How to join the independents!
The Mission of the Greater Cincinnati Independents (GCI) is to celebrate, support and promote locally owned and operated independent restaurants by providing unique dining experiences for its patrons and collaborative services and benefits for its members.
We thank you for your interest in the Greater Cincinnati Independents and are excited to have you join our organization. The following information is for your review and completion. If you are interested in joining the group, please download the application and follow the instructions.
Chapter Information
Local Chapter formed as Greater Cincinnati Independents in Summer 2006
20 members restaurants - Summer 2006
Greater Cincinnati Independents Website - www.cincinnatiindependents.com
Executive Committee
President Drew Hester
Vice-President Michelle Brown
Secretary Barbara Brow/Sandra McCoy
Treasurer John Barnwell
Marketing Shannon Purkiss
Member at Large Elliott Jablonsky
Member at Large Melanie Atkinson
Chapter Goals
Increase Collaborative Marketing & Advertising Opportunities
Enrich website to include more individual member information including a calendar of each member's events
Increase membership and thus exposure and revenue via gift certificate program
Increase involvement of member restaurants to increase public exposure and maintain the viability of the organization
Create "Buying Power" - products, services, etc.
Create a preferred referral service list within the GCI Association
Current Activities
Quarterly Sale of Gift Certificates (GC) online through the GCI website at discounted rate
Revenue from sale of GC goes to chapter fund which covers annual dues, marketing, advertising, administrative support and other activities
Local Marketing & Advertising Campaign including advertising in various publications and in-house promotional materials
Advertising and current member information on GCI website
Membership Requirements
Locally owned and operated
6 restaurants or less in the Greater Cincinnati area
Quality Driven
Must participate in a minimum of 2 charity fund raisers that benefit the chapter per year.
Member restaurants agree to sell (13) $50 or (26) $25 gift certificates per quarter through the GCI website and to accept them at face value according to the rules outlined on the gift certificate. Agree to sell gift certificates online through the GCI website and accept said gift certificates at restaurant in accordance to the guidelines. of the GC program. This provides revenue for the organization and avoids all out of pocket dues.
Provide GCI with necessary information for the GCI website and update this information as requested.
Promotion of GCI in-house through display of official GCI posters, brochures, window clings, etc., and use of the GCI logo on menus, website, and other appropriate materials.
Participate in various community and chapter activities including fundraisers, chapter meetings, service activities, etc.
Host a chapter meeting or executive meeting at your restaurant.
Participate in chapter decision-making process through attendance at meetings and/or email correspondence.
Allow Executive Committee the power to execute decisions and actions with the well being of the entire chapter in mind.
Participate in other activities not specifically mentioned herein.
Voted by Executive Committee for acceptance into GCI based on membership requirements.
Membership Benefits
Collaborative Marketing (advertising & print materials)
Gift Certificate Program
Website
Networking
Education
Heightened restaurant exposure