide more personal development. There are great things that kids can take part in that build their focus and other skills that will lead to success in school when they go back at summer’s end. Are you taking advantage of these opportunities for your children? Each summer you do not, someone else does….and that means they will be better prepared for winning the competition.

Kids need to have fun–that’s kind of their job, and they won’t have a second chance at a great childhood. Along with having fun, they can do something worthwhile. That’s where parents can help pick out great opportunities to really have it all. Kids rely on their parents to make the best decisions for them. Some parents are more worried about being their children’s friend than a parent. This turns to disaster because then the parents allow the children to quit anything that doesn’t fit their mood for the day. And allowing them to quit just leads to a habit for the future.

So, look for activities for kids to do on their own, and also don’t forget to make time to do things as a family! More and more today, kids growing up with so much technology and media overload are lacking in socialization and communication skills. Extra family time can help overcome these challenges. This isn’t about being their friend like I mentioned, this is good old fashioned “family time”. So take the video games away and spend time together because like their childhood—we might not get a second chance to spend this time together.

Summer Time is Competition Time! Compete to Win!

For more information on health, safety and fitness, contact Jeff Dousharm at Jeff@paradigmimpactgroup.com

by Jeff Dousharm, President
Tiger Rock
402-570-1166

May 1 – The Lightning Bugs (swing vocals)
May 8 – Honeyboy Turner Band (Chicago blues)
May 15 – Harris Academy of the Arts (string quartet)
May 16 – PANgea and PANgea Prep (steel drum band)
May 22 – Tupelo Springfield (rocking Americana)
May 29 – The Rockerfellers (classic rock with brass)
June 5 – Peter Bouffard Jazz Quartet (jazz)
June 12 – The Resonators (roots rock and blues)
June 19 – The Upstairs Blues Band (blues)
June 26 – Jackie Allen Trio (vocal jazz)
July 3 – Midwest Dilemma (American folk rock)
July 10 – Josh Hoyer (soul/R&B/blues)
July 17 – Jazzocracy (jazz)
July 24 – Melody Wranglers (classic/retro C&W swing)
July 31 – Grassfire (bluegrass, folk, country)
August 7 – 2 Gals & a Guitar (adult contemporary rock)
August 14 – The Usual Suspects (blues/classic rock)
August 21 – Oasis Bluegrass Band (bluegrass)
August 28 – We Be 3 (jazz)

The series will be held every Wednesday, May 1 through August 28, 2013, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. at the beautiful Lincoln Community Foundation Garden at 1415 N Street. These free public concerts are a 28-year old tradition and bring hundreds of audience members each week to enjoy their lunch hour in the sunshine.

An additional performance by PANgea will be held Thursday, 16 at 11:45 a.m. in celebration of Give to Lincoln Day.

The Haymarket Farmers’ Market Season Begins!

The Haymarket Farmers’ Market officially blows the whistle to open the 2013 season on Saturday, May 4th. This year promises to be greater than ever. The market is a family-friendly experience that offers local, regional and international flavors for everyone to enjoy. More than 150 vendors setup shop in the Haymarket between 7th, 8th and Q Streets to sell their goods from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., no matter what weather mother nature sends their way. The market, which is the largest in Lincoln, offers a huge selection of standard market fare including seasonal produce, baked goods and innovative arts and crafts  for patrons to choose from.  Market goers can delight in knowing that the items they purchase are locally grown and harvested and support small farmers, business owners and our local economy.

For more information about the Haymarket Farmers’ Market, and to view a complete listing of weekly entertainment, visit LincolnHaymarket.org/Events/Farmers-Market.

Founded in 1967, the Downtown Lincoln Association provides services and champions initiatives for maintaining and enhancing our vibrant downtown. Our vision is to create an energetic downtown environment where we live, learn, work, invest and play. DLA has evolved into a multi-faceted organization supporting a wide range of programs and activities including maintenance, economic development and advocacy.

For a complete listing of downtown businesses, events and residences visit downtownlincoln.org. ‘Like’ us on Facebook at facebook.com/downtownlincoln.

by Terry Uland, President
Downtown Lincoln Association
402-434-6900
www.downtownlincoln.org

To avoid overcharges and unpleasant surprises, here are 12 dos and don’ts:

Dos

1. Be prepared. The auditor will need all the necessary financial records to conduct the audit and may ask for a tour of the facility.

