National expert to speak on local economic development

Jeff Milchen, cofounder of the American Independent Business Alliance, will speak Wednesday, March 24, 7 p.m., at the Cleveland Heights Community Center.

Milchen, a nonprofit entrepreneur, writer and speaker best known as an advocate for independent businesses, community economic vitality and representative democracy. He frequently facilitates trainings for communities organizing independent business alliances, "buy local" campaigns, prolocal policy and other programs designed to enhance local economic development centered on local entrepreneurs.

Independent Business Alliances are based on a model Milchen pioneered in Boulder, Colo. in 1997. Milchen is the founder and first executive director of ReclaimDemocracy.org, a group focused on revoking corporate control over law and politics, and he is a cofounder of the Citizens' Debate Commission.

Event sponsors are the Cedar Lee and Coventry Village special improvement districts and BOOM Modern, with assistance from the City of Cleveland Heights and the CH-UH Public Library.

The event is free and open to the public. Businesses are encouraged to attend. For information, call 216-272-5598.

Note: Milchen will conduct an additional free workshop for local businesses on March 25, at the Lee Road Library. Go to amibaworkshop.eventbrite.com for details and online registration or call 216-932-2936.

Sarah Wean is a community volunteer.