Build A Business Coalition

Building strong coalitions with the local business community is a key to garnering support for the FairTax. Coalition building creates unity within a community and provides access to greater numbers of taxpayers who should be interested in the FairTax.

In all communities, small and large, there is a group of business leaders who are well-known to the citizens of that town. Attracting their support will open doors to other business contacts who are concerned about the present tax system. This provides access to their employees, giving them the opportunity to learn about and support the FairTax. In addition, business leaders can serve as effective local spokespeople, and potentially become part of the local, regional, or national grassroots leadership.

Other kinds of coalitions can be developed within individual industries or areas of business. In the normal course of networking, small business owners and operators can seek out others who recognize the benefits of the FairTax in their industry. That relationship can be used as a base to bring in others. Hosting meetings for professional peers and associates is also an effective way to show how the FairTax benefits that industry, particularly when compared with the present tax system.

Additionally, several issue-oriented organizations complement the goals of FairTax.org. Their support will provide access to their membership and an additional level of credibility to our mission. If you are a member of such an organization in your community, wear a FairTax button and meet with the local leaders.

A strong coalition network allows FairTax.org to increase the number of people supporting the FairTax quickly and in a cost-effective manner. Combining the efforts of our national volunteer teams with the coalition teams will truly make FairTax.org a powerful force to push this country towards meaningful tax reform.

• Locating Business Leaders:
• Contact local chambers of commerce and request information on the leaders of the business community. Most chambers of commerce have booklets, pamphlets, or brochures that describe the major companies within a community, along with the CEOs, presidents, and managers.
• There are several reference books available at the library that list local businesses.
• The local newspaper is a good source to determine possible business contacts. In the business section of the newspaper, make note of the stories that cover local industry.

Also available at the library are listings of local charities and foundations. It is not unusual for local business leaders to sit on the boards of these organizations.As your coalition begins to take form, contact your area coordinator for support and notify FairTax Central through Grassroots@fairtax.org.