Jeff Milchen, co-founder of the American Independent Business Alliance and a leading advocate for community-based businesses, will speak 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Umpqua Business Center, 522 S.E. Washington Ave.

Milchen, of Bozeman, Mont., will talk about the economic and civic importance of sustaining a strong base of local, independently owned businesses.

Milchen co-founded and directed the first Independent Business Alliance in Boulder, Colo., in 1997. His presentation will feature examples from some of the 80 affiliated groups, which includes Think Local Umpqua.

Information: 541-673-4909.