2. Breakdown payroll records. While the types of breakdown may vary depending upon state statutes and industry, some common beneficial breakdowns are:

a. Job classification. Job classifications are a key factor in Workers’ Comp premiums. With the exception of construction and agriculture, the overall business operation, not individual duties, is assigned a governing classification.

b. Overtime. In most states, overtime pay can be reduced to straight time when determining the Workers’ Comp premium.

c. Severance pay. Employers need to show the auditor exactly what was paid in severance pay.

d. Executive officers. Covered executive officers, individual owners, and partners are subject to minimum and maximum payroll amounts and are required to have a class code assignment based on their duties.

e. Multi state exposures. State laws and carrier contracts can limit or sometimes prohibit Workers’ Compensation payments in a state outside of where the policy is written.

3. Understand separation of payroll opportunities and requirements. If it is allowed, divide an employee’s payroll over different class codes and keep a detailed record of the specific hours worked for each Workers’ Comp class code.  Without adequate records, payroll separation will not be applied.

4. Know what is excluded remuneration. To minimize your exposure, know the rules and exceptions and provide evidence or verification of the exclusion.

5. Be sure certificates of insurance are current and complete. Be sure the insurance matches the requirements of the contract and has not expired or been cancelled.

6. Assign a friendly and knowledgeable person to work with the auditor. A representative of the company familiar with both the operations of the company and the financial records should be present at every audit.

Don’ts

1. Be difficult or combative. Treat the auditor as a welcome guest.

2. Let the auditor leave without getting a copy of the audit work papers. This will allow you to review the audit with your agent and confirm that there are no errors BEFORE the audit is processed and billed (fixing it “after the fact” is more difficult).

3. Volunteer more information than asked. Only answer the questions asked and do not lead the auditor down a path that may prove detrimental.

4. Allow the auditor unescorted access to the premises. If the auditor wants to tour the facilities, be sure that the company representative is present.

5. Hire uninsured contractors. Auditors specifically look for uninsured subcontract labor when conducting the Workers’ Compensation audits.

6. Delay in disputing the bill. While it is best to try to resolve issues before the audit is processed and billed, it’s not always possible or there may be discrepancies between the worksheets and the audit. Be aware of time limits.

The best approach is to proactively develop a defensible position by preparing thoroughly and building an overcharge-proof audit package before the auditor arrives. As Certified WorkComp Advisors, we are trained to prepare employers for audits, spot errors and get them corrected.  For more information, give us a call today at 402-434-7200.

Lincolnites can spring into fashion this season with exclusive bargain-hunting shopportunities by visiting the 20 participating downtown boutiques. Retailers will keep their doors open late on Thursday, May 9 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to offer discounts, light bites from downtown restaurants and caterers, as well as prizes and surprise gifts for shopping participants. Don’t miss out on this exciting shopping event! Round up your friends and mark your calendars for this fun night on the town.

All-Access Passes go on sale soon. Passes include exclusive access to the in-store discounts, use of the limo chauffeur service, appetizers, and entry into the after party.  Several lucky pass-holders will also win exciting shopping prizes such as gift cards and merchandise.

Visit ShoptheBlocks.com for more information or like Shop the Blocks at Facebook.com/ShoptheBlocks for up-to-date details and deals coming your way!

Downtown News: New Smart Parking Meters are now Installed in Downtown Lincoln

The city has finished installing 1,400 new “smart” parking meters downtown. The new meters are solar-powered, programmable and will accept credit, debit and pre-paid parking cards in addition to dollar coins, dimes and quarters. Meters take Visa and Mastercard, but users must buy a minimum of one hour of parking for $1.

The city maintains about 2,300 parking meters downtown. The new meters will be installed generally in the area bounded by 7th, 16th, “M” and “R” streets. New meters also will be installed in the Haymarket lot north of “O” street and on 14th and “W” streets on the UNL campus. Some of the meters will be multi-space meters.

For more information on downtown parking, call Parking Services at 402-441-PARK (7275), visit parkandgo.org or follow @LincolnParking on twitter.

Give the gift of Downtown!

