Q:  I’m interested in joining the Alliance, but I’ve missed the deadline for the printed Local Guide. Should I wait until next year to join?

A:  Alliance member benefits, such as co-op advertising opportunities, networking opportunities, and business-related workshops, run year-round. You will be added to our on-line directory of businesses immediately, and will be included in the next printed Guide.

Q:  Why do I get my membership invoice in February (or May or November), when the printed Local Guide comes out in the fall?

A:  Business memberships run for 12 month, starting anytime. Whichever month of the year you sign up becomes your annual renewal time. If you signed up in February, your membership renewal will come due every February.  If your invoice comes at an inconvenient time of the year for you, please contact our office and we can adjust your membership renewal date.

Q:  Do I need to be an Alliance member to attend Local Connections networking meetings?

A:  Networking meetings are one of the benefits of Alliance membership. However, we always welcome guests, and we encourage potential members to come to a meeting or two to meet some of our members, and learn first-hand about Alliance membership and programs.

Q:  I read in the newspaper that Locals Care went out of business, but I see that the Alliance is still producing programs; weren’t they the same organization?

A:  The Alliance was affiliated with Locals Care from the launch of the Locals Care loyalty card program in August 2006 through October 2008. Both groups were founded with a commitment to supporting the local economy, though Alliance is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit organization and Locals Care was a separate, for-profit enterprise. One of the founding members of the Alliance also helped create the Locals Care program; this may have contributed to some confusion about the relationship of the two organizations.  Locals Care went out of business in late 2009.