Rebecca Melançon

“Rebecca has led the Austin Independent Business Alliance since it’s infancy, building a movement and brand to buy local, to put your dollars where year heart, your family, your friends and your community will benefit the most. She is a fearless and tireless advocate for local culture, community and collaboration.  We need her now more than ever, strengthening the ties that bind business, community and culture.  We would have lost Austin without Rebecca’s 20 year labor of love at AIBA.”

—Bill Bunch, Director
SOS Alliance

“Rebecca has been the cornerstone of the Austin Independent Business Alliance since its inception. While she is too humble to admit it, and would probably tell you the members make the organization succeed, she has been the unrelenting catalyst who made the AIBA a success. From fostering new members, curating learning opportunities & workshops, hosting networking events & webinars, and leading the charge from city hall to Washington D.C. to ensure the voices of local business owners were heard; Rebecca has done it all with class & a humble swagger that I truly admire and hope to one day emulate.”

—Silas C. Parker, LUTCF
Financial Adviser*/ Principal

“I’ve known Rebecca for over 10 years and she is one of the foremost experts in the country when it comes to local business advocacy and working with governments to create programs designed to support the local economy. Her work at Austin Independent Business Alliance over 20 years helped create the vibrant local business community that Kept Austin “Weird” and awesome.”

—Eric Groves, Founder & CEO
Alignable

“Your passion, creative ideas & public education helped create a strong collective voice for Austin local businesses. You are a true Austin jewel. Thank you Rebecca! You are loved & appreciated.”

—Barbara Rush
Political Activist

“Rebecca is a champion for local businesses and entrepreneurs. She is a tireless and passionate advocate and a woman you just want to have in her corner – whether to offer a warm hug and smile or just get the job done.”

—Kendall Antonelli, President, Co-Owner/Founder
Antonelli’s Cheese Shop

“Thank You so much for being an inspiration to all of us for your dedication and advocacy for Austin businesses. Your professional knowledge, tenacity, and practical approaches to working with “those in charge” benefitted so many businesses and owners.”

—Denise Reid, President
Mercury Permits, Inc!

“Rebecca’s passion for local business is unparalleled. She recognizes the integral part that independent businesses play in the fabric of a community and she fights for their right to prosper day in and day out. Whether it is facilitating networking events to join local leaders together, advocating for their best interest at city hall or keeping them informed of hot topics of the day that concern their bottom lines, Rebecca is a true champion, advocate and friend of independent businesses.”

—Clint Strait, Owner
Strait Music