Downtown Gift Cards can be purchased in $5 increments between $10-$500, and are available online at downtowngift.org, or at DLA’s office at 206 S. 13th Street, Suite 101 in the Sharp building.  Recipients of the gift card will have the luxury of spending their funds at more than 200 restaurants, boutiques, movie theatres, parking garages, bars, hair salons and other establishments downtown! Downtown Gift Cards are now accepted at all parking meters that accept credit cards!

For questions about the Downtown Lincoln Gift Card program, contact DLA Marketing Director, Todd Ogden, at 402.434.6906 or togden@downtownlincoln.org.

Founded in 1967, the Downtown Lincoln Association provides services and champions initiatives for maintaining and enhancing our vibrant downtown. Our vision is to create an energetic downtown environment where we live, learn, work, invest and play. DLA has evolved into a multi-faceted organization supporting a wide range of programs and activities including maintenance, economic development and advocacy.

For a complete listing of downtown businesses, events and residences visit downtownlincoln.org. ‘Like’ us on Facebook at facebook.com/downtownlincoln.

We applaud Nebraska senators for their efforts to look at Nebraska Advantage and how we can be the most efficient and transparent in creating a positive business climate for new job growth in our state. The Lincoln, Omaha, and State Chamber, along with our professional economic developers, are working together to determine the assumptions and methodology used under the study. The chairman of the Performance Audit Committee, Senator John Harms, and several other state senators and committee staff met with us recently. The meeting was very productive, and we had the opportunity to raise legitimate points and questions.

We do not believe the preliminary report meets the standard of an accurate, valid, and complete assessment because of the issues our coalition raised.

Nebraska Advantage is a performance-based incentive program that provides certain benefits to companies based on investing in our state and creating jobs. Since January of 2006, Nebraska Advantage has led to commitments of more than 19,960 new jobs and $8.4 billion in new investment according to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. The study, completed by the Legislative Performance Audit Committee, used a more arbitrary and subjective estimate of new jobs that assumes most jobs would have occurred regardless of incentives. This assumption is just that, an assumption. It is not based on actual confirmation with a company or consulting the Department of Economic Development about specific projects.

I want to be very clear about our position on this issue. Nobody can accurately predict jobs that would have occurred with or without incentives, nor can anyone predict jobs that may be saved or additional jobs created because of incentives.

These facts I know for certain:

•    Our incentives are tailored and targeted to companies that can be located anywhere and not tied to a customer or customers in Nebraska. This is because our goal is to attract and expand companies that export products outside of the state to bring additional dollars into the state. So in essence, the concern should be about if this job expansion can happen anywhere and would it have happened anyway.

•    Nebraskans have made a conscious decision to make Nebraska Advantage statutory and performance-based, meaning there is openness in the process, fairness in the process, and no benefit paid to a company without that company completing its obligation. Many states pay cash in advance and make arbitrary decisions on a case-by-case basis, potentially inserting politics into the decision-making process. When combined with state-allowed local incentives (unlike other states, Nebraska restricts community activities in economic development), we don’t provide incentives at the same level as many of our competitors. Any discussion should include how we compare to our neighboring states and competitor states.

Please pay attention to this conversation and be willing to look at all information and not just political rhetoric. We look forward to this discussion because we believe we have one of the most successful programs in the U.S. – and also one of the most responsible. It was developed through a bipartisan effort of thoughtful dialogue and study. Any reduction or dismantling leaves us open to emotional decision-making and not rational planning that targets our state objectives of creating quality jobs in high growth industries.

The Chamber’s mission is to improve the lives of Lincoln residents by providing increased economic opportunity and can only be accomplished together.  Networking opportunities, business advocacy, and creating economic viability are critical to our success.  We encourage you to become a member and help us achieve these goals for Lincoln.  For more information, please contact Paul 436-2350.

What about your family?  Are growing health care costs robbing you of your retirement savings or even a family vacation?

If so, welcome to the club.  Many companies and families are struggling today thanks to health care costs spiraling out of control, and the horizon does not look promising.  Small business owners and families have continued to struggle with one new change after another.  Costs go up. Benefits go down.  And stress goes through the roof.  This isn’t how the American dream is supposed to play out.

Over the last few years I’ve hired several fantastic new people, and they do great things for my companies. As a consequence, I face the challenge of health care costs that are many times what they used to be for new hires.  Frankly, I’d rather have more of this money to increase their pay or to simply have it back in the budget to run my companies.  I hear the same things from the clients and entrepreneurs in my coaching program, mainly that they could do so much more for their families or for their businesses if they weren’t being crushed by regulations and health care costs that are out of control.

