Headquartered in Duluth, MN, the LSBA is an organization of business professionals dedicated to helping each other grow and prosper. If you are among the best at what you do and are willing to make a commitment to help others in return for their help, the LSBA wants you!

Teamwork and single-mindedness of purpose are what differentiate us from other business associations. The LSBA is small (a maximum of 25-30 members with only one representative in each business category) and we work hard to develop mutual trust and respect. Our primary goal is to help each other by generating referrals for one another, but we help each other in a variety of other ways as well. Members are not casual acquaintances; they have an in-depth knowledge and respect for each other. They meet often and promote each other on a daily basis.

Because we refer friends, relatives, business associates and customers to fellow members, we seek out the best we can find in each profession. If you have high ethical standards, are a hard worker, can be a team player and are seeking an inexpensive, yet effective means of growing your business, we invite you to visit one of our end of the month social events (see "Upcoming Events") and submit your credentials to the Membership Committee for review. If you should have any further questions, you can drop us an email as well.

Benefits

The primary benefit of LSBA membership is the increase in business that results from having your own sales team of local business professionals promoting your business on a daily basis!

1. First, you receive referrals from members themselves as they develop trust in you by doing business with you.     Fellow members can refer you to their friends, relatives, business associates and customers. It is estimated that each of us knows over 2,000 individuals - if the LSBA holds 25 "active" members, you therefore have the potential to gain access to as many as 50,000 prospects!
2. Every membership includes free website advertising and LSBA business networking cards.  We promote our group and what we stand for, but also promote individual businesses!
3. Introductions to acquaintances of fellow LSBA members who are in a position to help your business in other ways can be as important as referrals.
4. Finally, those members who develop a strong working relationship often explore and develop co-operative marketing efforts.

A secondary benefit of LSBA membership is your personal growth!

1. You develop skills as a net worker.
2. Many become more accomplished public speakers.
3. You develop skills as a team player.
4. You broaden your business knowledge as fellow members train you in the basics of their profession.
5. You gain respect by being recognized as an LSBA member who has strong ties to other business leaders in your community.
6. Others will begin to turn to you for advice because of your contacts and association with respected community business leaders.

Other benefits

1. Most important are the lifelong friendships that develop.
2. Fellow LSBA members can also become an important source of counseling for a broad variety of business and personal issues.
3. Mentoring relationships sometimes develop between our more experienced members and those who are just starting out in business.
4. If You Are Among The Best, Team Up With The Best!!

If you are prepared to accept the following membership responsibilities, submit your application to the LSBA membership committee:

1. Attend our once a month business to business promoting meeting regularly (over lunch hour).  NOTE: The monthly Social and LSBA organizational meetings are optional.
2. Actively seek referrals for fellow members.
3. Support the LSBA and build its strength by seeking qualified new members.
4. Promptly follow-up with those referred, treating them with respect and professional courtesy.

Application for membership in LSBA is a three-step process:

1. Most members of LSBA are invited to join by an existing LSBA member. If you do not know an LSBA member, contact us for the name and number of a contact person.
2. After a visit to a local social event or business to business meeting (we want to meet you first), you will be given information about LSBA and an application. Our membership committee will review your application, including credentials and references and you will be notified of our decision promptly.
3. LSBA membership dues are effective from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31st. Dues listed below:

   2009 Annual Dues : $225/per year to be paid in full

   • A prorated membership will be based on number of months remaining in calendar year for those joining after March 30th. Prorated option is available to new members only.

LSBA requires that all applicants be reviewed without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, age or handicap. LSBA will not be supportive of any action taken in violation of this nondiscrimination statement.