Any of you who have experienced the independent theater Neighborhood Flix already know what a jewel it is in Denver. No more smelly theaters with bad tasting expensive popcorn. If you truly love going to the movies, this is the place to be.

Neighborhood Flix, like all independent, local, small businesses, have stiff competition with the national brands. And we here at the business alliance believe that the best way to succeed when faced with companies with deeper pockets is to come together as a community.

If you love independent business and want to make a real impact in ensuring our community contains unique and good businesses, here's your chance.

We're so excited to announce a Celebration of Local Flavor for Monday, September 15th from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Join us and the dozens of unique local businesses in the Uptown neighborhood at the Vine St. Pub, and take the opportunity to create new relationships, enjoy local food and brew, and pick up the just-released Uptown Local Flavor Guide.

Find out more about the event, and help spread the word by posting an invitation in your store.

Check out this article about another community rallying around local food, local farms, and other local business. I especially like this quote from Roger Baylor, co-owner of the New Albanian Brewing Co. He says, "(Buying local) is important for its own reasons, but it’s a selling point too. It keeps the money here. And it helps preserve something distinctive — life is not just about the best price."

Whew! It's been a crazy week around the Mile High Business Alliance as we've been working to get our awesome Local Flavor Guides into the hands of the visitors who are just beginning to pour into the city.

We picked up 4,800 brand-new Uptown guides from the printer this afternoon, and have volunteers and staff distributing the guides in Denver hotels today and tomorrow. (special thanks to Alicia, John and Lisa for all your help!) We've also been visiting businesses in Uptown, SoBo and Old South Pearl St. to drop off guides.