If you, your family or your company are struggling with these same things, then I’m not telling you anything new.  It sucks.  So we could continue blaming the government or key people who have been instrumental in these changes and decisions.  In fact, I thought about including more on that in this month’s column, but I would need about twenty more pages.  And at the end of the day, it wouldn’t help us or our families or our businesses.  The only thing that will help us is taking the right actions to DO something about it.

Smart companies are realizing that they can use wellness programs to help lower health care costs.  REALLY smart companies are learning ways to build more engagement (even required participation) in wellness programs by making it part of their company’s culture.  These companies know that helping their staff with health and fitness improves the companies’ bottom line AND helps care for the people that are the backbone of the company itself.

Smart families are working out more and discussing health and fitness as a family.   REALLY smart families are finding activities they can share together so it’s more than just working out.  It’s a family thing.

There are many great choices for companies and families to take back some of the control over health care and related costs.  Tiger Rock Academy is one example that has been helping Lincoln and Omaha businesses and families do this for over 18 years now with Corporate Wellness Programs and programs for family members of all ages. Other fitness facilities and programs have followed suit and now offer many great options for businesses and families.  The private sector has done a fantastic job of overcoming a lot of governmental roadblocks handed to business.   So whenever we feel like complaining about why we are in the position we are—skip it! Instead do something about it!  Help your company, your staff and your families!

For more information on Health, Fitness and Safety, email Jeff Dousharm at Jeff@paradigmimpactgroup.com

Unfairly Attacks Businesses And Job Providers
This Charter amendment casts the businesses that employ Lincoln Citizens as greedy, self-interested, and unscrupulous. In recent years the City of Lincoln has dedicated tens of millions of dollars to tax incentives intended to attract new businesses and jobs to Lincoln. This amendment treats those very same people, the business people Lincoln worked so hard to attract, as untrustworthy and restricts their ability to participate in the bodies that govern them.

Limits Participation in Government
This amendment prohibits anyone from running for office that has a 5% or $5,000 interest in any business that contracts with the city of Lincoln.

In his press conference the mayor claimed that this amendment would affect only 400 local businesses. LIBA tried to confirm this but was unable to get the necessary information from the City. We were told there was no complete list of all companies that do business with the city.

Instead, LIBA called several local businesses to see how many people in their business would be unable to run for office due to this amendment.

HBE is local accounting firm that has contracted with the city recently. The firm has seven employee owners who hold a greater than 5% interest in the ownership of the firm. All seven would be prohibited from running for office.

A local law firm, has twenty-six partners each of whom holds a legal interest in the law firm which exceeds $5,000. All 26 people would be prevented from running for office under this amendment.

Telesis Inc. is a local company you may be familiar with if you have ever eaten at Lazlo’s. However, you may not know this company also owns Data Security Inc. Data Security Inc. is an electronic data security company that currently contracts with the CIA. Though they do not currently contract with the city of Lincoln there is potential that in the coming years Lincoln may need their security services. In that situation either the company’s eight owner/employees would be unable to hold office or the city of Lincoln would be prevented from contracting with a respected security company. If they are good enough for the CIA, shouldn’t they be good enough to be a part-time City Councilman?

These three (3) businesses alone have more than 41 owners who could be prohibited from holding office under this amendment. Further investigation is sure to find thousands of people this charter amendment would prohibit from participation in local government. Lincoln cannot employ such draconian measures to disenfranchise its citizen’s and tie the hands of the electorate.

Financial Burden
The amendment not only limits private citizens it also limits the city. There may be situations where the lowest bidder is a business in which a council member has a significant financial interest. In these situations Lincoln would be forced to seek products or services at a higher price from a company outside Lincoln’s boarders that does not pay any taxes into Lincoln’s coffers.

Discriminatory Effect
The proposed charter amendment does not apply equally across all sectors. Business owners in the private sector are prohibited from contracting with the city while, under this amendment, city employees remain free to contract at will. I would suggest that the Mayors staff would have more “inside information” than a part-time city councilman.

LIBA studies and promotes these types of issues that are important to businesses and our community. If you have an interest in joining LIBA, please call me at 466-3419. LIBA membership is not restricted to just businesses.  We also have “individual” memberships for those who want to help influence our local government decisions.