Local business owners, community leaders and concerned Nashville residents will come together at Marathon Music Works, 1402 Clinton St. to keep Nashville’s independent spirit thriving on Friday, March 11, for ‘Nashville unchained’ seminar– featuring Jeff Milchen, co-founder of the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) and a leading national advocate for community-based businesses.

When Nashvillians think of their favorite shop, restaurant, music venue, bookstore, or service provider it is likely to be a ‘homegrown’ business.

This two-part event will take issue to the state of these businesses as Nashville grows.

“Since 2001, AMIBA has helped more than 120 alliances like ours join together and save what matters most in their communities,” said Milchen.

From 8-9:30 am, Milchen’s seminar will give business owners, community leaders, and concerned citizens proven strategies to nurture local businesses and foster a vibrant economy. Then from 10-11:30 am, Milchen will conduct an optional workshop all about mobilizing the community to support local businesses. District 17 Metro Councilman Colby Sledge of PR firm McNeely, Pigott & Fox will join him.

“These establishments are the backbone of our local economy and civic life. They’re the hangouts we love, the stores we frequent, the charities we care about–and they’re owned and run by Nashville entrepreneurs: our friends, family and neighbors,” said organizers.

Currently, many of the businesses are facing unprecedented competition from chain retailers and corporate giants that have the advantage of worldwide branding power and economies of scale. And local businesses are being priced out of the very neighborhoods they helped to grow.

“Many have been forced to close their doors,” Milchen said. “Every time that happens, Nashville loses a little something that makes it Nashville.”

This event is free and open to the public. For more information visit www.eventbrite.com.