Your business is a target - anyone who is in this industry and does not recognize and understand this should not be in this business.

Ours is considered a 'sin' industry by the media - and therefore by the public. There is no industry, with the exception of tobacco, that needs more protection than the businesses in our industry do.

Your enemies spend millions of dollars annually to destroy your business. $250 a year is a small price to pay to fight back. Are you willing to fight for your business - or are you content letting these organized efforts to destroy your livelihood continue while you sit idly by and watch. It's your business - protect it.

We all have some level of influence with our local elected officials, and in past times this was sufficient to protect our businesses. However, we have to be honest with ourselves - this is no longer enough.

The only way to provide the level of overall protection our businesses need is to band together in one unified force to fight the broader assaults on our industry. Absent this, we are destined to live with increased regulations, enforcement, taxes and fees - and decreased profits.

The only way to effectively protect your business, your investment and your livelihood is to join the ILBA. The ILBA works tirelessly to protect and promote the businesses in this industry - including yours.

On top of the great work the ILBA does to protect you in the legislature, members have access to a host of discounted services and products - and most importantly to many of our members, you have someone to call when you have a problem with regulators, suppliers, distributors, or any other entity.

Join the ILBA today. Simply put, we need each other now more than ever. You have my word that you will be glad you joined, and I don't give my word lightly. Click on Membership at the top of our home page to join the ILBA.